Nutrition and Food Science (MS) – STEM Designated Degree Program
The graduate program in Nutrition and Food Science provides students with in-depth study of nutrition science, nutrition education, food and nutrition issues, food regulations and compliance, and nutrition counseling. It prepares professionals for careers in nutrition and wellness, healthcare, education and research, food and nutrition administration, nutrition policy, food production, food safety and regulations, and food and nutrition management. Special note: This program does not prepare students to become Registered Dietitians. Students who are interested in obtaining the status of Registered Dietitian can learn more about the Didactic Program in Dietetics. Students can complete the MS in Nutrition and Food Science and the Didactic Program in Dietetics simultaneously, with some courses from the master’s program substituting for courses in the Didactic Program. In order to be in the combined program, prospective students must apply to each program separately.
Prospective students with a GPA below 2.8 should consider applying to the Sustainable Food Practices Certificate program as a first step to possibly continuing on to the MS Nutrition and Food Science program. Contact our Graduate Program Coordinator for more details.
Hear from current students and alumni on their experiences in the Nutrition and Food Science (MS) program at Montclair State University:
“The MS program in Nutrition and Food Science at Montclair State is an excellent choice if you are looking to expand your knowledge within the nutrition field with small, interactive, research-focused classes. Completing both the MS and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics certificate program made me eligible to apply and complete a dietetic internship, a requirement to become a registered dietitian. I would recommend the University’s combined MS and certificate program if you have an undergraduate degree in a different area of study and wish to pursue a career as a registered dietitian. Overall, Montclair State provided me with an outstanding educational experience that has allowed me to apply the knowledge learned while achieving my career goals.”
Kelly Gawron – Nutrition and Food Science (MS)
Along with the Nutrition and Food Science (MS) degree, the department also offers a Nutrition and Exercise Science certificate and a Sustainable Food Practices certificate. Please refer to our programs of study page for a comprehensive list of all of the graduate programs offered within the university.
The Office of Graduate Admissions requires the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree in order to be eligible to apply for a graduate program. Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Applicants page to review the U.S. degree equivalency information.
Program Qualifications and GPA Expectations: The MS Nutrition and Food Science program conducts a holistic process when reviewing applications and considers students from a wide variety of educational backgrounds. All of the supplemental materials you submit will be carefully considered by the academic department in order to render an admission decision. As a general guideline, it is advised that applicants have a 2.8 GPA or above in order to be considered for admission. Prospective students with a GPA below 2.8 are encouraged to consider applying to the Sustainable Food Practices Certificate program as a first step to possibly continuing on to the MS Nutrition and Food Science program.
In order to make applying for graduate school as seamless as possible for you, we have
created an application checklist. This checklist can be a reference point for you during the
application process to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the steps
needed to apply, as well as all of corresponding supplemental materials for your specific
program of interest.
- Application Deadline: Rolling admission.
- Submit Online Application: Please create your online account and submit your application by following the general application instructions and pay (or waive) the non-refundable $60 application fee. Once this step has been completed, the online portal will allow you to upload your supplemental materials.
The following is a list of the supplemental materials that will accompany your application for the Nutrition and Food Science (MS) program:
- Transcript: One from each college attended.
- Essays/Personal Statement: Please write an integrated essay providing a response to each of the following questions:
- What are your goals for graduate study and your future career?
- In what ways do your academic background and your professional experiences provide evidence of your potential for success in the program you selected and in your eventual career?
- Please give specific examples of relevant coursework and/or experience.
- Is there any further information we should consider in assessing your candidacy?
- Letters of Recommendation: Two.
- Resume
- Standardized Test Scores: GRE. If you have earned a bachelor’s degree with an overall GPA of a 3.0 or above, you are eligible for a GRE waiver. Once you submit your application, you will be prompted to submit a standardized test waiver request form within the applicant status portal. To begin your application, visit our How to Apply page.
- Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Applicants page to review the US degree equivalency information.
This program consists of 32 semester hours. For more information, please visit the Nutrition and Food Science (MS) program listing in the University Catalog.
If you have any general questions regarding the application process and requirements, please email or call us:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Email: graduate@montclair.edu
Telephone: 973-655-5147
Fax: 973-655-7869
If you have specific inquiries regarding your program of interest, please contact the Nutrition and Food Science (MS) Program Coordinator:
Program Coordinator: Dr. Meena Mahadevan
Office: University Hall 2154
Email: mahadevanm@montclair.edu
Telephone: 973-655-7574