Updated 7/27/2022.

Five years after the launch of this program, the foods and nutrition profession continues to evolve, and so do UGA’s online programs. The College of Family and Consumer Sciences offers its online Master of Science in Foods and Nutrition with a concentration in Community Nutrition.

The Community Nutrition degree was developed to serve the needs of professionals working in Extension and Outreach, school nutrition, and dietitians and nutritionists working within the community. Graduates of the program may become eligible for School Nutrition Director certification.

Students in the Community Nutrition program will register for classes such as Optimal Nutrition for the Lifespan and Nutrition and Obesity Across the Lifespan. These courses are taught by professors with experience in diet, food, and nutrition.

“A key piece to my professional happiness is clearly achieved by helping others flourish both in and out of the classroom,” says Emma Laing, an associate research scientist in UGA’s FACS department of foods and nutrition. She recently received the 2022 Professional Award of Excellence by Georgia Nutrition Council.

Caree J. Cotwright, an assistant professor in foods and nutrition, was named to Georgia Trend Magazine’s “40 Under 40” list in 2017. Her research focuses on ways in which entertainment can enhance nutrition and wellness education. Cotwright loves combining the arts and nutrition by writing songs and plays based on her research.

“We are so excited about the wonderful opportunity we are able to offer working nutrition professionals who wish to expand their knowledge and expertise in the field,” said Lynn Bailey, head of the FACS department of foods and nutrition. “Our talented faculty have been engaging students through online learning for many years and we are pleased to be able to offer a graduate degree program that is 100 percent online.”

You don’t have to come to campus to earn your master’s degree. This 30-credit, non-thesis master’s degree can be completed in as little as two years of part-time study. Learn more.