Questions to many answers may be obtained from the Nutrition Graduate Program Student Survival Handbook.

What is the cost of Graduate School at the University of Minnesota?
When is the deadline for application?
What is the difference between the Nutrition and Food Science graduate programs?
What is the difference between a Plan A Master's and a Plan B Master's?
What is the teaching requirement of Nutrition graduate students?
How do I choose an advisor?
Can I enter the Program without deciding upon an advisor?
Where can I find a current list of Nutrition Graduate Faculty and their research interests?
Are international students eligible for assistantships and fellowships?
How do I get more information about the Graduate Program in Nutrition if I have more questions?

Tuition costs differ depending on whether you are a resident or not. However, students that are financially supported as graduate research assistants or teaching assistants receive a tuition waiver proportional to their appointment in addition to their stipend. Thus, a full-time graduate research assistant (50% time) would pay no tuition. Students, however, must still pay student service fees.

Back to Top

The Graduate School deadline for application is as indicated below:

Further application for admission information may be obtained at University of Minnesota Graduate School Office of Admissions.

Back to Top

The study of nutrition focuses on the function of nutrients within animals. Thus, it is primarily a biological science. Food science, in contrast, studies the chemical reactions that occur in food during manufacture and storage, food safety, and the sensory attributes of food. Food science consequently focuses more on chemistry, engineering, and food microbiology. However, there is, at times, significant overlap between these two disciplines. At the University of Minnesota, faculty in Nutrition and Food Science interact in many ways, including co-advising graduate students and collaborating on research projects.

Back to Top

A Plan A Master’s degree requires students to carry out an original research project that will lead to a thesis. Most students in the Nutrition Graduate Program do a Plan A Master’s. A Plan B Master’s requires the student to demonstrate familiarity with the tools of research or scholarship in their major field, the ability to work independently, and the ability to present the results of their investigation effectively. A Plan B Master’s places more emphasis on course work. Students pursuing a Plan B Master’s rarely receive financial support. More information regarding the differences between a Plan A and Plan B Master’s may be obtained from the Graduate School Bulletin.

Back to Top

All graduate students who are not supported as teaching assistants are expected to obtain teaching experience. How this requirement is satisfied depends on the department that you are housed in. Within the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, students are expected to serve as teaching assistants for four hours a week for one course a year.

Back to Top

Students identify potential faculty advisors based on a combination of their interest in the faculty member’s area of research and the availability of funding (if the student requires financial support, which is usually the case). Students then speak with potential advisors about the possibility of becoming an advisee. The advisee-advisor relationship is one that is entered into by mutual choice.

Back to Top

Students who have not identified an advisor may enter the program under three circumstances: 1) students who are serving as paid teaching assistants, 2) students who are coming on a Fellowship, or 3) students who are willing to come without financial support. Under these circumstances, the Director of Graduate Studies will serve as a temporary advisor. However, students will need to identify an advisor within a reasonable length of time, usually within one year.

Back to Top

This can be found on the Nutrition Graduate Faculty webpage or in Appendix A of the Nutrition Graduate Program Student Survival Handbook.

Back to Top

International students are eligible for graduate research assistantships or teaching assistantships. However, to be eligible to serve as a teaching assistant, international students must pass the SPEAK test. International students are eligible for many, if not most, fellowships.  See International Students and Scholar Services for additional international student information.

Back to Top

You may contact the Director of Graduate Studies, currently Dr. Mindy Kurzer, with questions regarding program issues, such as prerequisites; identifying an advisor; courses available; and career information. If you have questions regarding the application procedures, the status of your application, or other administrative issues, contact Student Services.

Back to Top