The Ph.D. program in Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion with a concentration in Food Science and Technology is designed for individuals with graduate or B.S. degrees in related sciences who want to gain more in-depth research and academic experience. The minimum number of coursework hours for a Ph.D. student varies according to the specific requirements of the department and the student’s needs but usually requires a minimum of 60 hours of coursework beyond the B.S. degree.

A PhD option in Functional Foods, Nutrition, and Health is available to those interested in foods or nutrition and health. This is an exciting emerging field in both food science, health and nutritional sciences. Functional foods are foods that have a potentially positive effect on health beyond basic nutrition. Whether you are a food scientist or a health professional or dietitian, the study of the properties of foods that protect the body and promote health is possible through laboratory science or in the applied form for those wanting to emphasize it in a clinical setting. A master of science student may also take courses in this area as a part of their curriculum in nutrition, food science, or health promotion. The PhD concentration requires the basic core of our doctoral degree plus, Principles of Functional Foods and Nutrition; The Gut, Microbiome in Health and Disease; Functional Nutrition in Chronic Disease Prevention and Management; Plants and Nutraceuticals-Food as Medicine; Molecular Nutrition; and Nutritional Genomics.

A student pursing the Ph.D. degree in Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion with a concentration in Nutrition selects courses in Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion and in Biochemistry and Statistics. A Master of Science in Nutrition or Health Promotion will be considered to meet the prerequisites for study towards a doctorate. A student from other disciplines may be required to take leveling courses generally not to exceed 15 semester hours.

Students may pursue a master's in Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion with a concentration in Food Science and Technology. A Bachelor of Science in Food Technology, Food Science, or related areas will be considered to meet the prerequisites for study toward an advanced degree. Students from other disciplines may be required to take leveling courses generally not to exceed 15 semester hours. The Master of Science in Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion with a concentration in Food Science and Technology requires a minimum of 30 hours of graduate credit (Including 6 hours of research/thesis), a research thesis, and a final defense. At least 12 hours of coursework must be taken at the 8000-level. Graduate assistantships may be available.

The Master of Science in Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion with a concentration in Health Promotion is designed to develop practitioners with the skills and competencies to effectively assess, design, implement, evaluate health promotion programs in a variety of settings. The program offers both thesis and non-thesis options and is available on-campus as well as distance learning (https://online.msstate.edu/health/). Qualifying students may enter the program at the start of any semester. This program may be completed in a calendar year but this is not required.

A Master of Science degree in Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion with a concentration in Nutrition is offered by selecting courses in Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion; Statistics; and Biochemistry. The Master of Science in Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion with a Nutrition concentration requires a minimum of 30 hours of graduate credit (including 6 hours of research/thesis), a research thesis, and a final defense. At least 12 hours of coursework must be taken at the 8000-level.