Jacksonville State University Nutrition Degree

Jacksonville, AL | Department of Kinesiology

Jacksonville State University offers a Master of Science in Education (MSE) – Physical Education with Nutrition Concentration:

The program is available in traditional graduate format and prepares students for advanced study in nutrition, careers in wellness and corporate fitness, and the ISSN Certified Sport Nutrition exam.

The concentration emphasizes interaction with both healthy active populations and those affected by chronic diseases such as CVD and diabetes, with special attention to preparing students for potential pathways to becoming a Registered Dietitian.

Program Track Overview

Master of Science in Education – Physical Education with Nutrition Concentration

The estimated cost for the MSE Physical Education – Nutrition program is $13,020 for in-state students ($19,980 for out-of-state) and would take 1-2 years to complete on a full-time basis (30 credits).

MSE Curriculum

The 30-credit MSE program combines core wellness and sports studies coursework with specialized nutrition concentration courses, preparing graduates for advanced roles in sports nutrition, dietetics, and wellness.

Core Requirements (12 credits)

HPE 5892 – Diversity Issues and Trends in Wellness and Sport Studies (3 credits)
This course explores current issues in health and physical education with a focus on inclusive teaching. Students examine how race, gender, culture, and language barriers can affect participation in wellness and sport settings. The course reviews teaching strategies that support physical activity for varied learners. Students also study ways to use technology to promote activity in schools, communities, and fitness spaces.

HPE 5240 – Law and Ethics in Wellness and Sports Studies (3 credits)
This course reviews legal duties and ethical standards in physical education, recreation, and athletics. Students study liability, risk, and professional conduct in program planning and supervision. The course uses real scenarios to support safe and fair decision making. It also addresses compliance needs for staff working with participants and organizations.

HPE 5337 – Applied Exercise Physiology I (3 credits)
This course refreshes key exercise physiology concepts and connects them to program design. Students learn how the body responds to exercise and training stress. Students practice building exercise plans that support health, fitness, and performance goals. The course also covers how to monitor progress and adjust programs.

HPE 5702 – Research in Wellness and Sports Studies (3 credits)
This course builds skills in reading, judging, and using research in wellness and sport fields. Students study common research methods and basic research planning steps. Students learn how to interpret findings and connect results to practice decisions. The course also guides students in shaping a research topic that fits personal or professional goals.

Nutrition Concentration

HPE 5334 – Clinical Cardiopulmonary Physiology (3 credits)
This course examines the heart, blood vessels, and lungs in health and disease. Students study anatomy and normal function, then compare common disorders and their effects on exercise tolerance. The course connects clinical signs to physiologic changes. Students also review exercise considerations for cardiac and pulmonary conditions.

HPE 5338 – Applied Exercise Physiology II (3 credits)
This course focuses on advanced training concepts for higher-level fitness and performance goals. Students learn how to design training plans that target strength, endurance, power, and recovery. Students apply testing data to guide program choices and progression. The course also emphasizes safe workload changes and performance monitoring.

HPE 5336 – Diet and Performance (3 credits)
This course studies nutrients, eating patterns, and their effects on health and athletic output. Students compare diet types and how they influence energy, recovery, and body composition. The course links nutrition choices to training demands and sport goals. Students also review practical fueling strategies for activity and performance.

HPE 5880 – Directed Studies in Wellness and Sports Studies (3 credits)
This course provides an independent project experience with faculty guidance. Students complete a focused research project or a structured literature review on an approved topic. Students practice academic writing and evidence use. The course may be repeated once for additional credit, based on program rules.

FCS 5536 – Advanced Nutritional Therapy (3 credits)
This course covers nutrition-based care strategies for people across the lifespan. Students study how diet can support health needs in different age groups and conditions. The course emphasizes nutrition planning, monitoring, and adjustment. Students also review how to align nutrition care with clinical goals and safety needs.

FCS 5537 – Advanced Methods of Nutritional Assessment (3 credits)
This course teaches advanced tools for evaluating nutrition status and nutrition-related risk. Students practice collecting and interpreting assessment data to guide care decisions. The course links assessment findings to planning and follow-up. Students also learn how to track change over time and document results.

FCS 5538 – Critical Issues in Nutrition and Food Science (3 credits)
This course reviews major nutrition and food issues that affect public health. Students study current debates and evidence tied to diet, food systems, and health outcomes. The course compares challenges in the United States and global settings. Students also evaluate how research, policy, and industry shape nutrition choices.

More curriculum details are available here.

MSE Clinical/Practical Requirements

The program does not explicitly require clinical hours but includes applied coursework through Directed Studies in Wellness and Sports Studies (HPE 5880). Students gain practical experience through advanced nutritional assessment methods and clinical cardiopulmonary physiology coursework focused on real-world application with diverse populations.

  • Directed studies component for practical application
  • Advanced nutritional assessment training
  • Clinical cardiopulmonary physiology experience
  • Focus on interventions for healthy and chronic disease populations

MSE Admissions Requirements

General Application Materials:

  • Completed JSU Graduate Application for Admission
  • $35 non-refundable application processing fee
  • Official transcripts from baccalaureate degree-granting institution and all post-baccalaureate work
  • Degree from institutionally accredited institution or foreign equivalent
  • Application deadline: one month prior to semester start (applications submitted later processed on best-effort basis)

Program-Specific Requirements:

  • Degree in Exercise Science, Nutrition, or closely related field required
  • Completion of undergraduate deficiencies may be required

Admission Status Options:

  • Unconditional Admission: Undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher on 4.00 scale
  • Conditional Admission: Undergraduate GPA of 2.50-2.74 on 4.00 scale (must achieve 3.00 GPA on first 12 graduate hours)
  • Post-Graduate Certificate Path: Students completing Graduate Certificate in Nutrition with 3.0+ GPA may be unconditionally admitted (undergraduate GPA threshold waived)

Tuition

Graduate in-state tuition is $434 per credit hour and out-of-state tuition is $706 per credit hour for 2025-2026.

Graduate online hours are also $434 per credit hour. The total program cost is approximately $13,020 for in-state students and $21,180 for out-of-state students (30 credits).

Additional university fees apply and vary by credit hours enrolled.

See the official tuition page for more details.

Career Outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as sports nutritionists and sports dietitians in diverse settings including colleges and universities, high school teams, athletic departments, professional sports organizations, athletic clubs and gyms, food corporations, rehabilitation centers, research facilities, private practice, consulting, brand spokesperson roles, media/social media, writing/authorship, and content creation. The average salary for a Sports Nutritionist in Alabama is $51,935.

Academic Requirements

Students must maintain an overall 3.00 GPA on all coursework attempted for the master’s degree, and transfer credit cannot be used to raise the GPA to the required minimum. This program does not lead to teacher certification but prepares students for advanced nutrition careers and certification exams.

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