College of Health
Address: 250 S. 1850 E., HPER North, Room 214
Phone: 801-581-6730
Website: www.health.utah.edu/nutrition-integrative-physiology
Department Chair: Scott Summers, PhD
Associate Chair - Academics: Kristine Jordan, PhD, MPH, RDN
The Department of Nutrition & Integrative Physiology (NUIP) houses an active group of researchers, educators, and trainees dedicated to understanding how maintenance of metabolic health combats the development and progression of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. NUIP faculty members maintain active engagement with other programs within the Health Sciences Center and endeavor to translate new research findings into clinical procedures and community outreach programs that improve quality of life. The department offers degree programs that train biomedical scientists, research scholars, and/or clinical dietitians. Faculty strive to implement active, team-based learning strategies in all programs to transition students to a mode of learning ideally suited for lifelong careers as leaders in healthcare.
Undergraduate Program
The Department of Nutrition & Integrative Physiology offers a Nutrition Minor that can be earned in association with a variety of different degrees. Details can be found in the Program and Course Offerings section.
Graduate Program
The Department of Nutrition & Integrative Physiology offers two graduate degrees. Please see the Nutrition & Integrative Physiology M.S. and Ph.D. listed in the Program and Course Offerings section.
PhD in Nutrition & Integrative Physiology.
The rigorous program trains research scientists and academic scholars on the fundamentals of translational bioscience, enabling them to take research findings from bench to bedside. The degree, which can include an emphasis in either (a) Nutrition & Integrative Physiology or (b) Molecular Metabolism, takes 4 to 5 years to complete and culminates with the development of a written thesis and oral dissertation defense.MS in Nutrition & Integrative Physiology (non-RDN).
The department also enrolls students with undergraduate degrees in dietetics, health science, or a related area. The program provides advanced education in nutritional biochemistry, macro- and micro-nutrient metabolism, and research methods. It is designed for students who are bachelor's trained dietitians but would also be available for graduates of other degree programs with a general interest in the topic area. The degree can be earned with an emphasis in Nutrition & Integrative Physiology.MS in Nutrition & Integrative Physiology (for prospective RDNs).
The Coordinated Master's Program (CMP) develops entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists who are prepared to practice in a wide variety of settings. With a multifaceted approach to education that facilitates high-quality experiential learning, community engagement, research, and professional development, it aims to prepare graduates who will advance the field of dietetics, enhance health, prevent chronic disease, and translate research into real-world solutions. Graduates of this program, accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), have an exceptionally high pass rate on the national exam for registered dietitians. The program takes 2 years to complete and offers two areas of focus (a) Nutrition and Dietetics and (b) Sports Nutrition.
Prerequisites and Transfers
A maximum of nine semester hours may be transferred from another institution, and a maximum of 12 semester hours may be taken as a non-matriculated University of Utah student if recommended by the student's supervisory committee. Undergraduate prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, nutrition, economics, writing, mathematics, psychology, and sociology are required for admission. An undergraduate degree in nutrition is not a prerequisite for admission to this program. For additional information, see the department website https://health.utah.edu/nutrition-integrative-physiology/degrees.
The College of Health is part of the Health Sciences Center, which includes the School of Medicine and the Colleges of Nursing and Pharmacy. An interdisciplinary approach to health is emphasized. Students have the opportunity to obtain additional instruction and guidance from the faculty in medicine, public health, biochemistry, and pharmacy.