Master of Science in Nutrition Online

The online Master of Science in Nutrition program offers two tracks: General Nutrition, perfect for the registered dietitian nutritionist who is looking to advance their degree or the health professional seeking a higher level of understanding of nutrition. The Dietetics Internship track provides a fully-accredited supervised practice to those who have obtained a verification statement and are ready for the finals steps to become a registered dietitian nutritionist.

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Program Overview

Unlock new possibilities with a master’s in nutrition

Designed to serve graduate students across a variety of interests (public health, sports and fitness, nutrition, etc.), the online Master of Science in Nutrition from Northwest Missouri State University gives you the skillset to make a greater impact as a nutrition-focused professional. You will study evidenced based research on nutrition topics, enhance your management and communication skills, learn about cultural diversity in dietetics, and much more.

This rigorous yet accessible degree offers two tracks: General Nutrition and Dietetics Internship. The dietetics track requires a 9-month internship program where you will apply your knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios.

Beginning in 2024, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics requires a minimum of a master’s degree to take the dietetic registration exam. Northwest boasts a high job placement rate and expanded student support to help you find your next opportunity.

The M.S. in Nutrition prepares you to:

  • Assess the nutritional needs of diverse populations, especially school-aged children at risk or of limited income
  • Work in advanced clinical settings as a practitioner, clinical management leader or other nutrition, health, wellness, and fitness related positions
  • Serve as effective leaders in the field of nutrition and dietetics
The M.S. in Nutrition prepares you to:
  • Assess the nutritional needs of diverse populations, especially school-aged children at risk or of limited income
  • Work in advanced clinical settings as a practitioner, clinical management leader or other nutrition, health, wellness, and fitness related positions
  • Serve as effective leaders in the field of nutrition and dietetics

Nutrition career opportunities include:

  • Food Nutrition Services Director
  • Nutrition and Wellness Coach
  • Social Worker
  • Personal Trainer
  • Hospital Food Services Management
  • Senior Care Management
  • Registered Dietitian (DI track only)
  • Public Health Nutrition Services
  • Nutrition Researcher
Nutrition career opportunities include:
  • Food Nutrition Services Director
  • Nutrition and Wellness Coach
  • Social Worker
  • Personal Trainer
  • Hospital Food Services Management
  • Senior Care Management
  • Registered Dietitian (DI track only)
  • Public Health Nutrition Services
  • Nutrition Researcher

Accreditation:

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Northwest Missouri State University is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) and is recognized by the Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education™ (DESE) and the Higher Learning Commission.

Online healthcare programs also available

Northwest online offers a variety of healthcare programs. Check out all of our online healthcare programs.

Total Tuition $12,840*
Program Duration As few as 12 months
Credit Hours 30
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Tuition

Count on a master’s to reap new rewards

Our M.S. in Nutrition online program offers affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition, which is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. All fees are included.

View additional tuition information+

Program Per Credit Hour Per Course Per Program*
M.S. in Nutrition $428 $1,284 $12,840

Important Refund Information

2nd day of class Last date for 100% refund for dropped course
4th day of class Last date for 75% refund for dropped course
6th day of class Last date for 50% refund for dropped course
8th day of class Last date for 25% refund for dropped course

Tuition breakdown:

Total Tuition $12,840*
Per Credit Hour $428

Transfer your credits for lower tuition

Use our Tuition Estimator to see how affordable your degree could be. Slide the notch to the number of credits you've already earned—which may qualify for transfer credit—to get an estimate of what your degree might cost.

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Transcripts sent from other colleges and universities will be evaluated, and accepted credits will be added to the student's A-State record. The Tuition Estimator is not a guarantee or predictor of the number of credit hours that will be accepted.

Calendar

Advanced learning on your schedule

Northwest online programs are delivered in an accelerated format ideal for working professionals, conveniently featuring multiple start dates each year.

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Admissions

Check the nutrition master’s qualifications

At Northwest, we’ve streamlined the admission process to help you get started quickly and easily. Please read the requirements for the M.S. in Nutrition online, including what additional materials you need and where you should send them.

Admission Requirements:

  • Minimum 2.75 GPA
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
View all admission requirements +

A minimum overall GPA of 2.75 on the undergraduate transcript from a regionally accredited institution OR an undergraduate overall GPA of 2.50 to 2.74 from a regionally accredited institution and a 3.0 GPA on six hours of required graduate coursework at Northwest in the major program where admission is requested.

