2023-2024 Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2023-2024 Catalog

Human Physiology and Nutrition, Graduate Programs


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Human Physiology and Nutrition offers a program leading to the degree of Master of Sciences (MSc) in either Applied Physiology or Nutrition and Dietetics. The MSc in Applied Physiology also offers a track in Elite Sport Performance.

General Information

  • A minimum of 30 hours of applicable course work is required for the Applied Physiology degree and Elite Sport Performance track. The Nutrition and Dietetics degree requires 47 credit hours of applicable course work.
  • A grade of “B-” or better is required in all core and required courses taken for the degree.
  • A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA must be maintained on all courses taken for the degree.

Applied Physiology, MSc


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.

Core Courses (5 credit hours)


Complete both of the following required courses.

Capstone Options (25 credit hours)


Students are required to complete one of the Capstone Options listed below, plus electives, to meet the total 30 hours required for the degree.

Thesis Track


Complete 6 credit hours of HPNU Masters Thesis and 19 hours of electives (suggested electives are listed below).

Comprehensive Exam Track


Complete the Comprehensive Examination (0 credits) and 25 credit hours of electives (suggested electives are listed below).

Total Program Credits: 30


Applied Physiology, MSc - Elite Sport Performance Track


The Applied Physiology - Elite Sport Performance track is primarily designed for students who wish to work in the Sports Science environment, particularly with elite athletes. As students move through this track in Elite Sport Performance, they will complete 9 credit hours of Internship experience (HPNU 5990) in environments of elite athletic performance.

The program of study will include classes complementary to a greater understanding of human applied physiology and may include courses in other departments to enhance specialized knowledge, research practicum experiences and independent studies to develop self-sufficiency.

Core Courses (5 credit hours)


Complete both of the following required courses.

Internship Experiences (9 credit hours)


Complete 9 credit hours of Internships. Possible sites of Internship experiences are listed below.  See the Program Director for more information.

  • US Olympic and Paralympic Training Center (Sport Physiology and Strength and Conditioning)
  • USA Cycling
  • USA Volleyball
  • National Strength and Conditioning Association
  • US Air Force Academy Athletics
  • 10th Special Forces Group
  • Colorado College Athletics

Comprehensive Exam


Complete the comprehensive exam as the capstone experience prior to graduation.

Total Program Credits: 30


Nutrition and Dietetics, MSc


The Master of Science (MSc) in Nutrition and Dietetics is intended for students interested in becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). The program is based on the competency standards outlined by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics’ (ACEND) Future Education Model (FEM). The program will provide didactic instruction alongside supervised experiential learning rotations. Students will complete learning objectives under the broad workforce related themes of food systems, community nutrition, and clinical nutrition. Our program offers a unique focus on environmental sustainability with a foundation built on clinical excellence.

Research Requirement (6 credit hours)


Complete 6 credit hours of HPNU Nutrition Graduate Seminar in either the Project Track or the Thesis Track. Contact the Program Director for more information.

Suggested Elective (3 credit hours)


Complete 3 hours of suggested HPNU 5000+ level electives from the list below. Contact the Program Director for additional course options.

Total Program Credits: 47


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