M.S. in Clinical Nutrition

Program Overview

The M.S. in Clinical Nutrition at UB is a two-year, 60-credit hour program that meticulously combines didactic coursework (47 credits) with intensive supervised experiential learning (13 credits of 1:1 rotations). These rotations cover diverse areas such as community nutrition management, nutrition research, and medical nutrition therapy practice. The program is specifically designed to meet the new Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requirement, effective January 1, 2024, that mandates a minimum of a master's degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

STEM Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Clinical Nutrition program at the University at Buffalo is STEM-designated. This classification is particularly advantageous for international students, as it allows for a 24-month extension to their Optional Practical Training (OPT), totaling up to 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. after graduation. This designation underscores the program's strong scientific and technical foundation in the field of nutrition.

ACEND Accredited: Yes, the M.S. in Clinical Nutrition program at the University at Buffalo is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). This is a critical accreditation as graduation from an ACEND-accredited program is a mandatory prerequisite to be eligible to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing examination to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). UB's program recently achieved a full 10-year reaccreditation, demonstrating its commitment to high-quality education and adherence to rigorous professional standards.

Curriculum: The 60-credit curriculum for the M.S. in Clinical Nutrition is comprehensive, covering core nutritional sciences, medical nutrition therapy, and practical application. The first year typically includes courses on macronutrients, medical nutrition therapy, introduction to medical statistics, and various clinical rotations focusing on chronic conditions, counseling skills, and food systems management. The second year delves into micronutrients, pathophysiology of nutrition-related diseases, community and global nutrition, and further clinical experiences in acute conditions, nutrition communication, leadership, and research. This integrated approach ensures graduates are well-versed in both the scientific principles and the practical application of nutrition in clinical settings.

Research Focus: While the M.S. in Clinical Nutrition is a professional program with a strong clinical emphasis, it is offered within a major research university. The program emphasizes the importance of "research and evidence-informed practice" as one of its major areas of dietetics practice experiences. Students are trained to understand and utilize the latest evidence to inform their clinical decision-making. Faculty within the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences and the wider School of Public Health and Health Professions engage in research that includes various aspects of nutrition, exercise science, and public health, offering students exposure to current research trends in the field.

Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Clinical Nutrition program at UB is highly focused on preparing graduates for direct entry into the workforce as competent, entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. The program boasts a 100% career placement rate within one year of graduation and a high pass rate on the RDN entry-level exam (96% passing on the first attempt or within one year). The extensive 1:1 clinical rotations in diverse settings like community nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, and food service management provide invaluable hands-on experience and networking opportunities, directly aligning with industry needs and preparing students for successful careers in healthcare facilities, food service organizations, government agencies, and consulting.

Global Perspective: The M.S. in Clinical Nutrition at UB inherently fosters a global perspective by aiming to prepare RDNs "capable of impacting global and local communities." Nutrition and health challenges are universal, and the program's emphasis on population health and community nutrition includes understanding diverse dietary practices, cultural influences on food choices, and global health disparities. The curriculum may include seminars on global nutrition, and students are prepared to address health issues that transcend national borders. As a major public research university, UB attracts a diverse international student body, enriching the learning environment with varied cultural viewpoints and approaches to nutrition and health.