Program Overview

MS in Nutrition Program Overview

The MS in Nutrition program at the University of Illinois Chicago offers two pathways: the Coordinated Program and the traditional program. The Coordinated Program is designed for students who wish to pursue the registered dietitian (RD) credential and practice in the United States. The traditional program is for students seeking advanced training in nutrition who do not wish to become registered dietitians or who already have the RD credential.

Admission Requirements

Applicants are considered on an individual basis. To be eligible for admission, students must meet the following requirements:

• Baccalaureate Field: Applicants may come from various undergraduate fields or other health professions.
• Grade Point Average: A minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester hours of undergraduate study and 3.50/4.00 for all graduate work.
• English Proficiency: International students must meet the English proficiency test requirement, with minimum test scores as follows:
  • TOEFL iBT: 80 (with minimum scores of 19 in Reading, 17 in Listening, 20 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing)
  • IELTS Academic: 6.5 (with minimum scores of 6.0 in Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing)
  • PTE Academic: 54 (with minimum scores of 51 in Reading, 47 in Listening, 53 in Speaking, and 56 in Writing)
• Letters of Recommendation: Two letters are required.
• Personal Statement: A personal statement is required.
• Written Interview Questions: Required for the Coordinated Program only.
• Prerequisite Form: Required for the Coordinated Program only.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements:

MS in Nutrition

• Minimum Semester Hours Required: 36 hours beyond the baccalaureate degree.
• Coursework: Selected in consultation with an advisor and individualized to the student's goals.
• Comprehensive Examination: None.
• Thesis, Project, or Coursework-Only Options: Students select one of these options.
  • Thesis track: Earn at least 5 hours in HN 598.
  • Project track: Earn at least 5 hours in HN 597.
  • Coursework-only: Complete at least 36 hours of 400- and 500-level courses.

Coordinated Program

• Minimum Semester Hours Required: 36 hours beyond the baccalaureate degree.
• Coursework:
  • Required Courses:
    • HN 455: Supervised Practice II (15 hours total)
    • HN 581: Dietetics/Nutrition Instructional Practicum (1 hour)
  • Electives: At least 20 semester hours in 400- and 500-level courses, with at least 9 semester hours in 500-level HN courses (excluding HN 596, HN 597, and HN 598).
• Required Supervised Practice Hours: Students must complete supervised practice hours within the HN 455 course to be prepared for the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist.
• Comprehensive Examination: None.
• Thesis, Project, or Coursework-Only Options: Students select one of these options.
  • Project track: Earn at least 5 semester hours in HN 597.
  • Coursework-only: This option is for the Coordinated Program pathway, and students can choose to do a project, which may add additional time to their degree. No additional requirements.