Interested in gaining research experience?

This thesis option may be a good fit if you’re interested in gaining research experience in the many areas of study available in nutrition. Your post-graduate opportunities can range from technical research positions to pursuing a nutrition Ph.D. program.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete at least 30 total credit hours in the following coursework:

• BCH 451 – Principles of Biochemistry or NTR 501 – Advanced Nutrition and Metabolism, or equivalent (3 credit hours)
• ANS/BCH 571 – Regulation of Metabolism or another 500-level course in biochemistry (BCH)
• NTR 601 – MR Seminar (one (1) credit hour)
• At least eight (8) credit hours of NTR courses at the 500-level or above
• Elective courses from NTR or other programs
• Total credits to include 20 credits at 500- and 700- level, and up to six (6) credits of research (NTR 693/695)

We encourage students to enroll in a minor from another program or department. Students and their faculty advisory committee will agree to the course selection for a plan of work.

Admissions Requirements

Our M.S. candidates typically:

• Have a B.S degree in a science-related area, including course work in biology and organic chemistry
• A 3.0 GPA or higher
• Score at or above the 30th percentile in all categories on the GRE
• Have a TOFLE score of 80 or higher or IELTS of 6.5 or higher (for international students only)

Note: We strongly recommend students have higher scores to increase competitiveness for admissions.

Application Process

• Submit your application to The Graduate School. Include in your statement of purpose your specific research interests. We also recommend identifying faculty members with whom you would like to work.
• We recommend that before you receive your letter of admission, contact faculty members whose research is of interest to you. In your email, specify why you would be a good fit for their program and include your resume, GRE scores and transcripts. Do not send a form email. View the FBNS directory to see the research interest(s) of each faculty member.
• Admission to the program is limited by the availability of time and financial resources for faculty.
• Once you are accepted and have established a faculty mentor, work with that mentor to enroll in your first semester’s courses. Course requirements will vary by student and research plan.

Want to expand your knowledge in the science of nutrition?

A Master of Nutrition is a non-thesis degree option that may be a good fit if you’re seeking a career in public health, health and wellness promotion firms and departments, and food and pharmaceutical companies that emphasize the nutritional health of their products.

Degree Requirements

• Minimum 36 credit hours – at least 20 hours must be at the 500 or 700-level
• Four to six semester hours of special problems (NTR 624 or NTR 693)

Each program can be completed in 1.5-2 years. Part-time enrollment may take longer. We also offer many nutrition courses through distance education. These courses, plus electives from other departments, can allow you to complete your graduate degree 100% online. Visit the Distance Education (DELTA) website for more information.

Flexibility in Focus

Students in the Master of Nutrition program can choose from several degree options:

• Feed Science Emphasis: As the world economy expands, there is a growing demand for meat and to efficiently use agricultural byproducts is opening more employment opportunities for graduates of animal feed science programs. The Master of Nutrition- Emphasis in Feed Science program focuses on meeting this need through an emphasis on animal nutrition.
• Human Nutrition, Food and Bioprocessing Emphasis: The Master of Nutrition- Emphasis in Human Nutrition, Food and Bioprocessing can help prepare students for other health careers and jobs in industry, government, and non-profit organizations.
• Professional Science Master of Nutrition – Feed Science Emphasis: The Professional Science Master of Nutrition-Feed Science emphasis will encompass nutrition and business with an emphasis on field experience.  Students will be given the opportunity to work in North Carolina State University’€™s new state-of-the-art feed mill, work in a laboratory, or complete a project in an industry, government or non-profit organization setting.  Settings can be the student’€™s current employer or internships developed by the student or program.
• Professional Science Master of Nutrition – Human Nutrition Emphasis: Upon completion of the Professional Science Master of Nutrition with a Human Nutrition emphasis, graduates possess a broad knowledge of nutrition science and related fields, and the management of this field, and are capable of effectively communicating scientific information.

Note: NC State University does not offer the Certification in Didactic Program in Dietetics for students seeking to become a registered dietitian.

Admissions Requirements

Typically, Master of Nutrition students:

• Have a B.S degree in a science-related area, including course work in biology and organic chemistry
• Have a 3.0 GPA or higher
• Score at or above the 30th percentile in all categories on the GRE
• Have a TOFLE score of 80 or higher or IELTS of 6.5 or higher (for international students only)

Note: We strongly recommend students have higher scores to increase competitiveness for admissions.

Application Process

When you apply for a Master of Nutrition (non-thesis), you are required to choose:

• The program: traditional or distance education
• Your emphasis:
  • Master of Nutrition (non-thesis)
  • Professional Science Master of Nutrition – Human Nutrition Emphasis
  • Professional Science Master of Nutrition -Feed Science Emphasis)