Documentation of ONE of the following:

  • Score of 280 or higher on GRE combined score
  • 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA
  • Two years of documented full-time employment (minimum average 30 hours per week) in the field of study
  • Successful completion of another master's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with at least a 2.75 GPA

Official transcript(s) can be emailed to: [email protected]. To submit official documents by mail, send them to:

Graduate Records Specialist
Northwest Missouri State University
800 University Drive
Maryville, MO 64468-6001

Have a question? Call us at 844-890-9304.

Click here for State Authorization information.


Admission Requirements:

  • Minimum 2.75 GPA
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts

Courses

Review our master’s in nutrition courses

For the M.S. in Nutrition General Nutrition track online program, the curriculum is comprised of 10 courses (30 credit hours). A leveling course is required for students who do not have 9 credit hours of undergraduate nutrition courses.

For the M.S. in Nutrition online program Dietetics Internship Track, students must work with an advisor for application to the concurrent internship program.

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For students who do not have at least 9 hours of nutrition-related Undergraduate coursework.  This course needs to be taken within the student's first two sessions - as early as it is available.  Other courses can be taken prior or during this course, but this course must be taken as early as possible.

Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course uses principles of biological sciences such as anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry to introduce the knowledge of nutrients and their chemical properties, requirements, resources, ingestion, digestion, absorption, regulation, transport, metabolism, function, interaction, storage, excretion, deficiencies, toxicities, and roles in human health and disease.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The course encompasses the study and discussion of public health nutrition concerns in the US population, assessment of nutritional status of communities, health communication, food and nutrition policies, public health nutrition services, and community nutrition interventions. We explore the roles of dietitian nutritionists and others in providing public health, food, and nutrition services.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course explores global nutrition initiatives, programs, and policies, with the aim of identifying the geographic distribution, epidemiology, sociocultural and economic context, underlying causal mechanisms and pathways, and solutions to the wide range of nutrition problems faced by populations around the world.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course focuses on advanced principles and skills critical to professional leadership in the field of nutrition. Students will examine their own leadership qualities and establish a development plan to enhance leadership skills, professionalism, and advocacy.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Acquaints students with the vocabulary, concept and practices in the study of grants administration and management. Enables practicing the skills necessary in obtaining outside funding and provides awareness of the individual roles and agencies within public funding.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Basic foundation of data analysis covering descriptive and inferential statistics and how to use these to improve practice and research and to appropriately assess findings. Covers both parametric and nonparametric applications to the health, physical education, recreation and dance fields.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to present-day methods and techniques of research, applicable to the fields of health, physical education and recreation.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course engages students in a survey of recent trends and emerging issues in nutrition. Students will be asked to identify implications for practice in nutrition-related fields. Application of strategic decision making to prepare for and address the challenges and opportunities that arise from such trends will be a primary element of the learning experience.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Emphasis on the bioenergetics and nutrition for human performance and health. Addresses the role of diet and nutrition in health and diseases, and ergogenic aids.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Behaviors play a major role in the overall health of children, adolescents, adults, and the aging. Health behavior change models provide tools for health professionals to assist individuals with both strategies and interventions designed to impact the quality and quantity of life across the lifespan.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides an overview of health care delivery systems in the United States. Students will examine historical and contemporary characteristics of various types of healthcare agencies, various approaches to service delivery, relevant healthcare policy, and financing mechanisms. The impact of economic, legal, political, and social factors on the various elements of healthcare delivery will be explored.

Only for students accepted into Northwest’s ACEND-accredited Dietetics Internship (DI) program through the Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service (DICAS). Prior to applying to the internship, students seeking RDN credentials need to have a DPD Verification Form from ACEND and must contact the NWMSU Dietetic Internship Director about eligibility.  Only a limited number of students are accepted into this internship program.  For more information about the DICAS application process and admission requirements click here.

Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This internship course provides supervised practice in patient/client nutritional management, community nutrition and food service management at various sites under professional supervision (32-40 hours per week). Interns will take part in on-line class sessions with University faculty every other week, with all other hours arranged based on site schedules. Dietetics interns are required to maintain enrollment in NUTR 47680 for the duration of their Dietetics Internship (Fall & Spring -2 semesters). All Dietetic Internship students will enroll in a dietetic internship course for four consecutive 7-week blocks that span the duration of the dietetics internship. Continual enrollment in the Dietetics internship course is required.

Top Public School

Northwest Missouri State University is #35 in U.S. News & World Report's "Top Public Schools, Regional Universities Midwest" rankings (2023)

Highly Qualified Faculty

100% of classes taught by professionals, not graduate assistants

*Tuition and fees are based on current rates. Textbooks and laptops are not included with tuition.

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