Nutrition Major, MS

Concentrations (Required) and Options Available

• Biomedical Nutrition Science — Thesis Option, Project Without Comprehensive Exam Option, 5-Year BS-MS
• Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics — Coursework Only Without Comprehensive Exam Option, 5-Year BS-MS
• Community Nutrition – Thesis Option, Coursework Only Without Comprehensive Exam Option, 5-Year BS-MS

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.
  • Professional statement
  • Resume or curriculum vita
• 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.

Biomedical Nutrition Science Concentration — Thesis

A graduate student in the Biomedical Nutrition Science concentration (thesis option) works closely with a faculty advisor and his or her graduate committee on an original research project. This program prepares students for careers in biomedical research, as laboratory technicians, research assistants, technical consultants, and sales representatives in the biomedical and nutrition industries.

Biomedical Nutrition Science Concentration — Project Without Comprehensive Exam

A graduate degree in Biomedical Nutrition Science concentration (project option) can lead to excellent careers and professional opportunities in the applied, industrial, research, and academic health sectors. This program prepares students who do not wish to engage in wet-lab research for careers as consultants, sales representatives, and other positions in the biomedical and nutrition industries.

Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Concentration — Coursework Only Without Comprehensive Exam Option

The Master of Science Program with a concentration in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics is accredited as a Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (GP) by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 S. Riverside Plaza, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040. As such, students successfully completing this program are eligible to take the national registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) credentialing exam. Accreditation is for up to 20 students per cohort. 

Internal applicants enrolled in the Bachelor of Science with a Nutrition major, Dietetics concentration, who are also approved for the accelerated combined bachelor’s/master’s program, will be able to complete the Master of Science degree in one year following completion of the Bachelor of Science degree. 

Applicants external to the University of Tennessee or who have completed a degree program at the University of Tennessee other than the Bachelor of Science with a Nutrition major, Dietetics concentration, generally can expect to complete the program in two years after completion of prerequisites.  

• Program prerequisites: Introductory nutrition, general chemistry I and II, organic chemistry, human physiology, biochemistry, micronutrient and macronutrient metabolism, life span nutrition, psychology, course content in kinesiology/physical activity, statistics, medical terminology, public health. 

• Coursework (or equivalent) that must be completed either prior to or concurrent with the program: NUTR 315, 316, 403, 410, 412, 415, 416, 420, 422, HTM 210, 445, food science, microbiology. External applicants who are completing or who have completed an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) will likely have met most of these requirements and should work with the program director to complete a prior learning assessment and determine which additional coursework, if any, may still be required.

Community Nutrition Concentration - Coursework Only Without Comprehensive Exam Option

A master’s degree in Nutrition with the Community Nutrition concentration from the University of Tennessee can lead to excellent careers and professional opportunities in the public, voluntary, and private health sectors. Students in this concentration will be trained in competencies needed to become a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and to work in the community in a variety of roles (including as nutrition educators, WIC nutritionists, worksite health and wellness coaches, wellness program coordinators) and settings (including public health department, community agencies, and in Extension programs [such as SNAP or EFNEP]).

In addition to departmental requirements provided on the Department of Nutrition page of this catalog, prerequisites to this program include completion of an undergraduate human nutrition survey course, an undergraduate human physiology course, and an undergraduate statistics course. For those lacking only the undergraduate nutrition prerequisite, the student will be required to complete this or a similar class upon admission to our program.

Community Nutrition Concentration - Thesis

A master’s degree in Nutrition with the Community Nutrition concentration from the University of Tennessee can lead to excellent careers and professional opportunities in the public, voluntary, and private health sectors. Students in this concentration will be trained in competencies needed to become a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and to work in the community in a variety of roles (including as nutrition educators, WIC nutritionists, worksite health and wellness coaches, wellness program coordinators) and settings (including public health department, community agencies, and in Extension programs [such as SNAP or EFNEP]).

In addition to departmental requirements provided on the Department of Nutrition page of this catalog, prerequisites to this program include completion of an undergraduate human nutrition survey course, an undergraduate human physiology course, and an undergraduate statistics course. For those lacking only the undergraduate nutrition prerequisite, the student will be required to complete this or a similar class upon admission to our program.

