Nutrition Institute Graduate
Master of Science in Nutrition
MS Master of Science in Human Nutrition
Clinical nutritionists are experts in evidence-based, patient-centered care — using what they know about nutrition science and its relationship to human biology to provide care for people seeking guidance and support for their overall health.
Is UB’s MS in Human Nutrition a good fit for you? Let’s talk about it.
Why earn a master’s in Nutrition online?
Advance your career in patient-centered care
When you earn your master’s in Nutrition online at UB, you’ll develop the skills needed to assess a person’s diet, review medical histories, and work one-on-one to develop appropriate personalized nutrition plans that will help your clients realize their health goals. Now, more than ever, we need well-versed and clinically trained nutrition professionals to work with people of all backgrounds. As a clinical nutritionist, you may work with clients recovering from illness or injury, those looking to make positive changes in their lives, or even individuals referred to you who may be struggling with their eating habits and need science-backed treatment plans.
Faculty
Learn from practicing clinicians
You will have access to the College of Health Sciences, which features seven schools and 16 programs across healthcare disciplines.
Classes are taught by experts in their fields — all of whom hold doctorates, advanced degrees in nutrition, or are practicing clinicians. Their professional experiences, expertise in the field, and teaching strategies will prepare you for a successful career in clinical nutrition.
Format
Study entirely online
Our online Nutrition degree program offers complete flexibility, allowing you to earn your degree entirely online in as few as 24 months. UB’s faculty are dedicated to facilitating engaging online learning environments where you communicate with your instructors and collaborate with your peers.
Because this is an online program, you will benefit from learning alongside classmates from a range of personal and professional backgrounds. This variety of interests and personalities can’t be found in a traditional on-campus nutrition program.
Credential
Prepare for the CNS exam
UB’s Master of Science in Human Nutrition is a pathway to the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) certification.
The MS in Human Nutrition program is not designed to lead to a registered dietitian (RD) designation.
The Virtual Clinic
Our program features a unique capstone experience called the Virtual Clinic, the first of its kind in the world. In the Virtual Clinic, you will work with professional clinicians and faculty members, performing virtual nutrition exams and consultations while gaining clinical management experience, eligible for 200-255 hours of supervised credit toward your CNS credential.
During your clinical hours, you will gain the hands-on experience you need for a rewarding career as a clinical nutritionist.
Unique opportunities at UB’s Nutrition Institute
In addition to our traditional MS in Human Nutrition program, the Nutrition Institute offers unique degree paths and professional advantages.
Nutrition and Chiropractic dual degree
University of Bridgeport’s School of Chiropractic allows you to pursue your MS in Human Nutrition while working on your Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. Fifth-semester Chiropractic students with a GPA of 2.75 or higher and a recommendation from the dean may enter the MS program. Students must complete 28 semester hours of required Nutrition courses to earn their MS degree.
4+1 BS to MS pathway
Eligible undergraduates earning their BS in Health Sciences with a concentration in Nutrition can pursue a 4+1 degree pathway in Human Nutrition — beginning graduate-level classes during their senior year before returning for a fifth year to complete their MS studies.
Advanced standing for PA students
Qualifying Physician Assistant (PA) students may apply for advanced standing in the Human Nutrition program during their last semester of PA studies — taking the required core Nutrition classes after completing their Physician Assistant degree.
Comprehensive final exam
A comprehensive final exam is required for graduation from the MS in Human Nutrition program. The exam is held three times per year — once in the spring, summer, and fall. The comprehensive final exam is administered online.
Admission
What you need to apply
Completed applications and all supporting documents are due July 15 for the fall semester, December 1 for the spring semester, and April 15 for the summer semester.
Program prerequisites
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher
- Depending on your undergraduate background, up to 9 credits of graduate level prerequisites may be waived.* Any prerequisites needed will be taken in your first term as a part of the master’s in Human Nutrition program. Please note prerequisites are offered online and do not have to be completed prior to admittance.
