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MS IN NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES

M.S. in Nutritional Sciences

The Department of Nutritional Sciences offers a graduate program designed to provide advanced education, training, and research to students desiring mastery in an area of nutrition.  This program is offered onsite at the Oklahoma City campus and through distance learning at the OU Tulsa Schusterman campus.
The graduate program provides learning opportunities for the purpose of fulfilling two goals: 

  • Provide interested individuals an opportunity to augment their knowledge and expertise in nutrition; and
  • Provide Registered Dietitians an opportunity for advanced education, training, and research.

Two major tracks of study leading to a MS in Nutritional Sciences are offered: Track I is a thesis track and Track II is a non-thesis track.

The Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences can be earned concurrently with the Master of Arts in Dietetics degree. If a student is not a Registered Dietitian and wishes to simultaneously gain the necessary coursework, the two degrees can be completed in tandem. Please see here for more information and details.

 

The Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is designed for individuals seeking advanced knowledge and skills in nutrition and dietetics. This graduate program prepares students for leadership roles in clinical practice, research, public health, and higher education.

Students engage in rigorous coursework and research experiences that emphasize evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and professional development. The program supports both thesis and non-thesis options, allowing students to tailor their academic experience to their career goals. The MS in Nutritional Sciences is offered on-site in Oklahoma City, providing direct access to faculty mentorship, research facilities, and interprofessional learning opportunities within the OU Health Sciences Center campus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this degree lead to becoming a Registered Dietitian (RD)?

No. This program does not provide the classroom training required for RD credentialing. Students interested in becoming an RD should pursue the Master of Arts in Dietetics. The MS is ideal for:

•    Students concurrently enrolled in the MA program
•    Those not pursuing the RD credential
•    Individuals who already hold the RD credential

Can I complete the program part-time?

Yes. Students may take up to 5 years to complete the degree, though a shorter timeline is recommended. Core courses are offered in the late afternoon on the Oklahoma City campus, with some electives available online or as independent studies.

Is this a distance program?

No. While some courses are available online, others require in-person attendance in Oklahoma City.

Can I transfer graduate credits from another university?

Yes. Up to 9 credit hours (25% of the program) may be transferred with approval from the admissions committee. Submit a written request and course syllabi for review.

Are Graduate Assistant (GA) positions available?

Yes. GA positions are offered based on faculty and departmental research needs, primarily in research roles. Faculty typically email students when positions are available.

How do I apply for a GA position?

You may respond to faculty announcements or proactively contact faculty to express interest and learn about potential opportunities.

Can I tailor my degree to my interests?

Yes. You’ll work with your academic advisor and mentor to select electives that align with your career goals. Some electives may be taken outside the Nutrition department with approval.

What are directed readings or independent studies?

These one-on-one courses allow you to explore specialized topics and develop skills aligned with your professional goals. Discuss ideas with your advisor or a faculty member who could supervise the experience.

Who is my academic advisor?

You’ll begin with the program director as your advisor. Once you select a mentor for your thesis or applied project, that faculty member becomes your advisor.

When do I meet with my advisor and enroll?

You’ll meet with your advisor each semester to plan your courses. Enrollment requires advisor approval.

What’s the difference between a thesis and a non-thesis applied project?

•    Thesis: A research study answering a scientific question through data collection and analysis.
•    Applied Project: A solution-focused project addressing a real-world issue, often in clinical or community settings.

When do I begin my thesis or applied project?

Start discussions with your mentor in your first semester. Completion typically spans multiple semesters.

What is the role of the committee?

Both thesis and applied projects require a committee of at least two Nutrition faculty members (typically three total). The committee guides and supports your academic work.

How do I choose a mentor?

Review faculty profiles and reach out to those whose research aligns with your interests. Initiating contact is encouraged.
 

If after reviewing the below qualifications for this program you are unsure of whether you meet them, please contact ahinfo@ouhsc.edu.  We are here to help and support you as you pursue a career in the health sciences.

  1. Have a baccalaureate degree in nutrition or dietetics from an accredited college or university or permission of the Department;
  2. Have a 3.0 cumulative GPA on the last 60 hours of coursework applied to the degree or a minimum 3.0 GPA on graded graduate coursework of 12 or more hours. The College of Allied Health does not recognize academic forgiveness nor reprieve policies. All attempts of a course are included in the calculation of GPAs;
  3. Department Interview (may be by telephone);
  4. Submit official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended and non-refundable application fees;
  5. Students for whom English is a second language must earn a minimum score of 600 (paper-based) or 100 (internet-based) within two years prior to application on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The OUHSC institution code for the TOEFL is 6902.  This requirement will be automatically waived with one of the following degrees – Diploma from U.S. High School, 4-year Bachelor’s Degree from U.S. Institution, Master’s Degree from U.S. Institution.;
  6. All international/Non US Citizen applicants are required to have all transcripts/mark sheets from foreign institutions evaluated by World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE); and
  7. Submit a completed on-line application. Application deadlines are June 1 for Fall, October 1 for Spring, and March 1 for Summer.

Application Procedure

Course numbers are those of the University of Oklahoma.  Approved prerequisite courses are offered at many institutions.  It is extremely important that you look up every course you have taken, plan to take, and/or are currently enrolled in to verify that they are equivalent courses. The responsibility is yours to enroll in equivalent courses and we provide the tools to make sure you do. Check the Transfer Equivalencies Database or with your school advisor regarding equivalent courses.  There are instructions on that page on how to request a transcript evaluation for particular courses if your courses are not listed in the database.

OU Course Number Course Title Credit Hours
BIOL 2124 Human Physiology 4
HES 2823 Introduction to Nutrition 3
CHEM 3013, 3053, or 3064 Organic Chemistry 3

Students may expect additional costs that include, but are not limited to, a personal computer, textbooks, lab fees, insurance, and supplies. Students are required to assume financial responsibilities for expenses associated with clinical requirements. For financial aid information, contact the Financial Aid Office at (405) 271-2118 or visit the web site.

Additional cost information:
Bursar's Office Tuition and Fees
Student Financial Aid

 

 

  • 34 hours minimum are required to complete the Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Core courses include
    • Energy Nutrients (3 hours)
    • Non-energy Nutrients (3 hours)
    • Research Methods (3 hours)
    • Biostatistics (3 hours)
    • Seminar (1 hour)
  • Electives
    • 10 hours must be in Nutritional Sciences
    • Determined by student learning goals and academic advisor
    • Link to course catalog: https://apps.ouhsc.edu/studentinfo/Courses.aspx?College=AH
    • Can be taken online, OKC, Tulsa, or Norman
    • Can include independent studies (1-3 hours) and directed readings (1-3 hours)
  • Thesis
    • 4-6 hours
    • Research and hypothesis driven
    • Developed in collaboration with research mentor/academic advisor
  • Non-thesis
    • 3 hours
    • Applied problem solution
    • Developed in collaboration with mentor/academic advisor

Curriculum Notes
All courses are not taught each semester.

A wide variety of graduate courses are available from several colleges on the Health Sciences Center Campus as well as from those on the OU Norman Campus. Students are encouraged to select coursework, which meets their particular needs, interests, and goals. In addition, independent study-type courses are available for individual pursuit of specialized interests under the guidance of Departmental Faculty.

Course Descriptions

Office of Academic and Student Affairs
Phone:  (405) 271-6588
Email the Office of Academic and Student Affairs

Department of Nutritional Sciences
College of Allied Health
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
1200 N Stonewall Avenue, Room 3057
Oklahoma City, OK  73117-1215

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