Master of Science (M.S.) Major in Human Nutrition (Thesis Option)

Program Overview

The Graduate program in Human Nutrition promotes the study of human nutrition, food science, and biotechnology with emphasis on promoting health and preventing disease. Graduate instruction is based on a variety of learning strategies, including lecture, seminar-style discussion, participation in research, and practical laboratory work using state of the art equipment and techniques. Graduates achieve the technical skills, scientific knowledge, and local, national, and global perspectives to integrate the fields of nutrition, food science and food biotechnology to address human health concerns of the 21st century. 

Dietetic Internship Concurrent Enrollment

Students enrolled in the M.S. program who are interested in obtaining the registered dietitian (RD) credential are encouraged to apply for admission to the Texas State dietetic internship (DI) after they have completed at least one term. While up to nine hours of courses taken as part of the DI may count towards the M.S. degree, completion of both the M.S. and DI may require more course work than needed to complete the M.S. alone. Students interested in this dual option are required to meet with the graduate coordinator to determine courses required to complete both programs. It is important to note that admission to the M.S. does not guarantee acceptance into the Texas State DI. 

Application Requirements

Application requirements consist of institutional and program requirements for applicable semesters of entry during the current academic year. Additional information and changes to admission requirements for semesters other than the current academic year can be found on The Graduate College's website.

Unless otherwise noted on The Graduate College program page, AI tools can only be used to correct spelling and grammar errors in application materials.

Institutional Requirements

Institutional requirements are the minimum standards for admission to any graduate program at Texas State. These include:

  • Completed online application
  • Nonrefundable application fee
    • Degree Programs (Doctoral and Master’s)
      • $55 fee, or
      • $90 for applications with international credentials
    • Post-Baccalaureate Programs (Certificate, Certification, Non-Degree, and Visiting)
      • $20 fee, or
      • $60 for applications with international credentials
  • Official transcripts from each institution where course credit was granted. Final transcripts showing degree completion are required before the student may register for their second term of enrollment. 
  • GPA requirements (a higher GPA may be listed in the Program Requirements)
    • Doctoral programs require a 3.00 overall GPA or a 3.00 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses).
    • Master’s and Specialist programs require a 2.75 overall GPA or a 2.75 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses).
    • Post-Baccalaureate programs require a 2.50 overall GPA or a 2.50 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses).
  • Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university. (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)

Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores

Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list. Some programs may restrict acceptable tests or require higher scores than the institutional scores; this will be noted in the Program Requirements.

  • official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall if taken on or before January 21, 2026
  • official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 4 overall if taken after January 21, 2026
  • official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
  • official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
  • official Duolingo scores required with a 110 overall
  • official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
  • official Texas State Intensive English Program score of 90% or higher in the highest-level course (level 5)

The institution does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.

  • completed online application
  • $55 nonrefundable application fee

          or

  • $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
  • baccalaureate degree (preferably in nutrition, food science or a related field) from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
  • official transcripts from each institution where course credit was granted
  • a 3.0 overall GP or a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
  • background course work in: 
    • Introductory Biology
    • Introductory Nutrition 
    • Microbiology
    • Anatomy and Physiology
    • Introductory Chemistry (at least two semesters)
    • Organic Chemistry (at least one course)
    • Biochemistry 
    • Nutrition in the Lifespan
    • Biochemical Nutrition
  • GRE not required
  • resume/CV
  • statement of purpose describing professional aspirations and rationale for pursuing graduate study
  • three letters of recommendation from professionals or academics competent to assess the student's interest in pursuing a career in nutrition
  • interview will include oral and written responses

Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores

Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.

  • official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
  • official PTE scores required with a 52
  • official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
  • official Duolingo Scores required with a 110 overall
  • official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall

This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science (M.S.) degree with a major in Human Nutrition requires 33 semester credit hours, including a thesis. Students who do not have the appropriate background course work may be required to complete a leveling course.

Course Requirements

Required Courses
FCS 5311Statistics and Data Analysis for Family and Consumer Sciences3
NUTR 5305Seminar in Nutrition and Disease3
NUTR 5306Seminar in Nutrition in the Lifespan3
NUTR 5350Research Methods in Nutrition and Food Science3
NUTR 5364The Science of Nutrition and Exercise3
NUTR 5366Macronutrient Metabolism3
NUTR 5367Micronutrient Metabolism3
NUTR 5372Advances in Nutrition Policy and Ethics3
Prescribed Elective
Choose 3 hours from the following:3
Special Problems in Technical Agriculture
Exercise Physiology
Nutritional Supplements
Pediatric Obesity
Diet Therapy and Pathophysiology
Advanced Independent Study in Nutrition
Practicum for Dietetic Internship
Advanced Food Systems Administration
Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy
Advanced Community Nutrition
Externship in Human Nutrition
Advanced Nutrition and Genetics
Spanish for the Professions
Thesis
NUTR 5399AThesis3
Choose a minimum of 3 hours from the following:3
Thesis
Thesis
Thesis
Thesis
Thesis
Total Hours33

Comprehensive Examination Requirement

Students pursuing the thesis option will write and defend their thesis for the comprehensive exam. Students who do not successfully defend their thesis will have two additional opportunities to defend.

Students who do not successfully complete the requirements for the degree within the timelines specified will be dismissed from the program.

If a student elects to follow the thesis option for the degree, a committee to direct the written thesis will be established. The thesis must demonstrate the student’s capability for research and independent thought. Preparation of the thesis must be in conformity with the Graduate College Guide to Preparing and Submitting a Thesis or Dissertation.

Thesis Proposal

The student must submit an official Thesis Proposal Form and proposal to his or her thesis committee. Thesis proposals vary by department and discipline. Please see your department for proposal guidelines and requirements. After signing the form and obtaining committee members’ signatures, the graduate advisor’s signature if required by the program and the department chair’s signature, the student must submit the Thesis Proposal Form with one copy of the proposal attached to the dean of The Graduate College for approval before proceeding with research on the thesis. If the thesis research involves human subjects, the student must obtain exemption or approval from the Texas State Institutional Review Board prior to submitting the proposal form to The Graduate College. The IRB approval letter should be included with the proposal form. If the thesis research involves vertebrate animals, the proposal form must include the Texas State IACUC approval code. It is recommended that the thesis proposal form be submitted to the dean of The Graduate College by the end of the student’s enrollment in 5399A. Failure to submit the thesis proposal in a timely fashion may result in delayed graduation.

Thesis Committee

The thesis committee must be composed of a minimum of three approved graduate faculty members.

Thesis Enrollment and Credit

The completion of a minimum of six hours of thesis enrollment is required. For a student's initial thesis course enrollment, the student will need to register for thesis course number 5399A.  After that, the student will enroll in thesis B courses, in each subsequent semester until the thesis is defended with the department and approved by The Graduate College. Preliminary discussions regarding the selection of a topic and assignment to a research supervisor will not require enrollment for the thesis course.

Students must be enrolled in thesis credits if they are receiving supervision and/or are using university resources related to their thesis work.  The number of thesis credit hours students enroll in must reflect the amount of work being done on the thesis that semester.  It is the responsibility of the committee chair to ensure that students are making adequate progress toward their degree throughout the thesis process.  Failure to register for the thesis course during a term in which supervision is received may result in postponement of graduation. After initial enrollment in 5399A, the student will continue to enroll in a thesis B course as long as it takes to complete the thesis. Thesis projects are by definition original and individualized projects.  As such, depending on the topic, methodology, and other factors, some projects may take longer than others to complete.  If the thesis requires work beyond the minimum number of thesis credits needed for the degree, the student may enroll in additional thesis credits at the committee chair's discretion. In the rare case when a student has not previously enrolled in thesis and plans to work on and complete the thesis in one term, the student will enroll in both 5399A and 5399B.

The only grades assigned for thesis courses are PR (progress), CR (credit), W (withdrew), and F (failing). If acceptable progress is not being made in a thesis course, the instructor may issue a grade of F. If the student is making acceptable progress, a grade of PR is assigned until the thesis is completed. The minimum number of hours of thesis credit (“CR”) will be awarded only after the thesis has been both approved by The Graduate College and released to Alkek Library.

