Program Overview

Overview of the Master of Science in Medical Nutrition Program

The Master of Science in Medical Nutrition program at Arizona State University is designed to equip students with foundational knowledge and expertise in nutritional sciences. This program offers two dynamic options tailored to students' backgrounds and goals, preparing them for careers as healthcare professionals or registered dietitians.

Program Details

• The program consists of 10 classes, each lasting 7.5 weeks, and totals 30 credit hours.
• The standard curriculum is suitable for students who did not major in nutrition, particularly pre-professional students in their gap year.
• The dietetics track is ideal for students who have completed an accredited didactic program in dietetics (DPD) or have earned the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential and are looking to advance their careers through nutrition assessment training in special populations.

Curriculum

The curriculum covers how nutrition affects the genome, epigenome, and microbiome to influence various elements of health. Students develop skills in analyzing research, designing studies, and identifying evidence-based nutrition interventions. The culminating experience involves working under faculty guidance to address nutrition-based research or complete a practice problem.

Core Courses

• Designing Health Behavior Change Interventions
• Food Systems, Ethics and the American Diet
• Chronic Inflammation and Metabolic Syndrome: The Common Pathway for Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes
• Complementary Nutrition
• Nutrigenomics
• Research Methods
• Statistics in Research

Standard Curriculum

• Food and Nutrition Across the Lifespan

Career Opportunities

Earning a master's in medical nutrition can set students apart from other job candidates and advance their careers. This degree establishes strong nutritional knowledge, preparing students to treat patients and make a positive difference in their lives. Potential career paths include:

• Cardiologist
• Dentist
• Medical doctor
• Neurologist
• Oncologist
• Ophthalmologist
• Pharmacist
• Physician assistant

Faculty and Research

The College of Health Solutions faculty displays a high level of research expertise, focused on creating a better future for all. Faculty members are lifelong learners dedicated to improving health outcomes for the communities they serve. Research focuses on:

• Discovering the impact of the environment and policy on food security and community health
• Exploring mechanisms involved in the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease
• Harnessing big data to improve patient outcomes
• Incorporating advanced technology to monitor and promote healthy lifestyles
• Using state-of-the-art cognitive, behavioral, and neuroscience techniques to study the components of human communication

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Health Solutions. Requirements include:

• A minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of their bachelor's program or in an applicable master's program
• Graduate admission application and application fee
• Official transcripts
• Personal statement
• Up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume
• Three letters of recommendation
• Proof of English proficiency for applicants whose native language is not English
• Completion of courses equivalent to introductory nutrition and physiology prior to starting the program

Tuition and Financial Aid

Students can estimate their full-time or part-time tuition fees using the tuition calculator. Most students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Additional Information

• The program does not provide a pathway to become a registered dietitian (RD) or dietitian nutritionist (RDN). However, students in the dietetics track can apply to a separate dietetic internship to gain eligibility to sit for the RD exam.
• The College of Health Solutions has partnerships with the medical community, offering students access to professional resources and networking opportunities with Mayo Clinic, Banner Health, HonorHealth, Dignity Health, and more.