Nutritional Sciences

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Explore the intersection of food, health, and well-being with Iowa State University's Nutritional Sciences graduate program. Rooted in scientific inquiry and practical application, our program offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for careers in nutrition research, public health, clinical practice, and industry.
Program Homepage Program Handbook

The Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Nutritional Sciences (IGPNS) integrates information from across 10 disciplines to give students a well-rounded understanding of nutrition and its application: providing the structure for coordinating and enhancing interdisciplinary nutrition research and graduate education. Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Nutritional Sciences are offered with three specializations:

  • Animal nutrition
  • Human nutrition
  • Molecular/biochemical nutrition

Degrees Offered:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Master of Science (M.S.)

Area(s) of Specialization: 

(may appear on ISU transcripts after graduation)

  • Animal Nutrition (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Global Nutrition (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Human Nutrition (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Molecular and Cellular Nutrition (M.S., Ph.D.)

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 4.8 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 1.9 years (Methods)

Brenda Emery

robynath@iastate.edu
515-294-6442
Graduate Program Coordinator
Nutritional Sciences
220 MacKay Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1123

Learning Goals

  • Have an in-depth and accurate knowledge and understanding of the field
  • Understand central issues and current research areas that are important in the field
  • Apply theoretical information to solve practical problems
  • Prepare and communicate discipline-specific information in written and oral forms to scientific and lay audiences
  • Design, conduct, and interpret research
  • Facilitate learning in the classroom

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

  • Applicants are advised to request letters of recommendation from professors and/or employers who are able to describe in detail characteristics and qualifications which predict that the applicant will succeed in graduate school.
  • TOEFL and IELTS scores MUST be valid to be considered for admission.
  • Resume/CV
  • Transcripts
  • Program Requires GRE: No
  • Program Requires GMAT: No
  • Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

January 15 application deadline for Fall Semester.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions