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MSES in Nutritional Sciences | Traditional

 
 

unlocking performance through advanced nutrition expertise

The Master of Science in Exercise Science (MSES) in Nutritional Sciences (NUTSG) is designed for students with a bachelor's degree in art, science or health and wellness-related fields interested in advancing their knowledge and career options within their discipline. The major appeals to those seeking to understand the application of nutritional practices within the sport. Current strength and conditioning coaches, personal trainers, physical therapist assistants, high school coaches and athletic trainers will gain extensive scientific and applicable knowledge through the program.

Format

Online

Program Length

Two years

Credit Hours

36 to 39 Credit Hours
*Depending on the student's choice of a scholarly project

Important Dates

Next Start Date:
Fall I - August 25, 2025
(Priority Deadline: July 31)

Online Info Sessions

Cost

Tuition Per Credit Hour: $530
Credit Hours to Complete: 36 - 39
Approximate Cost: $19,080 - $20,670

Curriculum

 View Curriculum

Why Earn Your MSES in Nutritional Sciences?

This advanced degree will help those seeking to further their knowledge in science and application and set themselves up for employment and job security. Those seeking job opportunities within nutrition will have the minimum requirements to be successful including the ability to sit for the International Society of Sports Nutrition exam (ISSN) which is considered the gold standard for sports nutrition. Those who obtain this degree will also be suitable to teach courses within nutrition at the university level.

Exercise Science and Sports and Fitness Administration Technology

 

About the Program

The MSES program engages transformative leadership practice to promote health and wellness across the lifespan. Students utilize critical appraisal techniques to develop an evidence-based practice approach in decision-making. SXU's six core courses within the MSES provide the foundation you need for jobs within the field of allied health. Furthermore, Nutritional Sciences adheres to the practices of the International Society of Sports Nutrition helping students become experts within the field.

The major in Nutritional Sciences is designed for students with a bachelor's degree in art, science, or health and wellness-related fields interested in advancing their knowledge and career options within their discipline. The program focuses on developing leadership qualities that utilize decision-making grounded in evidence-based practice across healthcare and wellness settings. The 36-39 credit program is delivered online in a 12 or 24-month option with an 8-week schedule. Full-time faculty will teach and the divisional director and staff will oversee student advising. In the final semester, students apply best practices and knowledge in their major by completing either (a) a research-based scholarly project or (b) a thesis option for students planning future doctoral studies. Upon completing the program, students will be eligible to sit for the International Sports Society of Nutrition certification exam (ISSN). The certification is the gold standard and a prerequisite for higher-sport nutrition-based jobs.

Students enrolled in the MSES will have access to the Human Performance Lab located in Saint Xavier's Center for Health and Wellness. This lab is dedicated to bringing our students the most up-to-date exercise and sport science technology, including:

  • Bluetooth Vo2 Analyzer.
  • Portable Force Plates.
  • Velocity-Based Technology.
  • In-Body System.
  • 3D Motion Capture.
  • Various VALD Performance Technologies, including Dynamometer, Jump Mat, and Laser System.
  • Dashr Laser System, and more.

In their final semester, students will spend two days onsite working with this equipment to further understand how theory bridges to application.

The MSES degree was created by practitioners for practitioners looking to enter a career in allied health.


  • Students who enroll in the MSES will have access to our state-of-the-art High-Performance Lab during their tenure in the program.
  • Graduates will have one-year free use of the FMS website, allowing them to properly evaluate clients.
  • Graduates will have access to Train Heroic to develop programs post-graduation.
  • A two-day onsite session in the last semester will allow students to apply theory taught in the program to practical application within the lab.

In the MSES in Nutritional Sciences program, students will:

  1. Effectively design Nutritional programs for athletes, general population, military and post-rehabilitation using current research and evidence-based techniques.
  2. Demonstrate appropriate evaluation methods for nutritional program design for individuals, teams and various clients
  3. Use critical thinking skills to identify and prescribe nutritional adherence techniques for recovery and regeneration for both the athlete and non-athlete
  4. Demonstrate an evidence-based approach to practice, using both quantitative and qualitative research
  5. Appraise current literature and apply evidence in the health and science fields to selected practice settings
  6. Apply ethical principles in decision making in health science practice

  • Saint Xavier University combines classroom learning with experiential learning to produce well-rounded graduates.
  • You have the opportunity to develop the ability to properly assess nutritional needs and demands by all populations
  • Our faculty have expertise in nutritional sciences and create challenging courses that are interactive and student focused.
  • Small class sizes allow for close interaction with your professors and student colleagues.
  • The program provides many opportunities for you to receive experience within the field of nutritional sciences
  • You will develop a habit of life-long learning that will prepare you for the ever-changing allied health professions.
  • With core values of service, integrity and excellence exemplified throughout campus, you will become a more effective citizen and an asset to your community.

Admission Requirements and Process

Qualified applicants for the Master of Science in Exercise Science program must have graduated from an accredited baccalaureate program with a GPA of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Applicants will be required to provide the following:

    • A completed Graduate Student Application for Master of Science in Exercise Science. After submitting an application, you will receive an automated confirmation email within 24 hours (check your spam). Within several business days, a representative from the Office of Graduate Admission will provide you with guidelines for submitting the required supplemental documents. There is no application fee.
    • Current resume or curriculum vitae.
    • Official transcript(s) from bachelor degree granting institution, plus any other institution where undergraduate or graduate coursework was completed regardless of degree completed or not.

Application Deadlines:

  • Applications are on a rolling basis with a final application deadline for each fall semester on July 31.

Admission Decision:

The College of Nursing, Health Sciences and Business Graduate Admission Recognition and Progression Committee make admission decisions based on the criteria outlined above, as well as the quality of previous coursework and demonstrated potential for a productive career in advanced nursing practice.

Transfer Credits:

MSES students may request credit transfer for courses completed at other accredited institutions prior to enrollment at Saint Xavier University. Subject to faculty approval, a maximum of six credit hours of non-clinical courses earned elsewhere may be accepted toward completion of graduate degree requirements in the MSES program. This request must be made formally, in writing, after the student's admission into the graduate program. See the Saint Xavier University graduate academic catalog for further details.

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