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.
Admission Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2027, Summer 2027, and Fall 2027 terms.
Master of Science
- Points/Credits: 54
- Entry Terms: Fall
- Enrollment Formats: Full-Time Campus-Based, Part-Time Campus-Based
Application Deadlines
| Entry Term Available | Priority Deadlines | Final Deadlines | Extended Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Summer | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Fall | December 1, 2026 | January 15, 2027 | N/A |
Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines, such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.
Application Requirements
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Online DICAS Application, including a $50 Application Fee, 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 paid to Teachers College | |
| Two (2) Letters of Recommendation | |
| Supplemental application included in online DICAS application | |
| Prerequisites required prior to enrollment |
For admission-related inquiries, please contact HAEPadmission@tc.columbia.edu.
Additional Information
- Applicants to this program must submit their application for admission through the Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service (DICAS).
Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2026-2027)
View catalog information for the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 and Summer 2027 terms.