Master of Science (M.S.) in Nutritional Sciences – Community Nutrition
Master of Science (M.S.) in Nutritional Sciences – Community Nutrition
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Overview
The University of Georgia’s M.S. in Nutritional Sciences with an emphasis in Community Nutrition is a fully online program, designed for students who aim to deepen their expertise and broaden their reach in nutrition- and health-related careers. Offered through the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, this 30-credit, non-thesis degree can be completed in as little as one year.
Students obtain this degree to further their understanding of nutrition science, improve the programs they lead, and expand their career options across clinical and community settings, including Extension, wellness programs, schools, sports nutrition, and other food- or health-related businesses.
This program is a flexible and widely chosen master’s option for aspiring dietitians who already hold a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification statement and plan to complete a dietetic internship. It is also a popular option among practicing Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) who were credentialed prior to the master’s requirement and now want to add the degree to remain competitive in the field.
What can I do with a master’s degree focused on community nutrition?
Graduates work in a wide range of settings, including but not limited to: Extension programs, community outreach, school and public education, nonprofit organizations, health promotion, sports medicine, food and wellness businesses, and government agencies. They often serve as:
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration; CDR)
- Community or Public Health Nutrition Educators
- Extension Agents
- Nutrition Program Managers
- Health Promotion Specialists
- Wellness or Outreach Coordinators
- School Nutrition Directors and Coordinators
- Professionals in food,, fitness, or nutrition-related industries
Is this degree part of the pathway for aspiring dietitians?
Yes, obtaining this degree meets the master’s degree requirement that is the minimum education needed to pursue the RDN credential.
Students who wish to become RDNs must also complete all required ACEND-accredited components, which include specialized dietetics coursework r and supervised practice. For more information on CDR eligibility requirements, visit: https://www.cdrnet.org/RDN
How long does it take to earn this degree?
The M.S. degree requires 30 credit hours and can be completed in as little as one year. Students who wish to study part-time while working typically finish their program within two years.
Do I need to take the GRE to apply?
No. GRE scores are not required. Applicants are evaluated on their academics, work or extracurricular experiences, letters of recommendation, and personal statement. Standardized scores may be submitted optionally.
What prerequisites do I need?
You’ll need:
- One semester of general biology
- One semester of general chemistry
- One basic nutrition course
All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better. Two of these courses may be completed prior to applying, with one in progress.
Is the program flexible for working professionals?
Yes. Courses are asynchronous, so you can complete material around your schedule, whether you’re balancing full-time work, internship responsibilities, or other commitments.
Does this program qualify me to offer nutrition care to individuals or groups?
Regulations for providing individualized or group nutrition care services vary by state. Students should follow the appropriate accreditation and licensure pathways for their intended role as a nutrition professional.
Can this program help me obtain School Nutrition Director certification in Georgia?
Yes, applicants who are interested in earning their School Nutrition Director certification in Georgia must hold a master’s degree and complete the coursework for the School Nutrition Director Certification program. All courses required for the certification program can also be used towards the online M.S., Community Nutrition degree. For aspiring School Nutrition Directors who need both certification and a master’s degree, this program provides the most efficient way to accomplish those goals.
Is this program the same as a dietetics degree?
No, a dietetics degree is traditionally an undergraduate program leading to a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification statement. This master’s degree program provides one of the requirements which must be met in order to sit for the national exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist; however, it does not independently qualify you to become anRDN.
Why choose UGA’s online M.S. with an emphasis in Community Nutrition?
UGA’s program is consistently recognized among the top online nutrition master’s degrees in the country. The curriculum blends research, practical application, and a range of electives spanning nutrition throughout many stages of life, food policy, nutrition education, and community outreach.Courses are taught by UGA faculty, and online students have access to the same academic support and resources available to all UGA graduate students.
This degree does not independently qualify a student to become a registered dietitian nutritionist. Students should be aware of the laws governing the practice of dietetics in their respective states.
Accreditations
The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The University of Georgia also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
College of Family and Consumer Sciences is accredited by The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS).
Admissions
Credit and Transfer
Total Hours Required to Earn Degree: 30 (credit hours)
Maximum Hours Transferable into Program: 6
Only transfer credits from an accredited institution will be considered. If transfer credit is awarded, it will still be necessary to complete the required number of hours to graduate, which will more than likely necessitate additional coursework above and beyond the degree program requirements.
Online Master of Science in Nutrition Program Admission Requirements
GRE scores are not required for the Online, Community Nutrition area of emphasis. Applications will be reviewed holistically using the applicant’s GPA (at least 3.0 GPA) from an accredited institution, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose that demonstrates intellectual capacity, drive, and determination to be successful in graduate coursework, as well as previous accomplishments and experience. Applicants who have GRE scores or other standardized exam scores (PCAT, MCAT, etc.) may submit them for consideration, but they are not required.
- Baccalaureate degree from accredited college or university.
- A semester of basic biology, basic chemistry and foundational nutrition on transcripts with grades of C or better. Your application will be reviewed with 2 prerequisite courses completed and on submitted transcripts provided the 3rd course is in process. If that is the case, submit a letter from course instructor with name of institution, course name, course end date and confirmation of satisfactory progress (grade of C or better).
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- GRE scores are not required for the Online, Community Nutrition area of emphasis. Applicants who have GRE scores or other standardized exam scores (PCAT, MCAT, etc.) may submit them for consideration, but they are optional.
Application Checklist
- Application – Submit the Graduate School Admissions online. Application fee: $75 Domestic/$100 International
- Select campus – Online
- Select Intended Program – MS, Nutritional Sciences (Foods and Nutrition)[MS_NTSC_NT_O]
- Select Area of Emphasis – Community Nutrition
- Résumé or curriculum vita – Upload to the Graduate School application.
