Food and Nutrition Graduate Program
Mission
The Food and Nutrition Program at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) is committed to recruiting, retaining, and graduating students from diverse backgrounds. We provide undergraduate and graduate students with an innovative, science-based educational foundation within a learning community that encourages and respects the viewpoint and lived experience of each person. Students are engaged in addressing the food and nutrition needs of diverse communities, families, and individuals across the lifespan (including but not limited to race, ethnicity, age, gender, ability, socioeconomic status, religion, and sexual orientation). The Program successfully transitions graduates into a variety of professional settings, such as accredited supervised practice programs, graduate/professional programs, and the workforce, congruent with their professional goals.
Eligibililty
The graduate program is for students who have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in a food, nutrition, or a related field (e.g. public health; kinesiology; biological sciences; allied health professionals) and have coursework in biochemistry, human anatomy and physiology, and human nutrition.
Highlights
In connection to the University mission, the Master's program offers a comprehensive curriculum including a foundation in nutrition science, community nutrition, and clinical nutrition. As a result of this comprehensive core curriculum, the program successfully transitions graduates into a variety of professional settings, such as accredited supervised practice programs, graduate/professional school settings, and the workforce congruent with their professional goals. Relative to partnerships and collaboration, students can collaborate with external partners in a variety of settings, including clinical dietetics, sensory research, and community outreach.
The graduate program includes an innovative, scientifically based educational foundation within a learning community that encourages and respects the viewpoint and lived experience of each person. This is consistent with the University’s mission to build a “collaborative, diverse, and inclusive community”.
Eligible students can be concurrently enrolled in one of our accredited dietetic internship programs. This is a separate program for applicants who have a previous DPD verification statement. For more information about the dietetic internship please click here.
BGSU offers an online and on campus Masters of Food and Nutrition (MFN) degree as well as a Graduate Certificate in Food and Nutrition.
- Are you ready to advance your knowledge and skills? Consider our Master's of Food and Nutrition (MFN) degree, offered on-campus or 100% online, asynchronous format. Core courses include macro and micronutrients, community nutrition, research methods, and clinical nutrition. Students can personalize their degree by choosing from a variety of electives in Food and Nutrition or complimentary disciplines.
- Not ready for a Master’s degree? Consider our Graduate Certificate in Food and Nutrition. This 15-credit hour certificate can be completed 100% online and courses can be applied towards the MFN degree.
- Did not match to a dietetic internship? Have you considered graduate school? Remain competitive in your field by enrolling in BGSU's 100% online MFN program and complete coursework around your schedule.
- Are you already credentialed and/or working in the field? The graduate program is a good fit for working, credentialed professionals, including Nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered (NDTRs) and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) who are looking to "uplevel" their career in food and nutrition. The online program format allows students to pursue their education while maintaing employment in the field.
For More Information
Contact: Dr. Kerri Lynn Knippen, Food and Nutrition Graduate Coordinator at kknippe@bgsu.edu
What our alumni have to say?
- "My interest in continuing my education led me to Bowling Green's Master's of Food & Nutrition Online program. This program was a wonderful opportunity and gave me the flexibility to work full-time and pursue my education. The professors are great with communication, which is important because it is an online-based degree. This program expanded my love for dietetics even more and now that I have graduated in May 2021, I am applying for dietetic internships to become a dietitian."
- “I have greatly enjoyed my time at BGSU, and all the online courses I was able to participate in. It has really enriched my practice as a dietitian, how I approach certain situations, and given me something to put time into that is just for me!"
- “The faculty were fantastic, they were knowledgeable, up to date on the latest nutrition science and extremely supportive.”
- "Faculty were amazing, most classes were structured enough for guidance but flexible for discussion and learning."
- "Great activities and assignments that helped further understanding of real-world scenarios."
- "Interesting class options, and the shortened half semester and 7-week elective classes made it possible to complete the degree in a timely manner."
- “When looking for a master's program, I wanted a program that was able to meet my needs as a working dietitian to upgrade my skill set. The online program at Bowling Green fit my needs perfectly. I was able to attend class while working full time. I found that my professors were knowledgeable, approachable, and well suited to teach in a virtual classroom. The online program gave me a wide variety of experiences and challenges that have helped me improve my skill set as a dietitian working in the community. There was a wide variety of cultures, skills, and experiences throughout the program that have allowed me to form friendships with other dietitians across the country. Even though this was a virtual program I did not feel I was an outsider.”
- “I love how flexible the classes are being asynchronous. With my work and kids, I don't think I ever could have completed my masters if it wasn't flexible.”
Accreditation and/or Program/Cluster Review
Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2012 - 2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.
Eligible students may choose to complete the master's program in conjunction with a post-baccalaureate dietetic internship program. The dietetic internship program is granted Accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Professional Licensure (If applicable)
Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.
Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The Master's of Food and Nutrition program does not lead to professional licensure.
Gainful Employment (If applicable)
Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.
The Graduate Certificate in Food and Nutrition is a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.
Updated: 12/04/2023 01:17PM