MS Degree Program

Program objectives are: (1) to recognize the diverse nature of subject matter embodied in the respective program disciplines; (2) to understand the research findings and theoretical constructs undergirding the corresponding disciplines within the health studies umbrella, including the development of specialized skills needed for systematic inquiry; (3) to understand the critical role of diversity in delivering inclusive health studies services; (4) to develop effective leadership skills; and (5) to understand and embrace ethical standards of the respective disciplines.

Admission Requirements

Students may use up to 12 credit hours of designated courses in meeting the requirements of both the HS/Dietetics bachelor’s and NUTR/ CLNN master’s degrees. Courses considered for this purpose may include 4000/6000-level cognates and/or 7000-level courses. Undergraduate students will register for the 6000- or 7000-level courses, but fees will be levied at the undergraduate rate.

Students applying for this program must:

1. Have completed at least 18 hours of course work at UM before taking courses as part of the ABM program;
2. Have a UM GPA of 3.25 or better
3. Be within 40 semester hours of graduation
4. Have written approval of the SHS Director of Academic Programs, the program coordinator(s) of both the respective undergraduate and graduate programs, and the SHS Director of Student Services in order for specific graduate courses being acceptable for dual credit in the undergraduate and master’s degree programs;
5. Meet all requirements for admission into the specified graduate program (except for the GRE and completion of the undergraduate degree); and
6. Apply for admission to the ABM Program including all necessary admissions documentation to the Graduate School by the deadline dates listed below.

Program Requirements

A minimum of 30 hours is required for the major although respective concentrations may require additional credit hours.

Concentration Required Courses (12 hours)

• ESMS 7201 - Phys Exer Musculoskltl**
• ESMS 7202 - Phys Ex Mtbolc/Cardresp**
• NUTR 7412 - Cellular Nutrition I**
• NUTR 7422 - Cellular Nutrition II**

Elective Courses (12 hours) Choose from the following courses or other courses with approval of advisor

• ESMS 6603 - Adv Meth Strength Cond**
• ESMS 7020 - Pub/Prop in Health & Biomed**
• ESMS 7300 - Morphological Aspects of Strength Development**
• ESMS 7902-7911 - Special Topics Exercise, Sport and Movement Science**
• NUTR 7000 - Sport Nutrition **
• NUTR 7001 - Nutraceuticals and Dietary Sup **
• NUTR 7002 - Exer & Nutrition Immunology **
• NUTR 7212 - Appl Nutr for Health
• NUTR 7452 - Comparative Digestion/Nutr
• NUTR 7902-11 Special Topics in Nutrition Science
• ELC 7000  Experimental Learning Credit will also be considered for possible use as elective hours.

Culminating Experience

For graduation from the program, a written comprehensive exam covering all required coursework must be successfully completed.  The exam may be taken no sooner than the semester during which the final hours of the program are being taken.

Other Requirements

1. Successful completion of a comprehensive examination (successful defense of the Research Laboratory Residency, Applied Project, or Thesis may serve this purpose; otherwise, a written examination is required).
2. Consult the Graduation Information webpage on the Graduate School website for information pertaining to the submission of comprehensive exam results and when to “Apply to Graduate” in the MyMemphis Portal.

Program Retention Policy

All MS degree students are regularly monitored for completion of any entry-level deficiencies by graduate faculty.

Program retention committees, comprised of selected graduate faculty within the corresponding programs of study, monitor the academic progress of all MS degree candidates in the respective programs. Each committee determines whether the student is making sufficient progress and, in case of deficiencies, may recommend additional work or the dismissal of the student from the program. For any student recommended for dismissal, an appeals process is available.