Case Western Reserve University

What you'll study

The programme provides a mix of core scientific courses, applied modules and elective options to develop competence in nutrition science and practice. Core topics typically include advanced human nutrition and metabolism, micronutrients, life-course nutrition, nutrition assessment and anthropometry, and the physiological bases of dietary requirements.

Research methods and analytical skills are emphasised through courses in biostatistics, epidemiology of nutrition-related disease, research design and data analysis. Laboratory and practicum components allow hands-on experience with biochemical assays, body composition techniques and clinical nutrition assessment.

• Advanced Human Nutrition and Metabolism — macronutrient and micronutrient metabolism and regulation.
• Nutrition Assessment and Clinical Practice — dietary analysis, anthropometry, case-based clinical assessment.
• Research Methods and Biostatistics — study design, statistical methods commonly used in nutrition research.
• Public Health Nutrition and Epidemiology — population-level nutrition issues, programme planning and evaluation.
• Food Chemistry and Food Systems — chemical properties of foods, food processing and safety considerations (elective).
• Practicum or Thesis — option to undertake an applied practicum in a clinical, community or industry setting or to complete a research thesis under faculty supervision.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally hold a bachelor's degree in nutrition, dietetics, biology, public health, biochemistry or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution. Typical prerequisites include undergraduate coursework in biology, chemistry (including organic or general chemistry), physiology and introductory nutrition; applicants without all prerequisites may be admitted conditional on completing specified undergraduate courses.

Admissions materials usually include official transcripts, a current CV or résumé, one to three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement outlining academic and professional goals. Some applicants may be asked to provide GRE scores where required by the programme or for competitive consideration; international applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests unless exempt.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of roles across healthcare, research, public health and the food industry. Possible career paths include clinical nutrition specialist or coordinator (note: clinical dietitian or registered dietitian credentials require completion of an accredited dietetic internship and any national registration/licensure where applicable), research assistant or study coordinator in academic or industry settings, public health nutritionist working on community programmes and policy, and technical or regulatory roles within food companies.

The degree also prepares students for doctoral study (PhD) in nutrition, public health or related biomedical sciences, and supports careers in programme evaluation, health promotion and nutrition education within non-profit and governmental organisations.

Why study at Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University offers a nutrition programme embedded within a research-intensive university with close ties to major clinical centres in Cleveland. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration with the School of Medicine and affiliated hospitals for clinical training and research opportunities.

Facilities include access to specialised laboratories, clinical assessment equipment and community practicum sites. The faculty combine expertise in basic science, clinical nutrition, epidemiology and public health, providing mentoring for both applied projects and independent research. The programme’s location in a medically and industrially engaged region provides strong potential for practicum placements, research partnerships and professional networking.