Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance

The Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance fits squarely within Merrimack’s Augustinian tradition and the mission of the School of Health Sciences.

Mission

The mission of Merrimack’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences is to provide a quality, innovative education built upon strong science, emerging technologies, and real-world foundational experiences, integrated with the liberal arts and shaped by Augustinian traditions. Our vision is to be broadly recognized as a leader in the preparation of highly skilled, compassionate, ethical health professionals.

The mission of the Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance program is to prepare entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists through student-centered, innovative education with integrated experiential learning, and instill the skills and knowledge necessary for graduates to deliver evidence-informed, culturally competent care, and meet the diverse needs of individuals and communities.

With a focus on quality, experiential educational opportunities, and a strong foundation in the sciences, the mission of the program expands upon the missions of Merrimack College and the School of Nursing and Health Sciences with its specific emphasis on dietetics. The mission of the program is unique within Merrimack College but aligns directly with the mission of Merrimack College and the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. The program will be the only program at Merrimack College with a mission of preparing competent graduate-trained registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs).

Goals and Objectives

Program Goal 1: To prepare graduates to become competent entry- level registered dietitian nutritionists.

Supporting Objectives: 

• At least 80% of students complete program requirements within 3 years (150% of the program length)
• At least 80% of program graduates will take the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
• The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
• Of graduates who seek employment, at least 90% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related within 12 months of graduation.
• At least 80 percent (80%) of employers/supervisors who respond to our survey will report graduates “satisfactory” or better as effective entry-level RDN practitioners.

Program Goal 2: To prepare graduates to provide evidence-informed, culturally competent care.

Supporting Objectives: 

• Of employed graduates who respond to the alumni survey, at least 80% will rate themselves as adequately or very well prepared to provide evidence-informed, culturally competent care.
• Of employers responding to our survey, at least 80% will rate their satisfaction as satisfied or highly satisfied with the program graduate demonstrating culturally competent nutrition services.
• Of employers responding to our survey, at least 80% will rate their satisfaction as satisfied or highly satisfied with the program graduate demonstrating evidenced informed nutrition services.

Applicants to the Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance must have earned a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 overall GPA.  Applicants must have completed the required prerequisite courses and have earned a grade of B or better before beginning the Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance.

Prerequisite Courses

• Biochemistry
• Human Anatomy
• Human Physiology 
• Chemistry I
• Organic  Chemistry I
• Microbiology 
• Statistics
• Introduction to Nutrition  
• Exercise Physiology
• Chemistry II  is strongly recommended

Please note: The prerequisite courses are subject to change.

Completion of Prerequisites

Required prerequisite courses need to be completed before beginning the program in the fall, but they do not need to be completed before applying to the program. Prerequisites may still be completed in the spring or summer before beginning the program in the fall.  Students may be enrolled in up to two outstanding prerequisite courses when they apply to the program. 

Credit for Prior Learning

Currently the Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance does not have a policy to evaluate and award credit for prior learning for course work or supervised experiential learning.

Additional Application Info

There is no fee to apply, and there is no GRE requirement. However, we encourage you to submit test scores if you feel they will support or enhance your academic background. View above for more details on how to apply.

Completion requirements of the nutrition and human performance graduate degree program include successful completion of all academic coursework and supervised fieldwork with a grade of “B” or better and an overall GPA of 3.0 or greater.  Successful completion of competency-based assessments with an overall experiential fieldwork learning performance rating of “met expectations” or higher from preceptors for all entry-level competencies and completion of at least 1000 hours of supervised fieldwork is also required. 

Students will ordinarily complete the program within two years. However, students are permitted a maximum of six years to complete the program requirements applicable at the time the student enrolls, as outlined in Merrimack College policy.

Verification Statement

Graduates of the program will receive a Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance and a verification statement upon successful completion of the program requirements.  Upon meeting the requirements for graduation, students will receive a verification statement enabling them to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing examination to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).  

While the Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance delivers exceptional value, here’s what you need to understand the other part of the cost-benefit equation before pursuing your graduate degree.

The graduate degree program in nutrition and human performance is subject to the overall tuition and fee structure for Merrimack’s master’s degrees and graduate certificate programs. Tuition and fees are subject to change. Visit the Bursar’s Graduate Tuition and Fees page for up-to-date cost information.

Students in the Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance may incur additional program-related expenses for:

• Drug Testing and Criminal Background Checks
• ServSafe Food Manager Certificate
• Housing
  • Information about residential housing and/or off-campus housing can be found at: merrimack.edu/about/offices_services/residence_life/
• Travel
• Books
• Name Tags
• Liability Insurance
  • Merrimack College holds a professional liability policy covering all students enrolled in a course with a fieldwork/clinical component. The policy only covers students functioning in the role of a Merrimack College student. Some fieldwork facilities  may require students to have their own professional liability insurance. If this is the case, the student will be required to purchase student liability insurance.

Visit Merrimack’s State Authorization and Professional Licensing Disclosure page for details.

Application requirements for international applicants include:

• Verification of Credentials
• International Transcripts
• Proof of English Proficiency
• Copy of Passport
• Declaration of Finances

Detailed information on international application requirements and information on how to apply can be found here.

An official course-by-course evaluation of your academic credentials is required if you attended an institution of higher education outside of the United States. You may use any NACES-member organization. Either World Education Services (WES) and Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) are recommended. The evaluation must be issued and sent directly to Merrimack College Graduate Admission. If electronic delivery is available, please have it sent to [email protected].

We do not offer scholarships or fellowships that provide full funding. All applicants are automatically reviewed for  scholarships, depending on the strength of their application and the graduate program for which they are applying. These awards typically cover around 10-15% of the price of tuition. It is dispersed evenly throughout the program and displayed in your admission letter. All graduate students also have the option of obtaining private loans and/or enrolling in an institutional payment plan.

Applicants whose first language is not English and who have not earned an academic degree in the U.S. must submit proof of English proficiency. For more information or see the most asked questions visit here.

If you need further assistance, please reach out to us at [email protected] or 978-837-3563.