Master of Science in Nutrition
Prepare for a meaningful career addressing public health matters involving nutrition and food science in George Mason’s MS in Nutrition. You’ll study global nutrition, food safety and security, weight management, and the fundamentals of cooking. Graduate with the ability to develop appropriate interventions tailored to individuals, communities, and different cultural, gender, and age groups — all skills that are expected to be in high demand in this rapidly-growing field.
RDN Pathway
The Dietetics concentration meets the criteria for ACEND’s Future Education Model. Graduates will receive an MS in Nutrition and a verification statement that provides eligibility to sit for the RDN registration exam. Learn more here.
Interprofessional
Gain an interprofessional education that will prepare you to work in multi-disciplinary teams to deliver the best health outcomes for all.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Deepen your education in our two high tech facilities: The brand new Nutrition Kitchen and The Human Nutrition Assessment Lab.
Master's Degree Offerings
MS - Nutrition | Dietetics (RD Pathway)
Prepare for successful entrance into the field of dietetics as a competent entry-level dietitian. You’ll learn to use the Nutrition Care Process to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy and participate in learning activities, supervised and alternative experiences in a variety of Nutrition sectors. Learn more about the Dietetics Concentration.
MS - Nutrition | Community Nutrition
Learn to assess, evaluate, and intervene in the most current and relevant nutrition issues. This concentration emphasizes a skill-set tailored to expanding nutrition-related needs. The curriculum will prepare you to work for agencies, businesses, and organizations that seek to improve nutrition at the local, national, and global level, as well as further study for research careers in nutrition.
MS - Nutrition | Nutrition and Performance
The Nutrition and Performance Concentration emphasizes a skill-set tailored to expanding nutrition and performance related needs. Students learn to assess, evaluate, and intervene in the most current and relevant nutrition and performance issues. This concentration provides a curriculum focused specifically on interdisciplinary approach to physical activity and nutrition. Upon graduation students will be competitive for a variety of positions related to nutrition and human performance and be prepared to pursue further graduate study in Nutrition or Physical activity related degrees. In addition, the curriculum prepares the student to take the International Society for Sports Nutrition (ISSN) certification.
MS - Nutrition (No Concentration)
The master of science in nutrition program emphasizes a skill set tailored to expanding nutrition-related needs. Students learn to assess, evaluate, and intervene in the most current and relevant nutrition issues. The curriculum prepares graduates to work for agencies, businesses, and organizations that seek to improve nutrition at the local, national, and global level. This program also prepares students to engage in further study for research careers in nutrition.
Choose Your Path
In the MS in Nutrition program, you’re given the opportunity to complete an in-depth supervised practicum experience or conduct original research in a thesis project on your topic of choice.
Sample Schedule
The community nutrition concentration can be completed on a part– or full-time basis, while the dietetics concentration is only offered full-time. Download a copy of the Plans of Study schedule samples to learn more.
Faculty
George Mason’s Department of Nutrition and Food Studies faculty are not only skilled educators dedicated to their students’ success, they are also industry-expert professionals who make impactful contributions to their field.
Opportunities
The MS in Nutrition program prepares graduates to enter a number of nutrition-related career fields, including public health, research, media/communications, food service, fitness/nutrition coaching, corporate wellness, and more.
The curriculum prepares graduates to work for agencies, businesses, and organizations that seek to improve nutrition at the local, national, and global level.
As a graduate of the program, you could work in a variety of professional settings, such as hospitals, education/school systems, governmental organizations (local, state and federal), non-profit organizations, and the food manufacturing industry, just to name a few.
Outcomes
The College of Public Health’s Career Center is committed to providing career advising, internship, and job support for undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni.
This support paired with experiential learning opportunities leads to impressive alumni outcomes:
- 89% of employed graduates work full-time
- 89% work in a field related to career goals
- 2020 graduates’ average salary is $69K+
Information for International Students
The College's faculty and staff value diverse opinions, perspectives, and world views. An educational environment in which students are encouraged to explore and celebrate diversity provides a powerful foundation on which to launch successful careers in national and international health and human services organizations.
We encourage international students to apply to the Master of Science in Nutrition, which requires applicants to submit an application for graduate admission to the university.
Accreditation Information
The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics program is accredited as a Future Education Model (FEM) graduate program by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND): 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606, 800-877-1600 ext. 5400; www.eatrightpro.org/acend