Food and Nutrition, MFN

The M.F.N. degree requires a minimum of 31 semester hours including 15 credit hours of FN core coursework, 12 credit hours of electives, and 4 credit hours for the culminating experience. Students can choose from a thesis (Plan I) or non-thesis (Plan II) culminating experience. Students under Plan I must complete a formal thesis and pass an oral examination on the thesis. Topics are selected early in the program with advisement from a thesis committee of three graduate faculty members. Students under Plan II can choose from three non-thesis options based on their professional pathway, including (1) an applied master’s project while enrolled in FN 6900 for a total of 4 credits, or (2) comprehensive exam which requires 3 credits of FN graduate coursework and 1 credit of FN 6980, or (3) those concurrently completing the BGSU dietetic internship can choose to complete a portfolio experience to prepare for entry into the field as a registered dietitian which requires completion of 4 credits of FN 6960.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master’s degree, students in the Food and Nutrition program are expected to be able to:

1. Integrate requirements, bioavailability, and metabolism of macronutrients and micronutrients and their relationships in health and disease.
2. Assess the pathophysiology and role of nutrition and food constituents in the prevention and treatment of major disease states.
3. Propose a community nutrition education program that includes evidence-based theories of nutrition education and principles of program evaluation.
4. Integrate evidence-based practice of nutrition and health to advocate for nutrition policy. 
5. Evaluate research design, methods, and select appropriate statistical analysis for a variety of projects
6. Develop effective oral and written communications pertinent to food and nutrition.

Admission Requirements

Applicant must have a baccalaureate degree (desired minimum cumulative GPA 3.0, or GPA of 3.3 or higher in the last 60 credit hours) from an accredited college or university and coursework in biochemistry, human anatomy and physiology, and human nutrition.  Students are selected based on academic performance, relevant work experience, letters of recommendation, and civic and/or college activities.

Additional Documents required:
To apply for admission, the applicant must have a baccalaureate degree (GPA 3.0) from an accredited college or university and coursework in human nutrition, biochemistry, and human anatomy and physiology. Applicants must submit a purpose statement, three letters of recommendation, and a resume. Students are selected based on academic performance, relevant work experience, purpose statement, letters of recommendation, and civic and/or college activities.

• Three Letters of Recommendation
• Professional Resume
• Statement of Purpose : Must be at least 2-pages, but no more than 3-pages. Must be typed using Arial, 11-point font, 1.5 spacing, with one-inch margins. Any cover page, references, or appendices does not count towards the page limit. Students are encouraged to articulate their goals in relationship to this program, while highlighting relevant experiences that demonstrate their potential to be successful. Students can choose specific a specific prompt from the options below to frame their purpose statement. Attention to following directions, organization/structure, style, mechanics (i.e., grammar, punctuation, spelling, typographical errors) will be considered in the evaluation of your purpose statement.
  
  Statement of Purpose Prompt Options:
  1. Explain why you are choosing the Master of Food and Nutrition (MFN) degree at Bowling Green State University. Also, discuss your plans beyond completion of the MFN degree. Discuss how the MFN degree will help you meet your professional goals.
  
  2. Choose one important academic, personal, or professional achievement to discuss. Share how this achievement has made an impact on your life and professional aspirations. Discuss how this experience demonstrates your ability to be successful in the Master of Food and Nutrition degree at Bowling Green State University.

International applicants are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA). Successful completion of ELS 112 will also be accepted for this requirement. 

Additionally, Duolingo test scores will be accepted for applications through Summer 2025. Applicants of the Graduate College who have completed a previous degree (associate, bachelor’s master’s or doctorate) from a U.S. college/university or are from a country (click here for a complete list) in which instruction was delivered in English (and attended the university for at least two years) are exempt from providing these test scores.

Application Requirements

Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements

International Application Information

Degree Requirements