University of Bridgeport

Commonly referred to as UB, the University of Bridgeport is a non-sectarian, independent, private university located in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Known for its diverse student population, UB is currently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the tenth most racially diverse university in the country. Students are from 46 states and 80 countries and pursue a wide range of academic majors, including master's programs in nutrition, engineering, education and more. Founded in 1927, U.S. News & World Report also ranked UB in its 2017 edition of "Best Regional Universities North."

University of Bridgeport Accreditation Details

The University of Bridgeport is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The Master of Science in Nutrition degree is accredited by the Connecticut Board of Governors Office of Higher Education. Since the MS program is not a dietetics training program and does not include an internship that is required for students to sit for the R.D. credential, accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics is not required.

University of Bridgeport Application Requirements

Students applying into the Master of Science in Nutrition degree may come from science and nonscience backgrounds. Applicants should have completed all prerequisite coursework, a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college and a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must submit official undergraduate and graduate transcripts, when applicable, as well as a personal statement that explains why the student is interested in a career in clinical nutrition.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The online M.S. in Nutrition at the University of Bridgeport costs approximately $790 per credit hour. Students are required to pay a general fee of $215 as well as a health science program fee of $50. Students should also be prepared to pay a one-time orientation fee during the first semester of $195.

Students seeking financial aid must submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In order to be eligible for federal financial aid while pursuing an online M.S. in Nutrition, students must take a minimum of six credit hours per term, or two courses every summer, spring or fall. UB offers three partial scholarships for both online and on-campus students. Once a student is accepted into the program, he or she may apply for the Dr. Jeffrey Bland Scholarship, the Dr. Jeffrey Moss Scholarship or the Dr. David M. Brady Scholarship to help offset the cost of tuition.

Online Master of Science in Nutrition Degree Available

Students wishing to immerse themselves in the physiological and biochemical study of nutrition and its role in disease and health may consider pursuing an online Master of Science in Nutrition from The University of Bridgeport. Using a functional, evidence-based approach, this program provides students with the concepts of personalized care and biochemical individuality to help them provide customized, effective nutritional recommendations for their clients.

The M.S. in Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport consists of foundational courses in biochemistry and human physiology, which expand into in-depth learnings on nutritional therapeutics, functional assessment, human development, biochemical individuality, micronutrients and macronutrients. A holistic, integrative perspective is intertwined with an evidence-based approach to counseling and assessing clients.

The online Master of Science in Nutrition degree consists of 41 credit hours. Depending on a student's background knowledge, prerequisites may be required. Before beginning the program, students should have successfully completed courses in basic nutrition, biological chemistry, anatomy and physiology. The master's degree includes core courses such as lifelong healing with food, vitamins and minerals, botanical medicine, an assessment of nutritional status, biochemistry of nutrition and evidence-based nutrition. Students will also be introduced to the pathophysiologic basis of metabolic disease, nutritional therapeutics, functional medicine nutrition, developmental nutrition and clinical biochemistry.

In addition, students are required to take a virtual clinic class. This final semester course incorporates scientific knowledge and critical thinking as students completely four monthly clinical management modules online with various instructors. Students will learn key skills in weight loss strategies, designing treatment plans for specific common health conditions, clinical test analysis and assessment. Students will also build a solid understanding of how to effectively start and grow their nutrition practices.

Upon graduation from the master's degree in nutrition at UB, students will be equipped to exhibit professional behavior that is culturally sensitive, collaborative and ethical. Graduates will also have the knowledge necessary to support and promote the awareness of the benefits of optimal nutrition to overall well-being and health. In addition, students will be able to integrate physiological and biochemical science knowledge with competent decision-making and nutritional evidence-based interventions to support, positively influence and prevent various health challenges.

The online degree can be completed in as little as 28 months if the student takes two courses per term and three terms per year, and students are also required to pass an on-campus comprehensive examination three months after they complete their coursework in order to graduate. The exam is held two times per year on a Sunday morning on UB's main campus in Bridgeport, CT.

The M.S. in Nutrition was the first online degree program of its kind in the country. The degree can help to prepare students for licensure and certification, including the Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN), the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) and admission into the American Clinical Board of Nutrition's diplomate program (DACBN). Those seeking a CNS designation may apply for 255 hours of supervised experience after they pass the virtual clinic class required for the M.S. degree. Students are not required to submit to additional hours of training for this program since the M.S. in Nutrition at UB exceeds the ACBN's requirements for course hours.

Related Resource: Top 30 Affordable Online Master's in Dietetics

The online Master of Science in Nutrition degree provides the opportunity for students to complete their studies at their own pace while continuing in their current places of employment. After graduating with an M.S. in Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport, students may seek careers as clinicians, educational instructors or teachers, nutritional researchers, industry consultants, publishers or media experts or become community health advocators and educators. Students may also wish to continue their graduate students and attain a Ph.D. or D.H.Sc. In addition, the University of Bridgeport supports its alumni by offering online post-graduate courses that are taught by leading clinicians and researchers to further enhance graduates' clinical knowledge.