Nutrition Institute Graduate
Master of Science in Nutrition
MS Master of Science in Human Nutrition
An online Master of Science in Human Nutrition, accredited by ACNPE, with a Virtual Clinic capstone that carries 200-255 supervised hours toward the CNS credential.
Why earn a master’s in Nutrition online?
Advance your career in patient-centered care
Clinical nutritionists are experts in evidence-based, patient-centered care, using what they know about nutrition science and its relationship to human biology to provide care for people seeking guidance and support for their overall health. When you earn your master’s in Nutrition online at UB, you will develop the skills needed to assess a person’s diet, review medical histories, and work one-on-one to develop appropriate personalized nutrition plans that will help your clients realize their health goals.
Faculty
Learn from practicing clinicians
You will have access to the College of Health Sciences, which features seven schools and 16 programs across healthcare disciplines.
Classes are taught by experts in their fields, all of whom hold doctorates, advanced degrees in nutrition, or are practicing clinicians.
Format
Study entirely online
Our online Nutrition degree program offers complete flexibility, allowing you to earn your degree entirely online in as few as 24 months.
Because this is an online program, you will benefit from learning alongside classmates from a range of personal and professional backgrounds.
Credential
Prepare for the CNS exam
UB’s Master of Science in Human Nutrition is a pathway to the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) certification.
The MS in Human Nutrition program is not designed to lead to a registered dietitian (RD) designation.
The Virtual Clinic
Our program features a unique capstone experience called the Virtual Clinic, the first of its kind in the world. In the Virtual Clinic, you will work with professional clinicians and faculty members, performing virtual nutrition exams and consultations while gaining clinical management experience, eligible for 200-255 hours of supervised credit toward your CNS credential. During your clinical hours, you will gain the hands-on experience you need for a rewarding career as a clinical nutritionist.
Admission
What you need to apply
Completed applications and all supporting documents are due July 15 for the fall semester, December 1 for the spring semester, and April 15 for the summer semester.
Program prerequisites
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher
- Up to 9 credits of graduate level prerequisites may be waived, depending on your undergraduate background
Required materials
- Application
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- A statement of approximately 500 words on your interests and goals in nutrition
- International applicants should consult the international admission requirements page
Deadlines
Curriculum
What you will study
The Human Nutrition program consists of foundational courses in human physiology and biochemistry which expand into in-depth learnings on macro and micronutrients, biochemical individuality, human development, functional assessment, and nutritional therapeutics. An integrative and holistic perspective is interwoven with an evidence-based approach to assessing and counseling a client.
Foundational science
Human physiology and biochemistry, the base the rest of the program builds on.
Macro and micronutrients
Biochemical individuality, human development, and how nutrients behave in the body.
Functional assessment
Nutritional therapeutics and the assessment methods used in clinical practice.
Counseling the client
An integrative and holistic perspective, interwoven with an evidence-based approach.
Career paths
Where graduates work
The clinical nutritionist has become an increasingly popular healthcare option, whether a client seeks healthy weight management or a complement to medical treatment of chronic or serious disease. Graduates work in private nutritional practices, functional medicine clinics, community health organizations, and more.
Reach new career heights
UB’s Nutrition program provides a foundation for earning your Ph.D. or a Doctor of Health Science (DHSc.) degree.
Mission and accreditation
An accredited Nutrition program
The mission of the human nutrition program is to prepare graduates to excel as professionals in the healthcare industry, delivering nutrition counseling and medical nutrition therapy (MNT) by integrating an evidence-based functional approach with biochemical and physiological scientific knowledge to generate nutrition and lifestyle interventions that will promote optimal health of each individual.
First accredited by ACNPE
The MS in Nutrition program is the first to be accredited by the Accreditation Council on Nutrition Professional Education (ACNPE), a programmatic accrediting agency for clinical programs in advanced nutrition.
Licensed in Connecticut
The Human Nutrition master’s program is licensed and accredited by the Connecticut Board of Governors Office of Higher Education.
Institutionally accredited
University of Bridgeport is institutionally accredited through the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Not a dietetics program
Accreditation by ACEND is not required, since the Master of Science program is not a dietetics training program and does not include a coordinated dietetics internship required for eligibility to take the registration examination for the RD credential.
Meet the Nutrition Program Director
Linda Fleming has over 25 years of experience working in healthcare and education. She initially began her career working at a hospital, where she served as a medical technologist and ran a chemistry laboratory. She ultimately shifted her focus to nutrition, with her goal to provide personalized nutrition for her clients, optimizing their overall wellness.
After earning her MS in Human Nutrition, and working several years as a clinical nutritionist, Linda joined the UB Nutrition Institute (UBNI) as an adjunct professor. She eventually became the assistant director of curriculum development for UBNI, where she helped develop the Virtual Clinic, an innovative capstone experience and the first of its kind in the nation. Linda also played a key role in the accreditation of the UBNI program by the Accreditation Council for Nutritional Professional Education (ACNPE).
Linda has also written extensively about nutrition and nutrition education. She authored Instructor Resource Manuals for Pearson Scientific, where she also helped develop instructional software for nutrition textbooks. Additionally, Linda has appeared as a nutrition expert on various local television programs.
Linda Fleming, MS, CNS, Program Director
Student voices
Read reviews from real students
Deciding to go back to school while working full time as an English teacher was scary, but every single professor I’ve had in the Nutrition program has been incredible and skillful in presenting the material in a way that’s really fascinating. My nervousness about going back to school turned into excitement and a passion for learning more and knowing more. I can’t believe how much I’ve grown since my first weeks of classes. I had the opportunity to have a paper I worked on published in a peer-reviewed journal. UB allowed me to experience the research side of nutrition, and I’m grateful for that experience.
