Health Sciences

Master of Science in Nutrition

About the Nutrition, MS

A Master of Science in Nutrition helps you explore nutrition at an advanced level. The goal of the program is to prepare you to enter the workforce as a specialist in nutrition or to prepare for your continued education at the doctoral level. At the center of a better future is a healthy society, and you could make this a reality.

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Why Study Nutrition at CWU?

Preparing you for a future in professional or academic settings, our nutrition graduate program gives you opportunities to develop skills in writing, public speaking, research, and experience attending various conferences.

The program offers small classes, providing you with a chance to work closely with faculty. This structure and community help you create connections that will outlast graduation. You will also have the opportunity to conduct original research.  For more information, reference our MS Nutrition handbook. 

Where is this program offered?  

How much does this program cost?  

Explore information on Cost, Aid, and Value to make an informed decision about investing in your education at CWU. 

Does CWU offer assistantships?

Graduate Assistantships are available to outstanding applicants in the two-year thesis option. Students teach discussion sections of the Nutrition 101 course as well as undergraduate food laboratory courses. Students may also assist the faculty in other courses, grading, and research.  

  • Assistantship Awards valued at $20k+   
  • Approximate value and includes a stipend, tuition waiver, health insurance 

Find opportunities to fund your degree through the School of Graduate Studies and Research. 

Where can I find more information?

Please visit the CWU Academic Catalog for current information about admission requirements, course descriptions, learner outcomes, and credit information. 

Visit the School of Graduate Studies and Research for additional program eligibility information. 

Deadline for application is January 1.

Careers and Opportunities 

Whether you want to pursue a career implementing your expertise as a dietitian or teaching at a university, our MS in Nutrition prepares you for life after graduation. 

  • The average annual wage for a Dietitian and Nutritionist is $65,620. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area is ranked #6 in Metropolitan areas with the highest employment level in Dietitians and Nutritionists: $69,030 
  • Pursuing academics will benefit the next generation of students studying nutrition. The average annual wage for a Postsecondary Health Specialties Teacher is $133,310. Washington ranked #1 in Top paying states for Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary: $167,290   

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Highlights 

“We provide that real-world component of training that ensures students get what they need... they’re exposed to equipment and its use so that when they go out in the field, they’re already familiar with it. We try to make the transition from education to experience as seamless as possible, so our students can go out there and be immediately effective.” Ethan Bergman is a Professor of Food Science and Nutrition 

Additional Program Information

  • Admission Requirements
    • Bachelor's degree in nutrition or related field
    • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA (last 90 credits)
    • GRE (scores above 25th percentile are recommended) *Due to Covid-19, the GRE Requirement is currently waived*
    • Three letters of recommendation. One letter must be from a faculty member
    • A written statement of purpose/personal statement, identifying research interests, program interests

    Generally speaking, most applicants have completed an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD).

    We prepare students through our FSN, Dietetics Specialization for eligibility. Applicants with degrees outside of Nutrition are encouraged to apply. However, these applicants who also seek to complete the DPD requirements to qualify for later admission to a DI, should consider completing those courses as a post-baccalaureate student at CWU, prior to admission into the graduate program.

  • Program Options 

    Thesis
    • 2-year program
    • Includes a paid Graduate Assistantship for both academic years
    • A thesis encourages students towards a greater understanding of what they're capable of. Your thesis will answer a specific research question and contribute to the greater field of nutrition.
    Project
    • 14-month program
    • A project demonstrates the ability to conduct a research study, complete a thorough review of a nutrition topic, or complete and submit a competitive research or project grant.   
    • In contrast to a thesis research study, the project research study may often be considered a preliminary or pilot study.

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Questions? Contact Us.

Kelly Pritchett, PhD, RDN, CSSD

Program Director, MS Nutrition