Curriculum
A Curriculum Designed for Impact
Our dynamic curriculum combines essential core courses, distinctive electives, and a thesis research project conducted alongside renowned researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
With dedicated support from the MS Program Director, Associate Director, and a team of engaged faculty, you’ll receive personalized guidance every step of the way—from selecting courses and refining your thesis topic to exploring diverse career paths.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a transformative academic experience that empowers you to pursue your passions and achieve your professional goals.
Fall Term: Building the Foundation
During the fall term, students complete six fundamental courses, totaling 17 credits. These core courses provide the scientific and analytical foundation essential for advanced study in human nutrition.
Students also begin exploring thesis research opportunities through the Thesis Planning and Research Methods I course. With structured guidance, most students are paired with a thesis mentor by the end of the term—no independent mentor search is required.
Biochemical and Physiological Bases of Nutrition Part I (3 credits)
Human Nutrition M8205
Students gain a comprehensive understanding of macronutrients' biochemical and physiological aspects and their relevance to nutrition at the cellular, organ, and systemic levels. This includes fundamental knowledge of intake, digestion, absorption, transport, and metabolism, as well as the biological functions of nutrients and their metabolites. Hormonal control of metabolism is also covered. The course discusses selected pathophysiological topics related to nutritional biochemistry.
Critical Reading of Biological and Clinical Literature (3 credits)
Human Nutrition M8201
Current literature is explored with a focus on topics not included in other courses, aiming to foster a critical approach to scientific information through student presentations and discussions. This course consists of several sections, each with approximately 15 students.
Introduction to Epidemiology for Nutritionists (3 credits)
Numan Nutrition M6120
Epidemiology is the study of how diseases are distributed and what factors determine their occurrence in human populations. Many of these factors are related to nutrition. This course will introduce students to the theories, methodologies, calculations, and terminology used in epidemiology. The topics will be presented with a focus on nutritional examples from current scientific literature.
Physiology and Nutrition Through the Lifecycle (3 credits)
Human Nutrition M8200
This course provides an overview of nutritional needs at key stages of life. It is designed to help students understand how nutrition contributes to optimal growth, development, and disease prevention from conception to old age. Additionally, the course explores the relationship between nutrition and both physiological and psychosocial health at various life stages.
Public Health Nutrition (3 credits)
Human Nutrition M6200
This course aims to achieve three main objectives: 1) to provide students with a brief overview of dietary guidelines, nutrients, and the diversity of dietary patterns; 2) to introduce students to the range of programs, policies, and clinical practices in the field of nutrition promotion; and 3) to offer an opportunity for students to develop skills in assessment, literature review, and program planning. The course will emphasize the importance of various determinants, particularly dietary behavior and environmental factors, that contribute to current public health nutrition issues. Additionally, it will explore the role of health promotion programs and policies in addressing these challenges.
Thesis Planning and Research Methods I (2 credits)
Human Nutrition M9210
This course is designed to assist students in preparing for their thesis research and identifying a suitable thesis topic. It reviews essential research elements common across all biomedical sciences, including ethical conduct and the process of conducting a literature review. Additionally, the course provides instruction in general research methods to help students grasp the underlying concepts involved.
Spring Term: Broadening Competencies & Research
In the spring term, students complete three core courses totaling 8 credits, and select two to three elective courses to earn at least 5 additional credits. Electives allow students to explore specialized interests and may be taken through other departments across Columbia University.
Alongside coursework, students typically dedicate 15–20 hours per week to their thesis research, continuing work with their faculty mentor.
Required Courses
Biochemical and Physiological Bases of Nutrition Part II (3 credits)
Human Nutrition M8206
The goal of this course is to understand the biochemical and physiological aspects of vitamins and minerals in relation to nutrition, both at the whole body and cellular levels. This includes a fundamental understanding of nutrient intake, absorption, transport, and metabolism. The course discusses selected pathophysiological topics related to nutritional biochemistry.
