The MSN program (instituted as MSFN in 1960) is designed to prepare professionals for more advanced work in nutrition. It permits students with a background in nutrition to obtain in depth knowledge and research skills. The MSN degree serves as a good foundation for those who plan to continue towards a PhD degree. 

Nutr 201  Molecular Nutrition I. Carbohydrates, fats and proteins: structure, metabolism and their interrelationships. 3 u.

Nutr 202 Molecular Nutrition II. Vitamins and minerals: structure, metabolism and their interrelationships. 3 u.

Nutr 225 Nutrition Principles in Wellness and Physical Fitness. Prereq: COI. 3 u.

Nutr 230 Selected Aspects of Food Science and Nutrition. Food and nutrition topics related to food systems, food security and food safety. 3 u.

Nutr 235 Ecology of Nutrition Biological, Socio-demographic, cultural, economic, political and environmental factors affecting food and nutrition of individuals and population groups. 3 u.

Nutr 240 Measurement and Evaluation of Nutritional Status I. Methods for assessing dietary intakes of populations and individuals; appropriate uses of dietary assessment methods. Prereq: Graduate Statistics course, Nutr 201/202. 3 u.

Nutr 241 Measurement and Evaluation of Nutritional Status II. Anthropometric, biochemical and clinical methods of measuring nutritional status. Functional significance of kinds and levels of malnutrition. Prereq: Graduate Statistics course, Nutr 201/202. 3 u.

Nutr 250 Advances in Medical Nutrition Therapy .Pathophysiology of diseases and its nutritional implications; rationale for dietary modification and dietary management. Interaction between diet and other modalities of treatment. Prereq: Nutr 201, 202. 3 u.

Nutr 260 Planning and Management of Food and Nutrition Programs. Theories, principles and processes of food and nutrition programs in various settings. 3 u.

Nutr 265 Nutrition Education, Training and Advocacy. Principles and strategies of nutrition education, training and advocacy appropriate to diverse settings and population groups. 3 u.

Nutr 275 Computer Applications in Nutrition. Application of computer methods in various fields of Nutrition. Prereq: COI. 5 h. (2 lec,3 lab) 3 u.

Nutr 299 Nutrition Research  Prereq: Graduate Statistics course, 9 u. of core courses. 3 u.

Nutr 300 Master’s Thesis. 6 u 

Nutr 400 Dissertation. 12 u.

a. Admission into the CHE master’s programs shall require:

i. a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution of higher learning;

ii. intellectual capacity and aptitude for advanced studies and research;

iii. language proficiency;

iv. satisfaction of additional University requirements such as a health clearance and other special admission requirements that may be imposed by the Dean and/or the Department Graduate Committee, through channels.

b. Each application for admission into a master’s program shall be accomplished in the official application form (CHE GForm 01) of the College and accompanied by the following: See Appendix B for further explanation of the requirements of each program.

i. an official transcript of records with a GWA requirement of 2.00 or better for non-U.P. graduates and 2.50 or better for U.P. graduates;

ii. a formal letter to the Dean of the College stating the applicant’s purpose in pursuing a higher degree;

iii. a short essay in English about the applicant’s purpose in applying to the program; plans for graduate study; specific areas of interest; assessment of academic, mental, emotional preparedness for graduate study, and future prospects;

iv. letters of recommendation from former professors and former supervisors or employers, using the prescribed reference form (CHE GForm 01 – Appendix A); and

c. Each application shall be submitted to the concerned Department Graduate Committee and referred to an assigned evaluator.

d. Applicants should be available for interview to be conducted by the Department Graduate Committee.

e. Applicants should pass an exam to be prepared, administered, and processed by the Department Graduate Committee. The entrance exam is designed to assess the applicant’s general aptitude for graduate studies. The date and venue of the exam will be announced during the application period.

f. The deserving applicant shall be recommended for admission by the Department Graduate Committee, through channels, to the Dean.

g. The Dean through the OCS formally informs the applicant of the results of the evaluation of his/her application.

h. Admitted applicants who wish to defer their enrolment shall fill-in CHE GForm 02. The maximum period for deferment of enrolment shall be one academic year, after which the applicant has to re-apply.

