Master's Program

Overview

The Master’s of Science program in the division of nutritional sciences provides students with multidisciplinary training while enabling them to focus on areas in which they are particularly interested. The MS program prepares students for a number of careers in health care, academia, education, wellness, and other nutrition-related fields. Students can choose either a thesis option (plan A) or non-thesis option (plan B) option. Students interested in the thesis option may pursue research projects with nationally known faculty active in a number of basic and clinical research areas. Both plan A and B require satisfactory completion of all required course work and passing an oral comprehensive exam, as outlined in detail in the MS Program Handbook. Course work and research require two to three years to complete.

Graduate Student Handbook

The MS program offers the emphasis in clinical nutrition, molecular and biochemical nutrition, community nutrition, and wellness/sports nutrition. 

Prospective Students

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. A baccalaureate degree from a fully accredited institution of higher learning
2. A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.9 on undergraduate coursework and a 3.0 on all graduate work.
3. For international applicants, a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which has a maximum score of 667; score of 213 on the computer-based TOEFL (maximum 300), or 79 on the internet-based TOEFL. The minimum International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) score is a 6.5. All applicants must demonstrate proficiency in verbal and written English.
4. Admission for the MS in the division of nutritional sciences with clinical nutrition emphasis is limited to those with a BS in dietetics or nutrition.

Application Requirements

The following information must be submitted to the Graduate School application :

1. Transcripts from all higher education institutions attended. The Graduate School requires an overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 and a 3.00 on all graduate work.
2. TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for all applicants whose native language is not English.
   a. TOEFL scores should be sent directly from Educational Testing Service (ETS); the Institutional Code for the TOEFL for the UK Graduate School is R1837.
   b. IELTS scores should be sent directly from the International English Language Testing Service, specifying the University of Kentucky Graduate School, Lexington KY as the recipient institution. 
3. Curriculum vitae
4. A brief essay, no longer than two single-spaced pages, describing long-term career goals and how the MS Program in the division of nutritional sciences would advance these goals.
5. Three letters of recommendation

For further information, contact the Director of Graduate Studies for the division of nutritional sciences.

Applications

Application Deadlines