Indiana University

What you'll study

This master's combines advanced coursework in nutrition science with applied clinical training in medical nutrition therapy and dietetics practice. Core topics typically include clinical nutrition and medical nutrition therapy for acute and chronic conditions, nutritional assessment and counselling, enteral and parenteral nutrition, life-cycle nutrition, metabolic and biochemical foundations of nutrition, research methods and statistics, and ethics and professional issues in dietetics.

Students usually complete a mix of classroom modules, laboratory skills sessions and supervised practice rotations. Practical placements take place in hospitals, outpatient clinics, long‑term care facilities and community settings where students gain hands‑on experience in patient assessment, nutrition intervention planning, multidisciplinary team work, and documentation. Research or capstone project options allow students to investigate a clinical question, quality improvement initiative or applied nutrition project under faculty supervision.

• Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy
• Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism
• Nutritional Assessment and Counselling Techniques
• Life‑Cycle and Community Nutrition
• Clinical Pharmacology and Nutrition Interactions
• Research Methods and Evidence‑Based Practice
• Supervised Practice Rotations in Clinical and Community Settings

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, typically with significant coursework in biological sciences and nutrition. Common prerequisite subjects include general biology, human physiology or anatomy, chemistry (including organic or biochemistry), microbiology, and introductory nutrition. Coursework in statistics is also commonly required.

Typical application components include an academic transcript, a personal statement outlining professional goals, letters of recommendation (academic and/or professional), and a résumé or CV documenting relevant clinical or volunteer experience. Many programmes expect a competitive GPA and prior exposure to healthcare settings. Accepted applicants must meet standard background and health clearance requirements for clinical placements (for example immunisations and background checks). International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or institutional pathways.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of clinical and allied-health roles. Many become registered dietitians working in hospitals, intensive care units, outpatient clinics, and long‑term care facilities, providing medical nutrition therapy for conditions such as diabetes, renal disease, oncology and critical illness. Other common career paths include:

• Clinical dietitian or nutrition support specialist
• Outpatient and community nutrition practitioner
• Nutrition manager or department supervisor in healthcare facilities
• Food service management and clinical operations
• Nutrition education and public health roles
• Industry positions in health and nutrition companies, product development or regulatory affairs
• Research assistantships and progression to doctoral study or academic careers

Graduates typically qualify to sit for credentialing or licensure examinations where required and move into roles that combine patient care, programme development and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Why study at Indiana University

Indiana University offers a large research university environment with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across health sciences, public health and biomedical research. Students benefit from access to experienced faculty who are active in clinical practice and applied research, as well as laboratory and clinical teaching facilities.

The university’s connections with regional hospitals and healthcare systems provide a breadth of supervised practice sites for developing clinical competence. Support services for graduate students—career services, academic advising, and professional development workshops—help transition graduates into the workforce. An active alumni network and partnerships across the state expand practicum and employment opportunities for graduates pursuing careers in clinical nutrition and dietetics.