Graduate students in the MS in Medical Nutrition program learn the role of nutrition in health maintenance, the treatment of disease and disease prevention. Coursework and culminating experiences provide an overview of the components of therapeutic diets and the role of qualified health care providers in diet prescription.
The program emphasizes self-directed learning with immersion in current nutrition research. Students in this program develop foundational knowledge of nutritional assessment techniques used by health care providers in clinical practice and are well versed in making recommendations grounded in evidence-based practice.
Quick Facts
Full-time
30 credit hours
Online
STEM-OPT Option not Available
Students enrolled at an ASU Cintana Alliance Network institution have the chance to start their courses at their home institution and transfer those credits* to finish their remaining years at ASU.
Models available: Graduate dual degree and accelerated masters.
NTR 510: Food and Nutrition Across the Lifespan
NTR 511: Medical Nutrition in the Care and Prevention of Disease
NTR 524: Chronic Inflammation and Metabolic Syndrome: The Common Pathway for Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes
NTR 525: Complementary Nutrition
Required Core (6 credit hours)
NTR 502: Statistics in Research (3)
NTR 525: Complementary Nutrition (3)
NTR 533: Food Systems, Ethics and the American Diet (3)
NTR 535: Nutrigenomics (3)
Other Requirement (3 credit hours)
NTR 500: Research Methods (3)
Electives (3 credit hours)
Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
NTR 593: Topic: Medical Nutrition (3)
*Transfer eligibility is subject to student performance in bridge courses and Arizona State University transfer requirements.
Examines the nutritional needs of humans as they move through the lifespan from pre-conception through elder years. Highlights conditions that may alter or substantially impact nutrition at these stages using case studies and medical reviews.
Provides an overview of the role of nutrition in medical practice and disease prevention. Includes an introduction to nutrition-based approaches in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and gastrointestinal diseases
Examines how diet and lifestyle contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome. Reviews and discusses various risk factors that comprise metabolic syndrome through lectures and readings. Reviews chronic inflammation as a common etiology for chronic disease.
A medical nutrition degree complements a variety of pursuits, so career opportunities for those who have completed this program are vast.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution. A previous bachelor’s or master’s degree in nutrition, public health, biology, chemistry or related field is preferred.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = “A”) in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor’s degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = “A”) in an applicable master’s degree program.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Prior to starting the program, applicants are expected to have completed courses in introductory nutrition (NTR 100 or NTR 241 or equivalent) and physiology (BIO 160 or BIO 202 or equivalent).
The personal statement (one to two pages) should address the applicant’s interest in the program and how the program will impact their professional goals, and describe their strengths and weaknesses that may influence their performance in the program.
Contact information for two references is required. References are contacted via email to respond to a series of questions about the applicant. References should be academic, such as professors or instructors.
| Enrollment Path MS Medical Nutrition | Credit Hours Completed at Institution | Credit Hours Completed at ASU | Estimated Duration | Total Program Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Articulated Pathway (ASU Cintana Alliance) | 12 | 18 | 1 year (2 semesters) | Online: ~$14,839 |
| Direct ASU Enrollment (International student) | 30 | 1.5 to 2 years (3-4 semesters) | Online: ~$24,698 |
Note 1: This is an estimate only. Based on ASU 2024-25 published tuition and fee rates. Subject to change for future years.
Note 2: Tuition calculation for Articulated Pathway in MS Medical Nutrition is based on 9 credits (Fall), 9 credits (Spring).
| Program Start | Application Deadline | Classes Begin | Tuition Payment Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall start (August) | July 15, 2024 | August 22, 2024 | September 24, 2024 |
| Spring start (January) | November 15, 2024 | January 13, 2025 | January 25, 2025 |