- Statement of Purpose – Submit a one-page statement of purpose online to the Graduate School. The statement of intent should clarify the candidate’s relevant background, interests, and goals in relation to the program.
- Transcripts – Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the Graduate School application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.
- Letters of Recommendation – Submit three letters of recommendation online to graduate school. Letters should be from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s scholarly ability and potential for success in a graduate program. Preferably at least two of them are from faculty who have instructed the applicant in a previous program of study. The application will prompt your recommenders to submit their letters electronically.
International Applicants – must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Application Deadlines
Domestic Applicants
Fall: July 1
Spring: October 15
Summer: April 1
International Deadlines
Fall: April 15
Spring: October 15
Summer: February 15
Cost
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates and student fees may change each year.
Based on the 2024-25 credit-hour cost, a person who had completed this program at the recommended pace would have paid $19,350 in tuition. Reference this sheet to identify the current credit hour rate for your program of interest.
Please use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar’s Office website to calculate one academic (Fall/Spring) year’s tuition.
This program is an E-Rate program, so choose “yes” for the E-Rate line item within the calculator.
Fees for those students enrolled in exclusively online programs are $422 per semester.
Potential additional costs include:
- Textbooks
- Exam proctoring fees
- Technology upgrades
The complete cost of attendance can be found at https://osfa.uga.edu/costs/.
Financial Aid
Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for information about financial assistance.
Corporate Assistance
Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.
Military Assistance
Active-duty military, veterans, and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.
University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
The purpose of TAP is to foster the professional growth and development of eligible employees. For more information, see Tuition Assistance (refer to the Distance Learning section).
Technology Requirements
- Computer with current operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Additional peripherals such as webcam, headphones, and microphone are required.
- High-speed internet access.
Curriculum
Online Master of Science in Nutrition Program Requirements
NUTR Core Courses (12 Credits)
| Course | Title | Credit Hours |
| NUTR 6050E | Optimal Nutrition for the Life Span | 3 |
| NUTR 6670E | Nutrition Intervention | 3 |
| NUTR 6270E | Community Nutrition | 3 |
| NUTR 6680E | Macronutrient and Micronutrient Metabolism | 3 |
Research Methods (3 credits)
| Course | Title | Credit Hours |
| HPRB 7501E | Health Promotion Research Methods (preferred) | 3 |
| ERSH 6200E | Methods of Research in Education | 3 |
Electives (15-16 Credits)
| Course | Title | Credit Hours |
| NUTR 6210E | Cultural Approaches to Health and Nutrition | 3 |
| NUTR 6220E | Nutrition in Physical Activity, Exercise, and Sport | 3 |
| NUTR 6240E | Nutrition and Obesity Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| NUTR 6250E | Diet and Disease for Nutrition Educators | 3 |
| NUTR 6280E | Global Health and Food Systems | 3 |
| NUTR 6290E | Trending Topics in Nutrition | 1 |
| NUTR 6560E | Nutrition Health and Aging | 3 |
| NUTR 6640E | Food Sanitation and Safety | 3 |
| NUTR 6620E | Management of Food Service Organizations | 2 |
| NUTR 6600E | Food Policy | 2 |
| NUTR 6665E | Childhood and Adolescent Nutrition | 3 |
| NUTR 6700E | Weight Management Coaching | 3 |
| NUTR 6800E | Pharmacotherapy for Disease Management | 3 |
| ALDR 6800E | Grant Seeking (AGED 6800E, AGCM 6800E) | 3 |
| FDST 7150E | Food Ingredients and Function | 3 |
| HPAM 7050E | Health Policy and Obesity | 3 |
Additional Electives for extension agents, FACS Ed Teachers, etc. only
| Course | Title | Credit Hours |
| WFED 9020E | Leadership Development in Workforce Education | 3 |
| ALDR 7500E | Leading Team and Organizational Development | 3 |
Students in School Nutrition Director’s certification program only may take:
| Course | Title | Credit Hours |
| NUTR 7950E | Field Experience I | 1 |
| NUTR 7970E | Field Experience II | 1 |
| NUTR 6770E | Managing School Nutrition Programs | 4 |
Faculty
News & Events
With an Online Community Nutrition Degree, FACS Student Helps Strengthen Rural Georgia Communities
December 3, 2025Ashleigh Guerin’s path to Extension work started in rural South Georgia, where her interest in outreach and community education first took shape. When she transferred to UGA, she found an immediate sense of direction. Walking into Dawson Hall, she said it felt like home, and the coursework she dove into soon became the backbone of the work she does today. Classes in food principles, food safety, chronic disease prevention, and financial planning weren’t just academic exercises for her, they were skills she now teaches every day.
FACS Awards Recognize Online M.S. in Nutritional Sciences Faculty
April 11, 2025Three faculty members from the online Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences – Community Nutrition program were recently recognized by the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences for their outstanding contributions to outreach, research, and student mentorship.
Caree Cotwright, Community Nutrition Faculty, named a 2024 President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition Hero awardee
September 16, 2024Noted chef Michel Nischan and Caree Cotwright Congratulations to the UGA Department of Nutritional Sciences‘s Caree Cotwright, who has been named a 2024 President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition Hero awardee. The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition (PCSFN) is a federal advisory committee that aims…
Testimonials
“The courses I have taken so far have been so helpful to me professionally and personally. As an educator, I feel like it is my responsibility to stay up to date on the most current information and trends, and I feel like working on my Master’s Degree has further enriched my knowledge. I’ve learned a lot about doing research, which is a very important part of my job. In one of my classes, I found out about resources to help with tabulating evaluation data. I have also done projects on nutrition and food safety that I will be able to use to teach classes in my community.”
Susan Moore, ’20
Contact Information
Contact us using the request for information form or call 706-452-7946.