University of Kansas

What you'll study

The programme combines core coursework, applied learning and a major project (thesis or capstone), giving you a strong foundation in the biochemical, physiological and population-level aspects of nutrition. Typical modules include:

• Advanced Human Nutrition — nutrient metabolism, nutrient–gene interactions and life‑stage requirements.
• Clinical Nutrition and Therapeutic Diets — nutrition care process, assessment and management of disease states such as diabetes, renal disease and cardiovascular conditions.
• Nutritional Assessment Methods — anthropometry, dietary assessment tools, biochemical and clinical markers.
• Nutritional Epidemiology — study design, bias, confounding and interpretation of population nutrition data.
• Research Methods and Biostatistics — quantitative methods, study design, statistics for nutrition research and critical appraisal.
• Food Systems, Policy and Safety — food production, food security, policy frameworks and food safety considerations.
• Applied Practicum or Thesis — options to undertake supervised clinical placements, community nutrition projects or an original research thesis.

Students may choose a thesis route with a stronger emphasis on research and publication, or a non‑thesis/professional route focused on practicum hours and applied competencies. Interdisciplinary electives are available in public health, exercise physiology and food science.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, biology, public health or a related discipline with a strong academic record. Successful applications typically include:

• Official academic transcripts demonstrating relevant undergraduate coursework (biochemistry, physiology, statistics are advantageous).
• A curriculum vitae or résumé outlining relevant academic, research or professional experience.
• A personal statement describing academic interests, career goals and preferred study route (research or professional).
• Two academic or professional references addressing your potential for graduate study.
• For applicants whose first language is not English, an accepted English language qualification.

Some applicants may be asked to provide additional documentation of prerequisite coursework. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission; selection is competitive and based on the overall strength of the application.

Career prospects

Graduates proceed into a variety of roles across clinical, community and research settings. Common career paths include:

• Clinical dietitian or nutrition specialist in hospitals and outpatient services (note: clinical practice routes may require completion of an accredited supervised practice or licensure depending on jurisdiction).
• Public health nutritionist or programme manager in government agencies and non‑profit organisations focusing on population nutrition interventions.
• Research assistant, project leader or PhD candidate in academic, hospital or industry research settings, specialising in areas such as nutritional epidemiology or metabolic research.
• Nutrition scientist or product development specialist in the food and beverage industry, focusing on formulation, labelling and regulatory affairs.
• Nutrition policy advisor or health communicator working on guideline development, advocacy and education.

The combination of research training and applied experience available at KU equips graduates for both practitioner roles and continued academic study.

Why study at University of Kansas

The University of Kansas offers nutrition training linked closely with the University of Kansas Medical Center and its clinical and research infrastructure, providing access to experienced faculty engaged in translational and population‑level nutrition research. Students benefit from multidisciplinary collaboration across public health, medicine and food science, as well as opportunities for clinical placements and community outreach in the Kansas City region.

Facilities supporting the programme include research laboratories, nutrition assessment equipment and connections with local health services and public health agencies. The department emphasises mentoring, career development and preparing graduates for diverse professional pathways in nutrition science.