MSc Sport Nutrition Curriculum Information | Food for Olympians Blog | Peak Nutrition Clinic

Program Description

The Master of Science degree in Sport Nutrition is designed to prepare registered dietitians (RDs or RD eligible) and/or nationally and internationally recognized nutritionists.

• Non-RD students with a strong dual background in exercise science and nutrition are also eligible to apply to this program.
• IOC Sport Nutrition Diploma graduates will receive up to 9 credits for their coursework (please send your diploma). Depending on the student, projects, and practical work IOC Sport Nutrition Graduates may be able to finish their Master of Science Program in 1 year. The application process for IOC Sport Nutrition Diploma graduates is the same as for the regular track. Please send a copy of your IOC diploma in your application materials along with other materials listed below under the general program.
• Graduates are prepared to take leadership roles in providing nutrition services to high school, collegiate, recreational, elite, and professional athletes and active individual of all sports and genders.
• This degree prepares students for the Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) Examination offered to RDs through the Commission for Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the American Dietetic Association (ADA).
• This program also aims to provide international experiences and collaborations through a newly created network of Professionals in Nutrition for Exercise and Sport (PINES; www.sportsoracle.com).
• The degree offers students 3 degree tracks:
  • Sport Nutrition with Research Focus (Thesis)
  • Applied Sport Nutrition w/ Project + Comprehensive Exam (NON-Thesis)
    OR
  • Applied Sport Nutrition w/ Comprehensive + Practical Competency Exam(NON-Thesis)

Our program is currently offered on-site only. In the future, online options may exist. Keep checking our website.

Program Objectives

The goal of the Master of Sciences in Sport Nutrition is to provide students the learning experiences that encompass the scientific and practical principles of nutrition for exercise and sport. Students acquire the knowledge and skill necessary for evidence-based applications and competencies of sports dietitians, working with athletes and active individuals in a variety of settings. Specifically, students in the sport nutrition graduate program will be prepared to:

1. Work as a sports dietitian/sport nutritionist in the setting where exercise and sport science services are offered or requested (e.g., traditional settings: teams, clubs, community groups, fitness and wellness centers, research teams, individuals; nontraditional settings: military, fire fighters, police)
2. Plan and program sport-specific nutrition services for individuals, teams, and groups
3. Screen, assess, follow up, and monitor athletes and active individuals in a variety of settings, integrating both nutrition and sport science principles and skills
4. Effectively integrate nutritional interventions into the annual training and competition plan of athletes at the elite and professional level
5. Provide sport nutrition education to active youth in community settings (e.g., schools, after-school programs, clubs)
6. Provide sport nutrition services and programs to University recreation centers, active students, faculty, staff, and student athletes
7. Provide nutrition education and services to exercising individuals and active community groups with focus on health promotion, fitness, weight maintenance and loss, and disease prevention
8. Counsel athletes and active individuals in a variety of settings
9. Work as part of the multi-disciplinary team in a variety of sports and their clinical settings
10. Effectively use scientific knowledge and evidence-based principles in evaluating, analyzing, and interpreting client/patient data
11. Apply knowledge and skill consistent with the American Dietetic Association’s Standards of Practice (SOP) and Standards of Professional Performance (SOPPs) for Sports Dietitians  
12. Plan, conduct, analyze, and interpret research in the field of nutrition for exercise and sport  
13. Teach nutrition for exercise and sport using experiential learning opportunities (e.g., recovery workshops w/ food and food preparation; shopping at grocery stores, cooking classes to improve skill in the kitchen; gardening as effective weight loss strategy)  
14. Plan food service and catering for individuals, teams, and community groups at sporting events, fund-raisers, and camps  
15. Work with industry to establish socially and ethically responsible partnerships for individuals, teams, and groups
16. Synthesize scientific data and translate into practically meaningful information through a variety of communication channels (e.g., electronic and written materials, website development and hosting, audio-visuals, writing for magazines)

Admission Requirements

Priority admission deadline is April 1
Final admission deadline is June 1

Admission to the program is competitive based on controlled enrollment. Qualified a pplicants meeting the priority enrollment deadline will be given preference for available seats in the program. Remaining qualified applicants meeting the final admission deadline will be awarded admission based on availability of seats.

Admission to the MS Sport Nutrition program requires that the student meet the following requirements: Students may only enroll in the Master of Science in Sport Nutrition Program in the fall of each year. International students must observe application deadlines listed under International Admissions. International students must show proof of proficient use and knowledge of the English language (TOEFL Test) .

Other Requirements:

• One of the following (Verification required):
  • Registered Dietitian
  • Registration eligible
    OR
  • Verification statement received from a DPD program
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university
• Undergraduate coursework in exercise physiology and biochemistry
• Undergraduate cumulative and major GPA of 3.0+
• Complete UCCS online Graduate Application Form at http://www.uccs.edu/gradschl/admissions.html
  • Send an email to Margaret Harris (mharris5@uccs.edu) and Hope Hoch (hhoch@uccs.edu) when you filed and submitted the online application so that we can track your application.
• Signed in-state tuition form (if applicable)
• Three recommendations, using UCCS form
• Selective service form (if applicable)
• Two copies of all OFFICIAL transcripts
• Curriculum Vitae or resume
• Nonrefundable application fee of $60
• Recommended GRE scores of 290 combined in quantitative and verbal sections, and 4 on the analytical section. Criteria for scores prior to Aug 1, 2011 are a recommended minimum score of 900 combined on math and verbal; analytical writing recommended minimum score of 4. (Send scores to UCCS: Institution Code 4874)

International applicants:
• IOC Sport Nutrition Diploma, nutrition degree or strong background in exercise science and nutrition required
• TOEFL test

Tuition Assistance:

• See Graduate school financial aid page.

Contact Persons

Admissions

Hope Hoch
MS Sport Nutrition Program

Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway
Colorado Springs, CO 80918

719.255.4421 | 719.255.4416 FAX
hhoch@uccs.edu  

Sport Nutrition Advising

Margaret Harris, PhD, MS, HC
Assistant Professor - Nutrition
719.255.4558 | 719.255.4416 FAX
mharris5@uccs.edu

OR

Nanna Meyer, PhD, RD, CSSD
Assistant Professor - Sports Nutrition
719.255.3760
nmeyer2@uccs.edu

 

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Copyright 2002-2013 Beth-El College of Nursing & Health Sciences
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Last Updated: February 1, 2013
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