The Department of Nutritional Sciences has a long-standing agreement with the Graduate College to allow up to 19 hours of CPMA coursework to additionally count toward 19 hours of the Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences (MS) graduate degree.
A Master of Science degree is a graduate degree, meaning it develops a different skill set than the Master of Arts professional degree. The CPMA degree program seeks to teach skills required for the profession of dietetics. The MS program seeks to enhance critical thinking and problem solving, to teach how to ask good questions, gather and evaluate information, and share new knowledge with others. Students do NOT have to complete an MS to be a registered dietitian, but it may help develop specific skills that can translate to the workplace, depending on the type of career the student desires. Any student who wants to know more about the MA/MS dual option should speak with the CPMA and MS Program Directors.
In order to take advantage of this agreement, CPMA students must also apply to the MS program via the Graduate College ($125 application fee). Students who already have an undergraduate degree should apply as soon as possible, with the last opportunity to get credit for all 19 hours in August following the first summer semester.
As noted, 10-19 hours from the CPMA program can count toward the MS program. A minimum of 34 credit hours is required for the MS in Nutritional Sciences. These remaining hours include core requirements (such as Thesis, Biostatistics Methods I, and Seminar) plus additional hours of electives as selected by the student. All students in the MA/MS dual option must complete a thesis or major project, and students will work with their faculty mentor to complete this project.
For additional information and requirements for the MS, please see that program handbook and/or contact the MS Program Director, Dr. Susan Sisson.
