Nutrition and Human Performance

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Minimum number of credits required to graduate: 66

Minimum Cumulative GPA required to graduate: 3.0

In the Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance, you will prepare to be a competent, entry-level registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) capable of implementing safe, effective, evidence-based care. During the program, you will learn to synthesize, critically evaluate, and apply advanced knowledge and skills as a collaborative dietetics practitioner to effectively address contemporary nutrition-related issues.

The M.S. graduate program includes 66 credits spanning across 4 semesters, and uses the summer months as an opportunity for supervised experiential learning experiences. The initial semester provides foundational knowledge, while subsequent semesters provide a greater depth of knowledge and skills development. Some 1,000 hours of supervised experiential learning are integrated across the curriculum in a professional work setting, with additional alternative experiential learning experiences such as simulation activities embedded into specific courses.

The coursework has been designed for students to be able to achieve the standards and competencies outlined by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) Future Education Model (FEM).

Application and Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance must have earned a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 overall GPA. Applicants must have completed the required prerequisite courses and have earned a grade of B or better before beginning the Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance.

Prerequisite Courses

Human Anatomy

Human Physiology

Chemistry I & II

Organic Chemistry I

Microbiology

Statistics

Introduction to Nutrition

Exercise Physiology

Organic Chemistry II and Biochemistry are strongly recommended

Completion of Prerequisites

Required prerequisite courses need to be completed before beginning the program in the fall, but they do not need to be completed before applying to the program. Prerequisites may still be completed in the spring or summer before beginning the program in the fall. Students may be enrolled with up to fifteen credits of outstanding prerequisite courses the semester they apply to the program and must demonstrate proof of enrollment in those courses in their application.

Credit for Prior Learning

Currently the Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance does not have a policy to award credit for prior learning for course work or supervised experiential learning.

Additional Application Info

There is no fee to apply, and there is no GRE requirement. However, we encourage you to submit test scores if you feel they will support or enhance your academic background.

Curriculum

The Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance degree requires a minimum of 66 credits of course work. Students will ordinarily complete the graduate program within two years. However, students are permitted a maximum of six years to complete the program requirements applicable at the time the student enrolls, as outlined in Merrimack College policy.

The standard two-year program duration is comprised of four semesters and one summer session period. Integrated across the curriculum will be 1,000 hours of supervised experiential learning in professional work settings with additional alternative experiential learning experiences (e.g., simulation activities, case studies) embedded into specific courses. Supervised experiential learning hours in professional work settings will be tailored according to each student’s focus (in either health or human performance).

The program length is designed to ensure the achievement of core competencies and is aligned with the program’s mission, objectives, and learning outcomes. Students will enroll in 16 credit hours of didactic coursework in the first semester to provide foundational knowledge. During the subsequent three semesters, students will enroll in 8 credit hours of coursework providing a greater depth of knowledge and skill-building. Integration of 4 credit hours of supervised experiential learning will complement the didactic portion of these three semesters. Students will also enroll in 8 credit hours of supervised experiential learning over the summer term.

The proposed course sequence includes:

First Semester (16 Credits)

Advanced Sports Nutrition
Nutritional Assessment for Health and Human Performance
Nutrition Physiology
Health Promotion Programs

Second Semester (16 Credits)

Nutrition Education and Counseling
Foodservice Management
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Supervised Experiential Fieldwork - 200 Hours

Summer Semester (8 Credits)

Completion of 400 hours of supervised fieldwork (over two summer terms)

Third Semester

Advanced Practice in Community Nutrition
Research Methods
Supervised Experiential Fieldwork - 200 Hours

Fourth Semester (14 Credits)

Public Health Policy and Management
Exercise and Sport Psychology
Professional Development in Dietetics
Supervised Experiential Fieldwork - 200 Hours