HN Graduate Programs
Master of Science in Human Ecology, Specialization in Nutrition
Admission Procedure and Standards for Admission
Admission to the Master of Science Program is during autumn quarter only.
Applications are submitted online through OSU Graduate Admissions. Applications to the program should be directed to program code #231. Complete applications must be received by Jan 15 to be considered for financial assistance. All other applications must be received and completed by June 1.
Admission is based on a number of criteria. Competitive students will meet or exceed the criteria listed below:
- An earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
- A cumulative point-hour ratio of 3.0 (4.0 scale) or above on all previous undergraduate and graduate work.
- For international students, a minimum TOFEL score of 600 (250 CBT), unless a prior degree was earned in an English-speaking country.
- A cumulative score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) in the 60% percentile range for the verbal, quantitative and analytical writing portions of the examination.
Program Prerequisites
The Master of Science degree in Human Ecology, specialization in Human Nutrition, is a science-based program. A solid base in scientific principles is required for admission. Students aiming for a focus in dietetics, education or outreach can be admitted once they have met the required prerequisites listed below. Students aiming for a laboratory or clinical science focus will be better prepared for the graduate program if they select the desirable prerequisite courses for admission.
Prerequisites for Admission to the Master of Science Program
Required Course: |
|
| Biochemistry | Biochemistry 511 |
The most complete and competitive applicants
will also have completed: |
|
| Fundamentals of Nutrition | HN 210 or 310 |
| Organic Chemistry Lecture | Chemistry 251 and 252 |
| Chemistry Laboratory | Any Chemistry Laboratory Course |
| Vertebrate Physiology | EEOB 232 |
| Statistics | Statistics 135 or 145 |
Course descriptions can be found through the OSU course registration page.
- All students, once admitted, will achieve the desirable prerequisite level of courses before they enter the graduate level 760-series nutrition courses.
- Equivalent courses may be accepted with permission of the Graduate Studies Committee
Students coming from other Universities or Colleges should view the Ohio State University course descriptions for the prerequisite courses by clicking on each title. Look for equivalent courses from the University or College where prerequisite courses are being completed.
Statement of Purpose:
The statement should be approximately 1000 words or less in length and should include answers to the following questions:
- Why are you interested in the MS program in Human Ecology with a specialization in Human Nutrition at The Ohio State University?
- As a citizen of the Department of Human Nutrition at The Ohio State University, what will you bring in terms of leadership, service, and experiences?
- What are your long- and short-term professional goals?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Describe your background in research and/or work experiences that will contribute to your work in Human Nutrition.
- What research area(s) and with who are you interested in pursing graduate work at The Ohio State University?
Letters of Reference:
Three letters are required. Letters should be written by individuals who are familiar with the applicant's academic performance and who can comment on the applicant's potential as a graduate student. If the applicant has not been a student for five or more years, letters will be accepted from current employers within a field allied to the discipline to be studied. Forms for Letters of Reference are available on the Graduate Admissions web site.
Application Materials that should be sent directly to Graduate Admissions at The Ohio State University:
- Online application (submitted electronically)
- One official transcripts from each college or university attended (different from the set sent to the Department of Human Nutrition)
- Application fee
- Official GRE and TOFEL scores (if applicable)
Application Materials that should be sent directly to the Department of Human Nutrition at The Ohio State University:
- Copy of application submitted online
- One official transcript of previous coursework (different from the set sent to Graduate Admissions)
- Letters of reference
- Statement of purpose
Transfer from Other Ohio State University Graduate Programs
Current students in the Graduate School at The Ohio State University may request admission to the graduate program in the Department of Human Nutrition. The Graduate Studies Committee will make a recommendation on the request for transfer after the following materials have been submitted to the Chair, Graduate Studies:
- Application for Transfer of Program
- Statement of Purpose that addresses research objectives, career goals and reasons for requesting the transfer of program
- Current advising report
Transferring Credit Towards Graduate Degree Requirements
Up to ten (10) graduate credits earned within the last 5 years at another university or as a non-degree graduate student at this University may be transferred to this program provided the earned grade was B or better.
If you wish to substitute such credits for some of the M.S. requirements, you must first have these courses approved by your Advisory Committee. Following this approval, you should make a written request to the Chair of the Human Nutrition Graduate Studies Committee. Your adviser must co-sign the request. You should include the following:
- copies of course syllabi
- a list of required textbooks and readings
- any other materials that describe the content of the courses
- a copy of the transcript showing performance with a minimum grade of B
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance is available to highly competitive applicants. Application and acceptance into the graduate program of the Department of Human Nutrition is first required before consideration for an award of financial assistance.
Applicants may be eligible for:
- University Fellowships – highly competitive. Applicants are selected by the Graduate Studies Committee; Selection is made through the Graduate School based on quality of application and credentials.
- Graduate Teaching Associateships – Recommendations for appointment made by the Graduate Studies Committee; Appointment offer made by Department Chair. Quality of application and credentials are the basis for ranking of potential Graduate Teaching Associates. Currently enrolled graduate students in the Department have priority for appointment.
- Graduate Research Associateships – Appointment made by individual faculty members who have first reviewed the application and interviewed applicants.
Appointments for a tuition waiver and stipend are usually for three consecutive quarters beginning with autumn quarter with a tuition and fee authorization only for the fourth (summer) quarter. Funding for summer stipends are arranged individually and are not a guarantee of appointment to a fellowship or associateship, unless specifically negotiated and included in the contract.
Eligibility: To hold a GA appointment in the Department of Human Nutrition, a student must satisfy the following requirements:
- pursing a graduate degree at The Ohio State University
- registered in the Graduate School for the appropriate number of credit hours
- be in good academic standing in the Graduate School when the appointment or reappointment becomes effective
- not currently in the internship portion of the Dietetic Internship program
- demonstrate reasonable progress toward a graduate degree
- satisfy other requirements published by the Graduate Studies Committee or employing unit
Application materials sent to the Department of Human Nutrition should be directed to:
Attention: Mary Catherine Hughes
Admissions, M.S. Program in Human Nutrition
1787 Neil Avenue
325 Campbell Hall
Columbus, OH 43210-1295
Questions may be directed to: nutrition_ms@ehe.osu.edu.
Click here to view the Graduate Student Handbook (pdf file).
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