i. Additional Requirements for Foreign Students

i. A Certified True Copy of the English translation of the diploma with the seal of the University and the signature in INK of the Registrar.

ii. Proof of English and/or Filipino proficiency, except for those who graduated from institutions where the medium of instruction is English. For applicants whose medium of instruction is English – a certification from the school that English is their medium of instruction. For applicants whose medium of instruction is not English – IELTS (International English Language Testing

System) Examination Results shall be required. The minimum required overall band score is 7 with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component of the IELTS Academic or General test. For applicants outside the Philippines or for those who are not living in areas geographically proximate to a U.P. constituent university, the Department Graduate Committee concerned shall require any of the following:

1. an online synchronous interaction;

2. a telephone interview;

3. a personal interview to be conducted by a duly accredited U.P. alumnus, alumna or representative (usually from a Philippine embassy or consulate) living in an area close to the applicant’s place of origin.

NOTE: Application form should be submitted one (1) year ahead for purposes of processing the Student Visa and Study Permit.

The Master’s Degree may be obtained through either of the following two (2) options.

a. Thesis Option

To qualify for the Master’s Degree under the Thesis Option, a student must satisfy the following requirements.

i. Completion of a Program of Study consisting of a minimum of twenty four (24) units of formal graduate courses and those units stipulated by the Residence Rules (see 4.10), if applicable;

ii. Maintenance of a Cumulative Weighted Average Grade (CWAG) of “2.00” or better in his/her graduate courses at the end of each academic year until completion of the Program of Study;

iii. Completion of a master’s thesis based on a significant, independent, original, scientific research or creative work;

iv. Successful public oral defense of the master’s thesis; and

v. Submission of at least five (5) certified bound copies of approved Master’s thesis.

b. Non-Thesis Option

To qualify for the Master’s Degree under the Non-Thesis Option, a student must satisfy the following requirements.

i. Completion of a Program of Study consisting of a minimum of thirty (30) units of formal graduate courses and those units stipulated by the Residence Rules, if applicable;

ii. Maintenance of a Cumulative Weighted Average Grade (CWAG) of “2.00” or better in his/her graduate courses at the end of each academic year until completion of the Program of Study; and

iii. Passing the Master’s Comprehensive Examination after completion of all course work in the student’s Program of Study and those units stipulated by the Residence Rules, if applicable.

c. Additional Requirements

Additional requirements over and above these minimum University requirements and standards for the Master’s Degree may be adopted with the approval of the appropriate bodies (Department Graduate Committee, College Graduate Committee or College Graduate Faculty Council).

a. The Program Adviser

i. Each student admitted into a master’s program shall be assigned a Program Adviser who holds at least a master’s degree. The Department Graduate Committee shall recommend the Program Adviser to the Dean.

ii. The Program Adviser shall advise, guide, and evaluate the student until completion of the student’s program of study.

iii. The adviser should monitor the academic performance and progress of graduate students in the College through the Office of the College Secretary, and to recommend to the Dean, through channels, such students’ continuation in or disqualification from, a graduate program.

b. Program of Study

i. Within the first semester of the student’s initial year in the master’s program, a Program of Study shall be designed by the Program Adviser in consultation with the student and the program of study committee (if applicable) on the basis of the student’s academic preparation and desired specialization.

ii. A copy of this Program of Study shall be submitted to the Department Graduate Committee and Office of the College Secretary for records and evaluation purposes. Subsequent revisions in the Program of Study must be authorized by the Program Adviser.

c. Study Load Per Semester

The normal study load of a full-time student shall be nine (9) to twelve (12) units per semester of formal graduate courses. Part-time students may take a study load between one (1) to eight (8) units.

a. Transfer of Credits from Another University

i. Subject to the recommendation of the Department Graduate Committee and the approval of the Dean, graduate courses taken by a student in another university may be credited towards his/her master’s program provided that:

1. these courses were taken within the last five (5) years prior to admission;

2. these were validated through appropriate means by the Department Graduate Committee concerned; and

3. the total number of credits transferred shall not exceed three- eighths (3/8) of the total number of units in the student’s master’s course requirements.

ii. However, condition (2) shall not apply if the courses were taken in an institution with which the University of the Philippines has a special academic arrangement and if these courses are part of the student’s approved Program of Study.

