Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHNA)

Interdepartmental Program
No
Dietetics is one of the most dynamic and versatile of the health-related professions. A Master of Professional Practice in Dietetics (MPPD) degree prepares you to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and practice at an advanced level in dietetics.
Foods in market

The Master of Professional Practice in Dietetics program offers two tracks: RD2B track trains future Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). Students complete dietetics-focused coursework and at least 1000 hours of supervised experiential learning in a competency-based accredited online program. International rotation options to Ghana and France are available. Graduates are ready to sit for the RDN exam. RDN track offers practicing RDNs an opportunity to obtain their master's degree in dietetics online, for leadership roles in diverse settings to promote human health and well-being and to improve quality of life.

Program Handbook RDN Track

Program Handbook RD2B Track


Degrees Offered:

  • Master of Professional Practice in Dietetics (M.P.P.D)

Area(s) of Specialization: 

  • Dietetics

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the master’s: 1.0 year (Methods)

Learning Goals

  • RD2B track goal 1: To provide integrated foundational knowledge and supervised experiential learning to prepare competent entry-level RDNs who possess skills necessary for success in the emerging roles in diverse settings.
  • RD2B track goal 2: To contribute to the pool of competent RDNs across the US.
  • RDN track goal 1: To advance the practice of dietetic professionals for leadership roles in diverse settings.
  • RDN track goal 2: To promote human health and well-being, and to improve the quality of life of their patients and communities.
515-294-7565

Dr. Mridul Datta

mppisu@iastate.edu
Program Homepage

Application Requirements

RD2B track: Check program website for application open and close dates

RDN track: Check program website for application open and close dates

Application Instructions

 

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:

  • RD2B track: DPD Verification statement
  • RDN track: current RDN credential holder
  • 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
Program Emphasis Areas
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Online Degree Information
Program offers a Coursework Only?
Yes
Program Director
mdatta@iastate.edu
Program Staff
llauber@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Explore the art and science of food with our graduate program in Food Science and Technology. At Iowa State University, we offer a dynamic curriculum that blends rigorous scientific inquiry with practical application in food processing, safety, and innovation.
Food science and technology

Graduates of Food Science acquire essential skills in chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, physics, engineering, nutrition, biology, mathematics, and other disciplines highly sought after in various industries and career fields.


Degrees Offered:

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

Area(s) of Specialization: 

  • Functional Food and Packaging
  • Food Safety and Quality
  • Green and Sustainable Food

 

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 3.8 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 1.9 years (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Apply scientific thinking in the analysis, synthesis and evaluation of knowledge within the discipline of food science, nutritional sciences or dietetics.
  • Apply ethical reasoning within the discipline of food science, nutritional sciences or dietetics.
  • Effectively communicate discipline-specific information in written and oral forms to scientific audiences.
  • Effectively interact within scientific teams.
515-294-6442

Brenda Emery

robynath@iastate.edu
Graduate Program Coordinator
Food Science and Human Nutrition
220 MacKay Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1123

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Graduate applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis contingent on the availability of open positions. All applicants must provide a letter of commitment from a FSHN faculty member before applying to the program.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

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:

  • Resume
  • Letter of Commitment from an FST Graduate Faculty member
  • 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
Program Virtual Tour
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
jotalber@iastate.edu
Program Staff
robynath@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
The Diet and Exercise program integrates advanced scientific knowledge with practical skills in nutrition, exercise physiology, and health promotion. This program is designed for individuals aspiring to become registered dietitians, exercise physiologists, wellness coaches, or pursue further studies in related health professions.
Dietetics

This program provides a rigorous academic foundation and practical experience to empower graduates to improve health outcomes through nutrition and exercise interventions, preparing them for leadership roles in promoting wellness and preventing chronic disease.


Degrees Offered:

  • Master of Science (M.S.)

 

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the master’s: 2.0 years (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate understanding and technical competency in the fundamental principles and concepts of nutrition and exercise science.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in interpersonal communication and the ability to work successfully in teams to solve multidisciplinary problems.
  • Effectively prepare and deliver technical information to food science/human nutrition and exercise science professionals as well as to the general public.
  • Find, evaluate, and accurately interpret research literature.
  • Critically evaluate information, including the ability to distinguish verifiable facts from value claims, detect bias, and identify sources of conflicts.
  • Understand the dimensions of issues facing professionals in the field of nutrition and exercise science, including ethical, cultural, and environmental components.
  • Identify important health-related interactions between dietary nutrients and exercise used to assess and design dietary and exercise programs for maintenance of optimal health.
  • Evaluate and synthesize metabolic, dietary, and exercise research to devise advanced strategies in exercise and dietary intervention.
  • Design, conduct, and interpret research.
  • Apply theoretical information to solve practical problems.
  • Submit a paper for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
515 294-9770

Peter Clark

pjclark@iastate.edu
Brenda Emery, Graduate Program Coordinator
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
220 MacKay Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1123

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

October 1 of junior year

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

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:

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
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
pjclark@iastate.edu
Program Staff
robynath@iastate.edu
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