- * The following courses may qualify for transfer credit:
- NUTR 560N Anatomy and Physiology for the Clinical Nutritionist (4 credits) – May be waived by undergraduate A&P I and II (6/8 credits)
- NUTR 560U Intro to Biochemistry for the Clinical Nutritionist (3 credits) – May be waived by 2 semesters general/organic chemistry or 1 semester biochemistry (3/4 credits)
- NUTR 560V Nutrition Fundamentals (2 credits) – May be waived by Introductory Nutrition (3 credits)
Required materials
- Application
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Please consult the international admission requirements page, or for specific queries, contact your admissions officer.
Deadlines
Curriculum
What you will study
The Human Nutrition program consists of foundational courses in human physiology and biochemistry which expand into in-depth learnings on macro and micronutrients, biochemical individuality, human development, functional assessment, and nutritional therapeutics. An integrative and holistic perspective is interwoven with an evidence-based approach to assessing and counseling a client. Take master’s in Nutrition online courses without having to leave your home, with the Nutrition MS program at University of Bridgeport.
Foundational science
Human physiology and biochemistry.
Macro and micronutrients
Biochemical individuality and human development.
Functional assessment
Functional assessment and nutritional therapeutics.
Counseling the client
An integrative and holistic perspective, interwoven with an evidence-based approach.
Career paths
Where graduates work
The clinical nutritionist has become an increasingly popular healthcare option for many, whether you seek healthy weight management or a complement to medical treatment of chronic or serious disease. It differs from the role of Registered Dietician (RD), who traditionally works in institutional environments, such as hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and school systems under the direction of, or in coordination with medical physicians. Graduates work in private nutritional practices, functional medicine clinics, community health organizations, and more.
Reach new career heights
UB’s Nutrition program provides a foundation for earning your Ph.D. or a Doctor of Health Science (DHSc.) degree.
Mission and accreditation
An accredited Nutrition program
The mission of the human nutrition program is to prepare graduates to excel as professionals in the healthcare industry, delivering nutrition counseling and medical nutrition therapy (MNT) by integrating an evidence-based functional approach with biochemical and physiological scientific knowledge to generate nutrition and lifestyle interventions that will promote optimal health of each individual.
First accredited by ACNPE
The UB MS in Human Nutrition program was the first to be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Nutrition Professional Education (ACNPE), the programmatic accrediting agency for graduate degree and supervised practice experience programs in clinical nutrition. Accreditation signifies that the program has demonstrated compliance with ACNPE standards through a comprehensive evaluation of its curriculum, faculty, institutional support, student achievement, assessment processes, and continuous quality improvement.
Licensed in Connecticut
The Human Nutrition master’s program is licensed and accredited by the Connecticut Board of Governors Office of Higher Education.
Institutionally accredited
University of Bridgeport is institutionally accredited through the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Not a dietetics program
Accreditation by ACEND (for dietetics) is not required since the Master of Science program is not a dietetics training program and does not include a coordinated dietetics internship required for eligibility to take the registration examination for the RD credential.
Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists
Graduates of this accredited program are deemed by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS) to have met the educational eligibility requirements for the Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS) credential and are not required to undergo an individual coursework review. Candidates must separately meet all additional requirements established by BCNS, including completion of supervised practice experience and passing the Certification Examination for Nutrition Specialists.
Does not guarantee certification
As with all nutrition and dietetic programs, completion of this program does not guarantee certification, licensure, or employment. Certification requirements are subject to change.
Meet the Nutrition program director
Linda Fleming has over 25 years of experience working in healthcare and education. She initially began her career working at a hospital, where she served as a medical technologist and ran a chemistry laboratory. She ultimately shifted her focus to nutrition, with her goal to provide personalized nutrition for her clients, optimizing their overall wellness.
After earning her MS in Human Nutrition, and working several years as a clinical nutritionist, Linda joined the UB Nutrition Institute (UBNI) as an adjunct professor. She eventually became the assistant director of curriculum development for UBNI, where she helped develop the Virtual Clinic — an innovative capstone experience, and the first of its kind in the nation. Linda also played a key role in the accreditation of the UBNI program by the Accreditation Council for Nutritional Professional Education (ACNPE). Once again, UBNI led the way, as the first program of its kind to earn this accreditation.
