What you will study
When you choose UCM’s GP program in Clinical Nutrition, plan to spend your first two
semesters training in nutrition coursework (didactic). You’ll combine your coursework
with supervised experiential learning (SEL) performed in the Kansas City area during
your last two semesters.
Coursework for your Master of Science in Nutrition degree
Complete the didactic portion of the program from the comfort of your home or other
location, since UCM offers online master’s degrees in Nutrition. You’ll engage in
interesting nutrition courses such as:
- Nutrition Across the Lifespan
- Dietary Supplements
- Nutrition Education and Counseling
- Practical Applications in Nutrition Research
The capstone course offers training in the research process. You’ll then work with
a preceptor or a UCM faculty member who has expertise and diverse interests in clinical
nutrition to identify and develop a project that you’ll complete by applying the research
process. The goal is to help you become a lifelong learner and contribute to advancements
in clinical nutrition.
Excellence in Clinical Nutrition
- At the University of Central Missouri, we’re committed to helping you meet the requirement
to complete a master’s degree in Nutrition. Not only were we one of the first adopters
to receive a Clinical Nutrition master’s degree with ACEND accreditation, but we also
offer you quality and accelerated education from one of the most affordable online
master’s degrees in nutrition.
- Named: “Best Public University” among the Best Nutrition Degree Programs (Intelligent, 2022)
- #35: Top 50 Master's in Nutrition Online Programs (College Values Online, 2022). UCM was
the only Missouri public university on the list.
Unique learning opportunities in clinical nutrition
The SEL activities you’ll complete in the second half of UCM’s GP program in Clinical
Nutrition deliver the knowledge and skills you need to practice as an entry-level
registered dietitian nutritionist. Plan to fulfill hands-on work in the Kansas City
metro area, focusing on three aspects of nutrition master’s programs:
- Clinical: Administer medical nutrition therapies in hospitals, ICUs and clinics for clients
who have chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and high blood
pressure.
- Community: Assist community organizations to assess needs and develop nutrition programs.
- Management: Work with school district food service directors to engage in outreach and education
and learn to follow the USDA regulations as you prepare menus.
The evidence-based practice, nutrition research and communication technologies you’ll
use in these SEL activities will ensure you’ll be prepared to promote public health
and wellness no matter your career path.
Additional hands-on experience for your Clinical Nutrition degree
As you complete coursework in UCM’s Master of Science in Nutrition program, take advantage
of these valuable resources:
- Food Lab: Access modern equipment for your research, including 16 workstations, individual ovens
and industrial equipment.
- Kinesiology equipment: Enjoy a working relationship with UCM’s Kinesiology department and use their facilities,
such as the Human Performance Lab, to conduct research.
What can you do with a master’s degree in Nutrition from UCM?
Successfully completing UCM’s GP program earns you a Master of Science in Nutrition
and the verification statement required to sit for CDR’s Registration Examination
for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). On day one after you pass your exam,
you’ll be qualified to practice as an entry-level RDN in a variety of settings that
include:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Schools
- Community health centers
- Federal programs such as Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
- Fitness centers
- Food industry
- Universities
Getting a job with a master’s degree in Nutrition
As a student and as alumni of the University of Central Missouri, you’ll have access
to our Career Services Center to explore career opportunities. In the meantime, use
the interactive tool below to explore your career possibilities.
Financial assistance options for your Clinical Nutrition degree
As you research nutrition master’s programs or online and hybrid master’s degrees
in nutrition, consider the UCM resources available to assist you. All students enrolled
in UCM’s Clinical Nutrition degree program will automatically receive a $1,000 scholarship
from the Regina Myers McClain Endowment. We also make available information on loans,
grants and employment opportunities to help fund your education.
These resources, in addition to our recognition by LendEDU as a top-ranked university
for low student debt, demonstrate our commitment to helping you get a quality graduate
education. Additionally, you can also learn about program-specific scholarships at
the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Meet Jessie L.
MS Nutrition - Clinical Nutrition
“UCM has always felt like a community of friends. That did not change with the online
classes I have taken. This degree has helped elevate my knowledge to better assist
clients and patients that seek nutrition counseling and education. Not only will students
receive quality education, the program is one of the most affordable nutrition master’s
programs that I was able to find.”
Meet Our Faculty
Nutrition experts and student mentors
UCM’s Nutrition master’s program faculty are committed to helping you be successful.
Having worked as RDNs, they seek to share their expertise, especially as it relates
to research. Through their mentorship, you can develop into a confident registered
dietitian nutritionist and lifelong learner.
Read Faculty Bios
Lead the Way
The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics requires a master’s
degree in Nutrition for future RDNs. UCM launched our master’s degree in Nutrition
and became one of the first cohorts to be ACEND accredited. Our degree is based on
the Graduate Program (GP) to provide the supervised experiential learning you need
to become an RDN.
Learn About Our Graduate Program (GP) Degree
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