The Master of Science in Nutrition for Human Performance is an online graduate degree designed for current allied health, sports, and fitness professionals interested in advancing their careers; recent bachelor's degree graduates interested in the health or sport sciences, specifically nutrition, who wish to gain a M.S. before entering the workforce.  Through an evidence-based approach, this program will offer current  allied health, sports, and  fitness professional  an opportunity to gain knowledge in the nutritional sciences, emphasizing the relationship between diet and behaviors to optimize physical activity and human performance of individuals.

Graduate and Professional Studies, in collaboration with the School of Health Sciences, has established the following Goals and Outcomes for the Master's in Nutrition for Human Performance.  The program is structured to support students to achieve these goals and outcomes by the time they complete the program.  

Goal 1: Master the Field of Nutrition Science
Upon completion of the major program of study in Nutrition for Human Performance, students will be able to

1.      Identify, analyze and interpret disciplinary concepts
2.      Recognize Ethical Issues pertaining to the Healthcare industry
3.      Analyze, Use, Create and Produce Graduate Level Research
4.      Demonstrate competency in core nutritional science content areas, including: exercise metabolism, nutrition based chemistry, nutritional assessment, nutrition for sport performance and active lifestyles, nutritional needs across the lifespan, dietary supplements, and the  principles of physical, biological and social sciences to the nutritional needs of both individuals and groups.  

Goal 2: Develop Clinical Reasoning Skills
Upon completion of the major program of study in Nutrition for Human Performance, students will be able to

1. Incorporate evidence based practice into clinical decision making to improve athlete/client outcomes
2. Create, implement, critically appraise and modify specific programs to address special client/athlete population and individual needs for performance and health.

Goal 3: Develop, Implement and Consume Evidence-based Research
Upon completion of the major program of study in Nutrition for Human Performance, students will be able to

1. Synthesize accurate explanations of information presented in statistical forms. Make appropriate inferences based on that information
2. Consume and interpret quantitative /qualitative analysis of data as the basis for deep and thoughtful judgments, drawing insightful, carefully qualified conclusions from this work
3. Explicitly describe assumptions and provides compelling rationale for why assumptions are appropriate. Shows awareness that confidence in final conclusions is limited by the accuracy of the assumptions. Apply quantitative and qualitative information in connection with the argument or purpose of the work, present it in an effective format, and explicate it with consistently high quality.

Goal 4: Develop and Practice Effective Communication Skills
Upon completion of the major program of study in Nutrition for Human Performance, students will be able to

1. Develop effective communication strategies utilizing appropriate communication mediums
2. Identify potential causes to communication breakdowns and design and implement solutions
3. Demonstrate ability to receive and provide constructive feedback to peers and coworkers.

Goal 5: Develop Effective Leadership Qualities
Upon completion of the major program of study in Nutrition for Human Performance, students will be able to

1. Identify qualities of effective leadership
2. Assesses own leadership style for effectiveness and develops plan to address weaknesses
3. Develop and motivate people and teams to identify emerging trends and develop appropriate strategic responses
4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of financial, human and technical resources needed to manage and implement change.
5. Demonstrate a commitment to one's own professional development through continuing learning provided by scientific societies such as the American Nutrition Society, the international Society of Sports Nutrition, and others.

Two Electives: 6 credits

Students may take any courses offered at the graduate level to fulfill their elective credits. View course options here.