Master of Science in Nutrition, (non-dietetics concentrations)
George Mason University's Master of Science in Nutrition prepares students to address complex health challenges through nutrition science, public health, food systems, and health promotion. Designed for students interested in improving health outcomes at the individual, community, and population levels, the program combines evidence-based nutrition education with practical applications in research, policy, education, and program development.
Students can choose from specialized non-dietetics concentrations that align with their professional interests while developing expertise in areas such as global nutrition, food security, weight management, nutrition education, and public health interventions. Graduates are prepared for careers in community health organizations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, corporate wellness programs, and other settings focused on improving nutrition and health outcomes.
This page provides an overview of the program's concentrations, curriculum, admissions requirements, and career pathways.
Interprofessional
Gain an interprofessional education that will prepare you to work in multi-disciplinary teams to deliver the best health outcomes for all.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Deepen your education in our two high tech facilities: The brand new Nutrition Kitchen and The Human Nutrition Assessment Lab.
Faculty
George Mason’s Department of Nutrition and Food Studies faculty are not only skilled educators dedicated to their students’ success, they are also industry-expert professionals who make impactful contributions to their field.
Nutrition Concentrations and Areas of Focus
Choose Your Path
The MS in Nutrition includes several concentration options that allow students to specialize in specific areas of nutrition science, public health, and health promotion. Each concentration combines advanced coursework with practical applications to prepare graduates for leadership roles in nutrition-related professions.
You’re also given the opportunity to complete an in-depth supervised practicum experience or conduct original research in a thesis project on your topic of choice.
MS - Nutrition | Community Nutrition Concentration
Learn to assess, evaluate, and intervene in the most current and relevant nutrition issues. This concentration emphasizes a skill-set tailored to expanding nutrition-related needs. The curriculum will prepare you to work for agencies, businesses, and organizations that seek to improve nutrition at the local, national, and global level, as well as further study for research careers in nutrition.
MS - Nutrition | Nutrition and Performance Concentration
The Nutrition and Performance Concentration emphasizes a skill-set tailored to expanding nutrition and performance related needs. Students learn to assess, evaluate, and intervene in the most current and relevant nutrition and performance issues. This concentration provides a curriculum focused specifically on interdisciplinary approach to physical activity and nutrition. Upon graduation students will be competitive for a variety of positions related to nutrition and human performance and be prepared to pursue further graduate study in Nutrition or Physical activity related degrees. In addition, the curriculum prepares the student to take the International Society for Sports Nutrition (ISSN) certification.
MS - Nutrition | No Concentration
The master of science in nutrition program emphasizes a skill set tailored to expanding nutrition-related needs. Students learn to assess, evaluate, and intervene in the most current and relevant nutrition issues. The curriculum prepares graduates to work for agencies, businesses, and organizations that seek to improve nutrition at the local, national, and global level. This program also prepares students to engage in further study for research careers in nutrition.
What Do I Need to Apply?
Applicants to the MS in Nutrition program must meet George Mason University's graduate admissions requirements and complete any required prerequisite coursework. Review the application requirements, supporting materials, and admissions criteria below to determine your eligibility.
Criteria considered in addition to the standard university admissions criteria include professional and/or volunteer experience and evidence of the ability to write and conduct research at the graduate level.
For more information, see the Graduate Admissions page.
Prerequisites
Applicants must have completed NUTR 295, Introduction to Nutrition or equivalent and BIOL 124 Anatomy and Physiology, or equivalent.
How You'll Learn and Prepare for Your Career
The MS in Nutrition program prepares graduates to enter a number of nutrition-related career fields, including public health, research, media/communications, food service, fitness/nutrition coaching, corporate wellness, and more.
The curriculum prepares graduates to work for agencies, businesses, and organizations that seek to improve nutrition at the local, national, and global level.
As a graduate of the program, you could work in a variety of professional settings, such as hospitals, education/school systems, governmental organizations (local, state and federal), non-profit organizations, and the food manufacturing industry, just to name a few.
The College of Public Health’s Career Center is committed to providing career advising, internship, and job support for undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni.
This support paired with experiential learning opportunities leads to impressive alumni outcomes:
- 89% of employed graduates work full-time
- 89% work in a field related to career goals
- 2020 graduates’ average salary is $69K+
Questions About the MS in Nutrition
What are the admissions requirements for the MS in Nutrition?
Applicants to George Mason University's MS in Nutrition (Non-Dietetics Concentrations) must meet the university's graduate admissions requirements and hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Applicants are expected to have a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and must have completed prerequisite coursework in Introduction to Nutrition and Human Anatomy and Physiology (or equivalent courses).
Because admissions requirements and deadlines can change, prospective students should review the official admissions page for the most current application requirements, prerequisite information, and deadlines.
Learn more about admissions requirements and deadlines:
What non-dietetics concentrations are available?
Students in George Mason University's MS in Nutrition program can tailor their studies by selecting a concentration that aligns with their career goals and interests. The non-dietetics concentration options include:
- Community Nutrition – Focuses on nutrition education, food security, public health nutrition, health promotion, and community-based interventions.
- Nutrition and Performance – Explores the relationship between nutrition, physical activity, exercise physiology, and human performance.
- General or Research - Provides flexibility for students to customize their coursework across a variety of nutrition topics with guidance from a faculty advisor.
Each concentration builds on the program's core curriculum while allowing students to develop specialized knowledge in areas of nutrition science, public health, food systems, and health promotion. Learn more about concentration requirements and coursework:
What career paths do graduates pursue?
Graduates of George Mason University's MS in Nutrition program pursue careers that promote health and well-being through nutrition education, public health, research, wellness programming, and community engagement. Depending on their concentration and professional interests, graduates may work in public health agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, community health programs, research institutions, government agencies, schools, universities, and corporate wellness settings.
Common career paths include:
- Community Nutrition Specialist
- Public Health Nutritionist
- Nutrition Educator
- Health Promotion Coordinator
- Wellness Program Manager
- Nutrition Research Associate
- Food Security Program Coordinator
- Health and Nutrition Consultant
The program also provides strong preparation for students interested in doctoral study, research careers, or leadership roles focused on nutrition, food systems, and population health. Through coursework in nutrition science, public health, food systems, and behavior change, graduates develop the skills needed to design, implement, and evaluate nutrition interventions for diverse populations.
Learn more about career opportunities in nutrition:
Accreditation Information
The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics program is accredited as a Future Education Model (FEM) graduate program by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND): 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606, 800-877-1600 ext. 5400
Information for International Students
The College's faculty and staff value diverse opinions, perspectives, and world views. An educational environment in which students are encouraged to explore and celebrate diversity provides a powerful foundation on which to launch successful careers in national and international health and human services organizations.
We encourage international students to apply to the Master of Science in Nutrition, which requires applicants to submit an application for graduate admission to the university.