A student who has selected the thesis option must be registered for the thesis course during the term or Summer I (during the summer, the thesis course runs ten weeks for both sessions) in which the degree will be conferred.

Thesis Deadlines and Approval Process

Thesis deadlines are posted on The Graduate College website under "Current Students." The completed thesis must be submitted to the chair of the thesis committee on or before the deadlines listed on The Graduate College website.

The following must be submitted to The Graduate College by the thesis deadline listed on The Graduate College website:

  1. The Thesis Submission Approval Form bearing original (wet) and/or electronic signatures of the student and all committee members.
  2. One (1) PDF of the thesis in final form, approved by all committee members, uploaded in the online Vireo submission system.  

After the dean of The Graduate College approves the thesis, Alkek Library will harvest the document from the Vireo submission system for publishing in the Digital Collections database (according to the student's embargo selection). NOTE: MFA Creative Writing theses will have a permanent embargo and will never be published to Digital Collections. 

While original (wet) signatures are preferred, there may be situations as determined by the chair of the committee in which obtaining original signatures is inefficient or has the potential to delay the student's progress. In those situations, the following methods of signing are acceptable:

  • signing and faxing the form
  • signing, scanning, and emailing the form
  • notifying the department in an email from their university's or institution's email account that the committee chair can sign the form on their behalf
  • electronically signing the form using the university's licensed signature platform.

If this process results in more than one document with signatures, all documents need to be submitted to The Graduate College together.

No copies are required to be submitted to Alkek Library. However, the library will bind copies submitted that the student wants bound for personal use. Personal copies are not required to be printed on archival quality paper. The student will take the personal copies to Alkek Library and pay the binding fee for personal copies.

Master's level courses in Human Nutrition: NUTR

Courses Offered

Nutrition and Foods (NUTR)

NUTR 5199B. Thesis Research in Nutrition.

This course is a structured research experience where students earn course credit for actively conducting thesis research. Students complete supervised research under the direction of a graduate faculty member and in collaboration with their thesis committee members. This course covers the implementation of the proposed thesis project, including data collection, analysis, interpretation, and writing of the final thesis. This course is repeatable for credit.

1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit

NUTR 5299B. Thesis Research in Nutrition.

This course is a structured research experience, where students earn course credit for actively conducting thesis research. Students complete supervised research under the direction of a graduate faculty member and in collaboration with their thesis committee members. This course covers the implementation of the proposed thesis project, such as data collection, analysis, interpretation, and writing of the final thesis. This course is repeatable for credit.

2 Credit Hours. 2 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit

NUTR 5300. Foundational Studies in Human Nutrition.

This course provides foundational coursework to support preparation for the M.S. in Human Nutrition program. The course includes three sections aligned with undergraduate subject areas considered foundational for graduate study in human nutrition: food science, biochemical nutrition, and nutrition across the lifespan. Students engage with core concepts, theories, and applications relevant to each subject area. This course does not count for credit toward the M.S. in Human Nutrition degree. The course is repeatable when different sections are taken. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Exclude from Graduate GPA|Leveling
Grade Mode: Leveling/Assistantships

NUTR 5305. Seminar in Nutrition and Disease.

This course is an advanced study of selected topics related to the role of nutrients and functional foods in disease prevention, progression, and treatment. Students evaluate and analyze current available scientific literature on the ability of nutrients and/or other metabolites to prevent or treat diseases. This course emphasizes foundational physiology and biochemistry to assess nutritional and physiological changes during disease development and progression. Students examine information from clinical, epidemiological data, and molecular studies to inform nutrition recommendations pertaining to various disease stages. Repeated for credit when topic varies.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NUTR 5306. Seminar in Nutrition in the Lifespan.

This course is an advanced study of nutrition in later life from an interdisciplinary perspective, integrating nutrition science, physiology, gerontology, public health, and the nonmedical drivers of health. Students examine ageism and its impact on health, analyze physiological and functional changes that influence nutritional needs, and review evidence-based recommendations for older adults. Through applied, community-based projects, students design, implement, and evaluate nutrition interventions and communicate program results and impact to executive and community stakeholders. Repeatable for credit when topic varies.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NUTR 5320. Diet Therapy and Pathophysiology.