b. Transfer of Credits from Another Program

Subject to the recommendation of the Department Graduate Committee and the approval of the Dean, graduate courses taken by the student under another program of the University of the Philippines may be transferred for credit to his/her new master’s program provided that:

i. these courses were taken during the last five (5) years prior to the student’s admission or transfer to the master’s program;

ii. these units have not been credited to a degree previously obtained by the student; and

iii. these courses are relevant to his/her new program.

c. Processing of Transfer of Credits 

Transfer of credits shall be done within the first semester of the student’s admission into the program (CHE GForm 03). The course/s credited shall be specified in the student’s record by the Department Graduate Committee and the Office of the College Secretary. A copy of the approval shall be sent to the Office of the University Registrar, through channels.

a. Grading System

The following numerical grades shall be used in graduate courses: 1.00 (Excellent), 1.25, 1.50 (Very Good), 1.75, 2.00 (Good), 2.25, 2.50 (Satisfactory), 2.75, 3.00 (Pass), 4.00 (Conditional Failure), INC (Incomplete), and 5.00 (Fail). A grade of “3.00” or better is a passing grade. A graduate student earns credit for a course when he/she obtains a grade of “3.00” or better. A grade of 5.00 disqualifies the student from the program.

b. Cumulative Weighted Average Grade (CWAG)

The Cumulative Weighted Average Grade (CWAG) shall be based on all courses taken by the student in his/her approved Program of Study, including those taken in compliance with the Residence Rules (See 4.10), if applicable. To remain in good standing, a student must maintain a CWAG of “2.00” or better in his/her course work at the end of each academic year until the completion of the Program of Study. The CWAG shall be computed by the Office of the College Secretary and reported by the latter to the Department Graduate Committee.

c. Failure to Satisfy the Grade Requirement

A student who fails to satisfy the CWAG of “2.00” at the end of the academic year shall be dismissed from the master’s program. Likewise, a student who gets a grade of 5.0 shall be dismissed from the program. The student may appeal for reconsideration to the Dean, through channels. The Dean decides on the appeal upon the recommendation of the student’s Program Adviser and the Department Graduate Committee. A student who has been dismissed from her program may apply in another program in the College provided that she/he meets the admission requirements of the said program.

a. A student shall enroll the 6-unit research course (300 level) to officially start the Master’s thesis. If unable to finish the thesis after 2 years, then the student shall re-enrol the course.

b. Standards for the Master’s Thesis

The Master’s Thesis shall:

i. embody an original or highly advanced, independent, significant, scientific research or creative work showing depth and breadth of knowledge that significantly contributes to the field of specialization

ii. show the student’s capacity to make a critical evaluation of previous work done in his/her chosen research topic; and

iii. demonstrate the student’s ability to present research findings in a clear, systematic, and scholarly manner.

iv. show advanced knowledge and skills in specialized fields of study (that may be inter-disciplinary or multi-disciplinary) for professional practice or self-directed research

v. demonstrate careful consideration of ethical procedures and standards applied during the research as approved by the CHE Ethical Advisory Committee.

c. The Thesis Committee

i. Upon completion of course work, a Thesis Committee consisting of three (3) to five (5) members shall be constituted. The Committee may consist of an Adviser, a Reader/Critic, and one (1) to three (3) panel members/readers. In special cases requiring joint advising, the Committee may consist of an Adviser, a Co-Adviser, and a Reader/Critic; one (1) to two (2) additional panel members/readers may be included. The Dean shall appoint a representative to take part in the proposal and oral defense.

ii. The Thesis Committee shall consist of graduate faculty members with master’s degrees, upon the recommendation of the Department Graduate Committee. The Thesis Committee members shall be chosen based on their area of specializations and the specific requirements of the student’s research. A maximum of one (1) out of three (3) or two (2) out of (5) members of the Panel (excluding the Dean’s Representative) may come from an institution outside the University.

iii. The Adviser shall belong to the Department where the student is enrolled. The Co-Adviser and one of the Readers may belong to an outside unit/College/University.

iv. Professorial Lecturers, Professors Emeriti, and experts from outside the College/unit/University may also serve as Co-Adviser, Reader, and panellists upon approval by the Dean, through channels.

