The more we learn about food and nutrition and its relationship to our bodies, the more we need skilled, trained, and qualified professionals with Master’s in Nutrition degrees to interpret, understand, and explain this relationship.
In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of nutritionists is projected to grow seven percent by 2032, faster than the average for all occupations, resulting in an average of about 5,600 openings per year.
Many candidates wonder what the benefits of having a Master’s in Nutrition are and how they apply to a Nutrition degree program.
This article will answer both of these burning questions, as well as what students can expect to learn in a nutrition degree program.
Should I Get a Master’s in Nutrition?
If you are passionate and interested in helping people with the prevention, diagnosis, and management of their nutrient intake and overall health, earning a Master’s in Nutrition and becoming a nutritionist would be an excellent choice for you.
Nutritionists use their love for people and passion for food to help clients build long-term healthy habits in regard to their eating, nutritional intake, and lifestyle choices. Nutritionists also have the opportunity to apply their education and knowledge to their own lives as well.
Additionally, candidates can rest easy knowing they will have high levels of job security, as previously mentioned, as well as a competitive salary. Candidates with a Master’s in Nutrition degree earn a median annual wage of $66.450, with the highest ten percent earning more than $95,130, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
One of the final benefits and reasons students earn a Master’s in Nutrition is the ability to work in a variety of settings and even all over the world. Nutritionists fulfill roles in private practice, teaching at the community college level, working as consultants, writing, government offices, or will go on to get a PhD or doctorate degree.
What Will I Learn in a Nutrition Master’s Program?
A Master of Science (MS) in Nutrition in a Nutrition Master’s degree program trains students to promote and support awareness of optimal nutrition by combining biochemical and physiological knowledge with nutritional, evidence-based interventions.
Colleges and universities offer Nutrition degrees and courses in in-person and online formats with comprehensive clinical curricula. Candidates should always do their research to see what each program provides and how they can differ from one another.
For example, at University of Bridgeport, our Master’s in Nutrition online program focuses on a functional approach to the prevention and management of diseases by exploring the role of nutrition as a preventive, complementary, and alternative strategy to foster diet and lifestyle interventions in individuals and communities.
Standard courses found in Master’s in Nutrition programs include:
- Evidence-Based Nutrition
- Biochemistry of Nutrition
- Vitamins and Minerals
- Developmental Nutrition
- Virtual or In-person Clinic
Whether a student enrolls in an in-person or online Nutrition Master’s program will depend on their needs, responsibilities, and learning styles. That said, by attending an online Master’s in Nutrition program, students have greater flexibility and can complete their coursework in as few as twenty-three months.
How To Apply to a Nutrition Program
Now that you know what to expect from a Master’s in Nutrition program, it’s time to apply to an in-person, online, or hybrid program.
Students should consider their career goals, ability to commit to a degree program, and the flexibility they need when selecting and applying to a nutrition program.
It’s also essential to obtain a degree from an accredited nutrition program as accredited institutions voluntarily undergo a review process that ensures their programs, faculty, and curriculums are top-quality and students receive the best education possible.
University of Bridgeport is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and the Connecticut Office of Higher Education, and our online Master’s in Nutrition program is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Nutrition Professional Education (ACNPE).
Interested in earning your MS in Nutrition 100% online? Learn more about UB’s Nutrition program today!
What are the Admission Requirements for a Master’s in Nutrition Degree Program?
Just as the course curriculum for Nutrition degree programs will differ depending on the institution, so too do the admission requirements.
At University of Bridgeport, our students must have the following prerequisites and materials:
- Prerequisites
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher
- Depending on their undergraduate background, candidates may need up to nine credits of graduate-level prerequisite courses. These can also be completed in one term at University of Bridgeport as part of the Master’s program.
- Requirements
- Application
- Official transcripts for the last degree earned
- Personal statement of approximately 500 words explaining a student’s interests and goals within the field of nutrition and their ability to thrive in a rigorous academic environment.
Applications are accepted year-round and are due by July 15th for the fall semester, December 1st for the spring semester, and April 15th for the summer semester.
Earning a Master’s in Nutrition enables you to utilize skills and experience to help others reach their health goals. It opens up a variety of exciting, fulfilling, and rewarding career opportunities.
Don’t wait to start this journey. Apply to our Master’s in Nutrition online program at University of Bridgeport, where our expert faculty and comprehensive support services are committed to getting you through college and into a great career.
Your future starts today!