The Department of Nutrition offers programs leading to the bachelor of arts degree in nutrition,the bachelor of science degree in nutrition, the bachelor of arts degree in nutritional biochemistry and metabolism, the bachelor of science degree in nutritional biochemistry and metabolism, the master of science degree in nutrition, the dual degree of master of public health/master of science nutrition, and the doctor of philosophy degree. Two minors are available: the minor in nutrition and the minor in sports nutrition. Graduate certificate?programs are available in areas such as maternal and child nutrition, nutrition for health care professionals, global health nutrition and gerontology. The certificates are in addition to the basic graduate degree. Students are able to pursue certificates at no additional cost to the student.

This degree program offers two options. For those pursuing the thesis option, 30 semester hours of a planned program of study are required, including six to nine semester hours of research, as well as a final oral defense of the thesis. The non-thesis option requires 30 semester hours and a final written, comprehensive examination.

All candidates are required to take 18 semester hours of nutrition, including seven hours of advanced human nutrition. In addition, students are encouraged to pursue complementary studies in the biomedical, social and behavioral sciences. The plan of study may vary considerably depending on the education, goals and specific interests of each student. Students may elect to focus on nutritional biochemistry and metabolism or? molecular nutrition. The individual program also may be planned to fulfill the academic requirements for dietetic registration (Didactic Program in Dietetics).