NUNM’s Master of Science in Nutrition Program
Food is an essential aspect of our lives. Whether we’re acquiring, growing, preparing, sharing or consuming it, food has the power to nourish and enrich our bodies and even our relationships with others.
It’s no exaggeration to say that food has a profound impact on the way that we feel and the way that we live.
Our Master of Science in Nutrition (MScN) program, delivered in-person at our Portland, Oregon campus or online, takes the concept of food as medicine and turns it into an evidence-based curriculum that teaches students the scientific impact of nutrition on human health.
Nutrition is a dynamic profession, offering many directions in which you can take this field of study.
To give students the best experience possible in preparing them for a fulfilling career, we’ve created two distinct curriculum concentrations for the Master of Science in Nutrition program:
- Clinical Nutrition
- Culinary Nutrition
Our Clinical Nutrition curriculum is aimed at students working towards using their MScN in healthcare settings or who are choosing to pursue an even more advanced degree in medical nutrition therapy.
Culinary Nutrition, on the other hand, is more of a blend of nutritional science and the culinary arts, aimed at students who see themselves becoming nutritional educators, therapeutic chefs, or health and wellness coaches.
But how do you know which path is right for you? Let’s break it down even further.
Clinical Nutrition vs. Culinary Nutrition: Choosing the Right Specialty
Master of Science in Nutrition, Clinical Focus
If you’re interested in using your Master of Science in Nutrition in a clinical context, e.g., performing clinical assessments, providing health coaching to patients and clients, and developing personalized, disease-specific nutritional action plans, then choosing Clinical Nutrition might be the right decision for you.
Our Clinical Nutrition Curriculum consists of five key areas of focus:
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)
Medical Nutrition Therapy, often referred to as MNT, is used to prevent or manage certain illnesses and conditions through a combination of nutrition-based education and behavioral nutrition counseling. Typically, you’re responsible for developing personalized nutrition plans designed to optimize a patient’s wellness while giving them the skills to make decisions that support their wellness goals and needs.
Nutritional Biochemistry
Nutritional Biochemistry examines the interactions between food and the human body’s related biological processes. This can include how a person’s diet can affect their physiology, metabolism, and overall health, and how the application of different foods can have different effects on overall wellness.
Patient-Centered Care and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Medical training on its own doesn’t teach professionals how to work together as a team. It’s a skill to learn like any other.
Patient-Centered Care and Interdisciplinary Collaboration center on the idea of “What are the needs of this specific patient and what therapeutic strategies will be best for them to succeed?” and “How can experts from various health professions work together to help the patient achieve optimum wellness?”
Clinical Assessment Tools and Techniques
You’ll learn standardized approaches on how to track and evaluate a client’s condition, develop treatment plans based on data and feedback, and assess the effectiveness of the applied therapies. Assessments can include interviews, observations, and physical examination to make evidence-driven decisions and measure outcomes.
Behavior Change and Nutrition Communication
Develop skills that help you to connect with patients, better understand their relationship with foods, explore the social, cultural, and economic factors that influence these relationships, and gain expertise in creating personalized treatment plans that help individuals understand their relationship to food and how they can take action in making choices that contribute to their health and wellness.
NUNM’s MScN Clinical Nutrition concentration is an accredited program, recognized by the Accreditation Council on Nutrition Professional Education (ACNPE).
Most commonly, graduates of NUNM’s Master of Science in Nutrition program use their degrees to become Clinical Nutritionists and obtain their Certified Nutrition Specialists (CNS) credential,, consultants for healthcare organizations, medical nutrition researchers instructors in academia, or continue their studies to become Doctors of Naturopathy or acupuncturists.
Master of Science in Nutrition, Culinary Focus
If you’re less interested in using your Master of Science in Nutrition in a clinical context, then the Culinary Nutrition concentration might be a better fit for you.
The Culinary Nutrition track is a hands-on program that integrates nutritional science, culinary medicine, and cooking techniques that encourage optimal nutrition and wellness through nourishing foods.
The Culinary Nutrition curriculum consists of five key areas of focus:
Culinary Techniques and Kitchen Skills
You’ll learn how to choose, prepare, and serve delicious, nutritious foods across a variety of different techniques, showcasing that food can be nourishing and delectable.
Students will be able to take these skills into commercial and home-kitchen settings, where they will not only gain a deep understanding of food preparation, but will also learn skills related to important safety considerations essential for optimal health.
Culinary Medicine and Food as Medicine
Explore the relationship between food, eating, and wellness in evidence-based coursework that blends science with the culinary arts.
Students will use this expertise in Culinary Medicine to provide personalized meal plans and recommendations to patients designed to alleviate symptoms and prevent diseases and chronic illnesses.
Recipe Development and Menu Planning
You won’t just learn culinary techniques and kitchen skills, you’ll also learn how to develop your own original recipes, so that you can create personalized menus and nutrition guides for your clients.
Everyone’s experience with food is different, as are their needs, and this area of focus will help you tailor your treatment recommendations to what will best support their health and wellness goals.
Food Marketing and Communication
You’ll explore and utilize multimedia to create culinary and nutrition-centered content. Practice communication skills and create a framework for defining your purpose, content, and audience. Learn and practice food photography, digital media content creation, writing for social media and professional communication, and other marketing and brand development strategies.
Commonly, students who graduate from NUNM with their Master of Science in Nutrition with a focus in Culinary Nutrition move onto a career as a nutritional educator, a culinary medicine specialist, a health and wellness coach, or as a program developer for corporate or public health initiatives. Several alumni have opened catering businesses, restaurants, and small-scale farms.
Unlike the Clinical Nutrition pathway, the Culinary Nutrition concentration is not eligible for credentialing as a CNS.
Earn Your MScN at NUNM
No matter which path you choose, you are sure to gain an incredible understanding of Nutrition Science, setting you up for an exciting career in a field where your community will greatly benefit from your knowledge.
Food is a basic part of life. Understanding what choices you can make to live your best life is a little more difficult.
If you want to be a part of the solution in helping people rediscover the benefits of food that is not only delicious but also nutritious, then we invite you to learn more about our Master of Science in Nutrition program. Contact us today to learn more.