Quick Facts - MSN
Degree
Master of Science in Nutrition (Research Track)
General Requirements
- Bachelor's degree
- Cumulative 3.0 GPA minimum in undergraduate degree
- Prerequisite courses with a C or better in each class
Length of Program
2 years, full time
Tuition and Fees
First year: $21,990
Career Opportunities
The primary purpose of this degree is preparation for advanced doctoral studies in nutrition or other health care-related fields. However, graduates may also consider careers in:
- Research and development
- Research laboratories as research assistants
- Nutrition writing
- Nutrition advocacy work
- Public policy
- Prevention and wellness
Program Summary - MSN
The Master of Science in Nutrition (MSN/Research) provides students with a solid overview of nutritional science, theory and research. Balancing a holistic perspective with a rigorous understanding of biochemistry and nutrient metabolism, this innovative program provides students with a broad education in preventive health and wellness, prepares them to critically evaluate scientific literature, and serves as a firm foundation for those pursuing future doctoral level education.
First year coursework encompasses areas such as nutrient metabolism, applied and therapeutic nutrition, research skills, and whole foods. Second year coursework includes community and global perspectives on nutrition, and thesis research.
Program Features
- A rigorous science-based curriculum prepares graduates for a mainstream profession with a natural health perspective.
- Highly qualified faculty coupled with small class sizes and a strong advising program.
- A modern and fully equipped whole food nutrition kitchen where students develop their culinary skills and deepen their understanding of nutritional concepts.
- Availability of Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and Dietetic Internship (DI) program options.
- Whole food cafeteria
- Bastyr nutrition students help maintain the University's Medicinal Herb Garden and its 350 species of herbs and seasonal crops. The garden serves as a laboratory for organic, sustainable and renewable agriculture.
- Access to related elective classes within the broad Bastyr curriculum, including herbal sciences, naturopathic medicine and health psychology.
Prerequisites - MSN
To be competitive for admissions into the MSN program the following GPAs are strongly recommended:
- 3.25 in prerequisite coursework (classes listed as specific prerequisites)
- 3.25 cumulative in science coursework
- 3.25 in nutrition coursework
- 3.0 cumulative undergraduate coursework
Entering students must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college/university, an average GPA of 3.0 or higher in their undergraduate degree and must complete the following courses:
- Human Physiology (upper level) - 5 quarter credits A full series anatomy and physiology will meet this requirement.
- Chemistry (science-major level with lab) - 3 coursesThe chemistry courses must include at least one course in organic chemistry.
- Nutrition - 5 quarter credits or 3 semester credits
- Biochemistry - 1 course The biochemistry course must be upper-level and must cover intermediary metabolism.
- College Algebra - 1 course
- Microbiology - 3 quarter credits Important Change to Nutrition Prerequisites: Microbiology is a new prerequisite for students entering masters of nutrition programs beginning fall 2012.
Want to take these prerequisite courses with us? Find out more about our Post-Baccalaureate Program.
Want to know which classes fulfill these prerequisites? Check these lists: Course equivalency guides
Curriculum - MSN (Research Track)
The curriculum table that follows lists the tentative schedule of courses each quarter. Next to each course is the number of credits per course (Crdt.), the lecture hours each week (Lec.) and the lab/clinic hours each week (L/C).
Year I
| Quarter | Cat. No. | Course Title Course descriptions are available in the Course Catalog. | Credits | Lec. | L/C |
| Fall | BC5118 | Disease Processes 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| TR5100 | Biostatistics | 4 | 4 | 0 | |
| TR5120 | Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients | 5 | 5 | 0 | |
| TR5136 | Nutrition in the Life Cycle (hybrid online course) | 3 | 3 | 0 | |
| Quarterly Total: | 15 | 15 | 0 | ||
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| Winter | BC5132 | Disease Processes 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| TR5104 | Research Methods in Health Sciences | 3 | 2 | 2 | |
| TR5124 | Advanced Nutrition: Micronutrients | 5 | 5 | 0 | |
| TR5320 | Nutrition Assessment & Therapy 1 | 5 | 4 | 2 | |
| Quarterly Total: | 15 | 13 | 4 | ||
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| Spring | TR5101 | Whole Foods Production | 3 | 1.5 | 3 |
| TR5128 | Applied Research Skills | 3 | 3 | 0 | |
| TR5140 | Advanced Nutrition: Bioactive Compounds in Foods |
3 | 3 | 0 | |
| TR5321 | Nutrition Assessment & Therapy 2 | 5 | 4 | 2 | |
| Quarterly Total: | 14 | 11.5 | 5 | ||
Year II
| Quarter | Cat. No. | Course Title Course descriptions are available in the Course Catalog. | Credits | Lec. | L/C |
| Fall | TR5115 | Food Science | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| TR6111 | Contemporary Nutrition: Global & Ecological Issues |
2 | 2 | 0 | |
