University of Kentucky®
Masters Degree (MS) in
Nutrition and Food Systems
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PROGRAM DETAILS
FORMAT
TOTAL CREDITS 36
CREDENTIALS MS Degree
COST PER CREDIT
$753.00
- UK Online
- All Programs
- Masters Degrees
- Nutrition and Food Systems (MS)
About this Program
Impact the nutrition field for the better. In this online program, you will focus on improving the health of individuals by studying the impact of food systems on diet and wellness. This program will prepare you for careers in healthcare, private practice, community organizations and much more.
This graduate degree meets only the advanced degree requirement (effective January 1, 2024) to become a registered dietitian.*
Designed For
This program is ideal for individuals passionate about promoting health and wellness through nutrition, food policy, and sustainable food practices. Prospective students often have backgrounds in nutrition, dietetics, food science, exercise science, family science, or public health and seek to address global food challenges, improve dietary habits, and influence food systems for better public health outcomes.
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What You’ll Learn
Students will explore evidence-based strategies to improve the health of individuals and the communities where they live. Students will also gain knowledge and experience in the field of nutrition to support and grow in their profession.
Focus Areas
- Food Policy and Sustainability: Understand the complex interplay between food systems, policies, and environmental sustainability. Learn to assess the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence food production, distribution, and consumption. Explore ways to design and advocate for policies that support equitable access to nutritious foods while minimizing ecological impact.
- Community Nutrition and Education: Gain skills in designing and implementing community-based nutrition interventions and education programs. Learn effective communication strategies to promote healthy eating habits and empower individuals and communities to make informed dietary choices. Explore cultural and socioeconomic influences on food behaviors and develop culturally sensitive nutrition education initiatives.
- Nutritional Science and Human Health: Delve into advanced studies of nutritional biochemistry, metabolism, and the impact of dietary choices on human health while exploring strategies for promoting optimal health through balanced diets.
Evidence-based Project
During the course of their online MS degree, students will complete an evidence-based practice (EBP) project that has been developed based on their professional or personal interests. The EBP project experience provides students with the research skills they need to deliver services using the highest levels of evidence-based practice. This project will take into consideration the scientific evidence, the expertise of the health professionals, and the needs of the stakeholders.
Licensure Information
*This graduate degree meets the advanced degree eligibility requirement (effective Jan. 1, 2024) to become a registered dietitian. Obtaining an advanced degree is only one of the requirements needed to become a registered dietitian. Please read about the credentialing requirements here.
Course Examples
- DHN 603 Advanced Community Program Development
- DHN 605 Food Systems and Society
- DHN 608 Chronic Disease Management and Process
- DHN 607 Food Related Behaviors
- DHN 598 Global Foods, Diet and Culture
- DHN 580 Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice in Dietetics
- 12 credits of elective courses
- Evidence-based practice project coursework (6 credits)
GOT QUESTIONS?
Schedule time to meet with a representative from the Nutrition and Food Systems program to talk about your unique situation.
How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
- A baccalaureate degree in a relevant field (e.g. nutrition science/dietetics, exercise science, public health, biology, chemistry, nursing, public health, or other health-science related degrees) is preferred. If you have obtained a baccalaureate degree in an unrelated field, your application may still be considered, please reach out to the program contact to discuss options. Degrees must be from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
- The applicant may be asked to complete pre-requisite courses such as, nutrition, physiology, or biology courses as deemed necessary by the DHN graduate program admissions committee.
- An overall grade point average of 2.75 on undergraduate work and 3.00 on all graduate work, if applicable.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
Application Requirements
- Submit a professional writing sample. This can be a paper you have written for a previous class, for publication, or for your work (white paper, newsletter, informational paper, etc.).
- Three (3) letters of recommendation (Only an email address is required. Our system will ask them to upload their letter.)
- CV or resume
- Statement of purpose. This document should be one or two pages (double-spaced) and include your background, your preparation for graduate school, your goals for pursuing a graduate degree, and your career goals.
Program Contact
Deadlines
Fall 2025
Spring 2025
Summer 2025
Why UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
No test scores required.
Degrees are conferred by the University of Kentucky, an accredited university.
Save money by paying for only 9 standard credit hours per semester, even if you take more.
Fit learning into your busy schedule with no prescribed class times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
What is the admission criteria?
Please view the Admission Criteria section, located under "How to Apply" on this page.
Tuition
How much does the online program cost?
The tuition rate for this program is listed at the top of this page. If you still have questions, please reach out to the program representative.
Is there a tuition cap?
Yes! For graduate students who enroll full-time (9+ credit hours) exclusively in a distance education program, will receive a capped tuition rate. To see the current term’s capped tuition rate, please visit https://www.uky.edu/studentaccount/tuition and look for “Graduate Students Enrolled Exclusively in Distance Education Courses -- full-time.” This is the per semester rate you will pay when enrolled for 9 or more credit hours. Please note, this rate only applies to programs using the standard graduate tuition rate.
What tuition assistance is available for graduate students?
Graduate students should review the Student Funding information available through the Graduate School. Specific programs may offer additional funding that is unique to that program. Contact the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) in the department in which you wish to enroll with questions about the availability of assistantships and the application process.
I'm not in Kentucky. What's my tuition rate?
For our fully-online programs, it does not matter what state you live in. The rate is the same no matter where you live.
Online Learning
Should I enroll as a full-time graduate student?
This depends on each student and their ability to manage the heavy course load of enrolling full-time, which is 9 credit hours (typically, 3 classes) per semester. Students who enroll full-time may find it difficult to keep even a part-time job. Students who are able to manage a full-time courseload can take advantage of our Graduate Tuition Cap and save on tuition, which offers a flat tuition rate per semester when enrolled in 9 or more credit hours.
Will I have to attend class at a specific time?
No, all classes are asynchronous. This means that students complete the course requirements according to the syllabus and deadlines, but they have flexibility within their own schedule to complete coursework at times that work best for their schedule. We recommend students log in everyday to ensure they are staying on top of communication and assignments.
What should I expect in online classes?
It's important to know how to approach learning in an online program. Online classes are not harder nor easier than in-person classes, but they are different due to their asynchronous modality. This means students should expect to:
Develop a routine: Login to your online class routinely (we recommend at least once daily) to receive updates and contribute meaningfully to any ongoing discussions.
Be good time managers: Determine when you have time to work on coursework throughout the week so you don't fall behind or put off assignments until the last minute.
Communicate: If you are having any trouble, message your peers and/or your instructor right away to ask for help or clarification. Never be afraid to reach out to your instructors or Student Affairs if you need assistance--we have many resources to help you, but we need to know your situation to act accordingly on your behalf.
If you need additional support in navigating the online classroom, Canvas (our learning management system) has a number of helpful tools, including a module for new students that walks through everything you need to know about navigating information in your online class.
Will my degree say “online”?
No, you are awarded the same diploma from UK as students who take classes in-person. There is no denotation of “online” on your diploma or your transcripts.
Can I meet with faculty even though the program is online?
Yes. Our faculty are happy to meet with our students by phone call, email, or an online meeting. You are also welcome to set up an in-person appointment if you ever find yourself in Lexington.
Are there any on-campus requirements?
No, there is no on-campus requirement.
Will this program lead to licensure in my state?
Students should consult with their licensure board to verify if this program will meet licensure requirements for the state in which they will practice. UK has assembled a database of licensure information for different states. However, the ultimate responsibility for verifying this information prior to enrollment lies with the student.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Our team is here to help you with the next stage of your journey. Reach out to us today!
Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
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