What makes this program unique?

1. Earn a Master of Science in Nutritional Science in 1 or 2 years
2. 100% online
3. Courses taught by experienced nutritional Sciences and dietetic faculty
4. Provides two unique concentrations of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Biochemical and Functional Nutrition

Can I apply for Fall or Spring admission?

Yes! Our program is now accepting applications for both Fall and Spring admissions.  Fall admissions will open in early December of the preceding year. For example: Fall 2022 will open in December 2021. Spring admissions will open in August of the preceding year. For example: Spring 2022 will open in August 2021.

What are the prerequisites for admission to this program?

All applicants must have completed a bachelors degree prior to enrollment in the program.  All applicants must also have completed Biochemistry, Organic Chemsitry, and Physiology in addition to at least one nutrition course. Provided here is a list of unviersities that offer online courses that fulfill the pre-requisites for this program.

Do I have to follow the curriculum as is? Can I take more or fewer classes per semester?

Courses in the MSNS program are seven weeks long. Four courses per 15-week semester will be offered. The first two are completed during weeks 1-7 and the third and fourth courses are completed during weeks 8-15.

We recommend students take all four classes each semester, but students have the option to take only two courses per semester. Students are unable to take additional courses per semester at this time.

The last day to drop a class and receive a refund is the 12th class day in each long semester.

How flexible is the program schedule?

The MSNS program is designed to help students progress at a consistent pace. Students will complete weekly assignments and participate in discussions and activities. Although these activities are required, students have the flexibility to work on them at a convenient time of day. Each course will have unique assignments and schedules presented at the beginning of the course.

The last day to drop a class and receive a refund is the 12th class day of each long semester.

What is the class schedule?

The MSNS program is offered via online classes over seven-week periods. Students are able to access webinars, presentations, readings, assignments and discussions at their convenience. The program begins each fall and spring. Students completing the 1-year track will take four 7-week core courses during the fall semester and students completing the 2-year track will take two 7-week core courses. During the Spring semester 1-year students complete four courses in their concentration and 2-year students complete two courses in their concentration. In the summer 1-year track students finish their fifth core and concentration courses (two courses) for graduation, and the 2-year track students complete their fifth core course. The 2-year track students repeat the same schedule for their second year and graduate the second summer. Each new cohort begins in the fall or the spring. 

The last day to drop a class and receive a refund is the 12th class day of the semester.

How long does it take to complete the MSNS degree?

Students admitted to begin the MSNS degree program will have the option to complete the program in 1 or 2 years.

When is the next cohort starting and when I can apply for the next admissions cycle?

The next cohort of students will begin the MSNS program in Spring 2022 and will have the option to complete the program in 1 year.  Applications are now being accepted through November 1, 2021 for a Spring 2022 start.

How much time should I expect to devote to studying/classwork per week?

The work is planned to take the student 5-7 hours per module at 2 modules/week. The 2-year track students should plan on 10-14 hours/week and the 1-year track students should plan on 20-28 hours/week. This includes reading, studying, and projects. 

Can I become an RD (Registered Dietitian) by completing the MSNS ?

No. The MSNS is designed to provide advanced nutrition training to students who have already completed their Bachelor’s in Nutrition or a related science field. This degree does not provide a path to the RD (Registered Dietitian) certification. For additional information about becoming an RD (Registered Dietitian), please see Dietetics.

How much does this program cost?

Total program cost of tuition is $22,500.  Tuition is $750 per credit hour.

Fees range from approximately $500-$1200 per semester based on the number of credit hours taken.

A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to ensure enrollment into the program. This deposit will then be applied to the first semester tuition cost.

How do I apply for Financial Aid?

Applicants for this program are eligible for Federal Direct Loans and some private sector loans. See Financial Aid for more information. Due to the nature of the program other financial support, such as Teaching Assistant positions and scholarship money, is not available for MSNS graduate students.

What are career opportunities for graduates with a degree in Nutritional Sciences?

The MSNS degree program prepares students for clinical, food service, counseling, and community nutrition careers. To see recent placements of graduates from the Department of Nutritional Sciences see Career Opportunities.

Is the GRE required?

No, However, if you would like to submit a previously taken score, you may still do so. We accept accept the GRE, MCAT, DAT, OAT, or PCAT, as long as the score is not expired!  Upload your standardized test score documentaiton as a supplemental document on the Apply Texas application. 

What is a CNS nutritionist?

Does this MSNS degree program satisfy the academic requirement to earn a CNS credential?

The University of Texas at Austin's MS in Nutritional Sciences program fulfills part of the current academic requirements for the Board Certified Nutrition Specialist (BCNS) certification.  BCNS requires a graduate degree in the field of nutrition from a regionally accredited university, specific coursework, and 1,000 hour of supervised experience. BCNS reviews each candidate individually, including current course descriptions, transcripts, and experience to determine eligibility. To learn more about becoming a CNS, visit https://theana.org/certify.  View the ANA seminar from July 20, 2022 to learn more about the requirements to satisfy CNS credentialing. https://utexas.zoom.us/rec/share/RtzhV6Fn3Ny1otODhC-01Rs5G1gf5v5IckLvflc1iR9adlFfwKorda9_HGKh4NMR.EMIJ58m3m4Yq25z5?startTime=1658354072000