v. The Thesis Committee members shall be appointed by the Dean, through channels.

d. Functions of the Thesis Committee

The Thesis Committee shall (1) approve the thesis proposal: and (2) evaluate the acceptability of the final thesis.

e. The Thesis Adviser and Co-Adviser

i. After the student completes the prescribed academic requirements, he/she shall request the Dean for a Thesis Adviser and a Co-Adviser, if necessary. The Dean shall then appoint the Adviser/Co-Adviser who shall be chosen onnthe basis of their expertise in the student’s research topic, upon recommendation of the Department Graduate Committee (CHE GForm 10). The Adviser must come from the Department where the student is enrolled. In cases of joint advising, the Co-Adviser may come from outside the unit. In cases that there is no available adviser in the concerned Department to handle the student’s research topic, expert faculty members within the college may be assigned by the Dean, through channels.

ii. The Thesis Adviser shall be mainly responsible for:

1. advising the student in the preparation of the thesis proposal;

2. guiding and monitoring his/her thesis research;

3. endorsing his/her master’s thesis for oral defense to the reader/critic and panel

4. evaluating the pre-print article as second author

iii. The Thesis Co-Adviser shall provide additional guidance to substantiate the research paper. Likewise, the co-adviser shall also be responsible in:

1. advising the student in the preparation of the thesis proposal;

2. guiding and monitoring his/her thesis research; and

3. endorsing his/her master’s thesis for oral defense to the reader/critic and panel.

f. The Reader/Critic

The functions of the Reader/Critic are to (1) evaluate the thesis for oral defense; and (2) endorse the thesis to the Oral Defense Panel.

g. The Panel Chair

One member of the panel should be assigned as the panel chair. The panel chair will be responsible in facilitating the conduct of the thesis proposal and final oral defense (i.e. introducing the student and the other members of the panel, managing time during the oral examination, facilitating questions at the end of the student’s presentation, and announcing the results of the oral defense)

h. The Dean shall also appoint a representative to take part in the proposal and oral defense of the master’s thesis (CHE GForm 15A). The representative must have the following qualifications:

i. He/she must be a member of the CGFC and a fulltime faculty.

ii. He/she must be teaching in a degree program that is distinct from that of the thesis student.

iii. He/she must have a master’s degree.

The Dean’s Representative shall have the following functions:

i. To ensure that the procedures involving the proposal and oral defense have been followed.

ii. To participate in the student’s proposal and oral defense, without voting rights.

iii. To report to the Dean the proceedings of the oral defense (CHE GForm 20).

i. Change in the Composition of the Thesis Committee

i. Any change in the composition of the Thesis Committee (e.g. Adviser, Reader) shall be approved by the Dean. The new member/s of the panel shall be appointed by the Dean upon the recommendation of the Department Graduate Committee.

ii. A student who wishes to change the composition of the Thesis Committee shall formally write the Dean, through channels, stating the reason/s for the request. Such request shall be endorsed by the thesis adviser and the committee member to be replaced. (CHE GForm 13)

iii. The Adviser may request to be relieved of his/her duties for justifiable reasons. He/she shall formally write the Dean, through channels.

j. Number of Thesis Advisees

The number of advisees (inclusive of thesis and dissertation students) shall be left to the discretion of the College Graduate Faculty Council. The College Graduate Committee, headed by the Dean, recommends a maximum of three (3) thesis advisees at a time per adviser.

k. The Thesis Proposal

The student shall submit a written thesis proposal to the Thesis Adviser, Co-Adviser (if any) and Reader. The proposal shall be defended orally before the Thesis Committee members. A certified copy of the approved thesis proposal and a form endorsing it, duly signed by the thesis Committee shall be submitted to the Dean, through channels. Upon approval of the proposal, the student may then carry out the thesis research.

