Master of Science in Nutrition
The purpose of the Master of Science in Nutrition is to provide students with a solid overview of nutritional science, theory and research in preparation for future doctoral study or for employment in research and development, public policy, or the prevention and wellness field. Graduates with this degree are eligible in some states for certification as nutritionists with a limited scope of practice. Training in critically evaluating and conducting nutrition-related research is emphasized.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- critically evaluate and apply scientific evidence pertaining to issues in human nutrition in states of health and of disease.
- demonstrate competence in executing the components of the scientific method and in independent scholarship in human nutrition.
- communicate the influences of culture, environment and policy on food choice, human nutrition and metabolism.
Admissions
For general information on the admissions process, refer to the Admissions section in this catalog. Information below refers only to the graduate nutrition program.
Prerequisites
Entering students must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate degree. Priority consideration is given to applicants with a 3.0 GPA in nutrition prerequisites, a 3.25 cumulative GPA in all prerequisites and a 3.25 cumulative GPA in science prerequisites, with a B or better in Human Physiology, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and Microbiology. Exceptional candidates who do not meet these priority standards will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
| Human Physiology (upper level)1 |
1 course |
| Chemistry (science major level)2 |
2 courses |
| Organic Chemistry (science major level)2 |
1 course |
| Biochemistry3 |
1 course |
| Introductory Nutrition4 |
1 course |
| College Algebra or Statistics |
1 course |
| Microbiology |
1 course |
1A full anatomy and physiology series will meet this requirement.
2A minimum of one chemistry course must include an in-person lab
3The biochemistry course(s) must be upper-level and must cover intermediary metabolism.
4The nutrition course must include macro- and micronutrients, lifecycle, and physical activity.
Note: Science courses must have been taken within seven years of program start.
Graduation Requirements
MSN students must complete a minimum of 78 credits. All MSN students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA with a minimum of 52 credits in residence. MSN students must complete their degree within five years following matriculation into the program. A research thesis is required for graduation, which will be electronically deposited in a publicly available (open access) repository. (See Policy/Procedure #11-C55.)
Thesis Credit and Continuation Policy
Students must be registered for at least one credit each quarter (except summer quarter) in order to continue in the program. If a student completes the credit requirements for the degree but requires more time to complete the thesis, that student will have two options.
Option 1 – The student can register for Thesis Continuation. Thesis Continuation is a 0 credit “course” that maintains the student’s enrollment at Bastyr University. The fee for Thesis Continuation is equivalent to the tuition for one credit. The registration and payment deadlines for Thesis Continuation are the same as those published for regular registration activities. Students who do not register for Thesis Continuation or fail to pay the fee are not permitted to utilize faculty time or other University resources.
Option 2 – The student can apply for a leave of absence from the University until ready to complete and present the thesis. Students may consult with the Office of the Registrar or see Student Policies and Procedures for details about applying for a leave of absence. Students on a leave of absence are not permitted to utilize faculty time or other University resources. When the student is ready to complete and present the thesis, s/he will need to register for Thesis Continuation.
The curriculum tables that follow list the tentative schedule of courses each quarter.
Year I
Fall
| TR5100 | Biostatistics | 4 |
| TR5104 | Research Methods in Health Sciences | 3 |
| TR5120 | Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients | 5 |
| TR5136 | Nutrition in the Life Cycle | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
TR5136 is a hybrid/online course.
Winter
| BC5118 | Disease Processes 1 | 3 |
| TR5101 | Whole Foods Production | 3 |
| TR5124 | Advanced Nutrition: Micronutrients | 5 |
| TR5133 | Developing the Research Question | 1 |
| TR5320 | Nutrition Assessment and Therapy 1 | 5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17 |
Spring
| BC5132 | Disease Processes 2 | 2 |
| TR5128 | Applied Research Skills | 3 |
| TR5141 | Advanced Nutrition: Bioactive Compounds, Nutrigenomics and Microbiome | 3 |
| TR5321 | Nutrition Assessment and Therapy 2 | 5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 13 |
Year II
Fall
| TR5115 | Food Science | 5 |
| TR6111 | Contemporary Nutrition: Global and Ecological Issues | 2 |
| TR6114 | Thesis | variable to 4 credits |
| TR6116 | Thesis Seminar | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Winter
| TR5132 | Applied Statistical Analysis | 2 |
| TR6122 | Contemporary Nutrition: Community and Culture | 3 |
| TR6114 | Thesis | variable to 4 credits |
| TR6116 | Thesis Seminar | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 10 |
Spring
| TR6133 | Contemporary Nutrition: Public Health | 3 |
| TR6114 | Thesis | variable to 4 credits |
| TR6116 | Thesis Seminar | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 8 |
Electives
Required Elective Credits 3 (nutrition program course credits)
TR6114 credits may vary. Students may register for Thesis as early as summer quarter of the first year and in any quarter in which the student receives thesis advising. Twelve (12) thesis credits are required to graduate. One (1) thesis credit must be earned in the quarter in which the degree is to be received. If all thesis credits have been earned, then Thesis Continuation TR6199 is required in the final quarter.
TR6116 should be taken in the same quarter as thesis credits.
Total Requirements
| Total Core Course Credits |
75 |
| Total Elective Credits |
3 |
| Total Requirements |
78 |
Curriculum and course changes in the 2019-2020 Bastyr University Catalog are applicable to students entering during the 2019-2020 academic year. Please refer to the appropriate catalog if interested in curriculum and courses required for any other entering year.