Nutrition and Food Systems (Applied Nutrition and Food Systems), M.S.

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. Students with appropriate prerequisites may also make application to complete requirements for credentialing as a registered dietitian through Southern Miss’ Didactic Program in Dietetics and Dietetic Internship, both of which are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Requirements for Admission

Regular admission to the Department of Nutrition and Food Systems master of science degree program requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 in the last 60 hours of coursework, a 3.0 GPA in major, submission of official test scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), 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. Performance in specific courses related to the desired major will also be evaluated. Graduate work in the major and minor fields of specialization must be preceded by coursework sufficient to satisfy undergraduate requirements or enough related work to indicate the student’s ability to do graduate work in the major field. Students may correct academic deficiencies by taking or auditing recommended undergraduate courses. 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.

Requirements for Emphasis in Applied Nutrition and Food Systems (21-24 hours)

• NFS electives 12-15 hrs.
• Directed electives (require advisor approval) 9-12 hrs.