ORAL DEFENSE OF THE MASTER’S THESIS

a. Administration of the Oral Defense

i. After the student’s completed draft has been favourably evaluated by the Research Adviser and Reader/Critic, they shall endorse it for oral defense to the Dean, through channels using CHE GForm 15.

ii. The request for oral defense should be at least one (1) month prior to the intended date.

iii. The oral defense must be held in the College/unit at a time recommended by the Panel, and authorized by the Dean, through channels.

iv. The time and place of the master’s defense shall be officially announced by the Office of the College Secretary at least two (2) weeks before the scheduled oral defense (CHE GForm 16). Announcements consisting of the title of the research and time and place of the defense shall be posted at designated places in the College for the information of the public. The schedule of the defense may be changed only upon the recommendation of the Oral Defense Panel, and authorized by the Dean, through channels. The oral defense must be held in the College/unit at a time recommended by the Panel, and authorized by the

Dean, through channels.

v. The oral defense may be held only under the following conditions:

1. The thesis manuscript has been received by each member of the Oral Defense Panel at least two (2) weeks before the scheduled examination; and

2. All members of the Oral Defense Panel are present, except for programs that require the inclusion of a foreign Co-Adviser or foreign external examiner. If the latter is absent, he/she shall be required to send his/her comments to the Chair of the Panel who shall integrate this in the final report. In unavoidable circumstances, live video conferencing of a maximum of one out of three and two out of five panel members may be allowed.

vi. If any other member of the Panel is absent, the defense shall be rescheduled.

vii. The oral defense shall be open to the public, the duration of which shall be left to the discretion of the Panel. The evaluation and rating of the student’s oral defense shall be done by the Panel in a closed-door meeting to be held

immediately after the defense.

b. Oral Defense Panel

i. The Oral Defense Panel shall consist of three (3) to five (5) members, inclusive of the members of the Thesis Committee, who are master’s degree holders. The panel members shall be appointed by the Dean upon recommendation of the Department Graduate Committee. In addition, the Dean shall appoint a representative to take part in the proceedings.

ii. A maximum of one (1) out of three (3) or two (2) out of five (5) members of the Master’s Oral Defense Panel (excluding the Dean’s Representative) may come from an academic institution or qualified agency outside the University.

c. Rating

i. There shall be three (3) ratings for the defense: “Pass,” “Provisional Pass,” or “Fail.”

“Pass” means that a few minor revisions are required that need to be approved by the adviser only.

“Provisional Pass” means that several minor revisions are required that need to be approved by the panel members. All

members of the Panel must agree on the recommended revisions, which must be specified in writing and attached to the final report (CHE GForm 17). A second rating sheet shall be signed only after the student has incorporated the revisions and the Oral Defense Panel has certified that the revisions have been made.

“Fail” means substantial/major revisions are required by at least two-thirds of the Panel members. Any member who fails the student must specify the reason/s in writing, a copy of which shall be attached to the report of the panel.

ii. The result of the oral defense must be reported by the Panel to the Dean, through channels, within three working days after the defense (CHE GForm 17).

d. Passing or Failing the Master’s Defense

If the student passes the oral defense, his/her master’s thesis shall be considered approved. If the student fails the defense, he/she may submit himself/herself to a second oral defense within one (1) academic year after the first defense. Failure to pass the second oral defense or to retake it within the prescribed period disqualifies the student from his/her current master’s program, and from being admitted into other master’s programs offered by the same unit.

a. Nature

i. The Comprehensive Examination shall be a written examination that must be taken by a student in the Non-Thesis Option. It shall aim to test the student’s mastery of his/her discipline or area.

ii. The student may apply for the comprehensive examination after satisfying the following requirements:

1. completing the course work in his/her Program of Study,

2. satisfying the language requirement, if any; and obtaining a CWAG of “2.00” or better in all his/her courses, including those courses taken to comply with the Maximum Residence Rules.

iii. Each department has their own Comprehensive Exam Guidelines.

b. Administration

i. The Comprehensive Examination in each master’s program shall be scheduled and administered by the appropriate Department Graduate Committee. The Program Adviser shall recommend to the Dean, through channels, the schedule of the Comprehensive Examination (CHEG Form 05).

ii. The Dean, based on the recommendation of the Department Graduate Committee shall appoint an Examination Committee of a minimum of three (3) members who shall schedule, conduct, and evaluate the Comprehensive Examination.

iii. The examination shall be administered by the Department Graduate Committee at intervals of at least two (2) days in the officially designated Examination room in the College with the approval of the Dean, through channels. Students may vary in terms of schedule and content of examinations.

iv. Results of the Comprehensive Examination must be officially reported by the Examination Committee to the Department Graduate Committee and the Dean, through channels, within two (2) weeks after the last day of the examination.

c. Comprehensive Examination Committee

The Comprehensive Examination Committee shall consist of a minimum of three (3) graduate faculty members with master’s degree. The members of the committee shall be appointed by the Dean upon the recommendation of the Department Graduate Committee (CHE GForm 06).

