MS in ESN - Houston Campus

Graduate in as little as 2 years | Flexible course and practicum locations

Why earn your MS in ESN at TWU’s Houston program?

An athlete bikes while sports nutritionists oversee.

Thesis or coursework only options

Flexibility to complete the MS in Exercise and Sports Nutrition your way by choosing thesis or coursework-only option. See the MS ESN page in the Graduate Catalog for more details. 

Dietetic internship opportunity

TWU’s Houston campus ESN program offers a highly competitive year-long internship focusing on medical nutrition therapy for students. The program affiliates with more than 25 prestigious internship sites in the greater Houston area.

The dietetic internship/master’s program prepares you to become an RDN ONLY if you already have a nutrition-related bachelor’s degree. If you do not have a nutrition-related bachelor’s degree and want to be an RDN, we recommended completing our BS in Nutrition (Dietetics) program first before pursuing the dietetic internship/master’s program.

Learn more about the Dietetic Internship Master’s Degree Program.

Sports nutrition practicum rotation opportunities

Gain practical experience working with athletes in intercollegiate and professional teams, local school districts, as well as in hospitals, private practice registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN) and corporate wellness centers.

As part of the Exercise and Sports Nutrition degree requirement, you will participate in and complete 3 semester credit hours of structured, supervised practical experiences, potentially including both on and off-campus experiences. A minimum of 45 clock hours of supervised practice is required for each semester’s credit hour.

Recent or upcoming practicum rotation sites may include:

  • IRONMAN Sports Medicine Institute – Memorial Hermann
  • Rice Athletics
  • University of Houston Athletics

Conduct research with TWU faculty

At TWU, you have the opportunity to participate in research with faculty in any of the on-campus laboratories. Research opportunities related to nutrition, or exercise and sports nutrition include:

  • Effects of exercise and dietary interventions to improve fitness and reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors
  • Efficacy and safety of nutritional supplements to improve endurance capacity, muscular strength, body composition, and post-exercise recovery
  • Secondary analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data to assess dietary intake and identify predictors of health and disease in the U.S.
  • Assessment of dietary intake, resting metabolic rate (RMR), and body composition in athletes and individuals with CVD or cancer
  • Effects of resistant starch on glycemic control, gut microbiome, and weight management in individuals with overweight/obesity and/or type 2 diabetes
  • Assessment of food insecurity and impact of food assistance programs on college campuses

Houston Research Faculty

Derek Miketinas
Assistant Professor
Research interests: Nutritional Epidemiology; Statistical Modeling; Dietary Assessment; Obesity; Dietary Predictors of Health and Disease
Mindy Patterson
Associate Professor; Co-Director, Institute for Woman's Health
Research interests: Quantifying Resistant Starch in Foods; Developing Fiber-Rich Menus; Gut Microbiome Diversity and Function

Career Opportunities

TWU's ESN program prepares you to work as a sports nutritionist or wellness coach in a variety of settings. Opportunities include working in:

  • Professional and amateur sports teams or collegiate athletics
  • Hospitals, clinics or rehabilitation centers
  • Government agencies or public schools
  • Private practice

Courses and Curriculum at TWU

The MS in ESN program core courses focus on nutrition, exercise physiology, sports nutrition and research methods. Internship and practicum requirements provide hands-on skills and training in clinical and laboratory settings.

Explore Scholarship Opportunities at Texas Woman’s University

TWU offers more than $21.6 million in scholarships each year. Scholarships are available for undergraduate, graduate and transfer students in all academic areas.

Learn more including how to submit a single application to be considered for all available scholarships.

Page last updated 1:22 PM, March 21, 2025