What you will study
In classes for your Sport Nutrition master’s degree online or on campus, you’ll gain
valuable, science-based knowledge about sports nutrition. Then learn how to apply
it when analyzing human performance and exercise metabolism.
Choose a thesis or non-thesis option for your master’s degree in Sport Nutrition
At UCM, you have the option to complete your Sport Nutrition master’s degree with
or without a thesis.
Your thesis may focus on research you conduct in UCM’s state-of-the-art human performance
lab or your work with university student-athletes should you choose to take advantage
of that opportunity. If you choose the non-thesis option, you’ll complete an additional
course of your choice from the variety of elective courses that we offer. Either option
allows you to complete UCM’s Sport Nutrition master’s degree online and in person
within two years.
Excellence in Nutrition
- Recognized: “Best Public University” among the country’s Best Nutrition Degree Programs (Intelligent.com,
2022)
- #35: (only Missouri university) in the Top 50 Master's in Nutrition Online Programs (College
Values Online, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities in sports nutrition
Even if you choose to complete some of your courses for your UCM Sport Nutrition master’s
degree online, you can still benefit from the real-world experiences available on
campus in Warrensburg or Lee’s Summit. Develop invaluable skills for your career as
a sports nutritionist with these resources as you complete your Sport Nutrition degree
from UCM:
Hands-on classes: Kinesiology courses are conducted in UCM’s state-of-the-art laboratories for human
performance and exercise physiology. Access modern equipment and instruments to assess
performance, physical fitness and health status for sports nutrition planning.
Faculty mentoring: UCM faculty bring extensive experience in various nutrition roles ranging from research
to clinical dietitians, and they have diverse research focus areas. Their goal is
to instill a lifelong passion for learning in all students who come through the Sport
Nutrition degree program.
What can you do with a master’s degree in Sport Nutrition from UCM?
Sports nutritionists are in high demand. In fact, 100% of recent graduates from UCM’s
Nutrition program have gained employment or been accepted to graduate school within
six months of completing their Sport Nutrition master’s degree.
Your career opportunities with a master’s degree in Sport Nutrition
Alumni with a Sport Nutrition master’s degree have gone on to work in sports nutrition
for the University of Missouri at Columbia and the University of Kansas Medical Center
and in various wellness centers and exercise facilities. They also work for community
organizations such as the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program and the Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
If you’re an RDN, your completion of UCM’s Sport Nutrition degree paired with your
experience will give you a competitive edge. Entry-level dietitians will be required
to have a master’s degree beginning in 2024.
Use the interactive tool below to explore career possibilities in sports nutrition
and learn what your future may hold.
Financial assistance options for your Sport Nutrition degree
Invest in your future by meeting the requirements to become a sports nutritionist
through UCM’s Sport Nutrition master’s degree. As you research schools to complete
your Sport Nutrition master’s degree online and in person, your criteria may include
resources to help fund your education. The University of Central Missouri makes available loans, scholarships, grants and
employment opportunities.
UCM’s resources, in addition to our recognition by LendEDU as a top-ranked university
for low student debt, demonstrate our commitment to helping you get a quality education
as part of your master’s degree in Sport Nutrition. For more information on program-specific
scholarships, visit UCM Scholarship Finder.
Meet Kellin L.
MS Nutrition - Sport Nutrition Option ’21
“I could not have asked for a more passionate team of professors. The excitement and
sincerity they brought to every lecture made for a remarkable learning environment.
I believe this to be one of the strongest factors that led to my acceptance into the
Dietetic Internship Program at the University of Kansas Medical Center."
Meet Jackson V.
MS Nutrition - Sport Nutrition Option ’18
“UCM’s Sport Nutrition program helped me develop a skill set that has served me well
as an upcoming professional. Program faculty are knowledgeable, passionate and invested
in helping students achieve individual success. Completing this program gave me a
high level of expertise and knowledge in the field and critical thinking skills that
my employers have found to be invaluable.”
Meet Dunlap K.
MS Nutrition - Sport Nutrition Option ’19
“The Sport Nutrition MS program was great. Its hybrid approach is ideal for a working
student, and in-person classes are offered in the evenings. All professors took a
strong interest in students’ development from a classroom and real-life perspective.
The Sport Nutrition option is unique to UCM and offers value for your professional
development. I highly recommend this program!”
Meet Our Program Coordinator
Dr. Meera Penumetcha
Having joined UCM in 2016, Dr. Penumetcha serves as our Nutrition program coordinator
and as an associate professor. Her prior experience includes work as a clinical dietitian
for eight years and then as a postdoctoral fellow after completing her Ph.D. Today,
Dr. Penumetcha is committed to helping Nutrition students engage and thrive in research.
Read Dr. Penumetcha’s Bio
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Admission Requirements for Sport Nutrition Option
Any undergraduate degree but with the following pre-requirements and with an accumulated undergraduate GPA greater than 3.00. Prospective students may apply for conditional admittance if they
have an accumulated undergraduate GPA of 2.75-3.00.
Prerequisites for Sport Nutrition Option:
CHEM 1104 Intro to Chemistry with lab (4-5 credits)
CHEM 1604 Organic and Biochemistry (4 credits)
BIOL 3401 Anatomy (3 credits)
BIOL 3402 Physiology (5 credits)
D&N 3350 Community Nutrition (3 credits)
D&N 3340 Nutrition (3 credits)
KIN 2850 Foundations of Exercise Physiology (3 credits)
NUTR 4010 Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism (3 credits) can be completed as
graduate credit NUTR 5010
NUTR 4300 Nutrition for Human Performance (3 credits) can be completed as graduate
credit NUTR 5300
