Online M.S. in Human Nutrition Curriculum

Winthrop University's online Master's in Nutrition features a curriculum that aligns with the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND️®). During the program, you'll complete 6 required courses and choose 4 elective courses that appeal to your professional interests within the field. You'll gain comprehensive knowledge of topics such as food and nutrition, nutrition research methods, public health and global nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, nutrition and aging, and human metabolism. You can complete the master's in nutrition online program full-time in two years or take classes part-time while maintaining other commitments.

To pursue a focus on clinical coursework, you must have completed an ACEND®-accredited bachelor's degree or similar coursework.

Required Prerequisite Courses:*

  • Anatomy and Physiology I & II
  • General Chemistry I & II
  • Organic Chemistry**
  • Introduction to Nutrition**
  • Statistics**

*Applicants who reside in the greater Charlotte area can complete prerequisites on campus.
**Supplemental courses available please contact an enrollment counselor today for more information about how to fulfill these requirements.

Core Courses (30 credit hours)

MATH 546 Applied Statistics for the Sciences (3 credits)

In this course, statistical methods studied in introductory statistics will be extended to the analysis of more complex models/designs. Applications will include the examination of data associated with the biological and health sciences. Topics include multiple regression, multinomial experiments, contingency tables, analysis of variance and nonparametric procedures. The statistical package SAS will be utilized.

NUTR 600 Seminar in Food and Nutrition (3 credits)

This course studies the issues, trends and research related to current concerns within selected areas of food and nutrition. Students will define research and identify the role of research in expanding knowledge while evaluating research reported in professional journals.

NUTR 607 Research Methods (3 credits)

In this course, students will understand and apply research, develop basic skills in writing proposals and conduct research. Students will also demonstrate the ability to interpret descriptive and inferential statistics while evaluating the benefits and issues related to quantitative vs. qualitative data.

NUTR 611 Public Health and Global Nutrition (3 credits)

This course will study the existing and emerging problems related to nutrition with an emphasis on developing nations. Students will explore the interrelatedness of agriculture, food production and nutrition and health, and gain an understanding of public health approaches for prevention, surveillance and intervention of global nutrition problems. Food patterns will be studied from historical, political, religious and cultural perspectives.

NUTR 617 Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy (3 credits)

This course provides students with the opportunity to use critical thinking skills and integrate the theories and principles of medical nutrition therapy into clinical practice. Case studies and an evidence-based medicine approach to practice will be used to help students integrate and apply their knowledge of nutrition, dietetics, metabolism and physiology, with the ultimate goal of producing students who can effectively plan and manage the nutritional care of a variety of patients. Topics include pediatric nutrition, enteral and parenteral nutrition, critical care and other advanced medical nutrition therapy practice areas.

NUTR 619 Macronutrient Metabolism (3 credits)

This course will examine in-depth the metabolic pathways and regulation of the metabolism of the macronutrients: carbohydrate, protein and fat. Students will identify and classify carbohydrates, protein and fat based on molecular structure and characteristics. Students will also design educational content that summarizes and conceptualizes carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism.

NUTR 620 Maternal and Child Nutrition (3 credits)

This course will emphasize the unique nutritional needs of infants and children, pregnant and lactating women and the means of achieving improved nutrition for these groups. Students will be able to describe common medical conditions occurring during pregnancy, lactation and early childhood and the appropriate nutritional interventions.

NUTR 621 Nutrition and Aging (3 credits)

In this course, students will develop a foundation of knowledge specific to the nutritional needs of older adults. Students will understand the importance of health promotion, disease prevention and accurate nutritional assessments when working with patients within this demographic. Through use of the textbook and studying recent research, students will develop an understanding of diseases and conditions specifically related to older adults.

NUTR 624 Vitamin and Mineral Metabolism (3 credits)

This course examines the absorption, transportation, metabolism and function of vitamins and minerals in humans. Students will be able to apply their knowledge of biochemical pathways in nutrition prescription, critical thinking, primary research assessment and presentation, public communication and nutrition education.

Get More Information!

Winthrop's online MS Human Nutrition program can help you launch or advance your career, whether your background is in exercise science, biology, chemistry, food service, public health and more. Start by contacting a program manager toll-free at 833/257-1704 or request more information today!