Graduate Programs

Our comprehensive curriculum empowers students to excel in diverse and rewarding career paths within nutrition, health sciences, healthcare delivery, hospitality management, and cutting-edge research. NHS graduates go on to make meaningful impacts across multiple sectors, for example:

• registered dietitians in clinical settings
• nutrition researchers in academic settings
• wellness consultants for major corporations
• food service directors in healthcare facilities
• public health educators in community organizations

Whether developing nutrition interventions for underserved communities, managing large-scale food service operations, or conducting groundbreaking research on metabolic diseases, our alumni are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to become leaders in their chosen fields.

We are proud to offer to the following degrees: 

• Master of Science (M.S., thesis and non-thesis, 6 specializations)
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D., research intensive, 2 specializations)

Essential Information and Guidelines

• Applicants to NHS graduate programs must have a current faculty member assigned as their advisor to be considered for admission. Applications received without a confirmed advisor designation will be denied.
• Completion of an M.S. program takes approximately 2 years and a Ph.D. program, a minimum of 4 years.  
• Applicants interested in research training and research careers should apply for M.S. Option A (research thesis) or Ph.D. (90 credits beyond the baccalaureate degree, including master's degree coursework).
• Applicants interested in healthcare, dietetics, community nutrition, or hospitality careers should apply for the non-thesis master's.
• Students are recommended for admission by departmental graduate faculty.
• Research training programs, M.S. or Ph.D. with Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition Specialization, and Ph.D. in Human Sciences, require at least one faculty member who agrees to serve as the student's research advisor.
• Applicants focused on research must communicate with individual graduate faculty by providing compelling reasons why their application should be considered in addition to serving as their graduate research advisor. Detailing volunteer, professional, and research experience as well as demonstrating passion and interest in their areas of research are key components.
• To learn more about each graduate faculty members' areas of research, teaching, and other interests, review their bio pages online at cehs.unl.edu/nhs/nhs-home/facultystaff/ and complete a search for them online via PubMed (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) or Google Scholar (scholar.google.com).
• Graduate assistantships for research and teaching are available for the upcoming fall semester on a competitive basis. Preference for admission, assistantships, scholarships, and fellowships is given to applicants who apply by February 15 for the fall semester. For more information, visit: go.unl.edu/2i7k. Please note: The application form is only for students who have already been admitted to our program. If you have not been admitted, please do not fill out this assistantship application.
   

Prerequisites for Admission

For nutrition, dietetics, and exercise, preference for admission includes completion of undergraduate courses documented on transcripts in general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, human physiology, human anatomy, and advanced nutrition (for dietetics). Any potential course deficiencies should be discussed with your program contact or faculty advisor prior to admission. Admission prerequisites and requirements include: 

• A bachelor's degree in biochemistry, biology, dietetics, exercise science, food science, health education, health sciences, hospitality/restaurant management, nutrition science, or other major related to their desired area of study. Applicants not having a relevant bachelor's degree are welcome to apply but should take prerequisite courses related to their desired area of study before applying.
• A confirmed advisor before applying. At least one faculty member must agree to serve as an applicant's advisor before an application can be submitted. Applicants must communicate with individual graduate faculty by providing compelling reasons why their application should be considered in addition to serving as their graduate research advisor. Detailing volunteer, professional, and research experience as well as demonstrating passion and interest in their areas of research are key components. Applications received without a confirmed advisor designation wil be denied.
• Grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• If taking the GRE, preferred minimum GRE scores of 145 Verbal; 150 Quantitative; 3.0 Analytical (writing).
• Required minimum TOEFL score (International students only): 550 paper; 79 internet; or 6.5 IELTS.
• Three letters of recommendation to be considered for admission. Applicants are highly encouraged to submit their letters of recommendation on official letterhead including (physical or digital) signatures.
   

Application for Admission and Deadlines

Application information for the M.S. in Nutrition and Health Sciences (choose one of 6 Specializations) or the Ph.D. in Human Sciences with a specialization in Biomedical and Molecular Nutrition or Nutrition and Health Sciences can be found online at unl.edu/gradstudies/academics/programs/NUHS-MS and unl.edu/gradstudies/academics/programs/NTRN-PHD.

Preference for admission, assistantships, scholarships, and fellowships is given to applicants who apply by February 15 for the fall semester.

Applications submitted less than 4 months before the start of each semester may experience delays in processing (after April 15 for fall, after September 1 for spring, and after February 15 for summer). If you plan to submit a late application, notify the department of your intention to apply. 
 

Application for Assistantships and Fellowships

Graduate assistantships for research and teaching, as well as fellowships and scholarships, are available for the upcoming fall semester on a competitive basis. A separate application is required. For more information, visit: cehs.unl.edu/nhs/assistantships-hourly-positions-and-fellowships/.
 

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