This course is an advanced study of the physiological and biochemical alterations associated with acute and chronic disease states across human body systems, with emphasis on medical nutrition therapy as a primary intervention. Students analyze disease etiology, clinical manifestations, and nutrition-related complications using evidence-based guidelines. The course applies foundational biochemistry, pharmacology, and nutrition science to assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and monitoring within the Nutrition Care Process. Special attention is given to food–medication interactions, therapeutic diets, enteral and parenteral nutrition, and menu planning for varied populations. Ethical practice, patient-centered care, and appropriate documentation standards are integrated throughout the course.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NUTR 5350. Research Methods in Nutrition.

This course is an advanced study of research models in nutrition and dietetics grounded in rigorous application of the scientific method. Students learn about the responsible conduct of research, research ethics, core research concepts, and commonly used observational and experimental study designs. Course offerings may focus on research studies related to preclinical models, including cells, tissues, and animals, or clinical and community-based studies involving human participants. Emphasis is placed on synthesis of evidence through development of a comprehensive literature review within either a preclinical translational or public health and population-level perspective.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NUTR 5355. Advanced Independent Study in Nutrition.

This course is an advanced study of a topic in nutrition or dietetics, with approval and supervision by a graduate faculty member in the M.S. Human Nutrition program. Students complete necessary training in procedures, participate in research, practice, or policy activities, and generate products under the guidance of their faculty supervisor. Potential options for an advanced independent study include supervised practice in nutrition or dietetics or supervised research in primary, secondary, or tertiary research studies in nutrition or dietetics. This course may be taken more than once for credit with approval from the faculty mentor and Graduate Advisor.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NUTR 5360. Practicum for Dietetic Internship.

This course is a supervised practice course providing structured experiential learning in clinical nutrition, community nutrition, foodservice systems management, and professional development. Under the supervision of registered dietitian nutritionists and other qualified professionals, students complete required supervised and alternate supervised practice hours in healthcare, public health, and food systems settings. Emphasis is placed on application of evidence-based nutrition care, professional communication, interprofessional collaboration, quality improvement, and ethical practice. Students demonstrate entry-level competencies through performance evaluations, structured assignments, and reflective self-assessment. Supervised practice requirements necessary for eligibility for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential are a component of this course. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

3 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 6 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit

NUTR 5361. Advanced Food Systems Administration.

This course is an advanced study of the principles, policies, and procedures used in the management of institutional food systems. Students analyze planning, procurement, production, staffing, budgeting, quality assurance, and evaluation processes within diverse foodservice settings. Emphasis is placed on systems design, organizational structure, workflow efficiency, and human resource management. The course applies management and business theories to foodservice operations, including recipe standardization, cost control, purchasing, sanitation, workplace safety, and regulatory compliance. Students evaluate operational decisions that influence sustainability, financial performance, and service quality. This course provides the managerial and analytical foundation for supervised laboratory application in food systems production and management.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NUTR 5362. Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy.

This course provides advanced study of medical nutrition therapy with emphasis on the application of principles and techniques of nutritional assessment and evidence-based clinical nutrition practice. Students apply the Nutrition Care Process to evaluate and manage disease states across the lifespan. Topics include neonatal nutrition, malnutrition, nutrition support therapy, diabetes, renal disease, cardiovascular disease, and critical care. Current scientific literature, evidence analysis resources, and professional practice guidelines are used to guide clinical decision making. Emphasis is placed on interpretation of patient data, nutrition support calculations, and development of patient education resources relevant to dietetics practice.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NUTR 5363. Advanced Community Nutrition.

This course provides an advanced study of the Nutrition Care Process for community and public health nutrition including needs assessment, problem and nutritional need identification, program design, implementation, capacity building, and program evaluation. Students will review current public health nutrition programs within the food security safety net and regional best practices. Following an implementation science frameworks and social-behavioral models, students will apply theory to practice through the implementation of a unique community program, engagement with interest holders, and evaluate initial implementation. of programs/interventions, including nutrition education and behavioral nutrition/dietary modification.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NUTR 5364. The Science of Nutrition and Exercise.