Integrative Nutrition and Pathophysiology (3 credits)
Human Nutrition M8207
This course provides an overview of the role of nutrition in the development and treatment of chronic diseases. It consists of six key units: Allergy, Obesity, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Gastrointestinal Disorders, and Cancer. Each unit will explore the molecular pathogenesis of these diseases, their clinical manifestations, and the appropriate medical nutrition therapies. Additionally, the course will address the interactions between these diseases and the practical applications of the material covered.
Thesis Planning and Research Methods II (2 credits)
Human Nurition M9210
This course enables students to enhance their understanding of their thesis research while developing skills to effectively share their findings. Students will examine essential research methods in basic science, clinical science, and public health, along with topics related to research ethics and bias in nutrition. The course will emphasize the social determinants of health that are connected to nutrition and obesity. Small group sessions will concentrate on grasping the fundamentals of the scientific process, enabling students to better understand their own thesis projects.
IHN Elective Courses
Essentials of Nutrition Counseling and Medical Nutrition Therapy (3 credits)
Human Nutrition M6240
This course will introduce students to current nutrition guidelines from professional societies and organizations. The first part of the class will focus on counseling techniques designed to enhance students' abilities to work with patients. In the second part of the class, students will apply these skills through lectures and assignments related to medical nutrition management (MNM).
Introduction to Lifestyle Medicine (2 credits)
Human Nutrition M6225
Lifestyle medicine focuses on modifying lifestyle to prevent and treat chronic illnesses. This course aims to explore the practice of lifestyle medicine and to provide evidence-based insights into six key principles: nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep, social connection, and risk avoidance. Throughout the course, students will learn the scientific evidence supporting these six principles and how to apply them in clinical settings.
Narrative Medicine Seminars (Variable credits, 0-2)
These seminars are housed at Columbia Commons.
Narrative medicine seminars provide students with the opportunity to reflect on and write about health, illness, and care from the perspective of various health professions. Each year, four to five seminars are offered. Commonly available seminars include "Relationships of Care and the Spaces of Care," "Aging and End-of-Life," "Healthcare Justice and the Care of the Underserved," and "Spirituality and Healthcare."
Obesity: Etiology, Prevention, and Treatment (2 credits)
Human Nutrition M8202
This course covers the causes, management, prevention, and treatment of obesity through prerecorded lectures and discussion sessions. Students will learn about the epidemiology and health risks associated with obesity, along with its complex development involving genetic, metabolic, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors. The course also addresses obesity across the lifespan and explores prevention and treatment strategies, including lifestyle modifications, pharmacology, bariatric surgery, and motivational interviewing.
Structured Observations in Clinical Practice (1 credit)
Human Nutrition M6227
This course introduces students to clinical practice through simulated encounters, didactic sessions, and observership opportunities in clinical medicine under the guidance of experienced clinicians. Students will engage in clinical encounters and reflect on their experiences. These structured learning sessions aim to expose students to the practical application of their coursework in the Master's curriculum, while also helping them explore their personal professional goals in clinical medicine and related health fields.
Columbia University-wide Graduate-level Elective (variable credits)
Students may choose any graduate-level course from Columbia's schools that relates to their Master's degree in Human Nutrition. To enroll in courses from other departments, approval is required from the instructor, the department, and the MS Program Director.
Summer Term: Focused Thesis Completion
During the summer term, students enroll in a 3-credit course titled “Thesis Research,” running from late May to late August. Flexible scheduling options are available for students who begin other academic programs in mid-July or August.
Students not continuing on to another program starting in mid-July–August are required to remain on campus through August to complete their thesis work.
Students present their research during the summer term and submit their final written thesis at the end. With limited in-class sessions, the summer is dedicated primarily to full-time thesis work, allowing students to focus deeply on completing their research.
Thesis Research (3 credits)
Human Nutrition M9750
This course is designed to provide essential support for students working on their thesis research. Throughout the course, students will present their Master's thesis and submit the final components of their thesis manuscript. Additionally, they will receive resources and a timeline to assist them in completing their final thesis manuscript.