Professorial Lecturers and Professors Emeriti may also serve as examiners provided they are master’s degree holders and known experts in their fields and have taught in the Department or College during the last two (2) years.

d. Rating

i. There shall be three ratings for the Comprehensive Examination: “High Pass,” “Pass,” or “Fail.” (CHE GForm 07)

ii. A student who fails the Comprehensive Examination shall be allowed to re-take the examination within one (1) year after the first examination.

iii. A second failure or failure to re-take the examination within the prescribed period shall bar the student permanently from the master’s program, and from admission into other master’s programs within the same Department.

iv. If the student passes the Comprehensive Examination, he/she shall qualify for the Master’s Degree under the Non-Thesis Option.

v. Department Graduate Committee may impose stricter rating rules, upon the approval of the CGC.

a. One-Year Residence Before Graduation

The student must be officially enrolled in residence at least one (1) academic year prior to the conferment of the master’s degree.

b. Regular Period for Completion

i. The time limit for the completion of all master’s degree requirements shall be five (5) years.

ii. The counting of the period of residence shall start from the student’s first enrolment in a graduate course after admission into the master’s program and shall include all leaves of absence from the program.

iii. If there are courses taken by the student prior to his/her admission to the program and credited to his/her course requirements, then the allowed period of completion will be reduced by a number of semesters equivalent to one (1) semester for every nine (9) units of courses credited to his/her program.

c. Extension of Residence

i. In meritorious cases, extensions of residence beyond the above regular period of completion may be approved by the Dean upon the recommendation of the Department Graduate Committee.

ii. This extension shall be for a period not exceeding one (1) calendar year at a time. In no case shall the extensions exceed more than five (5) years

iii. The student granted an extension shall take additional units of graduate courses in his/her discipline or area during the extension period at a rate of three (3) units for every two (2) years of extension or a fraction thereof.

d. Non-Compliance with Maximum Residence Rules (MRR)

Any student who fails to complete all requirements of the degree within the regular period and any approved extension thereof shall be disqualified from the master’s program.

e. Leave of Absence (LOA)/Absent Without Leave (AWOL)

A student who goes on leave of absence (LOA) /absent without leave (AWOL) from a master’s program shall seek readmission into the program from the Dean, through channels.

Any student in the master’s program may be allowed to change option from thesis to non-thesis or vice versa, subject to the approval of the Dean, through channels.

a. Shifting from Diploma to Master’s Program (and vice versa)

Students who wish to shift from a Diploma program to a Master’s program must follow the admission procedures and additional requirements set by the preferred program (letter of request, good scholastic standing, and recommendation from professors). Graduate courses taken in the original program may be transferred to the new program subject to provisions of transfer of credits.

b. Shifting from Masters to Ph.D. Program (and vice versa)

Students who wish to shift from a Master’s program to a PhD program (and vice versa) in the College must follow the admission procedures and requirements set by the preferred program. Graduate courses taken in the original program may be transferred to the new program subject to provisions of transfer of credits.

a. Application for Graduation

After the student passes the master’s oral defense, he/she shall be qualified to apply for graduation to the University Registrar through the Office of the College Secretary.

b. Submission of Bound Copies of the Master’s Thesis

The applicant for graduation must submit to the Department five (5) bound copies of the approved master’s thesis as a prerequisite for graduation to be distributed as follows: three (3) all original copies for the CHE library; one (1) copy for the Thesis Adviser; and one (1) copy for the student. The bound copies must conform to the standard format of the college and contain the official approval of the thesis by the members of the Oral Defense Panel, the Department Graduate Committee and the official acceptance of the thesis by the Dean.

c. Conferment of the Master’s Degree

After the graduation of the student shall have been recommended by the College Faculty Assembly, or appropriate body, endorsed by the University Council, and approved by the Board of Regents, he/she shall be officially conferred the Master’s degree.