The MS in Nutritional Science prepares students to translate nutritional science into practical use for human health and wellness. Partnered with accomplished faculty, students immerse themselves in the latest nutrition topics and research as they develop practical understanding through internship experiences and their own guided research.
Building on the scientific foundations of human nutrition, students learn strong writing and problem-solving skills, grow their computer literacy and increase their interpretive expertise.
Quick Facts
Full-time
30 credit hours
Campus Immersion
Downtown Phoenix
STEM-OPT Option 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 (3 credit hours)
EXW 501: Research Statistics (3) OR
NTR 502: Statistics in Research (3)
Restricted Elective (3 credit hours)
Open Elective (3 credit hours)
Research (3 credit hours)
NTR 500: Research Methods (3)
Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)
NTR 593: Applied Project (6) or
NTR 599: Thesis (6)
*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
The Common Pathway for Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes 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.
Nutritional science applies the principles of food and nutrition to health. It is a vital, growing profession with many career possibilities. In this field, graduates share their knowledge of food and nutrition to help people make healthful food choices. Industries that graduates can work in include: community and public health organizations, corporations, food manufacturing industries, government agencies, hospitals and other medical facilities, long-term care facilities, nonprofit organizations, schools.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree (nutrition or other science is recommended) from a regionally accredited institution. Students who are pursuing the Master of Science in nutritional science need to complete the following prerequisites: anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, general chemistry with lab, general nutrition for majors, organic chemistry with lab, and statistics.
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.
Proof of English proficiency: TOEFL>80, iBT>500 (paper-based), IELTS>6.5, Pearson Test of English>60, Duolingo>105, or a passing score in the English for Graduate Admission online course through ASU Global Launch. All taken within the last two years from start date.
The personal statement should include the following:
A description of the applicant’s significant professional responsibilities.
The applicant’s professional goals and the reasons they wish to enroll in ASU’s program.
The applicant’s strengths that will enable their success in the program and in reaching their professional goals.
The applicant’s personal research interests, described as specifically as possible and including any previous research experience, along with indication of any interest in being considered for the optional track in sports nutrition or maternal-child health.
Contact information of three references is required. References will be contacted via email to submit a letter of recommendation. At least one reference must be from an instructor at the applicant’s undergraduate institution.
An interview is required. Finalists are invited by the program to an interview.
| Enrollment Path MS Nutritional Science | 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) | Campus Immersion: ~$33,430 |
| Direct ASU Enrollment (International student) | 30 | 1.5 to 2 years (3-4 semesters) | Campus Immersion: ~$55,951 |
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 MS in Nutritional Science is based on 9 credits (Fall), 9 credits (Spring).
| Program Start | Application Deadline | Classes Begin | Tuition Payment Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall start (August) | February 15, 2024 | August 22, 2024 | September 24, 2024 |