This course is an advanced study of how nutrition and exercise impact health, fitness, and physical performance. Students explore the integration of human energy systems and macronutrient metabolism as they relate to wellness and sport performance, with emphasis on the physiological adaptations induced by nutrition and exercise. Students analyze conditions for which athletes are at increased risk are evaluate evidence-based nutritional strategies to address them. Students apply principles of programming and periodization to long-term nutritional planning while accounting for athlete performance and body composition goals. Interpersonal, analytical, and critical thinking skills are developed through written and oral presentations on emerging topics in nutrition and exercise. Conceptual learning is applied to real-world scenarios through case study analysis.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NUTR 5366. Macronutrient Metabolism.

This course is an advanced study of the biochemical and physiological foundations of macronutrient metabolism and its critical role in human health and chronic disease prevention. The course examines the structural properties, metabolic pathways, and physiological regulation of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Students explore the integration of metabolic cycles across various tissues and the cellular mechanisms governing energy balance. The curriculum investigates current scientific literature to evaluate evidence-based findings in nutritional biochemistry and metabolic signaling. Additionally, the course reviews analytical methods for assessing nutritional status, ranging from clinical measures to advanced research techniques such as metabolomics and calorimetry.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NUTR 5367. Micronutrient Metabolism.

This course encompasses an advanced study of the biochemical and physiological foundations of nutrition with emphasis on vitamins and minerals. Current scientific knowledge pertaining to metabolism, physiology, metabolic disorders is discussed in depth providing students with relevant, comprehensive knowledge of micronutrient metabolism to support clinical application. Students also learn to design mechanistic in vitro and preclinical experiments utilizing molecular biological techniques. Students apply their knowledge and produce an iteratively-written research proposal exploring the molecular mechanism through which a dietary compound treats a disease or disorder.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NUTR 5371. Externship in Human Nutrition.

This course is a structured practical experience in human nutrition in which students earn course credit for relevant work at an off-campus site. Students complete supervised work under the direction of a graduate faculty member and in collaboration with a designated person at the work site. In addition, students must complete a minimum of 150 hours during the semester to earn credit for this externship course. Students must gain approval to take this course from the Graduate Advisor. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

3 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 40 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NUTR 5372. Advanced Nutrition Policy and Ethics.

This course is an advanced study of laws, guidelines, and other agenda setting policies that influence nutrition for communities, populations, and society in the U.S. and around the world. This course covers nutrition and food policy with a focus on food security. Students will explore economic, ethical, and epidemiological driven reasons for changing policies, systems, and environments. They will learn about key policy actors, including governmental and non-governmental organizations and their role in shaping policy nationally and internationally. Through assignments, students will learn how to apply the policy process to develop and evaluate effective policy solutions for a community or population.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NUTR 5374. Advanced Nutrition and Genetics.

This course is an advanced study that explores nutrigenomics, nutrigenetics, and epigenetics. Specifically, this course examines how nutrients alter gene expression and the impact of these phenomena on physiology, inborn errors related to nutrient metabolism, the resulting disorders, and the implications for medical nutrition therapy are discussed in depth. Genetic polymorphisms affecting nutrient metabolism and signaling are also explored with particular attention paid to appropriate dietary, lifestyle, and pharmacological interventions. The role of diet on epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation, histone acetylation, is also explored. Students also integrate variance in DNA sequence with alterations in protein structure and function with respect to inborn metabolic errors and prescribe relevant nutritional interventions.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

NUTR 5399A. Thesis Proposal in Nutrition.

This course is a structured research experience, where students earn course credit for preparing their thesis proposals. Students complete supervised research under the direction of a graduate faculty member and in collaboration with their thesis committee members. This course covers the iterative process of problem/issue identification for a thesis topic and literature review, research design, and writing of the thesis proposal. This course is repeatable for credit. No thesis credit is awarded until a thesis course like NUTR 5399B is completed.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit

NUTR 5399B. Thesis Research in Nutrition.

This course is a structured research experience, where students earn course credit for actively conducting thesis research. Students complete supervised research under the direction of a graduate faculty member and in collaboration with their thesis committee members. This course covers the implementation of the proposed thesis project, such as data collection, analysis, interpretation, and writing of the final thesis.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit