Nutrition Program Online

Thank you for your interest in the Nutrition (M.S.) Program at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University. Our Nutrition Masters Program is designed for individuals with academic backgrounds in nutrition, dietetics, public health, exercise science, kinesiology, sport management, health professions, or related disciplines who are seeking to deepen their knowledge in nutritional science, clinical practice, and research.

The program features two distinct concentrations—Community Nutrition and Personalized Nutrition and Wellness—enabling students to align their graduate studies with their professional interests and long-term goals.

The curriculum includes a 21-credit core and 12 additional credits within the chosen concentration, combining theoretical foundations with applied learning. Through rigorous coursework, experiential opportunities, and guided self-assessment, students are equipped to deliver person-centered care, manage nutrition and food service programs, contribute to public health initiatives and policy, and support the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Our application for eligibility to open a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) (Dietetics concentration in addition to Community Nutrition and Personalized Nutrition and Wellness) has been accepted by ACEND and we are currently in the candidacy process for the proposed program.

While not currently enrolling, applications will be accepted once the program achieves candidacy for accreditation status from ACEND (anticipated January 2027).

All applicants, independent of the concentration selected, must meet the following:

Degree Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree conferred prior to matriculating as a Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University student.
• If the bachelor’s degree was issued by a U.S. college or university, as a rule, it should be from a regionally accredited institution. However, the program may grant exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

GPA Requirements

A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. In cases where an applicant's cumulative GPA is below the 3.0 minimum, reviewers may consider a replacement GPA computed from the most recent 40 semester credit hours of U.S. or Canadian coursework.

Completed Prerequisite Coursework

The applicant has successfully completed the following prerequisite courses with a B- or better:

• Human Anatomy - 3 Credit hours
• Human Physiology - 3 Credit hours
• Human Anatomy I & II 6-8 Credit hours will also be accepted.
• Biochemistry – 3 Credit hours

Criminal Background Check

Although Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University does not ask criminal background questions on its applications, all incoming students are subject to a criminal background check in accordance with Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University Policy.

For additional details, please see the Criminal Background Checks Policy section of the Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University Institutional Handbook.

While these are the minimum requirements, the admissions committee may use discretion in weighing a student’s previous work and/or academic experiencers in determining qualifications for graduate study.

Our program currently offers two concentrations: Community Nutrition and Personalized Nutrition & Wellness. The first cohort of students will begin in Fall 2026 (August 2026).

Community Nutrition - Accepting applications

Personalized Nutrition & Wellness - Accepting applications

Dietetics (Didactic Program in Didactics) - Not currently accepting applications (candidacy process in progress). See Pre-candidate Accreditation Statement. First cohort anticipated January 2027

The Master of Science in Nutrition program consists of two concentrations, Community Nutrition, and Personalized Nutrition and Wellness. The core will consist of 21 credits. Each concentration will then contain additional 12 credits.

Full-time students will be able to complete the Master of Science in Nutrition program within eighteen months. Full-time students will generally take 9 credits per year to complete the program in 18 months (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall); however, students can self-pace through the curriculum.

Core Courses – All Concentrations (21 credits)

• The Nutrition Profession (NUTR 600) (3) (FALL I)
• Nutritional Biochemistry and Nutrigenomics (NUTR 601) (3) (FALL I)                 
• Developmental Nutrition (NUTR 602) (3) (FALL I)
• Nutritional Assessment and Interpretation (NUTR 603) (3) (SPRING)
• Medical Nutrition Therapy I (NUTR 604) (3) (SPRING)
• Applied Nutrition Capstone I (NUTR 690) (2) (SUMMER)
• Advanced Concepts in Nutrition Sciences (NUTR 605) (3) (FALL II)                     
• Applied Nutrition Capstone II (NUTR 691) (1) (FALL II)

Community Nutrition Courses (12 credits)

• Principle of Epidemiology (MPHO 614) (3) (SPRING)
• Medical Nutrition Therapy II (NUTR 609) (3) (SUMMER)
• Community Nutrition, Cultural Competence, and Wellness (NUTR 611) (3) (SUMMER)
• Designing Evidence-based Nutrition Programs (NUTR 613) (3) (FALL II)

Personalized Nutrition and Wellness (12 credits)

• Nutrition Counseling (NUTR 617) (3) (SPRING)
• Personalized Nutrition and Education (NUTR 615) (3) (SUMMER)
• Nutrition and Physical Activity (NUTR 616) (3) (SUMMER)
• Principles and Practices of Wellness Behavior (NUTR 618) (3) (FALL II)

Graduation Requirements

In order to receive their M.S. degree, students must comply with the satisfactory completion of 33 semester hours of graduate level coursework, including all required courses. (Students who receive two or more grades of C+ or one grade of F may not continue in the program). 
 
Students must also maintain a 3.0 grade point average.

University Transfer Admissions Policy

Transfers are defined as “students who have attended another institution of higher education accredited by accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for Title IV purposes or their international equivalent after graduating from high school or receiving a GED”.

Applicants must submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Admissions considers academic involvement, achievement (e.g., most recent academic work) and other credentials like letters of recommendation, resumes or essays.

Old Dominion University guarantees admission to a student who graduates from a transfer- oriented degree program or an articulated applied associate degree program at a Virginia community college with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher on a four-point scale.

Graduates of an articulated applied associate degree program must have met all degree/course requirements outlined in the specific curriculum articulation agreement. In addition to publication in the University Catalog and the Transfer Brochure, detailed information regarding transfer requirements and course transfer into ODU can be found on the Transfer Students’ website.

Admissions policies are applied in the same way for distance learning students as they are for main campus students. 

Program-specific Transfer Credit and Course Equivalency Policy

In addition to the University’s transfer admissions policy, applicants to the MSNUTR who wish to transfer credits or seek course equivalency must adhere to the following program-specific requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

• Coursework must be graduate level from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or an internationally recognized institution with a course-by-course evaluation.
• A minimum grade of B or better is required for consideration. Pass/Fail courses are not eligible unless documentation verifies that performance was equivalent to a B or higher.
• Coursework must be within eight (8) years
• A maximum of twelve (12) graduate credits may be transferred
• Transfer credit must be equivalent in credit hours and academic scope. Capstone, thesis, supervised experiential learning, internship, and practicum requirements must be completed within the MNUTR and are not eligible for transfer.

Required Documentation

Applicants must provide:

• Official transcript(s)
• Detailed course syllabi including weekly topics, objectives, contact hours, assessments, and required texts
• Catalog course descriptions
• Information on the instructor of record (terminal degree, credentials, and institutional role), when available
• Credential evaluations for international coursework

The Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences School of Health Professions at Old Dominion University has applied to the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®) to open a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), a program that provides the dietetics coursework necessary for an individual to apply to an ACEND accredited dietetic internship or other ACEND accredited supervised practice program, in Fall 2026. Successful completion of a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), Master’s degree from a college or university recognized by USDE or foreign equivalent, and supervised practice/supervised experiential learning from an ACEND-accredited program, lead to eligibility to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)’s credentialing examination for dietitians.

Our eligibility application was accepted by ACEND, and we are in the candidacy process for our proposed program. The program is not accepting applications at this time but will do so upon successful completion of the eligibility application process if the program receives candidacy for accreditation status from ACEND.

For more information about the ACEND accreditation standards review the 2022 ACEND Accreditation Standards. 

Contact Salvatore Carbone, PhD, RDN (Program Director) at scarbone@odu.edu or 757-446-7149 for more information.

This online Master of Science in Nutrition program is ideal for students and professionals focused on nutrition science who want to expand their impact in clinical practice, community health and research.

Ideal applicants include:

• Registered dietitians, dietetic interns or practicing nutrition professionals seeking advanced practice or leadership.
• Public health and community health professionals aiming to manage programs, shape policy or lead initiatives.
• Exercise science, kinesiology and wellness professionals interested in personalized nutrition and preventive health.
• Applicants who want a flexible online degree with a choice of Community Nutrition or Personalized Nutrition and Wellness.

Be sure to prepare and submit the following items with your GradCAS application:

Personal Statement

A personal statement outlining your career goals, any relevant experiences, and your motivation for pursing the MS in Nutrition.

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation from persons who are acquainted with you academically and/or professionally and can speak to your ability to handle the academic rigor of a master’s level program.

• References from close friends and family members will not be accepted.
• Letters must be submitted through GradCAS Evaluator Portal.

Official Transcripts

• Applicants must report all institutions attended and send all official transcripts directly to GradCAS. If you do not list or send official transcripts for all institutions attended, the processing of your application will be delayed.
• Sending Transcripts Electronically
• Any official transcript sent to the program, or the School of Health Professions Admissions and Enrollment department will not be accepted

Transcripts must be sent to GradCAS only. GradCAS only accepts electronic transcripts from the following sites:

• Credentials Solutions
• Parchment
• National Student Clearinghouse

Sending by mail
If your school does not offer these services, download and send a transcript request form to your school's registrar, who should send the transcript to:

GradCAS Transcript Processing Center
P.O. Box 9217
Watertown, MA 02471

Applicants with Degrees from Non-US Institutions

In addition to meeting the admissions requirements, applicants with foreign credentials are required to meet the following (additional requirements for applicants with foreign degrees are outlined in our website):

• Request a course-by-course evaluation of all foreign transcripts showing GPA calculation on a 4.0 grade scale.
• Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University does not endorse any evaluating and or credentialing service. You may use the following agencies:
  • World Education Services, Inc. (WES)
  • Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE)

GradCAS will ONLY accept the evaluation report from the credentialing agency. DO NOT SEND your foreign transcript to GradCAS.

