Master of Science (M.S.) in Nutritional Sciences – Community Nutrition

Overview

Offered through the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, the University of Georgia’s online Master of Science (M.S.) in Nutritional Sciences, Community Nutrition is designed for working professionals and those who wish to broaden their knowledge in the field. This Online Master of Science in Nutrition program requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework including a final capstone course and can be completed in as little as one year. The Online Master of Science in Nutrition program provides opportunities for hands-on real-world experience in providing nutrition interventions and education. After completing the coursework, it is possible for students who are working in the field of school nutrition to become eligible for certification as Georgia School Nutrition Directors. Graduates from this program assume a variety of roles including those of Extension and Outreach professionals, school nutrition directors or coordinators, and other nutrition-related positions in the public and private sector.

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.

The Online Master of Science in Nutrition Program ranked top in the nation.

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.

• Hold Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
• Have a semester of basic biology, basic chemistry, and foundational nutrition on their transcript. Students may be admitted if they are missing one of these prerequisites, but they will be required to take that course in the first semester of the program.
• Have cumulative grade point average for all previous undergraduate courses of 3.0 or above on a 4-point scale
• Provide three letters of recommendation from people who know you professionally or as a scholar
• Provide a statement of purposes and goals that can reasonably be met by the degree program
• Have access to a computer with a high-speed internet connection, and email account
• Work or volunteer experience in an area related to health, nutrition, or food science preferred

Application Checklist

1. Application – Submit the Graduate School Admissions online.  Application fee: $75 Domestic/$100 International 
2. Select campus – Online 
3. Select Intended Program – MS, Nutritional Sciences (Foods and Nutrition)[MS_NTSC_NT_O] 
4. Select Area of Emphasis – Community Nutrition 
5. Résumé or curriculum vita – Upload to the Graduate School application.
6. 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.
7. Transcripts –  Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the Graduate School application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.
8. 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 $411 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

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.

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