Linda has also written extensively about nutrition and nutrition education. She authored Instructor Resource Manuals for Pearson Scientific, where she also helped develop instructional software for nutrition textbooks. Additionally, Linda has also appeared as a nutrition expert on various local television programs.
Linda Fleming, MS, CNS, Program Director
Student voices
Read reviews from real students
Deciding to go back to school while working full time as an English teacher was scary, but every single professor I’ve had in the Nutrition program has been incredible and skillful in presenting the material in a way that’s really fascinating. My nervousness about going back to school turned into excitement and a passion for learning more and knowing more. I can’t believe how much I’ve grown since my first weeks of classes. I had the opportunity to have a paper I worked on published in a peer-reviewed journal. UB allowed me to experience the research side of nutrition, and I’m grateful for that experience.
When looking into online programs, I was worried I would have a hard time shifting from my field of graphic design to a science-focused program like nutrition. UB answered all of my questions and addressed any of my concerns about changing fields. UB’s Nutrition program stood out to me because it had such a heavy emphasis on biochemistry and bio-individuality. Studying at UB has been a truly wonderful experience and will set us apart as we enter the field.
The Human Nutrition program at University of Bridgeport is one of the most clinically-sound programs available. I had excellent classmates and professors during my time at UB, and I have maintained many of the relationships I made while enrolled in the Nutrition program. Since graduating with my master’s degree in Human Nutrition, I’ve started a podcast. The podcast allows me to reach thousands of people with the nutritional wisdom I learned at UB. We have listeners in 55 different countries! I’ve had the opportunity to interview experts in clinical nutrition, and my business partner and I are working on producing a documentary next!
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the nutrition program at UB. All the professors were extremely knowledgeable and had clinical nutrition backgrounds, which enriched the learning experience. The education I’ve gained through the master’s in Nutrition program at UB has provided me with a solid foundation as I embark on my career as a nutritionist.
I chose the master’s in Nutrition program at University of Bridgeport for its reputation and flexibility, and it has exceeded my expectations. UB has a dynamic faculty that are professional and passionate and set students up for success. The professors are knowledgeable, motivating, and accessible. It is remarkable how much I have learned in a short time. While I was hesitant to start an online master’s program while raising three young children, I am so glad that I did, as I now see my path toward a career in Nutrition. UB was the right choice for me.
My experience with the Master of Science in Human Nutrition program was well worth my investment! The program provided me with an excellent foundation for a career transition in functional nutrition without having a science background in my undergrad. The professors in the program exceeded my expectations in terms of support and professionalism. I loved learning from the professors’ experiences. What stood out most in choosing this program was the emphasis placed on biochemistry and the clinical aspect of nutrition. This program challenged me to think critically and taught me how to prepare personalized nutrition strategies based on the biochemistry of an individual. I recommend this program to anyone with an interest in functional nutrition!
I am extremely impressed with University of Bridgeport’s Nutrition program. The curriculum itself is streamlined and flows very efficiently. The faculty provide ample means of communication and are very responsive and engaging. Every class assignment or activity sets the student up to have a very thorough grasp of all the information. Having fulfilled graduate programs in the past, this is by far the most productive experience I have ever had. One could not be more set up for success.
I am really enjoying the nutrition program at UB, and though I was hesitant to take the first step, I am so happy that I made this choice!
My experience at UB in the Nutrition program was amazing and exceeded all my expectations. Before starting the master’s in Human Nutrition program, I worked as an herbalist and small business owner. During the program, I received a grant to investigate and research one of my herbal formulas. I received a second grant to work with the faculty at the Bauer Hall Innovation Center to expand my small business. UB helped me use these two grants to advance my business, including introducing online sales. I want to thank the professors at UB, I learned so much from them, and they gave me invaluable opportunities to grow.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
No — we understand that many of our students are changing careers. This program is designed for students with a passion for nutrition that may not have a background in science. This way, you’ll fulfill any prerequisites needed during your first semester in an online format, along with your classmates.
