Colorado State University

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework, hands-on laboratory experience and a research project or thesis. Students study human metabolism and nutrient physiology alongside population-level approaches to diet and health. Teaching emphasises critical appraisal of the evidence base for nutrition interventions and the application of contemporary research methods.

• Core topics: advanced human nutrition, micronutrients and metabolism, life-course nutrition, nutritional biochemistry.
• Research and methods: experimental design, biostatistics, nutritional epidemiology, laboratory techniques in nutrition research.
• Applied and specialised modules: clinical nutrition and disease management, community and public health nutrition, sports and exercise nutrition, food composition and analysis, food systems and policy.
• Practical experience: laboratory rotations, practicum or internship placements with clinical units, community organisations or food industry partners, and supervised research in a faculty laboratory.
• Project or thesis: option to complete a supervised thesis (research MSc) or a substantial capstone research project, depending on the chosen degree pathway.

Students can tailor their studies by selecting electives that reflect interests in clinical practice, public health, molecular nutrition or food science. Faculty-led research areas frequently include metabolism, obesity and weight management, nutritional epidemiology, chronic disease prevention, and nutrition across the lifespan.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, biology, biochemistry, public health or a closely related field. Admission decisions consider the academic transcript, relevant laboratory or clinical experience, and evidence of quantitative competence.

• Completed undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised institution.
• A competitive undergraduate academic record; specific grade thresholds are set by the admissions office and vary by applicant pool.
• Supporting documents: statement of purpose outlining research and career goals, current CV, and two or more academic or professional references.
• Evidence of research experience or relevant practicum/volunteer work is advantageous for research-track applicants.
• Standardised tests: some applicants may be asked to submit GRE scores where required; consult the programme for current testing policies.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or exemptions accepted by the university.

Applicants with strong professional experience but a different undergraduate background may be considered; they could be required to complete prerequisite coursework in foundational nutrition and biosciences prior to or during the programme.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to a wide range of careers in clinical nutrition, public health, research, industry and education. Typical pathways include:

• Research scientist or laboratory manager in academic, government or private research settings.
• Clinical nutrition roles in hospitals or outpatient services (note: registration as a dietitian requires completion of accredited supervised practice where applicable).
• Public health nutritionist working for government agencies, non-profits or community health programmes.
• Nutrition scientist or product development specialist in the food and beverage industry, quality assurance, regulatory affairs and nutrition labelling.
• Further academic study leading to doctoral research (PhD) and careers in higher education.

Graduates often combine technical research skills with communication and programme development experience, positioning them for roles that influence nutrition policy, community interventions and consumer-facing health initiatives.

Why study at Colorado State University

Colorado State University’s programme is embedded in a department with interdisciplinary links across food science, health sciences and public health, providing access to diverse faculty expertise and research facilities. The university supports applied and translational research and maintains collaborations with clinical partners, community organisations and industry, offering students opportunities for practical placements and real-world projects.

Students benefit from hands-on laboratory training, mentorship from faculty active in nutrition research, and a campus environment that supports outdoor and sports-nutrition studies. The programme’s flexible pathways allow students to pursue a thesis-based research career or a practice-focused route suited to professional roles in clinical, community or industry settings.