Admission
Prerequisites for admission include a bachelor's or master's degree in animal, dairy or poultry science, food science, human sciences, fisheries or aquatic science, biological or physical sciences with an adequate background in chemistry. A minimum of 2.75 overall quality point average on a 4.0 scale is required. The GRE general test is required for potential human nutrition majors but not for other applicants. A TOEFL score of 550 or better is require of all international applicants. Applicants may be interviewed for the Dietetic Internship/Graduate Studies Program and other areas on an as needed basis. Letters of recommendation are required of all applicants.
Master of Science - M.S.
The Master of Science degree in Nutrition requires a minimum of 30 hours of graduate credit (including 6 hours of Thesis Research), a research thesis and final oral examination. Core course requirements include BCH 6603, BCH 6613 and ST 8114 or equivalents. A Graduate Program of Study should be submitted and approved by the student's graduate committee and Graduate Coordinator by the end of the first semester of graduate study. The graduate committee should be composed of the major professor and two committee members, one of whom should be a member of the graduate nutrition faculty and the other may be a minor professor.
Doctor of Philosophy - Ph.D.
The Ph.D. in Nutrition requires three academic years beyond the BS degree with the number of hours varying as determined by the student and major professor. Core course requirements include BCH 6603, BCH 6613, ST 8114, ST 8214, NTR 8123 and NTR 8253 in addition to a language or research skill requirement, a preliminary examination and a final dissertation defense. The research skill requirement requires the student to demonstrate a technical proficiency in a research skill not directly or routinely related to their research area. This proficiency may be demonstrated by successful completion of 6 hours of credit (examples include 6 hours of statistics excluding ST 8114 and ST 8214; 6 hours in computer science; 6 hours in a research area excluding minor or required courses, directed individual study courses are acceptable) approved by the student's graduate committee and is not part of the Program of Study. A minor is not required, but if a minor is selected it must consist of a minimum of 12 hours of graduate credit. A Graduate Program of Study should be submitted and approved by the student's graduate committee and Graduate Coordinator by the end of the first semester of graduate study. The graduate committee should be composed of at least five members including the major professor, who must be a full member of the graduate nutrition faculty, at least two addition members of the graduate nutrition faculty and two additional members, one of which must be from the minor field, if selected, and the other may be from outside the major area.
Academic Performance and Continued Enrollment
Continuous enrollment in the Nutrition graduate program is dependent upon satisfactory evaluation of academic performance and progress toward the completion of their respective research degrees. A student will be recommended for dismissal if they receive more than 2 grades of "C" or any grade below a "C" in courses take for graduate credit.
General Information
Students planning a major or minor in Nutrition should use the NTR prefix for each course. The graduate nutrition faculty are provided below. To secure additional information contact the Nutrition Graduate Coordinator, Box 9650, Mississippi State, MS 39762; (662) 325-7740) or rpw1@ra.msstate.edu.
| Departmental Representatives | Title | Department |
| Robert P. Wilson, Coordinator | Professor | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology |
| Michael T. Kidd | Professor (Dept. Head) | Poultry Science |
| Berry D. Lott | Professor | Poultry Science |
| Yvonne Vizzier Thaxton | Professor | Poultry Science |
| Brian J. Rude | Assistant Professor | Animal and Dairy Sciences |
| Terry R. Smith | Assistant Professor | Animal and Dairy Sciences |
| Michael E. Boyd | Professor | Animal and Dairy Sciences |
| Sylvia H. Byrd | Assistant Professor | Human Sciences |
| Rebecca Kelly | Assistant Professor | Human Sciences |
| Charlotte B. Oakley | Associate Professor | Human Sciences |
| Wanda L. Dodson | Professor | Human Sciences |
| Melissa Mixon | Professor | Human Sciences |
| A. Wayne Groce | Professor | Veterinary Medicine |
| Louis R. D'Abramo | Professor | Wildlife and Fisheries |
Additional information can also be obtained by contacting the Graduate College; P.O. Box G; 116 Allen Hall; Mississippi State University; Mississippi State, MS 39762 or grad@grad.msstate.edu.