Students must hold a bachelor’s degree and a 2.75 cumulative GPA.
The online program can be completed in as little at 23 months or up to five years from the start of your first master’s course. The pace is up to you.
Yes. Chiropractors may apply for admission into the Nutrition program in the absence of a baccalaureate degree. The professional degree warrants a waiver of the baccalaureate requirement.
Please discuss (in approximately 500 words) your specific interests and goals within the field of nutrition and your ability to thrive in a rigorous academic environment, including your strengths and potential challenges.
Once your application and all required documents are received, your file will be reviewed by the Nutrition department. Students typically hear back about an admission decision 7-10 business days after their file has been completed.
Yes. The MS in Human Nutrition program is the first to be accredited by the Accreditation Council on Nutrition Professional Education (ACNPE), a programmatic accrediting agency for clinical programs in advanced nutrition.
No. University of Bridgeport’s master’s level degree in Human Nutrition holds no affiliation with the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) or the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). The AND is the professional organization for dietetic practitioners holding undergraduate degrees in nutrition with institutional food service internships. Individuals interested in becoming registered dieticians should consult the Directory of Dietetic Programs, which is published by the AND. Students in this program are qualified to sit for exams given by several nutrition certification organizations upon completion of this program (CNS, CCN, DACBN). Please see career paths and opportunities for more information regarding certification.
A dietitian is a health professional who has received the basic educational requirement of a bachelor’s degree with a major in dietetics, foods, and nutrition, or food service management systems. Registered dietitians are those who pass a certification exam after the completion of their academic program and have taken their supervised experience in institutional food service programs. Individuals interested in clinical nutrition work, nutrition education, and health promotion, but not dietetics, have the option of completing bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in nutrition programs which have no ACEND affiliation. These individuals function independently of the ACEND and disseminate nutrition information through methods such as consultation, research, and teaching. These individuals call themselves nutritionists and they are distinguished from dietitians. Please see Career Paths and Opportunities for more information.
No. Certification as a nutritionist is achieved through your state of residence or through a national nutrition certification organization. In both cases, passing an exam and supervised training are usually requirements for certification. Learn more about Licensing and Certification .
Individuals who wished to join the healthcare profession who had never worked in healthcare beforehand, as well as chiropractors, dental hygienists, exercise physiologists, dentists, medical doctors, pharmacists, nurses, registered dietitians, and teachers. Our degree is ideal for students who are looking to enter the field of healthcare at any stage of life.
Yes. DC’s who have a master’s degree in Nutrition from University of Bridgeport will be eligible to sit for the diplomate of the ACBN. This certification is open to doctors of other specialties as well. It is important to note that certifications and diplomats represent professional recognition. It does not authorize or license an individual to practice, which is a state regulatory function.
Course catalog
Every course, in full
View all courses offered and read full course descriptions in our online course catalog system.
Graduate-level prerequisite courses
3 courses
Graduate-level prerequisite courses
Core curriculum
11 courses
Core curriculum
| Course Code | Course Title |
|---|---|
| NUTR 560A | Pathophysiologic Basis of Metabolic Disease |
| NUTR 560B | Biochemistry of Nutrition |
| NUTR 560C | Vitamins and Minerals |
| NUTR 560D | Clinical Biochemistry and Adv Assessment |
| NUTR 560E | Assessment in Nutrition |
| NUTR 560F | Functional Nutritional Therapeutics |
| NUTR 560G | Lifelong Healing with Food |
| NUTR 560H | Developmental Nutrition |
| NUTR 560K | Virtual Clinic |
| NUTR 560M | Evidence Based Nutrition |
| NUTR 600N | Comprehensive Exam |
Interested in becoming a nutritionist?
Download your free MS Nutrition guide now!
Related programs
Start your application
Our program runs three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). Semester length is 15 weeks.