M.S. in Food Science & Human Nutrition- Online

The online curriculum is designed to meet the needs of food industry and nutrition and health personnel seeking to develop more proficiency in food science and human nutrition. Students may focus their classes on food technology or nutrition topics or combine both disciplines. Lectures are asynchronous so that students can view them at convenient times. Live Zoom discussions are held in most classes, and those meetings are scheduled around the students’ preferred meeting times. Exams and other assessments have specific deadlines within each course.

Program Highlights

This M.S. is ideal for people with previous degrees in either food science or nutrition and individuals with bachelor’s degrees in a different field.

  1. Specialized classes with award-winning faculty members.
  2. Asynchronous lectures allow students to learn on their own schedule.
  3. Non-thesis.
  4. Opportunities to network with fellow professionals across the U.S. and other nations.
  5. Applications are accepted for Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to demonstrate effective technical writing skills. Met by FSN 543 and FSN 555.
  • Students will be able to effectively deliver oral presentations to professional and/or lay audiences. Met by FSN 543.
  • Students will be able to critically assess current Human Nutrition and Food Technology research. Met by FSN 501, FSN 502, FSN 524, FSN 543, FSN 555, FSN 585, and FSN 586.
  • Students will be able to describe ethical and professional practices in dietetics and the food industry. Met by FSN 524, FSN 530, FSN 543, FSN 545, and FSN 585.

Admission Requirements

  • A B.S. with two semesters (6 credits) of biology and two semesters (6 credits) of chemistry and/or biochemistry. A class in anatomy and physiology is also required as one of the biology classes for nutrition-focused students. A course in human nutrition is also recommended. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.
  • GRE scores are not needed.
  • Prospective students who attended a university not taught in English must provide TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, and PTE test scores to demonstrate their proficiency in English.
  • Required documents by UMaine graduate school (https://umaine.edu/graduate/apply/application-checklist/).
  • An application fee of $65.00. This fee is not waived except for IRT and McNair Scholars, current and former U.S. Armed Forces members and their dependents, and any University of Maine System program alums.
  • Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the application process, but official versions are needed before a student can begin classes.
  • A professor willing to serve as the student’s academic advisor.
  • Letters of recommendation from three unrelated persons, such as former professors in your major field of study or current or former work supervisors.
  • Application deadlines are February 15 for Summer, March 15 for Fall, and October 15 for Spring. Late applications will be considered if there is space available in the program.

Program Requirements

  • A minimum of 30 credit hours is required, including four required courses:
    • FSN 501 Advanced Human Nutrition
    • FSN 502 Food Preservation
    • FSN 524 Responsible Design, Conduct, & Analysis of Research
    • FSN 543 Communication in Nutrition and Food Technology
  • A minimum of 15 credits of additional FSN online classes. The schedule of FSN graduate classes can be found here: FSN Graduate Online Class Schedule Summer 2023- Summer 2025
  • No more than three credits of FSN 695 Food Science & Human Nutrition Practicum may be applied to the M.S. The practicum must be completed at an organization different from the student’s primary employer. FSN 695 is only available in Summer.
  • Up to six graduate credits in food science or nutrition from another university may be transferred as electives. Classes taken as part of a B.S. requirement are usually not applicable to the M.S. Transferred grades must be a B or higher.
  • A three-credit class from another UMaine online program, such as the Gerontology Certificate or MBA, can be substituted for an FSN elective if no transferred course credits exist.
  • GPA of 3.0 or higher for graduation.
  • A plan of study outlining the schedule of classes to be taken must be submitted to the Graduate School no later than the third semester of enrollment. An advisory committee comprised the student’s advisor and two other FSN professors with graduate faculty standing must approve the plan. Each student should seek opinions from the advisory committee while preparing the plan of study. Course selection is individualized to meet each student’s professional goals.
  • Students should work closely with their advisor to ensure timely completion of their degree and meet at least once per semester via Zoom or phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I learn the decision on my application?

Applicants will be notified within 4-6 weeks. The program makes its decision within 2 weeks for most applications, then the application must be reviewed by the Graduate School.

How long does it take to complete an M.S.?

Most students complete their degree in 2-3 years. A typical Fall or Spring semester involves 6 credits of classes, but students are welcome to enroll in one class per semester. Taking more than six credits per semester is strongly discouraged, especially if a student is working full-time. At least two classes will be offered each summer. The University allows students to take up to 6 years before terminating their degree.

Do I have to take all of my classes online?

Yes. Online students are given a substantial discount on their tuition and may not take classes offered on campus.

Are there deadlines in online classes?

Yes. Most assessments, such as quizzes, papers, and presentations, have specific due dates.

What does the online M.S. concentration cost?

Tuition for online programs is $608 per credit hour. Thus, an M.S. will cost $18,240 plus expenses for textbooks and related class expenses. The University of Maine system provides the Microsoft Office suite and statistical software packages at no additional cost to students.

When are classes offered?

Classes are typically offered once every two years. Please consult the class rotation schedule for the current planned sequence of classes.

How do I find an advisor?

Your application will be shared with the FSN online faculty, and a professor will volunteer to mentor and advise you.

How can I receive funding to support my graduate studies?

The School of Food and Agriculture does not provide scholarships or assistantships to online students. Your employer may be willing to reimburse all or part of your expenses. You may be eligible to receive student loans. Please complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa).

Can I use this degree to become a dietitian?

This M.S. concentration does not directly lead to credentialing as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (R.D.N) unless the student has completed an ACEND-accredited undergraduate degree in dietetics and plans to complete a dietetic internship after the M.S.

Can I switch to the on-campus M.S. after starting the online program?

No. The programs are separate and have different entrance requirements.

Can I continue to the Ph.D. in Food and Nutrition Sciences?

Only students who have completed an M.S. with a thesis are eligible to apply to the doctoral program at the University of Maine. Other universities may have different policies.