University of Tennessee

What you'll study

This master’s focuses on medical nutrition therapy and the delivery of clinical nutrition services across acute, ambulatory and long‑term care settings. Core topics typically include advanced medical nutrition therapy, nutrition assessment and diagnosis, enteral and parenteral nutrition, pharmacology for dietitians, chronic disease management, and nutrition support.

• Advanced Nutrition Assessment and Intervention
• Medical Nutrition Therapy for Adult and Paediatric Populations
• Clinical Nutrition Support (enteral and parenteral)
• Research Methods and Evidence‑Based Practice in Nutrition
• Nutrition Counselling and Behaviour Change Techniques
• Foodservice Systems and Management (as it relates to clinical settings)
• Electives such as sports nutrition, renal nutrition, oncology nutrition, or maternal‑child nutrition

The programme usually combines taught coursework with a supervised practice component or clinical practicum, and offers either a thesis or capstone/project option depending on whether you prefer a research or practice emphasis. Students gain practical experience through placements in hospitals, outpatient clinics and community health settings, working under registered dietitians and multidisciplinary teams.

Entry requirements

Typical applicants hold a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, nutrition, food science, or a related life science. If your undergraduate degree is in an unrelated subject, you may be expected to have completed prerequisite coursework in nutrition, chemistry and biology. Applicants will normally be asked to provide:

• An undergraduate transcript showing a competitive GPA
• A curriculum vitae or résumé
• Personal statement outlining clinical interests and career goals
• Letters of recommendation (usually two or three)
• Evidence of completion of Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) verification or Dietetics Didactic Program courses if targeting eligibility for supervised practice

Some applicants may be invited for an interview. The programme may accept applicants with conditional requirements (for example, outstanding prerequisite courses to be completed before starting the clinical component). Prospective students should check whether standardised test scores (such as the GRE) are required and whether international applicants need to demonstrate English language proficiency.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles as clinical dietitians in hospitals and health systems, outpatient clinics, long‑term care facilities and specialised centres (for example oncology, renal or neonatal units). Other career pathways include:

• Clinical nutrition manager or nutrition services coordinator in healthcare settings
• Community and public health nutrition specialist
• Nutrition support specialist or consultant for enteral/parenteral therapy
• Research assistant or coordinator in clinical nutrition research
• Industry positions in healthcare companies, medical nutrition manufacturers or foodservice management
• Further academic study (PhD) or teaching positions in higher education

For those who complete the requisite supervised practice hours and programme verification requirements, the degree supports eligibility to sit the registration examination for dietitians (requirements vary by jurisdiction).

Why study at University of Tennessee

The University of Tennessee offers clinical nutrition training integrated with interdisciplinary health sciences, providing access to experienced faculty who lead research and clinical programmes. Students benefit from established partnerships with regional hospitals and clinics for supervised practice placements and hands‑on learning in diverse clinical environments.

Research opportunities and modern laboratory facilities enable students to pursue applied projects across clinical nutrition topics. The university’s career services and alumni network support transitions into clinical roles and management positions, while a focus on evidence‑based practice and interprofessional collaboration prepares graduates to deliver contemporary nutrition care in complex health settings.