Nutrition is the systematic study of the science of nutrition from the cellular level to the application of nutrition principles in policy development, application, and evaluation. Graduate study in the field of nutrition allows students to attain depth in nutrition science and provides electives to build strength in nutrition and related fields. Advanced courses typically include research methodology, statistics or biostatistics, biochemistry, and physiology.
The graduate nutrition program prepares students to become professionals that serve the public as teachers, health professionals, policy makers, and researchers. Nutrition professionals need to have a strong background in chemistry, biology, and other natural sciences. The curricula in nutrition qualify graduates for teaching and/or research positions in colleges, universities, government, and industry. Other graduates serve as nutrition professionals and consultants in national, state, and local public health agencies; governmental health agencies; community organizations; health care delivery systems; nonprofit agencies; and corporations.
The Department of Nutrition offers a Master’s of Science degree in Nutrition with concentrations in Public Health Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition, and Biomedical Nutrition Science. All of these degrees require graduate coursework in Nutrition Science. Prerequisites for entry into the graduate program in Nutrition are described in the Nutrition 2022 – 2023 Graduate Handbook.
Graduate students in other departments at the University of Tennessee may opt to complete a minor in Nutrition.
Click HERE for MS minor information.
Public Health Nutrition/Community Nutrition MS Concentration
Those entering into the program with a concentration in Public Health Nutrition/Community Nutrition must have a fundamental knowledge of public health, social and behavioral sciences, and educational philosophy and practice. The program has an emphasize in public health and social/behavioral sciences and education, and the students complete concurrent and block field experiences (gaining “hands on” experiences in community settings) during their graduate study. Additionally, a dual MS-MPH degree is available, in which the concentration for the MS degree is Public Health Nutrition. The departmental application is required for all students seeking admission to the MS degree in the Department of Nutrition. An additional separate application for the MPH program is required for students seeking admission to the dual MS-MPH degree.
Click HERE for more information about the Public Health-Nutrition MS Program.
Clinical Nutrition MS Concentration
The Clinical Nutrition program is only available for students who have completed four year undergraduate Nutrition program at the University of Tennessee in the Nutrition Department with a concentration in Dietetics. Students in the Clinical Nutrition concentration complete a MS and supervised practice. Upon successful completion of the five year process (the four year undergraduate and one year graduate program) students would be eligible to take the RDN credentialing exam.
Click HERE for more information about the Clinical Nutrition MS Program.
Biomedical Nutrition Science MS Concentration
A graduate degree in Biomedical Nutrition Science can lead to excellent careers and professional opportunities in the applied, industrial, research, and academic health sectors.
The program’s mission is to promote an understanding of the relationship between nutrition and disease, through conducting basic nutritional science research, using predominantly cellular, biochemical, and molecular techniques, translational, and animal models of human disease.
Click HERE for more information about the Biomedical Nutrition Science MS Program.
The Department of Nutrition offers a doctoral degree in Nutritional Sciences. Students seeking this degree may emphasize specialization in Community Nutrition or Biomedical Nutrition Science.
Click HERE for more information on PhD program with a concentration in Community Nutrition
Click HERE for more information on the PhD program with a concentration in Biomedical Nutrition Science