About
Appalachian State University’s Master of Science in Nutrition program offers two concentrations:
- Dietetics – an on-campus concentration that combines the Master of Science degree and a dietetic internship accredited by an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Most students take the registration exam in the summer after completing the two-year program to become a registered dietitian.
- Public Health Nutrition – an online concentration to help you develop an understanding of the relationship between nutrition and human health that you can use to start a new career or advance to higher levels in your current position.
The program has a focus on rural health. As a result of its location in northwestern North Carolina, there are many opportunities for student experience and research in topic areas such as health disparities, cultural competency and providing nutrition care to underserved populations.
You will study with faculty whose research interests include rural health and the region’s traditional and current dietary practices, the interaction of nutrients and foods on physiological and athletic outcomes, behavior modification, snacking behavior, chronic disease epidemiology, local farmer’s markets, food science course pedagogy, and nutritional interventions for children with HIV.
Professional Licensure
This is a program that can lead to licensure or certification. Appalachian State University cannot confirm whether this program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in other states or territories.
If this applies to you, check the U.S. Department of Education for information on licensure requirements and licensing agencies in other states. Or, you may address questions to State Authorization at Appalachian at stateauthorization@appstate.edu or 828-262-7559.
Courses
Course titles and information can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.
Application Essentials
Required Entrance Exam: GRE (score must be no more than 5 years old)
Required number of references to specify in the online form: 3
Supplemental Information: Resume (Required upload for application submission)
Basic Conditions for Consideration of Admission: Meeting or exceeding the conditions below does NOT guarantee admission. All applications for a given entry term will be weighed based upon the number of seats available and the quality of the complete application packages. With special permission from the Graduate School, a program may admit a limited number of students with exceptional circumstances who do not meet the graduate school minimums.
Graduate School: 3.0 GPA in the last earned degree and official scores from the appropriate admission test(s), OR 2.5 GPA in the last earned degree and official scores at the 25th percentile level from the appropriate admission test(s).
Admission to Dietics: Both qualitative and quantitative aspects of applications are reviewed in comparison to the current applicant pool. A successful match for the Dietetic Internship through DICAS is required. Learn More
Employers
- Lincare Home Medical Equipment
- JFK Medical Center
- Carolinas HealthCare System
- Sidney Regional Medical Center
- CaroMont Health
- University Hospitals Case Medical Center of Cleveland
- North Florida Regional Medical Center
- Campbell County Health
- Premise Health
- Humana
- DaVita Kidney Care
- Wilkes Regional Medical Center
- Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center
- Nutritional Guidance Inc.
- Carolinas HealthCare System
- Surry County Health and Nutrition Center
- Morrison Healthcare
- Wake Forest Baptist Health
- Tampa General Hospital
- American Medical Association
- Broughton Hospital
- Center for Discovery
- Various school districts
Application Deadlines
- Spring: x
- Summer Session 1: x
- Summer Session 2: x
- Fall: 7/1 (priority deadline for Dietetics: 2/15)
*See full deadline information below under Application Essentials.
Why Appalachian?
- The program has a focus on rural health, with many opportunities for student experience and research.
- Faculty members have a broad range of expertise, from rural health, the interaction of nutrients and foods on physiological and athletic outcomes to chronic disease epidemiology and more.
- The program draws on the strengths of Appalachian’s Beaver College of Health Sciences, including its on-campus Exercise Science program and North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis.
- The online concentration makes an advanced degree convenient for working professionals.
Method of Delivery
On campus and online
Careers
From the Dietetics track, students can have careers as:
- Clinical Dietitian
- Registered Dietitian
- Director of Nutrition Services
- Nutritionist
- Wellness Coach
- Care Plan Manager
- Wellness and Benefits Coordinator
- Sales Manager
From the Public Health Nutrition track, students can have careers as:
- Nutrition epidemiologist
- Worksite wellness director
- Director of food and nutrition services
- WIC or SNAP director
Contacts
Dr. Melissa Gutschall
Program Director (Dietetics)
gutschallmd@appstate.edu
828-262-2698
Dr. Kyle Thompson
Program Director (Public Health Nutrition Practice)
thompsonkl@appstate.edu
828-262-3113