Master of Science in Nutrition & Exercise Physiology
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Preparation
Forward-thinking faculty at Teachers College created, in 1982, the first U.S. graduate program combining nutrition and exercise sciences. Today, offered jointly with the Applied Exercise Physiology Program, the Integrated MS-RDN Track’s degree in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology provides our students with a comprehensive foundation in both nutrition and exercise physiology based on the most current research evidence, alongside a practical environment where they can apply these learned skills.
In addition to master’s courses and supervised experiential learning that prepare students for the Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist (RDN) credential, students may be eligible for American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) certifications including Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP), as well as the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), depending on courses completed. In addition, students are provided training in sports nutrition and participate in a practicum with collegiate athletes. Students also have the opportunity to participate in ongoing research projects.
This cross-discipline program provides graduates with the knowledge and skills to implement both nutrition and exercise or physical activity programs for a variety of audiences and to work in sports nutrition.
More specifically, this degree prepares graduates to address the many preventive health and disease management issues that are more satisfactorily attended to by the complementary roles of both nutrition and exercise than by either one alone; to apply the principles from both fields to sports performance and physical fitness; and to provide relevant and accurate information about sports nutrition to athletes and other exercising people.
To fulfill these different roles, this degree also prepares graduates to use educational and behavioral change theories and strategies to provide individual counseling and group education in sports nutrition with professional, collegiate, and high school athletic teams as well as other exercising individuals, and to design and implement exercise and nutrition programs for the public in weight control centers, work sites, fitness centers, community centers, healthcare settings and private practice.
This degree program conforms to the Nutrition Education Competencies for Promoting Healthy Individuals, Communities, and Food Systems set forth by the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior.
Admissions Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2024, Summer 2024, and Fall 2024 terms.
Master of Science
- Points/Credits: 57
- Entry Terms: Fall Only
Application Deadlines
- Spring: N/A
- Summer/Fall (Priority): January 15
- Summer/Fall (Final): April 1
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments
- Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume
- Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
- Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
- $75 Application Fee
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
- Application Supplement (included in online application)
- Prerequisite courses recommended prior to enrollment
- Please visit the program website for more information on prerequisite courses.
Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2023-2024)
Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2023, Spring 2024 and Summer 2024 terms.
Addendum
* Last Updated: April 2024
Points/Credits: 57
Original Catalog Entry
Points/Credits: 57 + 13
Course Requirements
Integrated Master of Science: General Requirements
The major program emphases are in the fields of Nutrition Education, Nutrition and Public Health, and Nutrition and Exercise Physiology. All three integrated MS-RDN degrees require the following core didactic courses and practicum courses:
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HBSV 4010 Food, Nutrition, and Behavior (3 credits)
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HBSV 4013 Nutritional Ecology (3 credits)
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HBSV 4014 Community Nutrition (3 credits)
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HBSV 5010 Advanced Nutrition 1 (3 credits)
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HBSV 5011 Advanced Nutrition 2 (3 credits)
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HBSV 5013 Strategies for Nutrition Education and Health Behavior Change (3 credits)
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HBSV 5014 Analysis of Current Literature and Research in Nutrition (3 credits)
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HBSV 5015 Nutritional Epidemiology and Assessment (3 credits)
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HBSV 5016 Food Service Operations and Management (3 credits)
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HBSV 5018 Nutrition and Human Development (3 credits)
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HBSV 5033 Nutrition Care Process and Medical Nutrition Therapy 1 (3 credits)
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HBSV 5034 Nutrition Care Process and Medical Nutrition Therapy 2 (3 credits)
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HBSV 5036 Nutrition Counseling (2 credits)
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HBSV 5350 Global Foods Practicum (1 credit)
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HBSV 5351 Community Nutrition Education Practicum (1 credit)
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HBSV 5352 Medical Nutrition Therapy Practicum 1 (1 credit)
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HBSV 5353 Medical Nutrition Therapy Practicum 2 (1 credit)
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HBSV 5354 Advanced Practicum 1 (1 credit)
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HBSV 5355 Advanced Practicum 2 (1 credit)
All three Master of Science degrees require a substantial integrative departmental project or thesis.
Master of Science: Nutrition and Exercise Physiology
Students working toward the 57-credit Master of Science degree in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology will also complete five additional courses (13 credits):
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BBSR 5593 Nutrition in Exercise and Sport (3 credits)
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BBSR 4095 Applied Physiology I (3 credits)
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BBSR 5594 Applied Physiology II (3 credits)
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BBSR 5096 Advanced Exercise Prescription (3 credits)
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HBSV 5096 Practicum in Sports Nutrition (1 credit)
Tuition & Fees for integrated MS-RDN degree in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology
The full-time integrated MS-RDN degree in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology consists of 57 credits distributed over two 12-month years as follows:
Year #1:
Fall semester (16 credits)*
January session (1 credit)
Spring semester (12 credits)
Summer session #1 (4 credits)**
Summer session #2 (3 credits) **
Year #2:
Fall semester (13 credits)
January session (3 credits)
Spring semester (8 credits)**
Summer session #1 (4 credit)**
*Two 3.5-credit graduate courses will be completed at Lehman College of the City University of New York. These courses are Ethnic and Therapeutic Meal Patterns and Food Science. These 7 credits are in addition to the 57 credits completed at Teachers College.
**For students who need full-time status, several courses carry additional contact hours for substantial out-of-classroom activities. Despite a low credit total for a few of the semesters, the associated supervised experiential learning hours at various work sites equate to full-time status.
Visit the TC Academic Calendar
In addition to the cost of the Teachers College courses**, students should budget for the following:
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College fee per semester**
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Course fees ($35 per course)
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Two 3.5-credit courses at Lehman College (about $650 per credit)
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Comprehensive physical examination (may include drug testing)**
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Background check (about $20)
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Lab coat (about $25)
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Books and supplies**
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Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics student membership (about $65)
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Liability insurance (about $35 per year, issued by Mercer Consumers, Proliability at https://www.proliability.com/)
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Travel/transportation to work sites, especially during the spring and summer of year #2 (Metro Card, Metro North Railroad, PATH train, Uber/Lyft)**
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Food and personal expenses**
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Living expenses (room and board)**
**Information regarding tuition and fees (updated annually) can be found at: https://www.tc.columbia.edu/admissions/tuition-and-fees
Information about financial aid, scholarships, stipends can be found at: https://www.tc.columbia.edu/admission/financial-aid/