The more we learn about our bodies, the more we realize that every individual’s health and dietary needs vary depending on genetic makeup, living environment, lifestyle, and more.
For these reasons and beyond, people turn to nutritionists to help them understand their dietary needs and enact a dietary plan for them and their lifestyle. And ultimately, use that plan to live a longer, healthier, and happier life.
Now, many top nutrition programs at colleges and universities across the country are making it easier to pursue a Master’s in Nutrition by eliminating the need for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and instead focusing on the experience and performance of applicants.
Let’s examine this change and how students can focus their time and efforts throughout their nutrition program.
What is a Nutritionist?
Nutritionists advise clients on nutrition and how their eating habits affect overall health. They help clients adjust their diet to promote a healthier lifestyle and eating habits.
They understand their clients’ lifestyles and learn about their diets, exercise routines, sleeping habits, stress levels, careers, families, life commitments, and physical health.
Nutritionists do not believe in fad diets or cleanses and instead take a holistic approach to support their clients through enacting a personalized nutrition plan.
How Do You Become a Nutritionist?
Individuals interested in becoming a nutritionist must complete formal education, training, and some states also require licensure to practice. Candidates should research as license and degree requirements vary depending on where they live.
At a minimum, candidates need a Bachelor of Science degree. However, nutritionists with advanced degrees, like a Master of Science in Nutrition, have more job opportunities and can pursue professional credentials like the Certified Nutrition Specialist certification upon completing a master’s program.
Graduate-level nutrition programs prepare graduates to educate, assess, and support the well-being of their clients through diet and nutrition in various workplaces and settings. Students combine their knowledge of biochemistry and physiology with nutritional, evidence-based interventions and clinical experience to help prevent and support their clients’ health challenges.
Interested in earning your master’s degree in Nutrition? Learn how UB can help you get there!
What is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)? And is it required for a Master’s in Nutrition Program?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that many colleges and universities require for admission to graduate programs. These exams are achievement tests—like the SAT or ACT—that measure a candidate’s knowledge and skill level in a particular field.
Though it was once a requirement, many graduate programs, like University of Bridgeport (UB), have removed the Graduate Record Examination from their Master’s in Nutrition admission requirements and prerequisites.
These days, many schools focus on the experience and performance of a candidate through careful examination of their application, transcripts, and personal statement instead of their standardized test scores. Students can strengthen their application by focusing on their grades in their undergraduate degree and seeking out internship opportunities.
At UB, our program has the following prerequisites and requirements:
- Prerequisites
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher
- Required Materials
- Application
- Official transcripts for the last degree earned
- Personal statement detailing why you are seeking a Master’s in Nutrition, how you expect to apply the degree to your professional career, and why you want to pursue the program at UB.
The Master’s Degree in Nutrition at University of Bridgeport
Students in the Master’s in Nutrition program at UB take courses in general nutrition and anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, and disease prevention.
Similar to a career as a nutritionist, our curriculum combines an integrative and holistic perspective with evidence-based approaches to assess and counsel clients. Plus, students receive top-level education with our expert faculty and access to the College of Health Sciences, featuring seven schools and sixteen programs across health disciplines.
Lastly, candidates can complete UB’s flexible program entirely online in as little as twenty-three months, and financial aid applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Applications and all supporting documents are due by:
- July 15 for the fall semester
- December 1 for the spring semester
- April 15 for the summer semester
If you’re interested in learning about food’s impact on one’s health and passionate about using this knowledge to help others live healthier lives, you should earn your Master’s in Nutrition.
With the elimination of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) requirement, this degree and an exciting and fulfilling career as a nutritionist is now more accessible than ever before.
Our comprehensive support services team is ready to get you through college and into a great career today. Reach out to learn more, and together, let’s start something great!