University of Memphis

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework in human nutrition and metabolism with applied clinical training to prepare students for practice in acute and outpatient settings. Core topics typically include:

• Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy — evidence-based nutritional management for disease states such as diabetes, renal disease, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders and critical illness.
• Clinical Assessment and Nutrition Care Process — patient assessment techniques, documentation, care planning and outcome evaluation.
• Nutrition Support and Enteral/Parenteral Feeding — principles and clinical application of nutrition support in hospitalised patients.
• Metabolism and Biochemical Nutrition — macronutrient and micronutrient metabolism, nutrient–drug interactions and laboratory interpretation.
• Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice — study design, biostatistics, critical appraisal and application of research to clinical decision-making.
• Foodservice Systems and Management — operations, safety, management principles and cost considerations relevant to institutional foodservice (often offered as elective).
• Public Health and Community Nutrition — population-level nutrition interventions, programme planning and health promotion.

Most students complete a combination of classroom lectures, case-based seminars and supervised clinical experiences. The programme typically offers practicum placements or clinical rotations in a range of settings (acute care, outpatient clinics, long-term care and community agencies), and may include a capstone project or thesis option depending on the student’s chosen pathway.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Applicants with a degree in nutrition, dietetics or a related health science are particularly well prepared, but applicants from other disciplines who have completed prerequisite coursework may also be considered.

• Prerequisite coursework — foundational courses in human physiology, biochemistry, nutrition, lifespan nutrition and food science or equivalents are typically required.
• Academic standing — a competitive undergraduate GPA is expected; many successful applicants present a strong GPA (commonly around a 3.0/4.0 or higher) and solid performance in science and nutrition prerequisites.
• Supporting materials — submission usually includes academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement describing professional goals and relevant experience, and a CV or résumé. Some applicants may be invited for an interview.
• Experience — prior hands-on experience in nutrition, healthcare or foodservice (volunteering, internships, or employment) strengthens an application but is not always mandatory.

Career prospects

Graduates of the programme are prepared for a range of careers in clinical and community nutrition. Typical career paths include:

• Clinical dietitian / Registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) — working in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centres and long‑term care facilities to provide medical nutrition therapy.
• Nutrition support specialist — managing enteral and parenteral feeding protocols in acute-care and intensive care settings.
• Paediatric, oncology or renal dietetics — specialising in nutrition care for specific patient populations.
• Community and public health nutrition — designing and delivering population-level nutrition programmes through public health agencies and non‑profits.
• Foodservice and healthcare management — roles in operational leadership, quality improvement and regulatory compliance for institutional foodservice systems.
• Research and education — opportunities in clinical research, academic teaching or further graduate study (e.g. doctoral programmes).

Why study at University of Memphis

The University of Memphis offers this programme within a health sciences environment that emphasises applied clinical training and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students benefit from access to clinical placement opportunities across the city’s healthcare institutions and community agencies, allowing exposure to diverse patient populations and practice settings.

Faculty in the nutrition programme bring clinical experience and research interests that support hands‑on learning, supervision during practicum placements and opportunities to participate in applied research projects. The university’s location and professional networks also support internships, community engagement and potential employer connections for graduates pursuing clinical and public health careers.

Overall, the programme is suited to students seeking a practice‑oriented master’s with a strong emphasis on clinical nutrition, patient assessment and preparation for supervised practice or leadership roles in nutrition services.