When looking into online programs, I was worried I would have a hard time shifting from my field of graphic design to a science-focused program like nutrition. UB answered all of my questions and addressed any of my concerns about changing fields. UB’s Nutrition program stood out to me because it had such a heavy emphasis on biochemistry and bio-individuality. Studying at UB has been a truly wonderful experience and will set us apart as we enter the field.
The Human Nutrition program at University of Bridgeport is one of the most clinically-sound programs available. I had excellent classmates and professors during my time at UB, and I have maintained many of the relationships I made while enrolled in the Nutrition program. Since graduating with my master’s degree in Human Nutrition, I’ve started a podcast. The podcast allows me to reach thousands of people with the nutritional wisdom I learned at UB. We have listeners in 55 different countries! I’ve had the opportunity to interview experts in clinical nutrition, and my business partner and I are working on producing a documentary next!
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the nutrition program at UB. All the professors were extremely knowledgeable and had clinical nutrition backgrounds, which enriched the learning experience. The education I’ve gained through the master’s in Nutrition program at UB has provided me with a solid foundation as I embark on my career as a nutritionist.
I chose the master’s in Nutrition program at University of Bridgeport for its reputation and flexibility, and it has exceeded my expectations. UB has a dynamic faculty that are professional and passionate and set students up for success. The professors are knowledgeable, motivating, and accessible. It is remarkable how much I have learned in a short time. While I was hesitant to start an online master’s program while raising three young children, I am so glad that I did, as I now see my path toward a career in Nutrition. UB was the right choice for me.
My experience with the Master of Science in Human Nutrition program was well worth my investment! The program provided me with an excellent foundation for a career transition in functional nutrition without having a science background in my undergrad. The professors in the program exceeded my expectations in terms of support and professionalism. I loved learning from the professors’ experiences. What stood out most in choosing this program was the emphasis placed on biochemistry and the clinical aspect of nutrition. This program challenged me to think critically and taught me how to prepare personalized nutrition strategies based on the biochemistry of an individual. I recommend this program to anyone with an interest in functional nutrition!
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Are students required to come from a science background in order to be eligible for the program?
No. We understand that many of our students are changing careers. This program is designed for students with a passion for nutrition that may not have a background in science. This way, you’ll fulfill any prerequisites needed during your first semester in an online format, along with your classmates.
What are the admission requirements?
Students must hold a bachelor’s degree and a 2.75 cumulative GPA.
How long do I have to complete the program?
The online program can be completed in as little at 23 months or up to five years from the start of your first master’s course. The pace is up to you.
I have a Doctor of Chiropractic degree but not a baccalaureate degree. Can I qualify for this program?
Yes. Chiropractors may apply for admission into the Nutrition program in the absence of a baccalaureate degree. The professional degree warrants a waiver of the baccalaureate requirement.
How do I apply?
Please discuss (in approximately 500 words) your specific interests and goals within the field of nutrition and your ability to thrive in a rigorous academic environment, including your strengths and potential challenges.
How will I know if I have been admitted?
Once your application and all required documents are received, your file will be reviewed by the Nutrition department. Students typically hear back about an admission decision 7-10 business days after their file has been completed.
Is University of Bridgeport's Nutrition program accredited by ACNPE?
Yes. The MS in Human Nutrition program is the first to be accredited by the Accreditation Council on Nutrition Professional Education (ACNPE), a programmatic accrediting agency for clinical programs in advanced nutrition.
Is University of Bridgeport's Nutrition program accredited by ACEND/AND?
No. University of Bridgeport’s master’s level degree in Human Nutrition holds no affiliation with the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) or the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). The AND is the professional organization for dietetic practitioners holding undergraduate degrees in nutrition with institutional food service internships. Individuals interested in becoming registered dieticians should consult the Directory of Dietetic Programs, which is published by the AND. Students in this program are qualified to sit for exams given by several nutrition certification organizations upon completion of this program (CNS, CCN, DACBN). Please see career paths and opportunities for more information regarding certification.
What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?
A dietitian is a health professional who has received the basic educational requirement of a bachelor’s degree with a major in dietetics, foods, and nutrition, or food service management systems. Registered dietitians are those who pass a certification exam after the completion of their academic program and have taken their supervised experience in institutional food service programs. Individuals interested in clinical nutrition work, nutrition education, and health promotion, but not dietetics, have the option of completing bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in nutrition programs which have no ACEND affiliation. These individuals function independently of the ACEND and disseminate nutrition information through methods such as consultation, research, and teaching. These individuals call themselves nutritionists and they are distinguished from dietitians. Please see Career Paths and Opportunities for more information.
Does a MS in Nutrition qualify me as a certified nutritionist?
No. Certification as a nutritionist is achieved through your state of residence or through a national nutrition certification organization. In both cases, passing an exam and supervised training are usually requirements for certification. Learn more about Licensing and Certification .
Who are graduates of the program?
Individuals who wished to join the healthcare profession who had never worked in healthcare beforehand, as well as chiropractors, dental hygienists, exercise physiologists, dentists, medical doctors, pharmacists, nurses, registered dietitians, and teachers. Our degree is ideal for students who are looking to enter the field of healthcare at any stage of life.
As a Doctor of Chiropractic, with the MS in Human Nutrition, can I sit for the diplomate in nutrition from the American Chiropractic Board of Nutrition (DACBN)?
Yes. DC’s who have a master’s degree in Nutrition from University of Bridgeport will be eligible to sit for the diplomate of the ACBN. This certification is open to doctors of other specialties as well. It is important to note that certifications and diplomats represent professional recognition. It does not authorize or license an individual to practice, which is a state regulatory function.
Related programs
Start your application
Our program runs three semesters per year, in spring, summer, and fall. Semester length is 15 weeks.