Impact Lives

Master of Science in Nutrition and Wellness (MSNW) Curriculum

Coursework in the MS in Nutrition and Wellness degree helps you build a foundation of expertise in advanced nutritional topics as well as vital skills in research, analysis and communication. This combination will enable you to accurately synthesize and share what you learn throughout the program.

The M.S. in Nutrition and Wellness program requires 52 credit hours of graduate coursework.

Required Nutrition and Wellness Foundation (28 credits):

NTR 501 Health Promotion and Wellness (4 Credits)

This course provides an overview of the various aspects of health and wellness. Students explore the development stages of a health promotion program, with special emphasis on program planning management concepts and skills, outcome assessment and evaluation, and budgeting principles.


NTR 530 Science of Sports Nutrition (4 Credits)

The course examines the metabolic and physiologic basis for macronutrient and micronutrient recommendations during training, competition/ performance, and recovery. Includes disease applications and case studies.

Prerequisite: Physiology, Biochemistry, and Nutrition courses; acceptance into M.S. in Nutrition and Wellness program.


NTR 581 Obesity: Theory and Practice (4 Credits)

Exploration of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and diverse contributors to the global pandemic ranging from physiological and genetic to environmental and policy factors. Discussion includes prevention/treatment modalities.

Prerequisite: NTR 530, OR credit or co-registration in NTR 570, OR RD (consent).


NTR 585 Complementary Nutrition Therapies (4 Credits)

Evidence-based exploration and critique of the claims, mechanisms, safety, and efficacy of complementary and alternative therapies for chronic diseases, as well as discussion regarding the regulation and safety of supplements.

Prerequisite: NTR 530 or 581


NTR 644 Advanced Metabolism: Lipids and Carbohydrates (4 Credits)

Scientific examination of the nature, role, and metabolism of energy nutrients in human health and disease. Applications made to fed and fasted states, adapted starvation, and hypercatabolic and physically stressed states.

Prerequisite: MPH 621


Choose two courses from NTR courses:

NTR 557 Nutrition Communication through Technology (4 Credits)

This course applies new and emerging technologies for collaboration, communication, and dissemination of nutrition services and innovations.

Prerequisite: NTR 581 or RD (by consent)


NTR 561 Maternal and Child Nutrition (4 Credits)

Study the physiological and metabolic changes that occur in pregnancy and infancy through early childhood. Examine the nutrition and cultural factors impacting growth and development. Evaluate and critique nutrition programs and strategies for this population.

Prerequisite: NTR 530 or NTR 570 or RDN or RN [or by consent if undergraduate or graduate nutrition and physiology courses taken].


NTR 563 Nutrition in Aging (4 Credits)

Study the physiological and metabolic changes that occur in in the aging population, examine the nutrition and cultural factors impacting health and independence, and evaluate and critique nutrition programs and strategies for this population.


NTR 564 Nutrition Health Policy (4 Credits)

Study the policy making processes that address nutrition problems and issues. Analyze and develop nutrition-related polices within evidence, contexts (political, economic, cultural, nutritional) and need. Discuss processes, implementation, measurement and evaluation of factors that impede or promote policies. 


Required Applied Nutrition Research - Foundation and Certificate (20 credits):

NTR 539 Health and Wellness Research Planning (4 Credits)

Principles and application of the research process with a focus on community-based research and evaluating outcomes of health educational programs.

Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent registration in MPH 511


MPH 511 Biostatistics* (4 Credits)

Applies statistical reasoning and methods in addressing, analyzing, and solving problems in public health, healthcare, and biomedical, clinical, and population-based research.

Prerequisite: Algebra or Equivalent


NTR 693 Data Analyses and Interpretation (4 Credits)

Overview of quantitative and qualitative analyses and reporting.

Prerequisite: NTR 629 and MPH 511. Fee: $130


NTR 695 Applied Research (4 Credits)

Students complete a review of current literature and actively participate in research processes, including planning, project implementation, data collection, data entry, and initial data analyses.

Prerequisite: NTR 629. Fee: $160


NTR 696 Research Communication (2 Credits)

Students will continue the research process through analyses and interpretation of statistical data and outputs, development of appropriate graphics, and oral and written dissemination of the research results and conclusions.

Prerequisite: NTR 697 and NTR 694. Fee: $160


Elective (4 credits):

Select one from below. NTR elective options listed above in Nutrition Foundation cannot be counted twice.

MBA 559 Entrepreneurship (4 Credits)

The course covers new venture management, entrepreneurial personalities, managing creativity and establishing a successful enterprise. The major project is a new business plan.


MPH 609 Cultural Context of Health Care in the U.S. (4 Credits)

(ELECTIVE) Addresses cultural factors related to individual and population health and health disparities over the life course.


MPH 632 Public Health Education Methods (4 Credits)

(ELECTIVE) Presents evidence-based methods of health education and promotion addressing major risk factors for death, injury, and disability.


NTR 557 Nutrition Communication through Technology (4 Credits)

This course applies new and emerging technologies for collaboration, communication, and dissemination of nutrition services and innovations.

Prerequisite: NTR 581 or RD (by consent)


NTR 561 Maternal and Child Nutrition (4 Credits)

Study the physiological and metabolic changes that occur in pregnancy and infancy through early childhood. Examine the nutrition and cultural factors impacting growth and development. Evaluate and critique nutrition programs and strategies for this population.

Prerequisite: NTR 530 or NTR 570 or RDN or RN [or by consent if undergraduate or graduate nutrition and physiology courses taken].


NTR 563 Nutrition in Aging (4 Credits)

Study the physiological and metabolic changes that occur in in the aging population, examine the nutrition and cultural factors impacting health and independence, and evaluate and critique nutrition programs and strategies for this population.


NTR 564 Nutrition Health Policy (4 Credits)

Study the policy making processes that address nutrition problems and issues. Analyze and develop nutrition-related polices within evidence, contexts (political, economic, cultural, nutritional) and need. Discuss processes, implementation, measurement and evaluation of factors that impede or promote policies. 


To learn more about the Master of Science in Nutrition and Wellness curriculum at Benedictine, call us at 1-888-295-3104 or request more information here.