This 36-credit program (1.5 years/3 semesters) is for credentialed RDs/RDNs with an undergraduate degree, or students with degrees in physical or social sciences (who meet the pre-requisites) with research interests in the area of Nutrition. The program covers clinical aspects of nutrition research in addition to providing an individualized focus developed through elective course selection, in areas such as cancer research, food policy, or nutritional epidemiology.
MS Nutrition - Focused Study
Admissions Requirements
- Completion of a Hunter Graduate application. Admission is for Fall semester only.
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited university with GPA of at least 3.0 preferred (overall and major).
- Completion of a DPD or all prerequisites (minimum 34 credits) by the end of July preceding the Fall semester of expected entry. A 3.3 GPA in all required prerequisite coursework with a minimum grade of “B” for Introductory Nutrition and Food Science, and a minimum grade of “C” for all other courses.
Prerequisites may be taken at a two- or four-year accredited institution, either in a traditional setting or online. - TOEFL exam is required if undergraduate degree is from a country where English is not the official language. Minimum score: 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), or 100 (internet-based). Hunter ETS GRE* code =2301.
*Please note that the GRE is not a requirement for application/admission to this program.
Application Content
Submit all application materials to Hunter Graduate Admissions:
- Hunter Graduate online Application
- Electronic transcript(s) from all institutions of higher learning attended (official transcript required if currently attending Hunter)
- Statement of interest (500 words maximum)
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Resume
- TOEFL scores, if applicable. Hunter ETS GRE code =2301
Application Deadline: March 1
- Non US-institution: Applicants who have completed all or part of their university studies in a non-US institution and/or require student visas must submit their applications by February 1.
Prerequisites
Completed DPD or prerequisite coursework listed below, or coursework equivalents. Appropriate science/lab classes are a single semester and often denoted as appropriate for health professions. It is preferred that the two Nutrition (NFS) prerequisite courses be completed at Hunter College in class or by Challenge Exam (see below), although this is not required. Please note that you do not need prerequisite courses to be approved in advance.
View course equivalency information from select CUNY/Non-CUNY institutions previous applicants have attended.
| TOTAL Minimum Credits | 34 Credits |
| Prerequisite Courses | Minimum Credits |
| General Chemistry (with lab) | 4 (1 semester) |
| Organic Chemistry (with lab) | 4 (1 semester) |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II (both with lab) | 8 (2 semesters) |
| Microbiology (with lab) | 3 |
| Biochemistry (should require an organic chemistry prerequisite) | 3 |
| *Intro to Nutrition (or via Challenge Exam) | 3 |
| *Intro to Food Science (or via Challenge Exam) | 3 |
| Statistics | 3 |
| Psychology or Sociology or Anthropology or Economics | 3 |
*Introduction to Nutrition (NFS 14100) and Introduction to Food Science I (NFS 13100) are offered each semester.
Challenge Exam Dates
The Hunter Nutrition Program administers the exams 3 times per year, typically the 3rd week in May, August, and pre-Christmas in December.
To schedule to take the exam or for inquiries, please complete this online form. For general information email Nzinga Ajani or call at 212-396-7729.
Exam Location: Hunter’s Silberman Campus, 2180 Third Avenue (at 119th St). Date, room number and time TBD.
Materials for the Exam: On the day of the exam, please bring a check for $125.00 made payable to “Hunter College Nutrition & Food Science”), a #2 pencil, and a calculator.
Challenge Exam Textbooks:
Books can be purchased online, from the Hunter College Bookstore and at Barnes & Noble.
- Nutrition I / Intro to Nutrition (NFS 14100)
- Whitney, E.N., and Rolfes, S.R. Understanding Nutrition, 13th Edition, 2013 (12th edition is also acceptable)
- Study chapters 1-13 and be prepared for some mathematical calculation questions (you are allowed to use a calculator)
- Whitney, E.N., and Rolfes, S.R. Understanding Nutrition, 13th Edition, 2013 (12th edition is also acceptable)
- Intro to Food Science (NFS 13100)
- McWilliams, M. Food Fundamentals, 10th Edition, Pearson Publishing Co., 2012 (9th edition, 2009 is also acceptable).
- Study chapters 1-19 and be prepared for some mathematical calculation questions (you are allowed to use a calculator)
- McWilliams, M. Food Fundamentals, 10th Edition, Pearson Publishing Co., 2012 (9th edition, 2009 is also acceptable).
The 1.5-year (3 semester), 36 credit MS-Focused Study Track is comprised of the courses below. Each course is 3 credits except where noted. Classes meet once a week, Monday-Thursday mornings or afternoons (occasionally a class may need to be scheduled in the evening). For course descriptions please see the current Hunter College Graduate Catalog: Department of Nutrition and Public Health.
NUTR Core Courses (6 credits total)
- PH 75000 Biostatistics or equivalent
- NUTR 72500 Nutrition Research
NUTR Specialization/Major Electives (27 credits total)
- NUTR 71500 Food Service and Management
- NUTR 72000 Community Nutrition Education
- NUTR 73300 Nutrition and Human Development
- NUTR 73100 Advanced Nutrition I
- NUTR 73200 Advanced Nutrition II
- NUTR 73400 Clinical Nutrition I
- NUTR 73500 Clinical Nutrition II
- NUTR 74600 Nutrition and Disease
- NUTR 74700 Advanced Nutrition and Assessment Lab (1 credit)
- NUTR 74800 Assessment and Counseling
- NUTR 75600 Food Science and Environment
- NUTR 75700 Food Science and Environment Lab (1 credit)
- NUTR 77000 Topics in Nutrition (1, 2, or 3 credits)
- NUTR 78301, 02, 03 Independent Study (1, 2, or 3 credits)
- Other NUTR or Biology or other electives approved by advisor
NUTR Culminating Experience (3 credits total)
- NUTR 78000 (78003) Capstone or NUTR 79000 Thesis