The Master of Science program is available with a major in nutrition and concentrations in cellular and molecular nutrition or public health nutrition. A graduate degree combined with a Dietetic Internship (DI) beyond the baccalaureate degree qualifies the graduate to apply for the Registration Examination to become a Registered Dietitian (RD). Students may learn more from the department about the Dietetic Internship from the departmental website. The Dietetic Internship is currently granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 S. Riverside Plaza, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040. Students may also select from related minors including exercise physiology or interdisciplinary minor programs in statistics or epidemiology.
Concentrations (Required) and Options Available
Cellular and Molecular Nutrition — Thesis, Project
Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics — Course Only without Comprehensive Exam
Public Health Nutrition — Thesis, Project
Campus Code
Knoxville Campus
Admissions Standards/Procedures
- A complete file for review includes:
- Graduate Application for Admission
- Completed departmental application form
- Three Graduate Rating Forms completed by individuals who can attest to the applicant’s potential for graduate education.
- More information is provided on the Department of Nutrition page of this catalog.
- For those lacking only the introductory nutrition prerequisite, the student will be required to complete this or a similar class upon admission to our program.
Cellular and Molecular Nutrition Concentration — Thesis
A graduate student works closely with a faculty advisor and his or her graduate committee on an original research project.
Credit Hours Required
37 graduate credit hours
Required Courses
- Required Courses (18 credit hours)
- Other Courses (13 credit hours)
- 3 credit hours of graduate-level statistics (STAT)
- BCMB 440 (3 credit hours)
- LFSC 520 (4 credit hours)
- Appropriate substitutions for BCMB 440 or LFSC 520 , if required, must be approved by the Departmental Director of Graduate Studies.
- Additional 3 credits of graduate coursework outside Nutrition (NUTR), as identified by faculty advisor and approved by the Departmental Director of Graduate Studies
- Thesis (6 credit hours)
Non-Course Requirements
- Completion of a research project is required.
- A proposal hearing is required prior to beginning the research project.
- An oral comprehensive examination is required upon completion of the thesis.
Cellular and Molecular Nutrition Concentration — Project
A graduate degree in Cellular and Molecular Nutrition can lead to excellent careers and professional opportunities in the applied, industrial, research, and academic health sectors.
Credit Hours Required
38 graduate credit hours
Required Courses
- Required Courses (19 credit hours)
- Other Courses (13 credit hours)
- 3 credit hours of graduate-level statistics (STAT) or another course approved by the Departmental Director of Graduate Studies
- BCMB 440 (3 credit hours)
- LFSC 520 (4 credit hours)
- Appropriate substitutions for BCMB 440 or LFSC 520 , if required, must be approved by the Departmental Director of Graduate Studies.
- Additional 3 credits of graduate coursework outside Nutrition (NUTR), as identified by faculty advisor and approved by the Departmental Director of Graduate Studies
- Electives (3 credit hours) to be selected in consultation with the faculty advisor and approved by the Departmental Director of Graduate Studies
- NUTR 548 (3 credit hours) for completion of the project
Non-Course Requirements
- A written comprehensive examination is required for completion of the program.
- A project, typically a review of the literature, is required for completion of the program.
Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Concentration — Course Only without Comprehensive Exam
Clinical nutrition and dietetics students must have completed the BS in Nutrition, Dietetics concentration, at the University of Tennessee with the inclusion of HRT 445 and NUTR 426.
Credit Hours Required
30 graduate credit hours
Required Courses
Public Health Nutrition Concentration — Thesis
A graduate student works closely with a faculty advisor and his or her graduate committee on an original research project and completes an 8-week block field experience in a public health or community nutrition agency.
Credit Hours Required
43 graduate credit hours
Required Courses
- Required Courses (28 credit hours)
- NUTR 509 (1 credit hour)
- NUTR 515 (6 credit hours)
- NUTR 543 (3 credit hours)
- NUTR 507 (3 credit hours)
- NUTR 503 (2 credit hours)
- NUTR 504 (2 credit hours)
- NUTR 514 (2 credit hours)
- NUTR 626 (3 credit hours)
- At least 6 additional credit hours of graduate coursework in Nutrition, NUTR (exclusive of thesis), as identified by faculty advisor and approved by the Director of the Public Health Nutrition Graduate Program.
- Public Health Courses (9 credit hours)
- Thesis (6 credit hours)
Non-Course Requirements
- Completion of a research project is required.
- A proposal hearing is required prior to beginning the research project.
- An oral comprehensive examination is required upon completion of the thesis.
Public Health Nutrition Concentration — Project
A graduate degree in Public Health Nutrition from the University of Tennessee can lead to excellent careers and professional opportunities in the public, voluntary, and private health sectors.
Credit Hours Required
40 graduate credit hours
Required Courses
- Required Courses (28 credit hours)
- NUTR 509 (1 credit hour)
- NUTR 515 (6 credit hours)
- NUTR 543 (3 credit hours)
- NUTR 507 (3 credit hours)
- NUTR 503 (2 credit hours)
- NUTR 504 (2 credit hours)
- NUTR 514 (2 credit hours)
- NUTR 626 (3 credit hours)
- At least 6 additional credit hours of graduate coursework in Nutrition (NUTR), as identified by faculty advisor and approved by the Director of the Public Health Nutrition Graduate Program.
- Public Health Courses (9 credit hours)
- NUTR 519 (3 credit hours) for completion of the project and poster presentation.
Non-Course Requirements
- A written comprehensive examination is required for completion of the program.
- A service learning project must be completed as part of the block field practicum.
- A poster presentation is required for completion of the program.
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