Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Nutrition Curriculum

Program Objectives

Our Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Nutrition program is for those who already have a bachelor’s degree.  

The program is for students who want to expand their knowledge of clinical nutrition. This is done through critical evaluation, integration and application of nutrition research.  

You will complete didactic coursework and a master’s research project.  

You will not be eligible to sit for the exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, or RDN, by completing the MS degree alone. Accredited, supervised practice experience is required.  

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Graduation Requirements

You must perform the following in order to graduate: 

  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater 
  • Successfully complete all didactic coursework 
  • Successfully complete all requirements of the master’s research project 
  • Pass the RUSH University Interprofessional course 
  • Complete a minimum of 16 contact hours of approved professional or community service 

You must complete all program requirements within five years from matriculation. You can request an exception to the policy in writing to the Clinical Nutrition Academic Progress and Promotions committee. 

Review the course catalog for our most up-to-date curriculum information.

Course Curriculum

First year

Fall term

  • CHS - 610 Research Methods in Health Sciences (Credits: 2) 
  • NTR - 660 Applied Evidence in Clinical Nutrition: Obesity (Credits: 2)
  • NTR - 682 Research Methods Application and Special Topics in Clinical Nutrition (Credits: 1) 
  • IPE - 502 Interprofessional Patient-Centered Teams (Credits: 0) 
  • Electives (see list of electives below)

Spring term

  • CHS - 601 Introduction to Biostatistics (Credits: 2) 
  • NTR - 621 Regulation of Macronutrients and Energy Metabolism (Credits: 2) 
  • NTR - 661 Applied Evidence in Clinical Nutrition: Metabolic Diseases (Credits: 2)
  • NTR - 683 Clinical Nutrition Master’s Research Project I (Credits: 1) 
  • IPE - 502 Interprofessional Patient-Centered Teams (Credits: 0) 
  • Electives (see list of electives below) 

Summer term

  • NTR - 622 Vitamins and Minerals (Credits: 2)
  • NTR - 662 Applied Evidence in Clinical Nutrition: Cancer and GI Disease (Credits: 2)
  • NTR - 692 Seminar in Clinical Nutrition (Credits: 1)
  • NTR - 684 Clinical Nutrition Master's Research Project II (Credits: 1) 
  • NTR - 685 Clinical Nutrition Master’s Research Project III (Credits: 1) 
  • Electives (see list of electives below)

Second year

Fall term

  • NTR - 686 Clinical Nutrition Master’s Research Project IV (Credits: 2) 
  • NTR - 691 Nutrition Epidemiology (Credits: 3) 
  • Electives (see list of electives below)

Electives

  • CHS - 605 Introduction to Ethics in Health Care (Credits: 2) 
  • CHS - 620 Health Care in America (Credits: 2) 
  • NTR - 604 Core Concepts of Health and Wellness (Credits: 2) 
  • NTR - 605 Sports Nutrition (Credits: 2) 
  • NTR - 606 Critical Analysis Multimedia (Credits: 2) 
  • NTR - 623 Maternal and Infant Nutrition (Credits: 2) 
  • NTR - 613 Advanced Nutrition Care III (Credits: 2) 
  • NTR - 900 Independent Study (Credits: 1-3) 

Program total: 30 credit hours

View the current course catalog

Refer to the course catalog for our most up-to-date curriculum information.