The University of Texas at Austin Online Master of Science in Nutritional Science (MSNS)

The University of Texas at Austin’s Master of Science in Nutritional Science (MSNS) degree is a 30-credit-hour program (10 courses in total). This rigorous, yet flexible curriculum offers students the choice of studying over one or two years. You can also choose to specialize in health promotion and disease prevention or biochemical and functional nutrition, although you are not locked into either specialization. If you have an interest in nutritional science research, there is an option to complete a thesis. This MSNS degree highlights the link between nutrition and human health and disease.

As a learner in the MSNS program, you’ll address critical nutrition issues such as:

• The impact of food preparation and processing on the nutrient quality of food.

• The role of diet on the gut microbiome.

• The interaction between what we eat and how our genes function.

• The key to motivating nutritional behavior change.

• The nutritional and environmental underpinnings of energy balance and weight gain.

This program also fulfills part of the current academic requirements for the Board Certified Nutrition Specialist (BCNS) certification. BCNS requires a graduate degree in the field of nutrition from a regionally accredited university, specific coursework, and 1,000 hours of supervised experience. This certification enables you to practice medical nutrition therapy and other aspects of nutrition care in many states. Learn more about eligibility .

• Two tracks

  Depending on your specific requirements, the MSNS program has two tracks, which you can choose based on your career or educational goals. The one-year track prepares students to study medicine, pharmacology, dentistry or physician assistant programs — students in the MSNS build a strong knowledge base in nutritional science. The two-year track is designed for working professionals, especially current registered dietitians in need of a master’s degree, and offers them the flexibility to successfully complete the program while continuing to meet job and personal life responsibilities.

• Required courses

  All MSNS students are required to complete the five core courses below to graduate. All courses are worth 3 credit hours. 

  • Advances in Nutritional Sciences I – Macronutrient Metabolism

  • Advances in Nutritional Sciences II – Micronutrient Metabolism

  • Molecular Nutritional Sciences

  • Experimental Design and Statistics

  • Advanced Experimental Design and Statistics

• Concentration: Health Promotion & Disease Prevention

  In addition to the five core nutrition courses, students who want to develop specialized knowledge in health promotion and disease prevention will complete the five courses below:

  • Theories of Nutrition Behavior

  • Energy Balance and Obesity

  • Nutrition Through the Lifecycle

  • Nutrition and Disease Prevention

  • Current Issues in Nutritional Sciences

• Concentration: Biochemical & Functional Nutrition

  Students who want to focus on learning more about biochemical and functional nutrition will complete the the core nutrition courses, as well as following five courses:

  • Biochemical Nutrition: Nutrition as Medicine

  • Nutrition and Cancer

  • Nutrition and Immunology

  • Nutrigenomics

  • Current Issues in Nutritional Sciences

• Thesis option

  MSNS students are able to complete a research project and thesis; however, there are limits to the type of research and faculty approval is required. This option entails:

  • five core nutrition courses

  • three courses in your chosen concentration

  • two thesis coursework classes

The estimated tuition for the Master of Science in Nutritional Science (MSNS) degree program as of the 2023–24 academic year is $22,500. Tuition is $750 per credit hour. In addition, fees range from approximately $500 to $1,200 per semester based on the number of credit hours taken. A $500 deposit is required upon enrollment.

Please note that tuition does not include out-of-pocket expenses such as books, additional course materials or other fees. Learners can expect a moderate tuition increase each year.

Scholarship eligibility

At present, the MSNS is not able to offer or accept University of Texas scholarships.

Financial aid

There are a number of resources that may be available to help you finance your master’s degree. Resources include federal tuition assistance, private loans, employer tuition assistance, scholarships and veteran benefits.

Applying for federal student aid

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) , using a code for The University of Texas at Austin:  003658.

• Sign the FAFSA electronically with your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID.

• Apply for financial aid at the same time as you complete your program application.

The Master of Science in Nutritional Science (MSNS) at The University of Texas at Austin offers two start dates: one in spring and one in fall. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the final deadline ahead of each start. In order to be considered, you must meet the minimum requirements for graduate study at The University of Texas at Austin. Admission is also based on grades, letters of recommendation, and the fit between the applicant’s goals and the goals of the program. GRE scores are not required.

Application deadlines

Application requirements

To complete an application, you will need to submit the following materials:

• A relevant bachelor’s degree or prerequisite coursework

  • Applicants must hold a completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited US institution or proof of equivalent training at an international institute. The Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC) will determine eligibility for admission in consultation with prospective graduate programs.

  • If an applicant does not have a bachelor’s degree in a related science field, they must complete the following courses prior to admission:

    • Organic Chemistry

    • Biochemistry

    • Human Physiology

    • Introductory Nutrition

  • Provided here is a list of universities that offer online courses that fulfill the prerequisites for this program.

• Application fee

  US applicants must pay a $65 fee, while international applicants must pay $90 when submitting their application. However, U.S. citizens or permanent residents pursuing their first graduate degree qualify for a waiver through Apply Texas.

• Statement of purpose

  Applicants must include a personal statement regarding their research, professional experience and goals, and about how earning the MSNS would further those goals.

• Résumé or CV

  Applicants must include a résumé or CV detailing their relevant professional and academic experience.

• Three letters of recommendation

  Applicants must include three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with their academic potential and/or professional experience.

• Transcripts

  Applicants must upload PDF copies of official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended. If offered admission, they will be required to have official transcripts sent to the University of Texas Graduate Admissions and International Center. This can be done via posted mail or through Parchment. No other online transcript submission services are approved for use at UT Austin. For more information, see Graduate Admission.

• English language proficiency

  International applicants must submit a TOEFL exam with a satisfactory score on the TOEFL exam — minimum score of 83 required. For more information, and for exceptions, please see: Graduate School Admissions for International Students.