Five-Year BS/MS Program - Nutrition Major, MS – Biomedical Nutrition Science Concentration

For qualified students, the Department of Nutrition offers a 5-year BS/MS accelerated degree program with a major in Nutrition and a concentration in Biomedical Nutrition Science. Central to this program is that a qualified student may take up to 9 credit hours of approved graduate courses for their senior undergraduate electives and have them count toward both the BS degree and the MS degree. Students will be considered for conditional admission to the program by the end of their junior year of undergraduate study at UT. Students can choose from a project option or a thesis option, based on their original research. Those who choose the thesis option will begin working on their research project not later than the beginning of their senior year of undergraduate studies by enrolling in NUTR 493 and/or NUTR 499. For each student in the program, a graduate advisory committee composed of a minimum of three faculty members must be established before completion of Term 7. To be considered for conditional admission to the program:

A student must be a declared Nutrition major, Biomedical Nutrition Science Concentration, with a minimum GPA of 3.30, must have completed at least 15 credit hours of Nutrition courses, and must have completed at least 90 credit hours of the 120 credit hours of coursework required for the BS degree with a major in Nutrition.

A student must provide three letters of support from Nutrition faculty members serving on the graduate and undergraduate committees

A student must obtain a commitment from a Nutrition graduate research faculty member to serve as their graduate mentor-advisor (i.e., major professor) and as the chair of their graduate advisory committee.

The Department may consider other relevant factors such as an applicant’s work experience and level of maturity before conditionally admitting a student to the BS/MS program. Conditional admission of a student into the 5-year BS/MS program must be approved by both the Department of Nutrition and the Graduate School. Students will be typically informed of the outcome of their application before they start their senior year of undergraduate study.

Any graduate course taken before satisfying all requirements for the BS degree must be approved by the student’s graduate advisory committee, the Director of Graduate Studies, and the Graduate School. These graduate courses must be identified in advance in consultation with the undergraduate advisor and the graduate advisory committee.

A student that is conditionally admitted to the BS-MS program may complete up to 9 credit hours of graduate level coursework during the student’s undergraduate study and apply those 9 graduate credit hours to satisfy both the BS degree requirements and also the MS degree requirements, provided that these graduate credit hours were approved by both the Department and by the Graduate School.

The form “Nutrition Conditional Admission 5 Year BS-MS” is available from the Director of Graduate Studies and must be completed and signed by the undergraduate advisor, undergraduate coordinator, and graduate advisory committee by May 1st of their junior year. After review by the Department, the form will be signed by the Director of Graduate Studies and submitted to the Graduate School for approval and processing.

To receive graduate credit for the 9 credit hours listed on the Nutrition Conditional Admission Form and approved by their graduate advisory committee, and others granting approval by signing that form, the student must complete and submit the Senior Requesting Graduate Credit Form to the Graduate School. If the graduate courses are to be taken during different semesters, the student will need to submit this form per each relevant semester.

Conditional admission into the BS/MS program does not guarantee acceptance into either the Graduate School or the MS program. Students in the BS/MS program must submit an application for admission to the Office of Graduate Admissions and to the MS program during their senior year of undergraduate study for the term immediately following the completion of their undergraduate study, following the same procedures of all other student applicants. Students will be fully admitted to the MS program after they have been accepted both by the Graduate School and by the Nutrition Department. Students will not be eligible for graduate assistantships until they are enrolled as graduate-level students in the Graduate School.

Five-Year BS/MS Program - Nutrition Major, MS – Community Nutrition Concentration

For qualified students, the Department of Nutrition offers a 5-year BS/MS accelerated degree program with a major in Nutrition and a concentration in Community Nutrition. Central to this program is that a qualified student may take up to 9 credit hours of approved graduate courses for their senior undergraduate electives and have them count toward both the BS degree and the MS degree. Students will be considered for conditional admission to the program by the end of their junior year of undergraduate study at UT. Students can choose from a project option without comprehensive exam or a course-only, without comprehensive exam option. Those who choose the project option will begin working on their project not later than Term 6 of undergraduate studies by enrolling in NUTR 493 with Public Health Nutrition faculty. For each student in the program, a graduate advisory committee composed of a minimum of three faculty members must be established before completion of Term 7. To be considered for conditional admission to the program:

A student must be a declared Nutrition major, Community Nutrition Concentration, with a minimum GPA of 3.30, must have completed at least 15 credit hours of Nutrition courses, and must have completed at least 90 credit hours of the 120 credit hours of coursework required for the BS degree with a major in Nutrition.

A student must provide three letters of support from three Community Nutrition faculty members.

A student must obtain a commitment from a Nutrition graduate research faculty member to serve as their graduate mentor-advisor (i.e., major professor) and as the chair of their graduate advisory committee.  

The Department may consider other relevant factors such as an applicant’s work experience before conditionally admitting a student to the BS/MS accelerated degree program (Community Nutrition Concentration). Conditional admission of a student into the 5-year BS/MS accelerated degree program must be approved by both the Department of Nutrition and the Graduate School. Students will be typically informed of the outcome of their application before they start their senior year of undergraduate study.

