Nutrition and food science graduate programs look at the relationship that people and society have with food. In the case of food science programs, they tend to examine the food industry from production to distribution. They focus on the science behind the way food is formulated and stored.
Nutrition and dietitian programs, meanwhile, discuss the consumers themselves. They focus on the nutritional needs of different types of people, and how social values impact nutrition. And that’s just the beginning!
Programs might be offered at several levels. They might also come in a variety of formats to accommodate different schedules and learning preferences.
Several different types of nutrition and food science graduate programs may be available. Each one could appeal to students with different educational and professional backgrounds. Many programs may be designed to accommodate experienced professionals. Those programs may also lean on that experience to inform the education in each course. However, this may vary. Others may be oriented toward those new to the field, or focus on things like performing research about food and nutrition.
Graduate food and nutrition science degree programs may fall into three essential categories.
Remember that these and other nutrition and food science graduate programs may vary from the above descriptions on a case-by-case basis. Some programs may combine several degree levels, or incorporate different requirements or perspectives. For more information, contact your selected graduate food science and nutrition degree programs.
Graduate food science degree programs focus on everything from food production through distribution. These programs tend to be more industry-focused, examining the food itself and how it is produced and handled. Food safety graduate programs may also fall under this heading. Some programs may be narrower, and may focus on a particular skill or topic. For example, some might center on food chemistry, while others might look at food technology, or even packaging.
Here's an example of the types of courses you might find in a food science program.
Graduate nutrition degree programs, like food science, study food. More specifically, the people eating it. Specifically, nutrition graduate programs examine the nutritional needs of different kinds of people. They also look at the relationship between nutrition and healthcare.
Some nutrition graduate programs may discuss nutrition-related medical conditions. They might also cover nutrition and food practices and beliefs throughout society. Programs may approach these ideas in a few different ways. For example, some nutrition degree programs may focus on healthcare settings, while others might look at nutrition education.
A few example courses you might see in nutrition graduate programs are listed below.
Maybe you’re an active professional working full time in a nutrition or food science role. Or you want to dedicate yourself completely to your studies. Either way, the format of your selected nutrition graduate program could have an impact. Luckily, programs may be offered in a variety of formats that could meet your needs.
Individual programs may vary from the above descriptions. For example, different programs may offer different types of supportive resources and scheduling options. Additionally, not all degree types might be offered in every format. For more information about each program format, visit the relevant program page. Contact your selected school to learn more about how that specific program works.
Graduate programs in nutrition or food science may relate to a variety of potential careers. Some nutrition graduate programs are even designed with certain types of positions in mind. As a result, the specific paths of different food science or nutrition graduate students may vary considerably.
In most cases, entry-level employment requires a bachelors degree. However, some employers may express preference for graduate education. A graduate degree may also sometimes be a factor in advancing beyond that level, especially in research.
Here are a few examples of positions those seeking or having earned a graduate degree in nutrition or food science might pursue.
For more information about career paths, especially as they relate to certain degrees or programs, reach out to your selected school.
Ready to start your search for graduate schools that offer food science degrees and nutrition degrees? Begin right here with GradSchools.com. You can use the filter to narrow down your options. Just choose your preferred program format and degree type. Then read up on your options! Click on any programs you’re interested in to learn more or get in touch.
[i] bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dietitians-and-nutritionists.htm [ii] bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm [iii] bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/agricultural-and-food-scientists.htm [iv] bls.gov/oes/current/oes191012.htm
Sponsored Listings
Subscribe for information on earning a graduate degree
By entering my email address and clicking "Sign Up" I agree to be contacted by EducationDynamics for additional education products and services, this submission is not required to use our site. Privacy Policy.
Advertise | About | FAQs | Update Programs | Terms of Use | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Disclosure: What Determines Top/Best? | Do Not Sell My Personal Information (CA and NV residents)
© Gradschools 2020. All Rights Reserved.
The sources for school statistics and data is the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System unless otherwise noted.
Disclosure: EducationDynamics receives compensation for many of the featured schools on our websites (see “Sponsored School(s)” or “Sponsored Listings” or “Sponsored Results” or “Featured Graduate School(s)”. So what does this mean for you? Compensation may impact where the Sponsored Schools appear on our websites, including whether they appear as a match through our education matching services tool, the order in which they appear in a listing, and/or their ranking. Our websites do not provide, nor are they intended to provide, a comprehensive list of all schools (a) in the United States (b) located in a specific geographic area or (c) that offer a particular program of study. By providing information or agreeing to be contacted by a Sponsored School, you are in no way obligated to apply to or enroll with the school.
This is an offer for educational opportunities, not an offer for nor a guarantee of employment. Students should consult with a representative from the school they select to learn more about career opportunities in that field. Program outcomes vary according to each institution’s specific program curriculum. Specific School Disclosures. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. The information on this page is for informational and research purposes only and is not an assurance of financial aid.