Nutrition graduate programs are concerned with the scientific study of human and animal nutrition. Courses tend to focus on the digestion and absorption of micronutrients; nutritionists address the relationship between food and health. Some nutrition graduate programs also explore the environment's impact on food's quality.
Nutrition graduate students ideally possess the following qualities:
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Strong interest in food and diet
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Strong people skills
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Interest or background in science, medicine, or biology
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Organization skills
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Good communication skills
Nutrition Graduate Programs and Curriculum
Graduate courses of study could include an emphasis on public health nutrition, clinical work with patients, or laboratory focused research on micronutrients. Masters degrees can be earned in 2-3 years (contingent upon successful completion of required supervisory hours); Ph.D. programs may take 5-7 years to complete.
Graduate programs in nutrition may include the following course work:
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biology
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physiology
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human nutrition
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anatomy
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biochemistry
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business
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chemistry
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computer science
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food management systems
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physiology
Many nutrition graduate programs require internships. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics nutritionists are usually required to complete several hundred hours of supervised training. Some programs will include internship hours in their coursework, others will require the student to complete the training hours independently.
The Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists explains certification requirements vary by state, but generally, at least a Master's degree is required for state certification or licensure. If you've completed a graduate program in nutrition you are eligible to take the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) exam, which is overseen by the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists (CBNS). Those who pass gain the occupational title of Certified Nutrition Specialist
Accreditation for nutrition graduate programs is performed by the American Dietetic Association or ADA, check with staff at your school of interest for accreditation information. ,
Nutrition Career Paths
Graduates with a master’s degree (MS) or PhD in nutrition may become clinical nutritionists, nutrition counselors, directors of food and nutrition, nutrition and family health coordinators and more. Nutritionists could work in a variety of environments including:
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hospitals
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long and short-term care facilities
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clinics
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community support agencies
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research institutes
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consulting companies
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private practice settings
Nutrition Salary and Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states the median annual wages of dietitians and nutritionists were $53,250 in 2010. Jobs in this industry are projected to grow by 20% between 2010 and 2020, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.

Data according to
The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook 2012-13 Ed
Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists
American Dietetic Association