Master's Degree in Nutrition and Food Systems
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
A master’s program in nutrition and food sciences is ideal for individuals passionate about understanding the science behind nutrition and its impact on health and wellness. Graduates often pursue careers as registered dietitians, food scientists, or public health nutritionists, specializing in areas such as clinical nutrition, food safety, or nutritional research.
Program Overview
Improve the health of individuals and communities with the knowledge gained in this fully online master's program. This graduate degree meets the advanced degree eligibility requirement (effective Jan. 1 2024) to become a registered dietitian. Obtaining an advanced degree is only one of the requirements needed to become a registered dietitian. Please read about the credentialing requirements here. In this customizable program, you will explore how food systems impact diet and wellness while also expanding your clinical nutrition knowledge through an evidence-based research project. Faculty in the program teach courses and support evidence-based projects through the lens of a registered dietitian nutritionist, providing real-world application and practical recommendations.
Related Careers
The skills and knowledge gained from this program will prepare you for careers in a variety of settings including healthcare, private practice, community organizations, education, government, industry, non-profit, and more! You will explore evidence-based strategies to improve the health of individuals and the communities where they live and will gain knowledge and experience to support and grow your career and reach in the field of nutrition.
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Program Specific Requirements
- Submit a professional writing sample. This can be a paper you have written for a previous class, for publication, or for your work (white paper, newsletter, informational paper, etc.).
- Three (3) letters of recommendation (Only an email address is required. Our system will ask them to upload their letter.)
- CV or resume
- Statement of purpose. This document should be one or two pages (double-spaced) and include your background, your preparation for graduate school, your goals for pursuing a graduate degree, and your career goals.
Application Deadlines
Domestic
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Fall
- 07/25/2025
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Spring
- 12/12/2025
International
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Fall
- 04/15/2025
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Spring
- 09/15/2025
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
TRADITIONAL THESIS-BASED COURSEWORK (6 HOURS TOTAL)
With our traditional thesis-based option, students will work alongside their thesis chair who will guide them through the writing process in order to complete a written thesis as well as an oral defense. The topic of research will be tailored to personal interests and goals, and students will receive the support of their thesis chair every step of the way. Graduate students in this program are eligible for research and teaching assistantships which may offset some of the tuition costs.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
Get More Information
Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.
Discover your Future
At the University of Kentucky, we provide personalized support, innovative resources, and countless opportunities to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.
