Sports and Human Performance Nutrition, Master of Science
Applicants to the program leading to a Master of Science (MS) degree in Sports and Human Performance Nutrition and Exercise Science (SHPN) are required to have earned a bachelor’s degree and have either completed at least 3 credits in chemistry and 6 credits in anatomy and physiology or plan to complete these prerequisites once admitted to the program. If applicants wish to meet the academic requirements to earn their Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential, other prerequisites will be necessary. These vary depending on what the applicant has taken as an undergraduate.
The MS in Sports and Human Performance Nutrition is a 36-credit degree which requires 9 credits in core nutrition courses, 9 credits in Sports and Human Performance Nutrition courses, 9 credits in the research sequence, and 9 credits of electives. In addition to the required courses, the candidate must successfully complete and defend an original research project (ND/SHPN 595 A, B & C) or complete the ND/SHPN 596 Capstone Experience course. If students pursue the thesis option, they will select a member of the Nutrition and Dietetics faculty as a mentor. The mentor and two other committee members will work with the candidate on an individual basis throughout the research project.
Two program tracks lead to this degree: the on campus MS in Sports Nutrition and Exercise Science track and the on campus MS in Sports Nutrition and Exercise Science + Dietetic Internship Program track. For the MS in Sports Nutrition and Exercise Science + Dietetic Internship Program track, students need to complete an additional 12 predetermined credits to earn both the MS in Sports Nutrition and Exercise Science as well as the Dietetic Internship Verification Statement.
Sports Nutrition and Exercise Science Program of Study (36 semester hours)
Core Courses (9 semester hours)
| SHPN 560 | Biochemistry of Nutrition & Exercise | 3 |
| SHPN 581 | The Energy Nutrients and Alcohol | 3 |
| SHPN 582 | Advanced Nutrition Vitamins and Minerals | 3 |
SNES 502, 509, 510 and 574 include a lab component
Sports and Human Performance Nutrition Courses (9 semester hours)
| SHPN 549 | Sports & Human Perf Nutrition I: Theory | 3 |
| SHPN 550 | Sprts & Hmn Prfrmnce Nutrition II - App | 3 |
| SHPN 575 | Body Composition for Sports & Performnce?Management | 3 |
Research Sequence (9 semester hours)
Non-Thesis
Electives (9 semester hours)
| SHPN 503 | Endocrine Disorders, Nutrition and Exerc | 3 |
| SHPN 509 | Principles of Strength & Conditioning | 3 |
| SHPN 513 | Exercise and Aging | 3 |
| SHPN 523 | Immunology, Exercise & Nutrition | 3 |
| SHPN 525 | Clinical Nutrition: Pharmacology and?Fluid-Electrolyte Balance | 3 |
| SHPN 575 | Body Composition for Sports & Performnce?Management | 3 |
Students cannot be guaranteed that a particular elective course will be available.
Because SHPN courses are cross listed with ND courses, additional courses from the core or electives in the MS in Nutrition may be selected with permission of the department chairperson. Other graduate-level courses may be acceptable from Psychology, Business, or other departments with permission of the chairperson.