Overview

Master of Science in Foods and Nutrition—Community Nutrition

Offered through the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, the University of Georgia’s online M.S. in Foods and Nutrition, Community Nutrition is designed for working professionals and those who wish to broaden their knowledge in the field. This M.S. program requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework including a final capstone course. 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.

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. 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).

Technology Requirements

  • Computer with current operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Additional peripherals such as webcam, headphones, and printer may be required.
  • High-speed internet access.

Cost

Tuition & Fees

Online Tuition $629 per credit hour 30 credit hours $18,870 USD
Student Fees $597 per semester 5 semesters $2,985 USD
Total Program Cost     $21,855 USD

If you register for less than 5 credit hours, student fees are reduced to $372 in that semester.​

Tuition and fees are subject to change. Tuition is the same regardless of residency. Current tuition and fees are available on the Bursar's Office website. 

Online students pay the following fees: Connect UGA, Green, Special Institutional, and Technology. See UGA Tuition and Fees for the complete schedule of fees.

Other Costs

Additional costs may include:

  • Textbooks
  • Exam proctoring fees
  • Technology upgrades 

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). 

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.

Admission Requirements

  • Hold Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
  • Have cumulative grade point average for all previous undergraduate courses of 3.0 or above on a 4-point scale
  • Provide valid Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores*
  • Provide three letters of recommendation from people who know you professionally or as a scholar
  • Develop 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

*GRE Requirement Suspended

The Department of Foods and Nutrition is suspending the GRE requirement for complete applications received by July 1st, 2021. Reported GRE scores are still preferred for admission​. 

The impact of the Coronavirus has resulted in testing cancellations, increased registration demand, and safety concerns at testing sites. Suspending this required testing will prevent prospective students from being disadvantaged during the application process by these unfortunate circumstances.

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, Food and Nutrition (Foods and Nutrition)[MS_FDNS_NT_O] 
  4. Select Area of Emphasis - Community Nutrition 
  5. Entrance Exam Scores – Have official entrance exam scores sent to the UGA Graduate School by the testing service. Specify UGA as a recipient of the scores, institutional code for ETS reporting: 5813 
    1. GRE
    2. International applicants must also submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
  6. Résumé or curriculum vita – Upload to the Graduate School application.
  7. 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.
  8. Transcripts –  Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the Graduate School application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.
  9. 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.

Application Deadlines

Domestic Applicants 

Fall: July 1

Spring: October 15

Summer: May 1

International Deadlines

Fall: April 15

Spring: October 15

Summer: February 15

Registration deadlines vary per semester. The UGA Office of the Registrar website provides up-to-date information on registration dates.

Curriculum

Program Requirements

FDNS Core Courses (19 Credits)

  • FDNS 4050/6050E (3) Optimal Nutrition for the Life Span
  • FDNS 6240E (3) Nutrition and Obesity Across the Lifespan
  • FDNS 6670E (4) Nutrition Intervention
  • FDNS 6560E (3) Nutrition Health and Aging
  • FDNS 6665E (3) Childhood and Adolescent Nutrition
  • FDNS 6270E (3) Community Nutrition 

Research Methods (3 Credits)

  • HPRB 7510E (3) Health Promotion Research Methods (preferred) or
  • ERSH 4200E/6200E Methods of Research in Education (3) or
  • LLOD 6200E Evaluating and Interpreting Research in Learning,
  • Leadership and Organization Development (3) or
  • ALDR 8200E Research Methods in Agricultural Education (3)

Electives (8-9 Credits) 

  • FDNS 6250E Diet and Disease for Nutrition Educators (3)
  • FDNS 6640E Food Sanitation and Safety (3)
  • FDNS 6620E Management of Food Service Organizations (2)
  • FDNS 6800E Pharmacotherapy for Disease Management (3)
  • FDNS 6230E Current issues in Sport Nutrition (3)
  • ALDR 7350E Team and Organization Development in Ag. Organization (3)
  • LLOD 7030E Program Development in Learning, Leadership and Organization Development (3)
  • LLOD 7040E Training Design and Delivery (3)
  • ALDR 7020E (changing to ALDR 8350E) Program Evaluation (3)
  • ALDR (AGED) (AGCM) 4800E/6800E Grant Seeking (3)
  • FDST 7150E Food Ingredients and Function (3)
  • LLOD 8205E Leading from Within: Developing Personal and Interpersonal Leadership Capacity (3)
  • LLOD 8210E Leading Change in Workplace and Adult Ed. Org. (3)
  • ALDR 7350E Team and Organization Development (3)
  • LLOD 8320E Facilitating Group Change and Development (3)
  • LLOD 8110E Learning, Leadership & Organization Development For Community Development (3)
  • WFED 9020E Leadership Development in Workforce Education (3)
  • LLOD 8300E Organization Development (3)
  • ALDR 7350E Team and Organization Development in Ag. Organization (3)

Contact Information

Contact the online Community Nutrition Coordinator for answers to any additional questions you may have.

Email us using the request for information form or call 706-452-7943

Testimonials

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