Food & Nutritional Sciences: Master of Science

Program Description
The California State University, Fresno Master of Science in Food and Nutritional Sciences provides a graduate–level proficiency in food science, dietetics, or nutrition. The degree is applicable to specializations in food research, production, processing, chemistry, and microbiology; and medical nutrition therapy, nutrition, nutrition education, and food systems management.

Mission
The Master of Science in Food and Nutritional Sciences at California State University, Fresno provides for development of advanced level knowledge, development of research abilities, and the mentoring of future leaders.

Program Outcomes
The program graduates will be able to:

1. Use knowledge and critical thinking skills to identify innovative solutions to problems;
2. Communicate research findings through professional presentations and publications;
3. Advance their careers; and
   Take an active role in their profession

Program Curriculum

• FN 200 Research Methods in Food & Nutrition¹ - 3 units
• FN 223 Food, Nutrition and Health - 3 units
• Graduate- level statistics course - 3 units
• FN 229 Graduate Seminar (3, 1 unit each) - 3 units
• Electives (approved by advisor) - 12 units
• FN 299 Thesis - 6 units
• Minimum units - 30

Prerequisites
The Master of Science in Food and Nutritional Sciences assumes preparation equivalent to a California State University, Fresno undergraduate major in food science, dairy science, nutrition, dietetics and food administration, or related areas. Minimum prerequisites of areas of concentration are as follows:

• Food Science: FSC 110 of 112, 115, 125, 141, 144; Nutr 54
• Nutrition/Dietetics: FSC 152 and NUTR 54, 147, 149, 153, 160, or completion of an ADA- accredited didactic program in dietetics as evidenced by a signed verification statement.

Admission Criteria

1. Undergraduate coursework grade point average of 3.0 or better on the last 60 semester/ 90 quarter units.
2. Minimum GRE scores of 480 on verbal and 580 on Quantitative (equivalent to the 50th percentile)
3. If preparatory language is other than English, minimum TOEFL of 550 and Minimum TWE (Test of Written English) score of 4.
4. 500- word or less statement of professional goals
5. Reference letters addressing student’s ability to meet program’s expectations of graduate level performance

Application Procedure
University Admission

1. Application are available from the internet at: http://www.csumentor.edu
2. Select “Apply Online”
   Select Graduate Admission Application; complete application and submit online. Application fee of $55.00 is due when submitting the online application.
3. Send one complete set of official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended to : Graduate Admissions, California State University, Fresno, 5150 N. Maple Avenue M/S JA57, Fresno, CA 93740-8026
4. Complete the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and have results sent to California State University, Fresno.

Program Admission

1. Prepare a professional statement of 500 words or less indicating your professional goals and your reasons for pursuing a master’s degree.
2. Request three letters of reference from professionals who can address your potential for graduate level course work research.
3. Send the statement and the reference letters to:
   Graduate Coordinator
   Department of Food Science and Nutrition
   5300 N. Campus Drive M/S FF17
   Fresno, CA 93740-8019

For more information on this program, please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator, Erin Dormedy, Ph.D. If you do not receive a timely response from this faculty member and it is during the University's summer, winter or spring break, please contact the Department of Food Science and Nutrition for more information.

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¹ Students may take Agri 220 Research Methodology and Communication with approval of Graduate Coordinator
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