| TR6114 | ThesisThese credits may vary. Students may register for thesis as early as summer quarter of the first year and in any quarter in which the student receives thesis advising. Twelve (12) thesis credits are required to graduate. One (1) thesis credit must be earned in the quarter in which the degree is to be received. If all thesis credits have been earned, then Thesis Continuation (TR6199) is required in the final quarter. | 4 | 0 | 8 | |
| TR6116 | Thesis Seminar 1Thesis seminar classes should be taken in the same quarter as thesis credits. | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| Quarterly Total: | 12 | 7 | 10 | ||
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| Winter | TR5132 | Applied Statistical Analysis | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| TR6122 | Contemporary Nutrition: Community & Cultural |
3 | 3 | 0 | |
| TR6114 | ThesisThese credits may vary. Students may register for thesis as early as summer quarter of the first year and in any quarter in which the student receives thesis advising. Twelve (12) thesis credits are required to graduate. One (1) thesis credit must be earned in the quarter in which the degree is to be received. If all thesis credits have been earned, then Thesis Continuation (TR6199) is required in the final quarter. | 4 | 0 | 8 | |
| TR6116 | Thesis Seminar 2Thesis seminar classes should be taken in the same quarter as thesis credits. | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| Quarterly Total: | 10 | 5 | 10 | ||
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| Spring | TR6133 | Contemporary Nutrition: Public Health | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| TR6114 | ThesisThese credits may vary. Students may register for thesis as early as summer quarter of the first year and in any quarter in which the student receives thesis advising. Twelve (12) thesis credits are required to graduate. One (1) thesis credit must be earned in the quarter in which the degree is to be received. If all thesis credits have been earned, then Thesis Continuation (TR6199) is required in the final quarter. | 4 | 0 | 8 | |
| TR6116 | Thesis Seminar 3Thesis seminar classes should be taken in the same quarter as thesis credits. | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| Quarterly Total: | 8 | 4 | 8 | ||
Elective Requirements
| Quarter | Cat. No. | Course Title Course descriptions are available in the Course Catalog. | Credits | Lec. | L/C |
| variable | variable | ElectivesOf the four (4) elective credits required, students must have a minimum of two (2) elective credits in nutrition program courses. | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Electives Total: | 4 | 4 | 0 |
Total Requirements |
Credits | Lec. | L/C |
| Total Core Course Credits and Hours | 74 | 55.5 | 37 |
| Total Elective Credits and Hours | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Total Requirements: | 78 | 59.5 | 37 |
Expected Learning Outcomes
The Department of Nutrition and Exercise Science has established the following expected learning outcomes for all Master of Science in Nutrition programs:
- Biological/Medical Sciences
- Quantitative Reasoning/Critical Thinking/Research
- Nutrition
- Whole Foods and Natural Medicine
- Communication
- Physical Activity
- Promotion of the University's and the Department's mission and vision
Expected learning outcomes specific to MSN Research track are:
- Perform basic biostatical analysis and utilize appropriate statistical software
- Write a research proposal in an area of human nutrition
- Design and conduct a scientific study, including obtaining IRB approval if needed
- Effectively design, conduct, analyze, report and interpret results of an independent research project
- Follow stated guidelines for manuscript preparation as a component of thesis completion
- Present nutrition research to a peer audience
Curriculum and course changes in the 2011-2012 Bastyr University Catalog are applicable to students entering during the 2011-2012 academic year. Please refer to the appropriate catalog if interested in curriculum and courses required for any other entering year.
Tuition for Master's & Doctoral Degrees
Average first-year tuition and fee costs for a typical credit load in the 2012/2013 academic year.The "first year" is considered fall, winter and spring quarters.
Degree Program |
Average Credits1st year |
Tuition & FeesFees include a $375 new student matriculation fee and $25 quarterly student activity fee. See the University Catalog for a full schedule of fees. |
Books & Supplies |
TotalThe budget used to determine financial-aid eligibility allows for an additional $21,600 for a 9-month period of living expenses for graduate students. |
| Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine | 78 | $30,510 | $3,725 | $34,235 |
| Master of Science in Acupuncture & Oriental MedicineThis line also for Master of Science in Acupuncture | 66 | $26,922 | $3,300 | $30,222 |
| Combined BS/MS in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine | 66 | $26,922 | $3,300 | $30,222 |
| Master of Science in Ayurvedic Sciences | 37 | $19,897 | $1,100 | $20,987 |
| Master of Science in NutritionAverage first-year credit loads for nutrition master programs vary: Didactic Program in Dietetics (40 credits), Research (44), Nutrition and Clinical Health Psychology (47). | 44 | $21,990 | $2,200 | $24,190 |
| Master of Science in Midwifery | 42.5 | $21,365 | $2,125 | $23,490 |
| Combined BS/MS in Midwifery | 42.5 | $21,365 | $2,125 | $23,490 |
| Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology | 36 | $21,540 | $1,800 | $23,340 |