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

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

Caree Cotwright

I think that putting something into a form that the students can respond to and relate to makes the message stronger.

Caree Cotwright, PhD, RDN

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 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.

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
  • 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

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 can change each year. 

Based on 2022 credit hour cost, a person completing this program at the recommended pace would have paid $18,870 in tuition.  

Please use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar’s Office website to calculate one academic (Fall/Spring) year’s current tuition. 

This program is an E-Rate program, so choose “yes” for the E-Rate line item within the calculator.

Online students pay the following fees: Connect UGA, Green, and Technology. The total for those fees in the fall semester of 2022 was $147 for students enrolled in exclusively online courses. 

Potential additional costs include textbooks, exam proctoring fees, and 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)

CourseTitleCredit Hours
NUTR 6050EOptimal Nutrition for the Life Span3
NUTR 6670ENutrition Intervention 3
NUTR 6270ECommunity Nutrition3
NUTR 6680EMacronutrient and Micronutrient Metabolism3

Research Methods (3 credits)

CourseTitleCredit Hours
HPRB 7501EHealth Promotion Research Methods (preferred)3
ERSH 6200EMethods of Research in Education3

Electives (15-16 Credits)

CourseTitleCredit Hours
NUTR 6210ECultural Approaches to Health and Nutrition3
NUTR 6220ENutrition in Physical Activity, Exercise, and Sport3
NUTR 6240ENutrition and Obesity Across the Lifespan3
NUTR 6250EDiet and Disease for Nutrition Educators3
NUTR 6280EGlobal Health and Food Systems3
NUTR 6290ETrending Topics in Nutrition1
NUTR 6560ENutrition Health and Aging3
NUTR 6640EFood Sanitation and Safety3
NUTR 6620EManagement of Food Service Organizations2
NUTR 6600EFood Policy2
NUTR 6665EChildhood and Adolescent Nutrition3
NUTR 6700EWeight Management Coaching3
NUTR 6800EPharmacotherapy for Disease Management3
ALDR 6800EGrant Seeking (AGED 6800E, AGCM 6800E)3
FDST 7150EFood Ingredients and Function3
HPAM 7050EHealth Policy and Obesity3

Additional Electives for extension agents, FACS Ed Teachers, etc. only

CourseTitleCredit Hours
WFED 9020ELeadership Development in Workforce Education3
ALDR 7500ELeading Team and Organizational Development3

Students in School Nutrition Director’s certification program only may take:

CourseTitleCredit Hours
NUTR 7950EField Experience I1
NUTR 7970EField Experience II1
NUTR 6770EManaging School Nutrition Programs4

Faculty

News & Events

Family History Continues to Inspire Online Nutritional Sciences Professor

February 22, 2024

To honor Black History Month, online Nutritional Sciences professor Caree Cotwright shared her family’s history in advocating for civil rights and building a community of inclusion

5 Foods You Should Eat Right Away

December 20, 2023

During the holiday season, many will find themselves in the kitchen cooking. Bringing loved ones together around the dinner table is cause for celebration. Nutritional Sciences play an important role in identifying food safety concerns. Professor in the online Nutritional Sciences program, Tracey Brigman from UGA’s Department…

Small Diet Changes, Big Environmental Impact

November 20, 2023

UGA Online’s Professor of MS in Nutritional Sciences Emma Laing recently shared her perspective on the effects of small diet changes on the planet in a U.S. News article. The article explores the benefits of dietary…

See more news articles related to this program

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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