Introduction
Our Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Nutrition program focuses on assessing and applying current evidence in clinical nutrition.
This is a fully online program that is open to both full-time and part-time students.
You will learn the latest advances in nutrition science. This allows you to help people prevent and treat chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes.
Our Approach
You learn from faculty who are also practicing clinicians at one of the nation’s top academic medical centers, Rush University Medical Center.
The program uses a combination of online synchronous and asynchronous teaching. You will also meet with faculty one-on-one, online to complete a master’s research project.
We combine theoretical knowledge and evidence-based research with practical clinical applications. In addition, you learn to design, implement and present research.
Obtaining the Clinical Nutrition MS degree alone does not make you eligible to take the registration examination for dietitians. Learn more about the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian, and contact the program chairperson Sarah Peterson, RD, PhD, CNSC, LDN if you are interested in becoming a registered dietitian.
Clinical Nutrition Program Length and Location
The program can be completed in 16 months if you attend full-time and three to five years if you attend part-time.
This is an ideal program for part-time study. A reduced course load and online learning give you the ability to continue to work full-time.
You must complete the required 30 credits within five years of matriculation, whether you attend full or part time.
Clinical Nutrition Program Tuition
At Rush University, we know your education is a big investment. We want to make sure you have all the information to be able to make the best financial decisions for you and your family.
Tuition for the Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Nutrition program is $1,016 per credit.
Life events have provided Kellye Walters-Warren with more than enough food for thought. Now her focus is on food for health.
Walters-Warren started work on her master’s in clinical nutrition at Rush University after raising three children, caregiving for her mom and witnessing how poor nutrition led to health disparities in the underserved community she grew up in. She talked to us about her nontraditional path to health care and the events that sparked her passion for nutrition.
Clinical Nutrition Career Opportunities
You will be prepared for a career as a clinical nutritionist in a variety of settings, including the following:
- Academics
- Federal or state agencies
- Public health
- Private industry
- Research
- Wellness
The median annual salary for nutritionists was $66,450 as of May 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
Salaries can vary greatly based on experience, location and specialty. The top 10 percent of earners in the field average more than $93,640 per year.
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates a 7% increase in jobs for nutritionists from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
What's the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian? There is often confusion about these careers – but there are important differences between the two.
Nutritionists have varying levels of education. Some people with no professional training will refer to themselves as nutritionists while other nutritionists may have a PhD.
Dietitians, though, must complete specific nutrition-related coursework from an institution accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, or ACEND. They must also complete supervised practice through an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship.
Dietitians must also pass a national registration exam from the Commission on Dietetic Registration in order to practice as a registered dietitian nutritionist, or RDN.
Learn more about becoming a dietitian through Rush's Clinical Nutrition program with Dietetic Integrated Track.
College of Health Sciences
College of Health Sciences
College of Health Sciences
College of Health Sciences
College of Health Sciences
College of Health Sciences
College of Health Sciences
College of Health Sciences
College of Health Sciences
College of Health Sciences
College of Health Sciences
College of Health Sciences
College of Health Sciences
College of Health Sciences
College of Health Sciences
College of Health Sciences
College of Health Sciences
College of Health Sciences
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College of Health Sciences
College of Health Sciences
(312) 942-5926
chs_admissions@rush.edu
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