The Department of Food Science and Nutrition
Mission: The Master of Science in Food and Nutritional Sciences at California State University, Fresno provides for the development of advanced level knowledge, development of research abilities, and the mentoring of future leaders.
Outcomes: The program graduates will be able to (a) use knowledge and critical thinking skills to identify innovative solutions to problems, (b) communicate research findings through professional presentations and publications, (c) advance their careers, and (d) take an active role in their profession.
This program provides a graduate-level proficiency in food science or nutrition. The degree applies to specializations in food research, production, processing, chemistry, microbiology, dietetics, nutrition, nutrition education, and food service systems management.
Admission Requirements: The Master of Science in Food and Nutritional Sciences assumes preparation equivalent to a bachelor of science in food science, nutrition, or similar education from an accredited institution. Students with an undergraduate degree in other fields or from other institutions who need to make up course deficiencies must consult with the graduate coordinator. In addition: undergraduate coursework grade point average of 3.0 or better on the last 60 semester/ 90 quarter units. If the preparatory language is other than English, minimum TOEFL of 550 and Minimum TWE (Test of Written English) score of 4; a 500-word or less statement of professional goals; and reference letters addressing the student’s ability to meet the program’s expectations of graduate level performance.
Additional requirements for the Dietetic Internship Supervised Practice Program combined with Master of Science: The combined dietetic internship supervised practice program and master’s degree is a post baccalaureate professional program that meets the requirements for supervised practice experience for entry-level dietitians.
The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®) has accredited to this program as a combined master’s and dietetic internship. ACEND can be reached at 2120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995 or at (312) 899-0040 ext. 5400 (www.eatright.org/ACEND).
A verification statement will only be provided to M.S./D.I. graduates at the end of the two-year master’s program, once both supervised practice internship requirements and master’s degree requirements are met.
Student graduates completing the program will be eligible to take the examination for dietitians administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).
Candidates for admission will be evaluated using the following criteria: undergraduate coursework, grade point average of 3.0 or better, completion of an accredited/approved didactic program in dietetics (DPD) program and verification statement within the last five years, three letters of recommendation and personal statement.
This program participates in DICAS and D&D Digital computer match. Therefore, all applicants must submit through the DICAS and D&D Digital computer matching process by the designated deadline set by DICAS/D&D Digital for the matching period.
The application process has three parts (all of which must be completed for your application to be considered):
- application to the supervised practice dietetic internship application process through Dietetic Internship Centralized Application Services (DICAS): https://dicas.cas.myliaison.com. Application fee required.
- application to the university through Cal State Apply for post baccalaureate standing option, as Food and Nutritional Sciences (Dietetic Internship) program: https://www.calstate.edu/apply CSU application fee required
- application to D & D Digital for online computer matching service for AND http://www.dnddigital.com Application fee required
Accepted student interns must complete/pass criminal background checks, immunization clearance, and fingerprinting PRIOR to beginning program.
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.
Students with undergraduate degrees in other fields or from other institutions who need to make up course deficiencies should consult with the graduate coordinator. The following specific prerequisite foundation courses, or their equivalents, are required:
Food Science:
Nutrition/Dietetics:
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