Master of Science in Nutritional Health

The application deadline is extended to April 30 for Fall 2025.

UT Southwestern Master of Science in Nutritional Health is a fully online program focused on advanced topics in nutrition. This program is designed for undergraduate students, medical students, Registered Dietitians, and healthcare professionals seeking an advanced degree to deepen their nutrition expertise. Our courses aim to develop students' research skills, foster independent thinking, and provide up-to-date knowledge to apply evidence-based nutrition practices.

Program Mission

The Master of Science in Nutritional Health utilizes the innovative resources of UT Southwestern to prepare graduates to meet the demands of the changing health care system. Having developed a solid foundation in nutritional science, graduates can effectively apply knowledge within their scope of practice. Individualized experiences prepare students to become experts in the field as they achieve career goals in healthcare and research.

Program Goals and Objectives

Competent Nutrition Screening and Assessment

Goal:

Prepare graduates to be competent in nutrition screening and assessing the nutrition status of patients to provide nutrition care within their scope of practice and make appropriate referrals.

Objectives:

Apply knowledge of nutrition for patients with diverse medical conditions

Collaborate within interdisciplinary teams to support nutrition care for patients with complex medical problems
Interpret and Communicate Science-based Principles

Goal:

Prepare graduates to interpret and communicate science-based principles of nutrition science and current research.

Objectives:

Provide nutrition education to populations with diverse nutritional needs

Analyze published research to support the evidence-based practice of nutrition

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require at least a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website here.

Becoming a Registered Dietitian

Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university or foreign equivalent.
Complete a Didactic Program in Dietetics

Successfully complete an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics either concurrently or after earning degree.
Earn a Master's Degree

Enroll in a graduate degree program with a dietetic internship component or complete the graduate degree program before applying to dietetic internship.
Complete Dietetic Internship

After a successful application and match, complete an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship Program.
Pass Credentialing Exam

Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

Accreditation

UT Southwestern Medical Center is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award Master of Science in Nutritional Health. Questions about the accreditation of UT Southwestern Medical Center may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website.