Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.S. in Nutrition
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Nutrition at UB is a 30-credit hour program, typically completed within 1.5 to 2 years for full-time students. This program is distinct from the M.S. in Clinical Nutrition (which integrates dietetic internship rotations for RDN eligibility) and is primarily a research-focused or non-clinical professional degree. It offers two distinct options for completion: a Thesis Option for students interested in conducting original research, and an All-Course Option for those seeking comprehensive coursework. This flexibility allows students to tailor their academic journey to align with their career aspirations, whether in research, academia, public health policy, or product development within the food industry.
STEM Designated: Yes, the M.S. in 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 analytical foundation in the field of nutrition science.
Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum for the M.S. in Nutrition provides a strong foundation in advanced nutritional sciences, research methods, and statistics. Core coursework typically covers areas such as "Macronutrients," "Micronutrients," "Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy," "Research Methods in Exercise and Nutrition Science," and "Statistical Applications in Health." Students can choose electives to specialize in various areas, including community and global nutrition, nutrition communication, pathophysiology of nutrition-related diseases, and advanced topics in specific nutrients or dietary patterns. For the Thesis Option, a significant portion of the credits is dedicated to original research and thesis writing.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Nutrition at UB has a strong research focus, leveraging the university's status as an R1 research institution. Faculty within the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences are actively engaged in diverse and impactful research related to nutrition science. Research areas include, but are not limited to, the role of nutrition in chronic disease prevention and management (e.g., obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease), nutrient metabolism, public health nutrition interventions, and the impact of dietary patterns on health outcomes. Students pursuing the thesis option conduct original research under faculty mentorship, gaining valuable experience in scientific inquiry, data collection, analysis, and dissemination of findings.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Nutrition program at UB prepares graduates for a variety of roles in diverse sectors, including research institutions, public health agencies, government, and the food industry. While not directly leading to RDN credentialing for all students, the program equips graduates with advanced scientific knowledge that is highly valued by employers in roles requiring nutrition expertise. Graduates are prepared for positions in public health program development and evaluation, nutrition policy analysis, food product development, scientific writing, and research coordination. The program's emphasis on strong scientific foundations and research methods makes its graduates attractive for roles that involve evidence-based decision-making and innovation.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Nutrition at UB inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing fundamental issues of food, nutrition, and health that are universal and transcend national boundaries. The program explores global nutrition challenges, such as malnutrition, food security, and the global burden of diet-related diseases. Understanding diverse dietary practices and cultural influences on food choices is often integrated into the curriculum. As a major public research university, UB attracts a diverse international student body and faculty, enriching the learning environment with varied cultural viewpoints and different approaches to solving global nutrition and health problems. This exposure prepares graduates to contribute to international health initiatives and work effectively with diverse populations worldwide.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
Graduates with an M.S. in Nutrition from UB are well-prepared for a variety of roles that leverage advanced scientific knowledge in nutrition, particularly in research, public health, and food-related industries.
Nutrition Researcher/Scientist: Conduct research in academic institutions, government agencies (e.g., NIH, USDA), or industry (e.g., food, pharmaceutical) on various aspects of nutrition, metabolism, and health.
Public Health Nutritionist (Non-RDN roles): Work for public health departments or non-profit organizations to develop, implement, and evaluate nutrition education programs and policies at the community or population level.
Food Scientist/Product Developer (Nutrition focus): Work in the food industry to develop new food products, reformulate existing ones for better nutritional profiles, and ensure food safety and quality.
Nutrition Policy Analyst: Analyze and evaluate nutrition-related policies at local, state, or national levels, advocating for evidence-based policies that promote public health.
Scientific Writer/Medical Writer: Translate complex nutrition research findings into clear, concise, and engaging content for scientific journals, health organizations, or public education.
Wellness Program Coordinator/Specialist: Design and manage health and wellness programs for corporations, community centers, or healthcare facilities, often with a strong nutrition component.
Nutrition Educator (Non-Clinical): Provide nutrition education in settings such as schools, community centers, or corporate wellness programs, without necessarily providing individualized medical nutrition therapy.
Data Analyst (Nutrition/Health): Collect, manage, and analyze large datasets related to dietary intake, nutritional status, and health outcomes in research or public health settings.
Adjunct Instructor/Lecturer (Nutrition): Teach undergraduate nutrition courses at colleges and universities.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist (Food/Supplement Industry): Ensure that food, beverage, and dietary supplement products comply with national and international nutrition and labeling regulations.
