The Nutritional Sciences Graduate Program provides training in the distinct core nutrition knowledge as described by the Graduate Nutrition Education Committee of the American Society for Nutrition. This training includes, but is not limited to: research and analytical skills; metabolic functions of dietary constituents; nutritional status assessment; nutrition interventions. Graduate study in Nutritional Sciences at the University of Missouri offers the advantage of interdisciplinary nutrition research that is facilitated via the many research centers at MU. The graduate program is administered by the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology in association with the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and the School of Medicine.
Degrees Offered
Doctoral
On Campus
The program offers a PhD in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology with emphasis in Nutrition.
*This program is eligible for the STEM OPT Extension.
Admission Criteria
| Entrance Term | Application Deadlines |
| Fall | December 30 |
| Spring | August 30 |
- Minimum GPA: 3.0 in science and math classes
- Prerequisites: Entering students are expected to have undergraduate training (lecture and laboratory courses) in general and organic chemistry and biology, a two-semester course in biochemistry and an upper-level human nutrition course.
Minimum Language Requirements
Click here to view the minimum English language proficiency test scores
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Nutritional Sciences Program
All application materials must be submitted to the Graduate School online application system.
- Statement of Purpose: Upload a Statement of Purpose, indicating your academic/research interests and career goals to the “Statement of Purpose” section of your online application.
- Resume or Vita: Upload a current Resume or Vita to the “Resume/CV” section of your online application.
- Recommendations: Enter the required information for at least three recommenders in the “Recommendations” section of your online application. The recommenders will receive an email with instructions for completing and submitting your recommendation. Please ensure that the recommenders are aware of the application deadline.
- Statement of Goals Video: Upload a Statement of Goals Video to the “Portfolio” section of your online application. It should be a minimum of 1-minute long (recommended 3-5 minute) video on why you want to be in graduate school and your goals with the program.
- TOEFL Scores (international applicants only)
Master's
On Campus
The program offers a Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology with emphasis in Nutritional Sciences.
Admission Criteria
| Entrance Term | Application Deadlines |
| Fall | February 15 |
| Spring | September 15 |
- Minimum GPA: 3.0 in science and math classes
- Prerequisites: Entering students are expected to have undergraduate training (lecture and laboratory courses) in general and organic chemistry and biology, a two-semester course in biochemistry and an upper-level human nutrition course.
Minimum Language Requirements
Click here to view the minimum English language proficiency test scores
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Nutritional Sciences Program
All application materials must be submitted to the Graduate School online application system.
- Statement of Purpose: Upload a Statement of Purpose, indicating your academic/research interests and career goals to the “Statement of Purpose” section of your online application.
- Resume or Vita: Upload a current Resume or Vita to the “Resume/CV” section of your online application.
- Recommendations: Enter the required information for at least three recommenders in the “Recommendations” section of your online application. The recommenders will receive an email with instructions for completing and submitting your recommendation. Please ensure that the recommenders are aware of the application deadline.
- Statement of Goals Video: Upload a Statement of Goals Video to the “Portfolio” section of your online application. It should be a minimum of 1-minute long (recommended 3-5 minute) video on why you want to be in graduate school and your goals with the program.
- TOEFL Scores (international applicants only)