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Program Description

The program emphasizes critical evaluation of scientific information and evidence-based practice and research. Due to the varying backgrounds and professional interests of students, the master’s degree program is flexible. The master’s degree may also serve as a preparatory step toward more advanced study at the doctoral level.

Students must complete either a master’s thesis or master’s project as part of the MS program. Students should discuss these options with their academic advisor in the first semester of the program to determine which one is a best fit. The thesis involves investigative work on a specific topic, extensive examination and interpretation of nutrition literature on that topic, and the presentation of results in a clear and logical form. Completion of the thesis may require an additional year of study beyond completion of coursework.

Admission

Applications for the Nutrition Science Graduate Program are accepted until March 15^th and admittance is for the fall semester only. All applicants must submit the following:

• Application
• Official transcripts of earlier academic degrees
• Three letters of recommendation (preferably from faculty members)
• Personal statement reflective of career goals and objectives (including research)

In addition to the general admissions requirements of the Graduate School, Nutrition Science Graduate Program applicants must document completion of the following:

• WRT 105/205 Writing I & II - or equivalent 6 crs.
• PSY 205 Psychology- or equivalent 3 crs.
• Behavior/Social Sciences- or equivalent 6 crs.
• BIO 121/123 General Biology I & II - or equivalent 8 crs.
• BIO 216/217 Anatomy & Physiology I & II (plus lab) - or equivalent 8 crs.
• CHE 106/116 Chemistry I & II - or equivalent 8 crs.
• MAT 221 Statistics- or equivalent 3 crs.
• NSD 225 Nutrition in Health - or equivalent 3 crs.

While no single factor determines entry to the program, competitive applicants typically have a minimum of:

• G.P.A. of 3.00 or higher (undergraduate and/or master’s degree)

Admission decisions are made by the Nutrition Science Graduate Admissions Committee and are based on the student’s academic background (i.e., G.P.A.), experience (e.g., research activity, related work experience), letters of recommendation, personal statement and areas of interests.

Part-Time Study

Students are able to pursue the degree part-time.

Financial Support

Limited department financial aid is available in the form of graduate assistantships and scholarship credits for students enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs. Financial aid is determined based on merit.

Additional information regarding graduate financial aid can be found at https://graduateadmissions.syr.edu/funding/  

Transfer Credit

With approval of the program director, a maximum of 30 percent of credits counted toward the master’s degree may be transferred from another institution provided that the credits are an integral part of the degree program, and the student earns a grade of B or higher. 

Degree

The M.S. degree requires the completion of a minimum of 30 credits, including a thesis or master’s project.