Program Overview

Introduction to the M.S. in Food and Nutrition Sciences

The M.S. program in Food and Nutrition Sciences is designed to prepare students for a wide variety of health-related careers through rigorous coursework. The program provides a foundation of essential scientific methods, technical knowledge, practical skills, and critical thinking.

Program Overview

The program prepares students to pursue careers related to diet, fitness, and health, with a focus on healthy lifestyles. A dietetic internship may be available to those who have completed a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD).

Admission Criteria

To be considered for the Dietetic Internship, students must have a DPD verification statement, or an intent to complete one, before beginning the master's program. All admissions materials must be submitted by November 1. All admitted students are assigned to the non-thesis track.

Thesis Track

To apply for the thesis track, students must be in good academic standing and have the support of graduate faculty after the first semester.

Bypass to Ph.D. Degree

For exemplary master's students, a bypass to the Ph.D. degree may be possible after the first year. The decision is based on the student's academic performance during the first year of study.

RDN Credentials

For students who wish to receive registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) credentials, the department offers a dietetic internship (DI). The internship is built into the M.S. curriculum and allows students to complete the program concurrently.

• Students who have completed, or intend to complete, the Didactic Program in Dietetics undergraduate courses may be eligible to apply.
  • A DPD verification statement, or an intent to complete one, is required before beginning the master's program.