PSM in Applied Nutrition - Nutrition and Wellness Emphasis

Tailor your education to your interests and experience in our most flexible graduate program.

A silver laptop displaying a full-screen image of healthy food sits on a black desktop, facing the camera. To the left of the laptop is a potted cactus and a folded newspaper. To the right is a clear, glass water bottle.

Earn your graduate degree on your terms and entirely online with the PSM in Applied Nutrition - Nutrition and Wellness Emphasis.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Professional Science Master in Applied Nutrition—Nutrition and Wellness (PSM-NW) program is designed for individuals interested in expanding their knowledge in the growing field of nutritional sciences, human health, and wellness. Students enrolled in the PSM-NW program represent a variety of backgrounds, from registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN) and other working health professionals to educators and recent college graduates. The PSM-NW graduate degree offers students flexible opportunities to develop and apply valuable professional skills in such areas as leadership, communication, project management, and team collaboration. Some graduates of the program may seek advancement with current employers, while others pursue careers in both public and private sectors.

*Please note that this program does not train students to become registered dietitian nutritionists (RD/RDN) - refer to the PSM - Dietetics program.

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Program Format

Online (through Arizona Online)

Program Length

The PSM - NW can be completed in less than 2 years
Total Units: 30 (12 core units + 11 elective units + 7 capstone units)

Program Cost

$650 per unit, plus fees
Tuition Estimator Tool

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PROGRAM INFORMATION

Learning Outcomes: Students enrolled in this program engage in learning opportunities that will enhance their ability to:

Critically evaluate nutrition sciences research and demonstrate knowledge of research methods.
Apply evidence-based nutrition concepts to a professional setting (clinical, communication, education, and industry).
Demonstrate professional interpersonal skills, including communication, collaboration, and leadership.

Program Requirements: 30 units

Core Courses: 12 units
- NSC 509: Advanced Nutrition and Metabolism (3 units)
- NSC 519: Advanced Applied Nutritional Sciences (3 units)
- NSC 562: Professional Ethics and Best Practices in Nutrition Education and Counseling (3 units)
- NSC 610: Nutrition and Disease (3 units) OR NSC 535: Advanced Clinical Nutrition (3 units) for students who hold the RDN credential
Capstone Courses: 7 units
- NSC 597: Capstone Prep Workshop (1 unit)
- NSC 698A: Capstone I (3 units)*
- NSC 698B: Capstone II (3 units)*
Elective Courses: 11 units
- Students may select electives from a variety of approved graduate-level courses.

*NSC 698A & NSC 698B: Students work with a partnering organization to complete approximately 270 hours (45 hours per unit) of hands-on experience that serves as their graduate capstone project.

Program Cost: $650 per unit, plus fees (see the Arizona Online cost estimator to calculate costs).

Qualified Tuition Reduction (QTR) may be applied to tuition for this program.

Through the Arizona Online Corporate Initiative, some students may qualify for tuition reimbursement from their employer.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Admissions Information

Minimum Education Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in nutrition or similar field from an accredited institution
Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA.

If degree is in a field other than nutrition, coursework in the following subjects is required for admission - course descriptions may be requested:

Physiology: 3-4 units, equivalent to UA 200-level or higher courses such as:
- PSIO 201 or 202: Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 or 2 (4 units each)
- PSIO 305: Integrative Systems Physiology (3 units)
- PSIO 380: Fundamentals of Human Physiology (4 units)
Biochemistry: 3 units, equivalent to UA 200-level or higher courses, such as:
- BIOC 384: Foundations in Biochemistry (3 units)
- BIOC 385: Metabolic Biochemistry (3 units)
Nutrition: 6 units
- 3 units, equivalent to UA 100-level or higher nutrition courses, such as:
  - NSC 101: Introduction to Human Nutrition (3 units)
  - NSC 170C1: Nutrition, Food, and You (3 units)
- 3 units, equivalent to UA 200-level or higher nutrition courses, such as:
  - NSC 275: Fundamentals of Precision Nutrition and Wellness (3 units)
  - NSC 301: Nutrition and the Life Cycle (3 units)
  - NSC 308: Nutrition and Metabolism (3 units)

English Language Proficiency:

Refer to the Graduate College Admissions - Acceptable English Proficiency Credentials

Characteristics

The following characteristics are essential for success in this program:

Self-directed, independent learner
Able to manage time effectively
Effective written and verbal communication
Able to utilize a wide range of resources effectively

Application Materials and Deadlines

Applicants apply online through the University's GradApp portal
Materials to be uploaded:
- Statement of purpose
- Transcripts
- Resume
- Names and contact information for at least 2 references (references upload their letters into the system)
In addition, applicants respond to several questions to help the admissions committee in their review process.
Application deadlines:
- Fall admission: June 15^th
- Spring admission: October 15^th
- Summer admission: March 15^th