If you choose WES, you can request electronic WES evaluations directly through the application. Click Order WES Evaluation after listing your foreign school in the Colleges Attended section. Once WES completes your evaluation, they will send it to GradCAS electronically. GradCAS also accepts paper WES evaluations sent via mail.

All other foreign transcript evaluations from the credentialing agency must be sent directly to GradCAS at the following address:

GradCAS Transcript Processing Center
PO Box 9217
Watertown, MA 02471

If the academic institution that you attended does not issue documents in English, the credentialing agency will require that you submit a word-for-word translation of your transcripts. You can contact University Language Services (ULS) to submit your transcript for translation and instruct them to send the translated transcript to the credentialing agency you choose.

TOEFL Requirements (these may be waived at the Program Director's discretion)
International applicants whose native language is not English MUST take the TOEFL exam and receive a score as follows:

• Internet-based test (preferred): 80
• Computer-based test: 213
• Paper-based test: 550

TOEFL Score Report
Use TOEFL Code B886 to have official TOEFL scores sent directly to GradCAS.

Completed GradCAS Application 

A completed application requires a paid application fee, all transcripts, CV/Resume, personal resume, and at least two letters of recommendation.  Incomplete GRADCAS applications WILL NOT be reviewed. 

Dr. Salvatore Carbone is the Associate Professor and Program Director of the Master of Science in Nutrition Program at the EVMS School of Health Professions, and Associate Professor within the EVMS Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, Strelitz Diabetes Center, Department of Internal Medicine, at the Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University. Prior to joining Old Dominion University in 2025, Dr. Carbone was a tenured Associate Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and internationally recognized scientist, Dr. Carbone brings a unique blend of clinical expertise, academic leadership, and research innovation to the program.

Named among the top 2 percent of scientists worldwide by Stanford University in 2022, 2023, and 2024, recipient of the 2016 Mentored Clinical & Population Research Award from the American Heart Association, the 2019 Career Development Award also from the American Heart Association, and the 2023 Investigator Award from the Heart Failure Society of America, Dr. Carbone has dedicated his career to advancing nutrition science and improving patient outcomes. His research, funded by the American Heart Association among other agencies, focuses on dietary interventions to improve body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and metabolic health, particularly in individuals with obesity and heart failure. He has led work on the role of unsaturated fatty acid rich diets and novel glucose lowering agents for the treatment of cardiometabolic disease. He is a fellow of the Heart Failure Society of America and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.

Dr. Carbone’s scholarly impact includes more than 180 peer reviewed publications, authorship of three book chapters, and contributed to two chapters of the American College of Sport Medicine (ACSM)’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th Edition. He has held leadership roles in the American Society for Nutrition (ASN) and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. He currently serves on guideline and position statement committees for American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, the European Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology, and the American Association of Heart Failure Nurses.

He is also active in editorial work, serving as Associate Editor for the cardiovascular section of Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews (DMRR), a member of the editorial board for JACC: Heart Failure, and as a reviewer for more than 50 leading medical and scientific journals including The Lancet, Circulation, Nature Reviews Cardiology, Nature Communications, and The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

In addition, Dr. Carbone has served as a grant reviewer for multiple national and international funding bodies, including the National Institutes of Health, with service on the Nutrition and Metabolism in Health and Disease (NMHD) and Clinical Integrative Cardiovascular and Hematological Sciences (CCHS) Study Sections, the American Heart Association, and the ASPEN Rhoads Research Foundation, among others.

A passionate educator and mentor, Dr. Carbone has taught and developed courses in nutrition, dietetics, and research methodology at undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. He has supervised dietetic interns and served as mentor and dissertation chair for MS and PhD students, many of whom have gone on to secure independent funding and leadership positions.

Under his leadership, the MS in Nutrition program is built on the principles of academic rigor, scientific integrity, and real-world application. While the program is delivered online to accommodate modern learners, students have opportunities for immersive, hands-on training through the state-of-the-art Sentara Center for Simulation and Immersive Learning, located on our campus. These experiences allow students to practice clinical decision making and interprofessional collaboration in realistic scenarios, ensuring they graduate prepared to excel in diverse nutrition careers.

The result is a program that prepares graduates to be leaders in clinical practice, research, and public health, ready to address today’s most pressing nutrition challenges with expertise, innovation, and compassion.

A full list of Dr. Carbone’s publications can be found on PubMed and Google Scholar.

Whether you have questions about the program, career opportunities, or simply want to learn more, you can reach Dr. Carbone at nutritionVHS@odu.edu or scarbone@odu.edu.