MSCN Overview

MS in Community Nutrition

The Master of Science in Community Nutrition (MSCN) is a research-focused program for students seeking an advanced nutrition degree.  The MSCN is designed for registered dietitian- nutritionists, graduates of didactic programs in dietetics and other health professionals, such as physicians and registered nurses with a BSN degree.

The MSCN involves courses that promote evidence based nutrition, health promotion and disease prevention in the community. The curriculum (33 credits) is offered in an online format and includes courses representing nutrition science, applied nutrition, and research techniques. This non-thesis program culminates with a capstone paper.  Courses are taught by faculty with doctoral degrees and expertise in areas such as public health, public policy, sports nutrition, diabetes and statistics.

Distance education is flexible and convenient for working students, students living at a distance and students with busy schedules.  WCU provides a supportive distance education environment utilizing online technologies that deliver course content, facilitate instructor-student and student-student communications.

Admissions Requirements

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for the fall and spring semesters. The following materials are required from all applicants for the MS in Community Nutrition:

  • Completed online graduate application

  • One official copy of transcripts from every college or university previously attended

  • A professional goal statement

  • Two letters of recommendation, one from an academic reference and one from a professional reference are encouraged

Additional prerequisites include:

  • Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university

  • Applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree in nutrition will need to have the following prerequisites completed before applying to the MS program: introduction to nutrition, anatomy & physiology I and II, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and a statistics course

  • An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater is recommended for admission

For more information, please contact Graduate Coordinator Dr. Mary Beth Gilboy.

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