Sep 21, 2026  
Ohio University 2026-2027 Graduate Catalog 
    
Ohio University 2026-2027 Graduate Catalog

Food and Nutrition Sciences (Online) - MS


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Master of Science 

Food and Nutrition Sciences (Online) - MS6482
Grover Center E160
1 Ohio University
Athens, Ohio 45701-2979
 

Delivery Mode: Online (Asynchronous)

Terms of Entry: Fall, Spring, Summer

Terms of Entry Requiring Program Permission: None

Program Overview

The online program is tailored to early- and mid-career professionals in the fields of Dietetics and Food and Nutrition. Ideal for practicing Registered Dietitians who do not possess a Master’s degree and industry professionals seeking career advancement.

The program is also suitable for traditional students who cannot be physically present on-campus and students seeking a self-paced program with the flexibility to finish in as little as 1 year or take as much time as needed until done.

The versatility of the program makes it accessible for recent graduates from disciplines other than food and nutrition.  Core coursework required of all students covers certain food and nutrition topics while also allowing the student to explore and develop their particular area of interest that leads to the execution of a professional (non-thesis) project.

Student-chosen electives allow the student two options.

1)  Students can choose to enhance their specific food and nutrition knowledge in areas such as

  • Gut microbiome
  • Pediatric nutrition
  • Diabetes
  • Functional foods
  • Sports nutrition
  • Food biotechnology
  • Global health

2) Students can choose to “stack” a graduate certificate in a complementary area such as

The program requires students to produce a thesis or a professional (non-thesis) project in an area of their choosing. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Utilize technology to analyze and interpret research findings.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in conducting food and nutrition-related research or completing an applied project.
  • Evaluate and assess food and nutrition related issues from a variety of perspectives.
  • Demonstrate effective and professional oral presentation and written skills.

Opportunities for Graduates

Working professionals will benefit directly from experiences that can boost their career outcomes post-graduation. Specifically, graduates will have updated professional knowledge, enhanced communication skills, analytical and critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and overall confidence.

Further Information

Link to Program: https://www.ohio.edu/chsp/food-nutrition/graduate/online-masters

Program contact: Vatsala Maitin (maitin@ohio.edu)

 

For students seeking a combined MS and dietetic internship, contact Kim Orben, MS, RD, LD (orben@ohio.edu)

  • Note: The combined MS and dietetic internship is the only MS in Food and Nutrition Sciences that leads to the Registered Dietitian credential.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree— required
    • Nutrition or closely related field preferred. Students from other disciplines encouraged to apply.
  • Minimum GPA: 2.75 (3.0 recommended)
    • Recommend a minimum of 20 quarter hours or 12 semester hours of undergraduate preparation in nutrition or closely related program. Graduate coordinator can recommend specific coursework.
  • Curriculum Vitae required
  • Three letters of recommendation required
  • Personal statement required
  • English Language Testing required for non-native speakers of English is described in the Applications and Admission  section of this catalog.

International Students

This program does not permit full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University so an I-20 cannot be issued.  However, students may enroll in the program if based in their home country for the duration of study without seeking entry to the US based on admission to this program.

Graduation Requirements

Students in the Professional Project track must complete 34 credit hours. Students in the Thesis track must complete 35 credit hours.  

Additional Coursework


Thesis Option


Complete the following courses:

Professional Project Option


Complete 15 credit hours of electives.

Other Requirements


Conferral of the degree requires at least a 3.0 grade point average. Grades of C or below cannot be used to satisfy any degree requirement. All graduate students are required to maintain a 3.0 grade point average on a continuing basis.

A student may not have more than 9 credits with a CR grade exclusive of research and thesis hours.

All students must have an approved Program of Study in their file prior to the end of the second semester of their enrollment. A major advisor will assist students with outlining a Program of Study. The assigned major advisor and the Division of Food and Nutrition Sciences E-Campus MS Graduate Coordinator must approve the Program of Study. Modifications to the Program of Study, after it has been approved, can be made only if the student, the major advisor, and the graduate coordinator agree to the change.

Culminating Experience


Thesis students will produce and orally defend a written thesis that is used to identify the problem, state major as-sumptions, explain the significance, review the relevant research in the topic area, describe the methods of data collec-tion and analysis, summarizes the data and its relevant findings, and offers a conclusion and recommendations.

 

Professional project students will produce and orally defend a written document that is used to identify the project (a significant undertaking appropriate to food and nutrition sciences), shows evidence of independent thinking, explain the rationale, review the relevant research in the project topic area, and describe the outcome of the project.

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