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Nutrition and Food Systems MS

The online Nutrition and Food Systems degree offers opportunities to pursue and advance in dietetics, child nutrition, food and nutrition service management, and community nutrition. Courses in leadership, nutrition counseling and education, and health promotion complement the traditional areas of dietetics, creating a well-rounded food and nutrition professional. The curriculum provides students with an understanding of research design and advanced knowledge in nutrition and/or food systems management.

Program-at-a-Glance (Graduate)

• Credit Hours:
  • Total Hours: 30
• Cost per Credit Hour: $578.12
• Completion Time: 1-3 years (pending hours enrolled)
• Accreditation: ACEND
• Special Requirements: Dietetic Internship Entrance Requirements

Program Description

The fully online Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Systems allows students to enter careers in dietetics, child nutrition program management, and community nutrition. There is also the option for an online nutrition and food systems degree to be completed alongside a dietetics internship. The curriculum provides students with an understanding of research design and advanced knowledge in nutrition and/or food systems management.

What can you do with a Nutrition and Food Systems Master's degree?

A Nutrition and Food Systems MS degree can help you develop the knowledge and skills to positively impact nutrition, food production, and public health.

Course Requirements

Required Courses

• Foundations of Evidence-Based Practice in Kinesiology and Nutrition | 3 hrs.
• Applying Evidence-Based Practice in Kinesiology and Nutrition | 3 hrs.
• Thesis | 6 hrs.
• Critical Issues in Local and Global Nutrition | 3 hrs.
• Current Topics in Nutrition and Food Systems | 3 hrs.
• Nutrition Education and Counseling | 3 hrs.
• Nutrition Assessment and Documentation | 3 hrs.
• Food Systems Management | 4 hrs.
• Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy | 4 hrs.
• Advanced Practice in Nutrition and Food Systems I | 3 hrs.
• Advanced Practice in Nutrition and Food Systems II* | 3 hrs. *Required for Dietetic Interns
• Advisor approved Electives (15 hrs.)

Additional Note

Please note that the above information is meant to be a guide and is not official. For further information regarding courses for this degree, see the University Bulletin. Please be aware that not all course choices listed in the University Bulletin are available online. However, sufficient online options are available to complete this degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is the advisor for this program? The advisor for this program is Dr. Stephanie Smith.
• How can I apply to this program? The prospective student must complete the Graduate School admission application online and pay the application fee.
• Does this master's degree qualify me to work as a dietitian or nutritionist? The process to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist is a 3-step process that includes completing an accredited undergraduate program, getting accepted into and completing an accredited dietetic internship along with a master's degree, and successfully passing the registration examination for dietitians. A master's degree alone does not allow one to work as a dietitian nutritionist.
• What else is required besides the coursework for this dietetics program? In addition to the coursework, students must also complete a dietetic internship that is integrated with the master's degree. Students must also complete a capstone research project and take written and oral comprehensive examinations.
• Does my tuition for my master's degree cover my internship fees? Internships that affiliate with Southern Miss have their own fees.
• Are any scholarships available for the dietetics program? The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation is the largest provider of dietetic scholarships to deserving students at all levels of study.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the requirements detailed in Admissions Requirements and Procedures, applicants must submit the following documents:

1. Statement of Purpose
2. Résumé
3. Three Letters of Recommendation Students who wish to pursue the Dietetic Internship must also meet the following requirements and submit the following documents:
4. Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Verification Statement
5. Undergraduate DPD curriculum minimum GPA of 3.00 and science GPA of 2.7 with no grade lower than a "C"
6. Be admitted to a dietetic internship accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)

Program Requirements and Academic Policies

In addition to the requirements detailed in General Degree Requirements and General Academic Information, students in the Southern Miss Dietetic Internship must also pass a criminal background check and obtain professional liability insurance. Thesis option is available (minimum 3 hours required).

Accreditation

The University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools of Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Estimated Tuition

• Total Credit Hours Per Semester: 9
• Tuition Per Semester: $5,473.00