Michigan State University
MSU Food Science and Human Nutrition

Human Nutrition Graduate Programs

Master's of Science Degree (M.S.)

The master's of science degree may be obtained under Plan A (with a thesis) or Plan B (without a thesis). Either program consists of at least 30 total credits of which at least 16 credits shall be at the 800 level or above. For Plan A students at least six and no more than 10 credits will be research in HNF 899. All M.S. students are required to present one seminar for credit (HNF 892). 

Full-time students, including those on half-time assistantships, should expect to complete the M.S. degree in two years. University policy limits the total time for completion to five years.

A minimum of six credits in the degree program must be earned on campus in order to meet the university residency requirement.

Students on a Plan A masters program are expected to prepare a thesis proposal to be approved by their Guidance Committee prior to initiation of the research. Format for proposals may vary, but should include background, justification, objectives and protocol for proposed studies. 

Courses required for undergraduate majors in a given program area (i.e., food science or human nutrition) are normally considered collateral for graduate programs in that area and will not be given graduate credit. Graduate students may receive a limited number of graduate credits from undergraduate departmental courses required by their major with approval of the Guidance Committee.

Minimum requirements for the M.S. degree in human nutrition should contain:

  1. A minimum of one semester of statistics (STT 422, PHM 980 or CEP 933) or equivalent.
  2. BMB 401 or a higher level course.
  3. PSL 431, 432 or higher-level course. (Note: These competencies could be met by previous B.S. courses.)
  4. No more than one (or two; under discussion by nutrition faculty) course from HNF 461, 462, 463, or 470 can be applied to the M.S. degree. Additional courses may be taken as collateral. (Other 400 level HNF courses are not appropriate for graduate credit for a M.S. in nutrition.)
  5. HNF 892 – 1 credit.  (May re-enroll for a maximum of two credits toward the M.S. degree.)
  6. It is encouraged that the M.S. program in human nutrition also have at least 10 credits of 800 or 900 level HNF credits in addition to HNF 892. HNF 890, 899 and 894 (field study) could be included in these 10 credits.

 

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