Graduate Application Information
Requirements for our graduate program are listed in the FSHN Graduate Student Handbook
Applications for admission into our graduate programs are reviewed each month at a meeting of our graduate faculty. Approximately 80% of students admitted to our graduate program haveat least a 3.0 GPA in undergraduate work oran appropriate M.S. program, if applicable, and competitive Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores (at least 1000 combined score verbal + quantitative , and 4.0w analytical). Letters of recommendation and previous work experience are also weighed in the application review process. If an applicant meets our academic guidelines, one professor in FSHN must agree to act as major adviser for the student to be admitted. Therefore, not all qualified applicants can be admitted. Because of a recent change in policy, outstanding candidates may apply directly for the Ph.D. program if they have obtained a B.S. degree. Decisions about direct admission into the Ph.D. program will be made by the graduate faculty at the monthly admission review meetings.
Graduate Admission Procedures
Acceptance of an applicant for admission to a masters or a doctoral degree in either food science or human nutrition is determined by the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition and by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources for food science and human nutrition and the College of Natural Science for human nutrition. Decisions regarding acceptance is made following consideration of the applicant’s academic record, experience, personal qualifications and proposed program of study.
Admission to Michigan State University graduate programs is open to all candidates on the basis of: 1) academic preparation and ability and 2) availability of financial resources, laboratory facilities and faculty with willingness and space to take additional students in the desired area of study.
Please note: We have a limited number of openings for students. Before filling out the application and paying the application fee, it may be to your advantage to contact faculty members in your specific area of interest to determine if there is a faculty member available who has an opening and is willing to take you into their group. Faculty contact information and areas of interest are available under research on our Web site.
Admission is open without regard to race, color, sex, religion, creed, national origin, political persuasion, sexual preference, marital status, handicap, age, or (in the case of U.S. citizens or permanent residents) financial needs.
Timing of Application
The Food Science and Human Nutrition Department has rolling admissions. Applications will be reviewed approximately monthly from late Fall through mid-Spring, with notification to applicants 30-60 days following each review. However, the majority of applicants apply by mid-Fall for admission the following fall. Applicants are urged to apply by mid-Fall to be considered for any departmental funding and laboratory space, as well as competitive University fellowships. International applicants and those applying for financial aid are urged to apply a year prior to the semester of desired enrollment.
Application Procedures
In completing the on line application, use these guidelines for your Academic and Personal statement
The following codes are used to apply for graduate programs in FSHN
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
0354 Food Science M.S.
0355 Food Science Ph.D.
0474 Food Science/Environmental Toxicology Ph.D.
5272 Human Nutrition M.S. (Community Nutrition)
5273 Human Nutrition Ph.D. (Community Nutrition)
5274 Human Nutrition/Environmental Toxicology Ph.D. ( Community Nutrition)
College of Natural Science
7050 Human Nutrition M.S. (Biochemical Nutrition)
7051 Human Nutrition Ph.D. (Biochemical Nutrition)
7052 Human Nutrition/Environmental Toxicology Ph.D. (Biochemical Nutrition)
U.S. Applicants
Submit the following information online at http://grad.msu.edu/apply.htm
- Completed Application for Admission to Graduate Study.
- The application fee.
- A Statement of Purpose that clearly identifies your intended field of study and primary objectives of your graduate program. This portion of your application is useful in assessing complementary interests with that of our faculty.
Send or present all of the following to:
FSHN Graduate Studies Office
204 G.M. Trout FSHN Building
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1224
- Two official copies of each transcript of all academic work that you completed to date, must be sent directly from the institution.
- A minimum of two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with your academic record and experience. Forms are available online at http://grad.msu.edu/apply.htm
- Official report of your scores on the General Aptitude - Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Scores for verbal, quantitative and analytical abilities are required by FSHN.
International Applicants
Submit the following information online at http://grad.msu.edu/apply.htm
- A completed Application for Admission to Graduate Study.
- The application fee.
- A Statement of Purpose that clearly identifies your intended field of study and primary objectives of your graduate program. This portion of your application is useful in assessing complementary interests with that of our faculty.
Send or present all of the following to:
FSHN Graduate Studies Office
204 G.M. Trout FSHN Building
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1224
- A completed Statement of Financial Proof showing evidence of your financial ability to pursue a graduate program at MSU.
- Two official copies of all previous academic records (transcripts, diplomas, certificates, etc.). These must be submitted as official documents directly from each institution. These records must show courses taken and grades earned and must be translated into English if the original records are in another language.
- A minimum of two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with your academic record and experience. Forms are available online at http://grad.msu.edu/apply.htm
- Official report of your scores on the General Aptitude - Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Scores for verbal, quantitative and analytical abilities are required by FSHN.
- International applicants who do not possess full native fluency in English must demonstrate proficiency in English as a condition for regular admission to MSU. This proficiency may be demonstrated by one of the following tests: TOEFL, Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB), MSU English Language Test (MSUELT), or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Required scores are availabe from the Graduate School website: http://grad.msu.edu/prospect/applyintl.htm#faq An international student applicant may be admitted to provisional status with an English language deficiency, but will be required to take the MSUELT upon arrival and may be restricted from enrollment in academic courses. Questions about the requirement should be directed to the Graduate School, http://grad.msu.edu/.
Note to U.S. Applicants and to International Applicants:
All application materials are reviewed and evaluated by the FSHN graduate faculty prior to an admission decision. Your file is not considered complete and ready for faculty review until ALL of the above items have been received.
Graduate Admission Requirements
Regular Status Admission
- Applicants admitted to regular status are considered to be fully qualified to
undertake and successfully complete the graduate program for which they are
admitted. - Applicants are expected to have competence in both the basic sciences and in either food science or human nutrition.
- GRE verbal, quantitative and analytical scores are required and will be
reviewed as a component of the application materials. - English language proficiency (international students only).
Provisional Status Admission
- Provisional admission is considered for:
- Students who do not meet college and departmental requirements for admission to regular status but have reasonable potential for successful completion of the advanced degree.
- Students who have a minor deficiency in academic qualifications or insufficient background subject content.
- International applicants with an English language deficiency.
- GRE verbal, quantitative and analytical scores are still required and will be
reviewed as a component of the application materials. - Students who are admitted to provisional status are provided a statement of
requirements to be met before transfer to regular status can be made. Provision
for correction of the deficiency must be met as specified in the Graduate Studies
Handbook.
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