Thank you for your interest in the Nutrition (M.S.) Program at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University. Our Nutrition Masters Program is designed for individuals with academic backgrounds in nutrition, dietetics, public health, exercise science, kinesiology, sport management, health professions, or related disciplines who are seeking to deepen their knowledge in nutritional science, clinical practice, and research.
The program features two distinct concentrations—Community Nutrition and Personalized Nutrition and Wellness—enabling students to align their graduate studies with their professional interests and long-term goals.
The curriculum includes a 21-credit core and 12 additional credits within the chosen concentration, combining theoretical foundations with applied learning. Through rigorous coursework, experiential opportunities, and guided self-assessment, students are equipped to deliver person-centered care, manage nutrition and food service programs, contribute to public health initiatives and policy, and support the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
Our application for eligibility to open a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) (Dietetics concentration in addition to Community Nutrition and Personalized Nutrition and Wellness) has been accepted by ACEND and we are currently in the candidacy process for the proposed program.
While not currently enrolling, applications will be accepted once the program achieves candidacy for accreditation status from ACEND (anticipated January 2027).
All applicants, independent of the concentration selected, must have:
- A bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, public health, exercise science, kinesiology, sport management, health professions or other related areas with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.85 or higher (4-point scale) for undergraduate degree coursework.
- A 3-credit graduate or undergraduate biochemistry course and a 3-credit undergraduate or graduate physiology or anatomy/physiology course upon admission.
Please submit:
- A personal statement that reflects the applicant’s background, interests, professional goals, and decision for selecting the degree.
- Two letters of recommendation from academic or degree-related workplace affiliations that reflect on an applicant’s behavior, character, and leadership ability. References from close friends and family members are not accepted.
While these are the minimum requirements, the admissions committee may use discretion in weighing a student’s previous work and/or academic experiencers in determining qualifications for graduate study.
Important Dates:
Application Opens: October 1, 2025
Application Deadline: August 24, 2026.
Applications received will be considered based on merit and space availability. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.
Criminal Background Check
Although Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University does not ask criminal background questions on its applications, all incoming students are subject to a criminal background check in accordance with Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University Policy.
For additional details, please see the Criminal Background Checks Policy section of the Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University Institutional Handbook.
While these are the minimum requirements, the admissions committee may use discretion in weighing a student’s previous work and/or academic experiencers in determining qualifications for graduate study.