MS Track: Curriculum
The curriculum in the MS track blends evidence-based science with the nuanced factors that shape nutrition and health. The program is fully online, with courses offered in both synchronous and asynchronous formats.
Building on foundational principles (NTR 610), our nutrition courses (NTR 660–661) apply landmark and emerging evidence to obesity, metabolic disease, and gastrointestinal cancer, highlighting the complex interplay of genetics, lifestyle, environment, and social factors on health.
Students build a strong foundation in metabolism (NTR 620, NTR 630 & NTR 631), developing an understanding of how nutrients affect physiological processes and interact with genetic and environmental factors to support health. Research courses (NTR 689–692) train students to evaluate and apply scientific findings, equipping them to become proficient, critical consumers of nutrition research and evidence-based practice.
Elective courses allow students to specialize in areas of interest, tailoring their education to their career goals and professional development. Students also have the opportunity to transfer graduate credits or satisfy requirements through prior competencies, ensuring a flexible and personalized learning experience.
Students also take the Interprofessional Patient-Centered Teams course (IPE 502), collaborating online with Rush students from other healthcare disciplines to develop teamwork, communication, and a deeper understanding of patient-centered care.
Graduation Requirements
The following are required to graduate from the MS track:
- Complete all coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater
- Participate in a minimum of 16 contact hours of approved professional or community service
- Pass the Rush University Interprofessional Patient-Centered Teams course (IPE 502)