Texas Tech University's online Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics is a fully online, 33-hour non-thesis degree. The degree plan is specifically designed for students who will receive a DPD verification statement, be completing a dietetic internship or those who already hold RD/RDN credentials. This degree has a practice-based focus aimed at increasing knowledge and skills to be used in nutrition/dietetics practice and application of research in the work setting. It is designed to provide flexibility for students to earn their advanced degree while completing an internship, working full time, etc. Students can also now choose to include one of three offered concentrations within their degree: Nutrition and Healthy Weight, Nutrition and Sports or Nutrition in the Lifecycle. 

This degree is approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). Courses must be chosen in consultation with the Program Coordinator or Director for this degree plan.

How to Apply

The Graduate School online application system is designed to help you easily navigate through the application process and ensure you complete your application in a timely manner. 

ALL documents must be submitted through the online portal.

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Deadlines

• Fall: July 15th
• Spring: November 15th
• Summer: April 15th

Requirements

• GPA: 3.0 preferred
• GRE Scores
One of the Following:
• DPD Verification statement
• Acceptance into a Dietetic Internship (DI)
• Proof of Registered Dietitian credentials (copy of CDR card)
• Resume/CV
• Letters of Recommendation (2)

The curriculum of the online master's degree has a practice-based focus aimed at increasing knowledge and skills to be used in the nutrition/dietetics practice and application of research in the work setting. Experts in the field are developing and teaching these classes.

Courses included in the curriculum:

Core Courses

• NS 5330, Introduction to Nutrition Research
  Introduction to and critical review of current research designs and methodology in survey and controlled experiments; proposal, writing, reporting, and interpretation of data. (Offered in Fall, Spring and Summer)
• NS 5342, Biostatistics in Nutrition
  Planning nutritional research with good experimental design, quality data and appropriate statistical analyses with an emphasis on broadly understand what to do when and why in statistical analysis. (Offered in Fall)
• NS 5346, Clinical Applications: Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Lipids
  Structure, function, requirement, digestions, absorption and metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids and current research in carbohydrates, proteins and lipids related to health and diseases. (Offered in Fall and Summer)
• NS 5347, Clinical Applications: Vitamins and Minerals
  Sources and requirements, deficiencies and toxicities, vitamins and minerals in gene regulation and metabolism, DNA methylation, vitamins and minerals in health promotion and disease prevention. (Offered in Spring and Summer)

Elective Courses

• NS 5335, Issues in Sports Nutrition
  Current Issues in sports nutrition including ergogenic aids, special athlete population, and sports nutrition in the media.
• NS 5337, Nutrition Support
  Advanced concepts of enteral and parenteral nutrition support including indicators, assessment, and management of nutrition support. Application of nutrition support in critical care, disease management, and home care. (Offered in Fall)
• NS 5338, Bariatric Nutrition
  Nutrient needs after varying types of bariatric weight management surgery. Changes in macro and micronutrient needs and appropriate nutrition interventions and supplementations. (Offered in Fall)
• NS 5339, Nutrition and Eating Disorders
  Investigation of the prevalence and risk factors contributing to eating disorders, associated health consequences, and evidence-based nutrition goals and intervention and therapies at varying levels of treatment. (Offered in Spring)
• NS 5340, Pediatric Nutrition
  Nutrition practices from infancy to early adolescence to include pediatric conditions, terms and definitions, and evidence-based nutrition interventions. Pathophysiology, medical management, nutrition assessment and intervention for both normal and pediatric specific conditions. (Offered in Fall and Summer)
• NS 5341, Nutrition and Gastrointestinal Diseases
  Impact of impairments in gastrointestinal (GI) tract on proper nutrient digestion, absorption, and utilization along with appropriate nutrition interventions. Focus areas will include celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and irritable bowel disease. (Offered in Fall and Spring)
• NS 5343, Diabetes and Nutrition Management
  Examination of causes, prevalence, treatment, and nutrition management of diabetes mellitus. Investigation of various methods for nutrition counseling in diabetes education. (Offered in Spring and Summer)
• NS 5344, Nutrition and Geriatrics
  Nutrition practices for the geriatric population; includes assessment, comorbidities, nutrition care planning, and evidence-based interventions. Discussion of long term care placement, regulatory agencies and hospice/palliative care. (Offered in Summer)
• NS 6318, Maternal and Child Nutrition
  Overview of the major nutrition issues, policies and intervention programs for women and children in the United States and globally. (Offered in Spring of odd numbered years)
• NS 6325, Nutrition, Exercise, and Sport
  Exercise physiology and nutrient requirements in sports and exercise: macronutrient, micronutrient and fluid needs of athletes engaged in specific sports, pre/post exercise meals, gender specific requirements, and special topics such as eating disorders, pregnancy and masters athletes. Effective methods of counseling athletes on behavior change will also be presented. (Offered in Spring)
• NS 6330, Nutritional Supplements & Ergonomic Aids
  The study and application of supplements and ergogenic aids as they relate to the physiology of exercise, physical activity, and individual and team sport athletes. (Offered in Fall)
• NS 6335, Motivating Health Behavior
  The study of behavioral and psychological theory for assisting and motivating clients and the application of these theories in the context of health coaching with various patients. 
• NS 6360, Food Security
  Overview of global food and nutrition security, including availability, access, consumption and stability, causes and consequences of food security. Application includes food security assessment and program planning. 
• NS 6365, Obesity Management for the Clinical Practitioner
  Examine various etiologies, comorbidities, and treatments of obesity, as well as explore the future of evidence-based research for non-traditional treatments with a focus for healthcare-related professions. (Offered in Fall)

New Degree Plans 

• Degree Plan - Non-Thesis Option
• Degree Plan - Thesis Option
• Degree Plan - TTU Dietetic Interns Non-Thesis Option
• Degree Plan - TTU Dietetic Interns Thesis Option

Concentrations Available

Students can choose to include a concentration in their program with no additional course work. To include a concentration, students will be required to take the same 12 hours of core courses, 9 hours of concentration specific courses, and 12 hours of electives. The courses required for each of the concentrations are pulled from the list of electives on the courses tab.

• Nutrition and Healthy Weight
  The weight management concentration is designed to develop skills and an understanding of the biological, cultural, environmental, psychosocial, physical and economic factors associated with obesity and weight management. This concentration will enhance students' ability to work with individuals to develop successful strategies for weight management.
  Required Courses: NS 5338, NS 5339, NS 6365
• Nutrition and Sports
  The sports nutrition concentration is designed for people who seek to provide sports nutrition information to athletes and physically active individuals. Concepts include designing and implementing nutrition programs, interpreting research in the field of sports nutrition, counseling athletes, evaluating supplements and ergogenic aids, and working with special athlete populations.
  Required Courses: NS 5335, NS 6325, NS 6330

• Nutrition in the Lifecycle
  This concentration is designed to provide a critical examination of behavioral, physiological and public health issues impacting dietary and nutritional factors that support normal growth and development through the lifecycle.
  Required Courses: NS 5340, NS 5344, NS 6318

 

Resources

• Graduate Degree in Nutritional Sciences and Dietetic Internship option
• Graduate Scholarship Information
• Thesis Requirements
• Non-Thesis Requirements
• Forms

Other Helpful Links

• Academic Calendar

TTU Related Links

• TTU Graduate School
• Graduate Studies Responsibilities
• TTU Office of Publications - Catalog of Courses
• Teaching, Learning and Professional Development Center (TLPDC)
• TEACH Program

Financial Resources

• Graduate Scholarship Information
• TTU Graduate School
• Graduate Student Travel Funding Requests - Graduate School
• TTU Financial Aid Office