University of Memphis

What you'll study

The MS in Nutrition Sciences combines advanced coursework, laboratory experience and independent research or a professional practicum. Students typically choose between a thesis (research) track and a non‑thesis (professional/capstone) track; both emphasise core principles of human nutrition while allowing specialisation in areas such as clinical nutrition, community and public health nutrition, metabolic and molecular nutrition, or food science.

• Core topics: nutritional biochemistry and metabolism, advanced human nutrition, nutrient requirements across the lifecycle, and research design and statistics for nutrition.
• Laboratory and methods: biochemical and molecular techniques applied to nutrition research, dietary assessment methods, and data analysis using statistical software.
• Applied and specialised modules: clinical nutrition and therapeutic diets, community nutrition and programme planning, food science and safety, obesity and chronic disease nutrition, and public health nutrition policy.
• Research/thesis track: independent research project under faculty supervision leading to a written thesis and oral defence; opportunities to contribute to faculty-led studies.
• Non-thesis/professional track: advanced coursework plus a capstone project or practicum placement with healthcare, community or industry partners to develop applied skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree, preferably in nutrition, dietetics, biology, biochemistry, food science or a closely related field. Applicants without a directly related undergraduate degree may be considered if they have completed prerequisite coursework in fundamentals of biology, chemistry and introductory nutrition.

• Official academic transcripts from all post‑secondary institutions attended.
• A personal statement outlining academic and professional goals and interest in the programme.
• Curriculum vitae or résumé detailing relevant academic, research or professional experience.
• Two academic or professional references who can comment on the applicant’s suitability for graduate study.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests unless exempt.
• Some applicants may be asked to provide GRE scores or additional documentation; relevant research or work experience can strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MS in Nutrition Sciences pursue a range of careers across clinical, community, research and industry settings. Typical roles include:

• Clinical nutritionist or nutrition clinician working in hospitals, outpatient clinics or long‑term care (note: registration or supervised practice may be required for credentialled dietitian status depending on jurisdiction).
• Public health or community nutrition specialist designing and evaluating nutrition programmes for government agencies and non‑profits.
• Research assistant or coordinator in academic, hospital or private‑sector research projects investigating nutrition and chronic disease, metabolism or food composition.
• Product development or quality assurance roles in the food and beverage industry or nutrition consultancy for food service operations.
• Continuation to doctoral study (PhD) in nutrition, public health or related biomedical disciplines.

Why study at University of Memphis

The University of Memphis offers hands‑on training with access to teaching laboratories, human physiology and nutrition research facilities, and faculty actively engaged in basic and applied nutrition research. Students benefit from collaborative links with local hospitals, public health agencies and community programmes in the Memphis region for practicum placements and applied projects.

Small class sizes and faculty mentorship support individual research interests, while interdisciplinary opportunities exist with departments such as biological sciences, public health and food science. The programme also provides pathways for students aiming to enter dietetic supervised practice or to continue into doctoral research.