Any graduate course taken before satisfying all requirements for the BS degree must be approved by the student’s graduate advisory committee, the Director of the Program in Public Health Nutrition, the Department Director of Graduate Studies, and the Graduate School. These graduate courses must be identified in advance in consultation with the undergraduate advisor and the graduate advisory committee.

A student that is conditionally admitted to the BS-MS accelerated degree program may complete up to 9 credit hours of graduate level coursework during the student’s undergraduate study and apply those 9 credit hours to satisfy both the BS degree requirements and also the MS degree requirements, provided that these graduate credit hours were approved by both the Department and by the Graduate School. 

The form “Nutrition Conditional Admission 5 Year BS-MS is available from the Director of Graduate Studies and must be completed and signed by the undergraduate advisor, undergraduate coordinator, and graduate advisory committee by May 1st of their junior year. After review by the Department, the form will be signed by the Director of Graduate Studies and submitted to the Graduate School for approval and processing.

To receive graduate credit for the 9 credit hours listed on the Nutrition Conditional Admission Form and approved by their graduate advisory committee, and others granting approval by signing that form, the student must complete and submit the Senior Requesting Graduate Credit Form to the Graduate School. If the graduate courses are to be taken during different semesters, the student will need to submit this form per each relevant semester.

Conditional admission into the BS/MS accelerated degree program does not guarantee acceptance into either the Graduate School or the MS program. Students in the BS/MS accelerated degree program (Community Nutrition Concentration) must submit an application for admission to the Office of Graduate Admissions and to the MS program during their senior year of undergraduate study for the fall term immediately following the completion of their undergraduate study, following the same procedures of all other student applicants. Students will be fully admitted to the MS program after they have been accepted both by the Graduate School and by the Nutrition Department. Students will not be eligible for graduate assistantships until they are enrolled as graduate-level students in the Graduate School.

Five-Year BS/MS Program - Nutrition Major, MS - Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Concentration

For qualified students, the Department of Nutrition offers an accelerated combined bachelor’s/master’s program leading to a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nutrition, concentration in Dietetics, and Master of Science degree with a major in Nutrition, concentration in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics. These two degree programs combined comprise prerequisites for and completion of the ACEND-accredited Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (GP). This program is accredited for a maximum of 20 students per cohort. Admission is competitive and enrollment depends upon availability of placements. Completion of this combined program leads to eligibility to take the national registration exam to become credentialed as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Central to this program is that a qualified student may take up to 9 credit hours of approved 400- or 500-level courses for graduate credit during their senior year and have them count toward both the BS degree and the MS degree. Students must apply for conditional admission to the master’s program by the end of their junior year of undergraduate study at UT. The two degrees can be completed within five years. Adding additional majors, minors, or concentrations or missing sequential coursework may extend length of the degree programs. To be considered for conditional admission to the program: 

• A student must be a declared Nutrition major, Dietetics concentration, or must be completing all coursework required within the Dietetics concentration, with a minimum GPA of 3.30, must have completed at least 15 credit hours of Nutrition courses, and must have completed at least 90 credit hours of the 120 credit hours of coursework required for the BS degree with a major in Nutrition and concentration in Dietetics. Required Nutrition coursework must have been completed with a grade of “C” or better. Applicants must have completed or be currently enrolled in organic chemistry, food science, and microbiology at the time of application for full consideration.

The form “Nutrition Conditional Admission Accelerated Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Programs” must be submitted to the Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Nutrition by April 1 of the junior year. After review by the department is complete, students who meet the minimum admission requirements will be invited to submit an application to the Office of Graduate Admissions for the MS program with an entry term of fall senior year.

• • Graduate program application submission requirements include:
    • Completed UT Graduate School application
    • Resume
    • Current academic history
    • Personal statement that addresses the prompt within the application
    • Professional recommendations
  • Additional steps:
    • Students being considered for selection must participate in an interview process, typically taking place in May shortly following the application deadline.
    • Community partners involved in supervising experiential learning of graduate students may participate in student selection if that is a defined role in their respective affiliation agreements.
• Any graduate course taken before satisfying all requirements for the BS degree must be approved by the Graduate Concentration Coordinator for Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, the course instructor, and the Graduate School by the start of each semester in which graduate courses are taken by completing the university’s “Senior Requesting Graduate Credit” form. 
• Conditional admission to the accelerated combined bachelor’s/master’s degree program with a major in Nutrition, concentration in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, does not guarantee acceptance into either the Graduate School or the MS program. Students will be fully admitted to the MS program after they have been accepted by both the Graduate School and by the Nutrition Department. Students will not be eligible for graduate assistantships until they are enrolled as graduate-level students in the Graduate School.