Nutrition and Health Sciences (MS)

The Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences is internationally recognized for its research, teaching, and outreach programs. Our classrooms and research laboratories are state-of-the-art and every graduate student is matched with an advisor whose expertise matches the student's career interests.

Our department offers a research-based MS degrees in Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition, and a research or non-research option in several diverse areas of study: Community Nutrition and Health Promotion, Hospitality Management, and Nutrition and Exercise. In addition, students can earn a non-research master's degree (MS without thesis) in Dietetics (RD required) and Professional Studies in Dietetics.

Because of the diversity of degree programs offered through the Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences and the Nutrition Interdepartmental program, students are encouraged to refer to the Nutrition and Health Sciences website to learn more about areas of study and degree programs, admission requirements, and step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Specializations

• Biomedical and Molecular Nutrition
• Community Nutrition & Health Promotion
• Dietetics (Online)
• Hospitality Management
  The focus of the Hospitality Management specialization is unique in Nebraska. No other department in the NU system proposes the same specialization. This specialization will provide students with the unique opportunity to develop expertise in an area of growing need both within and outside the state of Nebraska.
• Nutrition and Exercise

  Students will acquire core competencies in nutrition, exercise, research design, and statistics.

  For more information go to https://cehs.unl.edu/nhs/graduate-programs/#msnuhs.

• Professional Studies in Dietetics

Program-Related Information

Graduate Chair

Sathish Kumar Natarajan
402-472-3716
snatarajan2@unl.edu

Support Staff

Kelly Durkin
402-472-3716
kdurkin2@unl.edu 

Program Website

https://cehs.unl.edu/nhs/graduate-programs/

• Three recommendation letters
• Resume/CV
• Personal Statement:  This statement is one of the most critical parts of your application. This is your opportunity to tell us about your personal and professional goals, why you desire a graduate degree in this area, and anything else that provides the Graduate Committee with a glimpse of "who you are." Demonstrate that your goals have been well thought out and that you understand what you are getting into. If you have job and/or volunteer experience that is relevant to your academic pursuits, provide details. It is helpful to highlight your strengths, although you should also address any weaknesses (such as poor grades or low GRE scores) and describe how that will affect your success as a graduate student. If you believe extenuating circumstances have hindered your academic progress, describe them in enough detail to help the Graduate Committee judge your application. (1-2 pages)
• Faculty:  Applicants must have a confirmed advisor before applying. Applicants must communicate with individual graduate faculty by providing compelling reasons why their application should be considered in addition to serving as their graduate research advisor. Detailing volunteer, professional, and research experience as well as demonstrating passion and interest in their areas of research are key components. At least one faculty must agree to serve as the applicant's advisor before an applicant can submit their application. Applicants who apply without a confirmed advisor will be denied.
• Funding: See NUHS Graduate Programs for information about applying for graduate assistantships and fellowships.
• Hospitality Management: 
  • GRE (optional)
  • Personal Statement: In approximately 500 words, outline your career objectives and identify 1) how your hospitality employment background has prepared you for graduate study, and 2) how the Hospitality Management specialization will help you to achieve your career objectives. 
• Professional Studies in Dietetics:
  • Resume/CV: Include in your resume all of the following information in sufficient detail to clearly indicate your experiences and achievements:  1) Academic Degrees (degree and date conferred or expected); 2) Honors and Awards (name of honor or award and year received); 3) Certifications; 4) Work Experience (title, employer, date range of work experience, brief explanation of responsibilities); 5) Volunteer/Leadership/Other Experience (role, organization name, date range of experience, brief explanation of experience); 6) Professional/Organizational Memberships (organization name and length of membership). It is expected that your resume will be longer than one page.
  • Personal Statement:  In approximately 1000 words, address the following: 1) Why do you want to enter the dietetics profession? 2) What experiences have you had that have helped prepare you for your career? 3) What are your short-term and long-term goals? 4) What are your strengths and areas needing improvement? 5) Any other information you consider important for the admissions committee.
  • Coursework:  Professional Studies in Dietetics Coursework Form.
  • Recommendations: Two letters must be from a collegiate academic reference and one must be from a supervisor at a current or former place of employment.
  • Additional Information:  You do not need to complete the Experience, Awards, and Publications section of the application's Additional Information page, as these components are addressed elsewhere.

For financial consideration: February 15 for Fall