2020-2021 Catalog 
    
    Nov 23, 2024  
2020-2021 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Human Physiology and Nutrition, Graduate Programs


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 Human Physiology and Nutrition, Graduate Programs

Human Physiology and Nutrition offers a program leading to the degree of Master of Sciences (MSc) with options in either Applied Physiology or Sports Nutrition. In addition, the Department offers a Master of Science (MS) degree in Strength and Conditioning. Graduate students pursue coursework in these areas of study and related disciplines (biology, chemistry), providing the students with a diverse integrated curriculum of study.

MSc Applied Physiology

The Master of Science (MS) degree in Applied Physiology is primarily designed for students who desire to enter the workforce as physiologists in either research or applied settings. The degree is also suited for those intending to pursue further education at the doctoral level (MD, DPT, PhD, etc.) . Students apply to work with a specific faculty mentor. The curriculum allows faculty mentors to tailor the student’s program of study to meet individual goals and research agendas. The program of study may include courses in other departments to enhance specialized knowledge, research practicum experiences off campus to broaden skill sets, and independent studies to develop self-sufficiency.

Core Requirements (5 credits total)

Research Requirements (0-6 credits total)

Thesis Track

Comprehensive Exam Track 

Completion of Comprehensive Examination (0 credits, requires 6 additional elective credits)

Suggested Electives (19-25 credits total)

Total Program Credits: 30

MSc Sports Nutrition

The Master of Sciences (MSc) degree in Sport Nutrition is designed to prepare registered dietitians (RDs or RD eligible) and/or internationally recognized nutritionists to become sport dietitians with an emphasis in sustainability. Non-RD students who have completed a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), exercise physiology and biochemistry course are also eligible to apply to this program. Graduates are prepared to take leadership roles in providing nutrition services to high school, collegiate, recreational, elite, and professional athletes and active individuals of all sports and genders. This degree prepares students for the Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) Examination offered to RDs through the Commission for Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). The degree offers students three capstone options: thesis, project, and comprehensive exam.

Research Requirements (0-6 credits total)

Thesis Track

Project Track

Comprehensive Exam Track

Completion of Comprehensive Examination and 6 credits of graduate electives. (0 credits, requires 14 additional elective credits)

Sports Nutrition Requirements (21 credits total)

Sports Nutrition Electives (8-14 credits)

Total Program Credits: 35

MS Strength and Conditioning

The Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning offers the opportunity for the individual seeking applied skills in strength and conditioning to develop an interprofessional approach to athlete development. Opportunities for hands-on experiences are available at many premiere sites in the community. The curriculum enhances fundamental concepts through advanced strength and conditioning courses, while also including complementary subjects such as sports nutrition and sports rehabilitation. Our goals are to equip students with diverse and advance knowledge base in the field of strength and conditioning, instill confidence in students’ practical skills, and develop professionals who can interpret and apply research in their practice.

Research Requirements (6 credits total)

Capstone Requirements (9 credits total)

Thesis Track

Project Track

Comprehensive Exam Track

Completion of Comprehensive Exam (0 credits, requires 3 additional elective credits)

Core Requirements (22 credits total)

Suggested Electives

Total Credits: 37

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MSc Applied Physiology


The Master of Sciences (MSc) degree in Applied Physiology is primarily designed for students who desire additional preparation before pursing further education at the doctoral level (MD, DPT, PhD, etc.). Students apply to work with a specific faculty mentor. The curriculum allows faculty mentors to tailor the student’s program of study to meet individual goals and research agendas. The program of study may include courses in other departments to enhance specialized knowledge, research practicum experiences off campus to broaden skill sets, and independent studies to develop self-sufficiency.

MSc Sports Nutrition


The Master of Sciences (MSc) degree in Sport Nutrition is designed to prepare registered dietitians (RDs or RD eligible) and/or internationally recognized nutritionists to become sport dietitians with an emphasis in sustainability. Non-RD students who have completed a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), exercise physiology and biochemistry course are also eligible to apply to this program. Graduates are prepared to take leadership roles in providing nutrition services to high school, collegiate, recreational, elite, and professional athletes and active individuals of all sports and genders. This degree prepares students for the Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) Examination offered to RDs through the Commission for Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). The degree offers students three capstone options: thesis, project, and comprehensive exam.

Research Requirements (0-6 credits total)


Thesis Track


Project Track


Comprehensive Exam Track


Completion of Comprehensive Examination and 6 credits of graduate electives. (0 credits, requires 14 additional elective credits)

Total Program Credits: 35


MS Strength and Conditioning


The Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning offers the opportunity for the individual seeking applied skills in strength and conditioning to develop an interprofessional approach to athlete development. Opportunities for hands-on experiences are available at many premiere sites in the community. The curriculum enhances fundamental concepts through advanced strength and conditioning courses, while also including complementary subjects such as sports nutrition and sports rehabilitation. Our goals are to equip students with diverse and advance knowledge base in the field of strength and conditioning, instill confidence in students’ practical skills, and develop professionals who can interpret and apply research in their practice.

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