Food Science and Human Nutrition, MS
for the Master of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition (on campus & online)
On Campus:
Thesis track MS students are required to have a research advisor and applicants are encouraged to contact department faculty in their areas of interest to inquire about possible research and funding opportunities.
Master of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition, students are required to select a concentration:
Online:
The focus of the online Master of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition is Food Science.
Students are not required to select a concentration, an optional concentration is Clinical and Community Nutrition.
Research Areas
In addition to receiving training in the general field of food science or human nutrition, students have the opportunity to conduct research in the following areas of specialization:
- Food processing, engineering, and biotechnology
- Food ingredients, properties, and interactions
- Food microstructures, micro-carriers, and nanotechnology
- Food chemistry
- Food microbiology and biomass conversion
- Food safety and security
- Sensory sciences
- Dietary quality and food and nutrition patterns for optimal health
- Nutrition and disease interactions, including cancer, metabolic disorders, and gastrointestinal health
- Nutrition across the life span
- Biochemical and molecular nutrition
- Clinical nutrition
- Community nutrition
For more information about our Graduate Degree Programs, please visit our website.
Admission
In addition to meeting the Graduate College admission requirements, a student planning to pursue a graduate degree in the department should have a baccalaureate degree in a recognized field of biological, physical, agricultural, or engineering science. Background deficiencies may be removed with graduate credit courses designed for this purpose.
You can review all Food Science and Human Nutrition Admission requirements online.
International Applicants
Please visit the Illinois Graduate College resources for further admission requirements.
Admission requirements by country
Applicants whose native language is not English
The Clinical Community and Nutrition, Food Science, and Human Nutrition MS are STEM-designated program.
Internship in Dietetics
The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition offers a dietetic internship for master's and doctoral students specializing in human nutrition. Completion of the degree and the internship qualifies the student to take the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics registration examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. For information on our dietetic internship program please contact Ms. Jessica Madson.
Online Program
A non-thesis Master of Science in Food Science program is offered via live, synchronous online sessions using distance education technology. The program ensures the same degree of excellence, and courses are instructed by the same faculty, as the on-campus non-thesis program. Courses are typically offered in the evening. For requirements and additional information, please contact Dr. Dawn Bohn.
Graduate Teaching Experience
Teaching is neither a Graduate College nor a FSHN requirement. A limited number of teaching assistantships are available to FSHN graduate students. Students are selected to be Graduate Teaching Assistants by the Department Head in consultation with the course instructor.
Financial Aid
Financial aid for thesis track graduate students is available in the form of fellowships, teaching and research assistantships, and tuition and partial fee waivers. Qualified candidates are considered for financial support upon application.
Non thesis students are not eligible for fellowships, teaching, or research assistantships.
for the Master of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition (on campus & online)
A FSHN graduate student:
- Demonstrates knowledge in at least three areas of expertise (based upon required coursework; see FSHN graduate handbook for areas).
- Displays effective and relevant written and oral communication skills.
- Conducts methodical and logical research that addresses key issues in food science and/or human nutrition.
- Displays professional ethics in scholarly achievements.
for the Master of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition (on campus & online)
Graduate Degree Programs in Food Science & Human Nutrition
- Graduate Majors:
- Joint Degree Program:
for the Master of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition (on campus & online)
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
Department Head: Nicki Engeseth
Associate Head of Graduate Programs: Michael Miller
Director of Online Master's Program in Clinical and Community Nutrition: Jennifer Burton
Director of Online Master's Program with a focus in Food Science: Dawn Bohn
Department website
Graduate Program Overview
Faculty Directory
260 Bevier Hall, 905 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 244-4498
Food Science and Human Nutrition email
College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences
College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences website
Admissions
Food Science & Human Nutrition Graduate Admissions
Graduate College Admissions & Requirements