EVIDENCE-BASED STRATEGIES FOR A HEALTHIER TOMORROW

The Master of Science (MS) in Nutrition and Food Systems (NFS) prepares students to lead transformative changes in health, sustainability, and food systems through advanced interdisciplinary training.

Dietetics and Human Nutrition students explained ingredient changes in the recipes from the Plate it Up series in the HES Cooking Lab.

In the MS in NFS degree program, you’ll gain the interdisciplinary expertise needed to address pressing challenges in nutrition, food access, sustainability, and public health. Through advanced coursework, applied research, and community engagement, you’ll develop the skills to improve food systems, inform policy, and promote positive health outcomes.

Choose a path that aligns with your goals: a research-oriented thesis option (Plan A) or an evidence-based non-thesis option (Plan B). Each plan requires 30 credit hours to complete the degree. Applicants with undergraduate degrees in STEM, public health, agriculture, social sciences, and other fields are encouraged to apply.

As an MS student, you’ll collaborate with faculty experts, engage in interdisciplinary projects, and connect with stakeholders across healthcare, agriculture, and community organizations. You’ll be prepared for a wide range of careers in healthcare, private practice, government, or nonprofit or to continue your academic journey towards a PhD or other advanced degrees.

Careers

The Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Systems will prepare you for dynamic careers in the private, public, and non-profit sectors as well as professional programs.

  • Diabetes care and education
  • Director of nutrition
  • Nutrition specialty practice areas
  • Outpatient care
  • Public health nutritionist
  • Private practice / consulting
  • Research scientist
  • School nutrition
  • Telehealth
  • Worksite wellness

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ready to apply? Start by contacting the Director of Graduate Studies for the program of interest to learn about specific requirements. To be eligible, you must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a fully accredited U.S. institution or recognized foreign institution, have a bachelor’s GPA of at least 2.75 on 4.0 scale, a 3.0 on all graduate work, and proof of English language proficiency.

THE NFS COMMUNITY

Graduate students in the MS in NFS program are part of a vibrant, student-centered community committed to advancing health and wellness through food and nutrition. Surrounded by faculty who are passionate about mentoring and discovery, students are encouraged to explore innovative solutions to pressing nutritional challenges and grow as leaders in nutrition and food systems. Whether promoting access to healthy food, conducting impactful research on chronic disease prevention and management, or shaping public health initiatives, students are empowered to turn their ideas into action and their passions into purpose.

Dietetics and Human Nutrition student Hannah Mayse waited to present a modified recipe from the Plate it Up series in the HES Cooking Lab.
Performance Nutrition and Body Composition Lab

RELATED PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES

As an MS student, you’ll have opportunities to engage with leading on-campus and community-outreach programs and initiatives like The Campus Kitchen, Lemon Tree Cafe, Cooperative Extension, and The Food as Health Alliance. These units offer hands-on experience in combating food insecurity and diet-sensitive chronic disease, connecting you with faculty, healthcare partners, and real-world projects that shape the health of communities.

GRADUATE SUPPORT AND OPPORTUNITIES

Graduate students benefit from a vibrant academic environment designed to support their success and fuel their ambitions. Our program provides students with the resources and encouragement to pursue bold ideas, shape their futures, and make a meaningful impact.

Funding Options

Explore opportunities to fund your graduate education through assistantships (research, teaching, or graduate) and fellowships.

Graduate Certificates

Discover a great way to enhance your graduate degree program by adding specialized, career-focused expertise.

Student Organizations

Enrich your graduate experience both academically and socially by joining one of the university’s many graduate student organizations.

Professional Enhancement

Foster your personal and professional growth in career preparedness, research, teaching, and wellness through supportive and collaborative programming and networking.

Ready to turn your passion into a career?

Explore endless opportunities at the University of Kentucky and take the first step toward your future.

Director of Graduate Studies
Dawn Brewer, PhD

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