Program Curriculum
The Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition Program curriculum includes 18 semester hours of core courses, 12 or 15 semester hours of elective courses, and either six semester hours of thesis credit for the thesis track or three semester hours of research for the non-thesis track, for a total of 36 semester hours. A combined maximum of 12 semester hours of course work may be transferred from the UAMS Master of Science in Dietetics Program and a maximum of six elective semester hours from other accredited colleges and universities. A specific degree plan will be prepared for each student.
Required Courses
Core Required Courses
| Course ID | Course Title | Semester Credit Hours |
| NUTR 51033 | Assessment of Nutritional Status | 3 |
| NUTR 51043 | Nutrition Research and Statistical Methods | 3 |
| NUTR 51063 | Nutrition and Metabolism: Micronutrients | 3 |
| NUTR 51073 | Advanced Clinical Nutrition | 3 |
| NUTR 51103 | Nutrition and Metabolism: Macronutrients | 3 |
| NUTR 51133 | Nutrition Counseling | 3 |
| Total Hours | | 18 |
Elective Courses
With the non-thesis track, 15 total credit hours of elective courses are required. With the thesis track, 12 total credit hours of elective courses are required.
| Course ID | Course Title | Semester Credit Hours |
| NUTR 51053 | Principles of Advanced Nutrition Support | 3 |
| NUTR 51083 | Diet and Cancer Prevention/Promotion | 3 |
| NUTR 51143 | Geriatric Nutrition | 3 |
| NUTR 51153 | Pediatric Nutrition | 3 |
| NUTR 51163 | Nutrition in Health, Wellness and Sports | 3 |
| NUTR 51173 | Community Nutrition | 3 |
| NUTR 5120V | Special Topics in Clinical Nutrition | 1-3 |
Other Courses
Students will choose between these two courses based on their selection between the thesis and non-thesis tracks
| Course ID | Course Title | Semester Credit Hours |
| NUTR 5100V | Research in Nutrition (non-thesis track) | 3 |
| NUTR 5123V | Master's Thesis in Clinical Nutrition (thesis track) | 6 |
Comparison of Thesis vs. Non-Thesis
The MSCN degree program requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate credit. Students may elect the thesis or non-thesis option. A specific degree plan is prepared for each student. Full-time students complete the program in two (2) years; part-time students may take up to five years to finish.
Thesis Option
| Courses | Semester Credits |
| Core Courses | 18 |
| *Electives | 12 |
| NUTR 5121 - Master's Thesis in Clinical Nutrition | 6 |
| |
| TOTAL | 36 |
Non-Thesis Option
| Courses | Semester Credits |
| Core Courses | 18 |
| *Electives | 15 |
| NUTR 5101 - Research in Nutrition | 3 |
| |
| TOTAL | 36 |
Summary Comparison
| Requirements | Thesis | Non-Thesis |
| Total Credit Hours | 36 semester credit hours | 36 semester credit hours |
Written Comprehensive Examination
(covering NUTR 5102; NUTR 5106; NUTR 5107; NUTR 5110; NUTR 5111) | Yes, with passing score of 80% | Yes, with passing score of 80% |
| Writing Requirement | Thesis | Submit a written research project report |
| Oral Communication Requirement | Thesis Defense | Research Project Defense |
| Faculty Guidance Committee | Thesis committee of three faculty (one member from outside the department) | Advisory committee of three faculty |
Course Descriptions
For course descriptions, please see the
UAMS Catalog.
