Food Science & Human Nutrition, PhD and Public Health, MPH
for the joint program Doctor of Philosophy in Food Science & Human Nutrition and Master of Public Health in Public Health
The M.P.H. can be earned jointly with the Ph.D. in Food Science & Human Nutrition. In the joint program, up to 12 hours of coursework may be applied to both degrees, and the degrees are conferred simultaneously at the completion of the program.
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 additional information see our website.
The PSM involves rigorous scientific training in the area of food science and/or human nutrition; additionally, instruction is provided in applied business knowledge and skills. This program is designed for those who seek careers in a science-based setting with significant managerial and leadership responsibilities. See here for additional information.
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. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required of all applicants, and those whose native language is not English are required to submit the results of the TOEFL or IELTS as evidence of English proficiency. Minimum TOEFL and IELTS scores can be found online. Students can be admitted to start in fall, spring, or summer semesters except for the PSM concentration, which admits fall semester only. For information on the role faculty have in the admissions process.
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
Illinois PSM students may not hold assistantships or other tuition and fee waiver-generating appointments; statutory waivers and tuition scholarships are accepted. Financial aid for non-PSM 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. Additional information on financial aid for graduate students.
for the joint program Doctor of Philosophy in Food Science & Human Nutrition and Master of Public Health in Public Health
The M.P.H. can be earned jointly with the Ph.D. in Food Science & Human Nutrition. In the joint program, up to 12 hours of coursework may be applied to both degrees, and the degrees are conferred simultaneously at the completion of the program.
For additional details and requirements refer to the department's graduate handbook and the Graduate College Handbook.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHLH 410 | Public Health Practice | 4 |
| CHLH 469 | Environmental Health | 4 |
| CHLH 540 | Health Behavior: Theory | 4 |
| CHLH 550 | Health Policy: United States | 4 |
| CHLH 572 | Principles of Epidemiology | 4 |
| CHLH 573 | Biostatistics in Public Health | 4 |
| CHLH 575 | Chronic Disease Prevention | 4 |
| CHLH 577 | Health Program Evaluation | 4 |
| CHLH 594 | Special Topics | 4 |
| CHLH 587 | MPH Applied Practice Experience | 4 |
| CHLH 589 | MPH Integrative Learning Experience | 2 |
| Area of concentration coursework from approved list, min 3 (may be met by Ph.D. core courses) | ||
| Electives and seminars, min 3 (may be met by Ph.D. core courses) | ||
| FSHN Concentration-specific coursework selected in consultation with advisor 1 | 26 | |
| Electives from Ph.D. departmental list (may be met by M.P.H. core courses) (At least 3 must be must be graded courses at the 500-level) | ||
| FSHN 599 | Thesis Research (min/max applied toward degree) | 32-38 |
| Total Hours | 100 | |
Other Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Other requirements may overlap | |
| Minimum 500-level hours required overall in the program: | 12 (8 within M.P.H.) |
| Additional courses may be required beyond the concentration minimum per Advisory Committee. | |
| Approved Masters Degree Required for Admission? | No |
| Qualifying Exam Required: | Yes |
| Preliminary Exam Required: | Yes |
| Final Exam/Dissertation Defense Required: | Yes |
| Minimum GPA: | 3.0 |
for the joint program Doctor of Philosophy in Food Science & Human Nutrition and Master of Public Health in Public Health
Food Science & Human Nutrition
Department Head: Nicki Engeseth
Associate Head of Graduate Programs: Michael Miller
Food Science & Human Nutrition Department website
Food Science & Human Nutrition Graduate Program website
Food Science & Human Nutrition Department Faculty
260 Bevier Hall, 905 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 244-4498
College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences
College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences Website
Admissions
Food Science & Human Nutrition Admissions & Requirements
Food Science & Human Nutrition Admissions email
Grad College Admissions & Requirements
Public Health Program
Department Head: Kim Graber
Director of Graduate Studies: Laura Rice
Director of Program: Pedro Hallal
Public Health Website
Graduate Office: Julie Jenkins
906 South Goodwin Ave, 112 Freer Hall MC-052, Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-1083
Graduate Email
Kinesiology & Community Health
Department of Kinesiology & Community Health website
Kinesiology & Community Health Faculty