Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Systems
Overview of Major
The Master of Science degree in Nutrition and Food Systems offers graduates opportunities to pursue careers in dietetics, school food service and child nutrition program management, food and nutrition services management, and community nutrition. The curriculum is designed to provide students with an understanding of research design and advanced knowledge in applied nutrition, food systems management, or both.
Requirements for Admission
Regular admission to the Department of Nutrition and Food Systems (Dietetic Practice) master of science degree program requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification statement and a DPD GPA of 3.0; a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 in the last 60 hours of coursework, with no grade lower than a C; a 3.0 GPA in major; a 2.7 GPA on selected science prerequisites; submission of official test scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and a statement of purpose; and three letters of recommendation from professionals familiar with the applicant’s work and qualified to assess the applicant’s readiness for graduate study. The letters of recommendation should offer clear support for the applicant’s ability and potential for success in the program. Applicants whose native language is not English must have a minimum score of 7.0 on the IELTs, or the equivalent, for regular admission. Successful applicants to the Nutrition and Food Systems (Dietetic Practice) master of science must also be admitted to a dietetic internship accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
Requirements for Graduation
In the Department of Nutrition and Food Systems, the minimum requirement for a master’s degree is 36 semester hours (18 hours of 600 level or higher). The degree plan offers thesis and nonthesis options; the requirements for these options differ. All students will take comprehensive examinations as described in the departmental manual for graduate students. A 3.0 GPA is required for graduation.
Continuous Enrollment Requirement: Students must meet the requirement specified in the front section of this Bulletin.
Plan of Study. Students must submit their signed, official Plan of Study Form to the Graduate School by the end of the second semester they are enrolled. The Plan of Study Forms are available at www.usm.edu/graduateschool/planofstudy.php - click on the “Plan of Study” link.
Research and Scholarly Integrity Education
All faculty holding Regular or Associate graduate faculty status, must complete CITI training modules required by the Graduate School and their departments. All graduate students must complete the CITI training modules required by the Graduate School and their departments the first semester they are enrolled in graduate school. The RSIE policy and training information are found on the Graduate School web page –www.usm.edu/graduate-school. Contact the Dean of the Graduate School if you have any questions regarding the policy of training information.
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