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Nutrition: Master of Science (MS)

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 in North Carolina. 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 Professional Licensure webpage for information on licensure requirements and licensing agencies in other states. Or, you may address questions to State Authorization at App State at stateauthorization@appstate.edu or 828-262-7559.

Courses

  • Graduate Bulletin and Course Catalog
    • Nutrition - Dietetics Concentration, MS
    • Nutrition - Public Health Nutrition Concentration, MS

Application Essentials

Required Entrance Exam: GRE (score must be no more than 5 years old; entrance exam may be waived for students who meet waiver guidelines)

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 Dietetics: 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
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Application Deadlines

Fall Admission
July 1
Priority deadline for Dietetics: Feburary 1

Want to learn more?

Register for Info Session

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.

Location

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 Program Specialist
  • Public Health Department Manager
  • Nutrition Epidemiologist
  • Director of Food and Nutrition Services
  • Worksite Wellness Director
  • Nutrition Educator

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

Department of Nutrition and Health Care Management

Beaver College of Health Sciences

  • Department of Nutrition and Health Care Management

    The Department of Nutrition and Health Care Management in Appalachian State University’s Beaver College of Health Sciences provides graduate and undergraduate programs. The undergraduate health care management program prepares students for entry-level management positions, while the online Master of Health Administration degree is designed for working professionals who desire to advance their careers. The undergraduate nutrition and foods program prepares students for careers in dietetics or food systems management in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, nursing homes and food banks. The highly competitive master’s degree in nutrition provides a pathway for students to become registered dietitians. Learn more at https://nhm.appstate.edu.

  • Beaver College of Health Sciences

    The Beaver College of Health Sciences opened in 2010 as the result of an Appalachian commitment to significantly enhance the health and quality of life for individuals, families and communities in North Carolina and beyond.

    Exciting, Growing Career Fields

    • Nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs are in fields recognized as growing “faster than average for all occupations” by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
    • Currently over 3,700 students pursue degrees in 16 undergraduate and graduate programs
    • Students who graduate are successfully prepared for a variety of general and advanced careers in health care

    Real-World Training and Experience

    • Programs emphasize coursework, research and clinical outreach with a dedication to cultivating life-long learners and practical skills for the field
    • Internships, field experiences and clinical placements in real-world settings in the community and surrounding areas ensure students are prepared to meet existing and future health-related workforce needs, particularly in rural areas
    • Interprofessional and collaborative research between students and faculty gives students unparalleled experience in working together with other health and wellness professionals
    • Research opportunities alongside over 150 nationally and internationally trained faculty mean students have opportunities to contribute to finding innovative solutions to regional and national problems in their field

    Advanced Laboratories and Facilities

    • Over 20 laboratories and additional locations for simulated research and applied laboratory training experience
    • Partnerships and opportunities with the Wake Forest Physician Assistant Program
    • The new Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences that opened in the fall 2018 with innovative classrooms and state-of-the-art labs
    • Continued main campus connection through the Holmes Convocation Center, which houses the RMPE Department and the Advising Satellite Office

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