2026-2027 Graduate Catalog

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay’s Master of Science in Nutrition and Integrated Health program provides an evidence-based education to prepare the next generation of nutrition experts. Dietary and lifestyle factors are at the heart of prevention and treatment of the major chronic diseases prevalent within our local and global populations, and professionals are needed to provide integrated nutrition and lifestyle medicine to help individuals and communities reclaim their health. Food systems and nutrition-related health problems are increasingly complex and require nutrition experts with more interdisciplinary and functional nutrition knowledge to be effective members of healthcare teams in clinical settings, and to address community, public health and food system challenges.            

Our program has two tracks:

1. Master of Science Track:
   This route is for those interested in continuing and enhancing their education by obtaining a master’s degree in nutrition and integrated health. This track is designed for persons who have a bachelor’s degree and are interested in obtaining an advanced degree in nutrition. This track is also designed for those who already have their RDN credential and are interested in enhancing their nutrition/dietetics knowledge and skills with a master’s degree.     
2. Combined RDN and Master of Science Track:
   This route is for those interested in completing a master’s program and the integrated supervised experiential learning that culminates in earning a master’s degree and eligibility to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination for Dietitians to obtain the RDN credential. After successful accreditation through The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND),* this program will begin in fall 2023.

*The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) released the Future Education Model Accreditation Standards for programs in nutrition and dietetics (see www.eatrightpro.org/FutureModel).  These accreditation standards integrate didactic coursework with supervised experiential learning in a competency-based curriculum designed to prepare nutrition and dietetics practitioners for future practice.

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay's Master of Science in Nutrition and Integrated Health has been granted Candidacy for Accreditation Status in spring 2022 from the ACEND to open a new and innovated program to prepare Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs). This innovative program combines master's coursework with over 1,000 hours of supervised practicum (also known as supervised experiential learning) in professional settings, including community/public health, food service and clinical settings. The program grants a Master of Science degree and prepares students to sit for the RDN credentialing exam. 

Please see the program webpage, https://www.uwgb.edu/ms-nutrition/ for up-to-date information concerning all aspects of the Master of Science in Nutrition and Integrated Health.

Credit for Prior Learning

The Master of Science in Nutrition and Integrated Health combined track allows students to pursue academic credit for graduate-level knowledge gained through various experiences, both traditional and nontraditional, via the Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) process.  Graduate faculty in the Nutrition and Integrated Health program evaluate whether CPL experiences are equivalent to specific courses.  Examples of prior learning may include the following: 

• Completion of professional certifications or licensure
• Military training or service (connected to coursework in the degree program)
• Work or extensive volunteer experience in a specialized field (connected to coursework in the degree program)
• Non-credit coursework or training programs

Students who are interested in pursuing this option should meet with the program director to thoroughly explore this option and for full instructions on assembling and submitting a graduate portfolio which includes an abstract, artifacts (reports, program designs, certifications, etc.), a crosswalk describing how the evidence meets learning and competency outcomes as well as a statement describing where the knowledge was acquired.  Please meet with the program director for more details, including a list of previously vetted programs that would not require a complete portfolio.  If approved, this coursework will appear on the transcript as transfer credit. There is a limit of 9 credit hours possible. 

Admission Requirements 

A maximum of 24 students will be admitted into the program each year. Each student’s prior academic background is evaluated by the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay program Chair. Students who show exceptional promise but lack the minimal prerequisites may be admitted provisionally. Applicants are not required to take the GRE for admission.

The Office of Graduate Studies sets minimum standards for admission requirements to all graduate programs. Please consult this section of the catalog to review requirements for admission, including the official transcripts you must submit.

In addition to the minimum requirements, this program also requires the following:

• A minimum of a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) based on a 4.0 scale.
• Two letters of evaluation or recommendation letter with at least one letter from an academic reference.
• Personal statement
• Prerequisite coursework* with a grade of C or better in:
  • Biology with a lab
  • General Chemistry I with a lab
  • General Chemistry II with a lab
  • Organic Chemistry or Bio-Organic Chemistry with a lab
  • Biochemistry or Nutritional Biochemistry
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology with a lab
  • General or Introductory Psychology 
  • Human Nutrition*
  • Introductory Statistics 
  • Microbiology with a lab
  • Genetics/Human Genetics*
  • Food Science/Food Chemistry with a lab

• International students should consult the Office of Graduate Studies requirements for all international applicants in the front of the catalog.

  *Upon admission into the master’s program, up to two of these courses may be taken in the first year

MS Degree Requirements  

MS/RDN 

As a program accredited by The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), classroom learning is integrated with supervised practicum experiences that assist students in demonstrating competency across seven areas (foundational knowledge in food and nutrition-related sciences; client/patient services; food systems management; community and population health nutrition; leadership, business, management and organization; critical thinking, research and evidence-informed practice; and core professional behaviors).

The 47 credit program consists of 10 graduate courses (32 credits) and 6 supervised practicum courses (15 credits) that in total provide over 1000 practicum hours in the required professional settings of clinical, community/public health and food service required for RD/RDN credentialing.     

Progress to Degree  

1. Prospective student submits an admission application and is recommended for admission.
2. Applicant is admitted to the Nutrition and Integrated Health graduate program.
3. The student develops a Capstone project or thesis which is defined in consultation with the program faculty and adviser.
4. The student files an Application for Graduation with the Registrar’s Office through the Student Information System (SIS). The application must be completed and submitted to the Office of the Registrar in the fall semester for spring and summer semester graduates.
5. Upon successful completion of the Capstone project or thesis and all other graduation requirements, the degree is awarded and graduate receives diploma.