University of Northern Colorado

What you'll study

This master's combines advanced coursework in clinical nutrition with practical, supervised learning. Core topics typically include advanced medical nutrition therapy across disease states (cardiovascular, renal, oncology, gastrointestinal, endocrine), clinical nutrition assessment and documentation, enteral and parenteral nutrition, pharmacology for nutrition care, lifecycle and paediatric nutrition, and nutrition counselling and behaviour change.

• Research and evidence-based practice: coursework in research methods, statistics, critical appraisal and a capstone project or thesis option to develop applied research or quality improvement skills.
• Clinical skills and practicum: supervised practice rotations in inpatient and outpatient settings, acute care, long-term care, and specialty clinics to consolidate hands-on assessment, care planning and interprofessional working.
• Management and public health: modules on food service systems, healthcare management, nutrition policy and community nutrition to prepare graduates for leadership roles.

Students progress through a sequence of seminars, case-based learning and clinical placements. Assessment methods include clinical competencies, case presentations, written assignments, examinations and a final capstone or research project.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Preference is usually given to candidates with undergraduate coursework in nutrition or a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)-equivalent curriculum. Typical application components include:

• A completed application and official academic transcripts.
• Personal statement outlining career goals and clinical interests.
• Letters of recommendation (academic and/or professional).
• Relevant clinical or volunteer experience in nutrition or healthcare is advantageous.
• Some programmes expect a minimum GPA; applicants without a nutrition background may be required to complete prerequisite courses before or during the programme.

Specific requirements such as minimum GPA, prerequisite lists, background checks, immunisations or CPR certification are set by the university and should be confirmed with the admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for clinical practice in hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care, home health and specialised centres (for example renal, oncology or paediatrics). Career paths commonly pursued include:

• Clinical dietitian or advanced clinical specialist delivering medical nutrition therapy.
• Outpatient and chronic disease management roles, including diabetes education and weight-management clinics.
• Leadership positions in food service or nutrition programme management within healthcare institutions.
• Community nutrition, public health programmes and non-profit work focused on population health.
• Research assistantships, quality improvement roles, and academic positions for graduates who complete a research-focused capstone or thesis.

For graduates seeking credentialing as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), completion of the programme’s academic requirements combined with an accredited supervised practice pathway is required to be eligible to sit for the national registration exam; students should consult the programme for details on pathways and practicum placement support.

Why study at University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado offers a programme with strong emphasis on applied clinical training and interprofessional collaboration. Students benefit from close faculty mentoring, clinical placements in a variety of healthcare settings and opportunities to engage in applied research or quality improvement projects.

• Clinical exposure: access to supervised practice placements across acute care, outpatient and community settings, supported by established clinical partnerships.
• Hands-on learning: small cohort sizes and case-based instruction that emphasise practical skills and clinical decision-making.
• Professional preparation: focused support for preparing for clinical roles and for candidates pursuing the RDN pathway, including practicum coordination and exam preparation resources.

Prospective students should contact the programme office for the most current information on curriculum details, practicum arrangements and admissions criteria.