FranU continues monitoring upcoming weather conditions in the Baton Rouge region. The area remains under an enhanced risk for severe weather resulting in hazardous road conditions and potential power outages beginning Tuesday, January 21. As a result, FranU will extend remote operations through Wednesday, January 22.
We will continue to share updates as they become available. Please check your FranU email for more information.
Deepen your understanding of nutritional sciences and contribute scholarship to the field in our online program. Geared toward registered dietitian nutritionists, current dietetic interns or professionals in related industries, FranU's thesis track in the master’s in nutrition helps students grow their careers and become experts in their disciplines.
Courses offer relevant content and hone the technical research skills that keep you up-to-date in the nutritional sciences. Under the guidance of faculty mentors, round out your education by completing a thesis research project, where you can delve into a topic you are passionate about, apply evidence-based practices to a complex issue and prepare your findings for publication.
Learn more about how the master’s in nutrition - thesis track at FranU can help you take the next step in your career!
Advance your profession – Deepen your understanding of nutritional sciences, improve the well-being of your community and contribute to the field in a research-intensive program.
Straightforward admissions process - We welcome professionals in different career stages — whether you are an RDN, an intern or a worker in a related field. No GRE required, and you can apply for either a fall or spring start date.
Flexible scheduling - Our 100% online program makes it easy to fit into your lifestyle with full- or part-time options. You can complete the degree in as little as 17 months as well.
Student-centered - Small class sizes allow faculty members to offer one-on-one guidance throughout your coursework and during the thesis project, which you design according to your interests.
The thesis track consists of 30 credit hours, six of which come from preparing, writing and presenting a thesis. Courses cover topics like community nutrition policies and intervention programs, food systems and management, nutrition education and counseling, bioethics and bionutrition.
Producing an original investigatory project grounds your studies as classes equip you with the advanced technical skills to conduct healthcare research, including statistical methods, research designs and epidemiological principles.
In your final two semesters, you work closely with faculty to create a unique project based on your own professional goals and interests. The thesis uses evidence-based practices to gain insight into a complex nutritional science issue. By the end of the process, you have a paper ready to submit for publication.
The Commission on Dietetic Registration has recently changed one important eligibility requirement for the registration examination for dietitians. The changes go into effect on January 1, 2024.
If you are already a registered dietitian or have established eligibility for the registration examination for dietitians before or on December 31, 2023, then you do not need a master’s degree. If you are planning on becoming eligible for the exam on or after January 1, 2024, then you do need a master’s degree. The other requirements remain the same.
FranU’s affordable and flexible master’s in nutrition fulfills this requirement. Though candidates can earn a graduate degree in any area to sit for the exam, ours offers a strong foundation in nutrition and food sciences that can help you better prepare for it.
Ideal for students who are already registered dietitian nutritionists or for those who are not seeking RDN status, admission requirements for the thesis track include:
Degree from an ACEND-accredited undergraduate Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) within the last five years or current enrollment in one.
Verification Statement from the DPD Director OR student is in the final year of the DPD program with the intent to graduate the following spring or summer prior to the fall semester when the dietetic program starts.
Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Minimum DPD GPA of 3.2.
Documented evidence of service and leadership through work and/or volunteer experiences.
GRE is not required for admission into the program.
Students must meet at least 1 of the following criteria and provide official transcripts:
OR
Submit applications on or before July 15th for August classes and on or before November 15th for January classes.
If you have questions, please contact the Graduate Recruitment Admissions Coordinator by phone at 225-768-1715 or via email.
The mission of the MSNS program is to educate and form entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists or dietetic practitioners to meet the core competencies for becoming servant leaders in health and wellness. With a concentration in community nutrition, graduates will be educated in the most rigorous, individualized, professional and comprehensive manner.
FranU’s MS in nutrition - thesis track aims to meet the following goals:
Form compassionate, well-qualified professionals and servant leaders in health and wellness. Our objective is for the majority of our students to complete the degree requirements in a timely manner and establish themselves as leaders in community service or professional organizations.
Train the next generation of scholars to contribute to research in their field. Through preparation in our program, most of our graduates should be able to share their research in publications and professional conferences.
Graduation and program completion requirements include:
| Document Title | Type | File Size | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Document Title: MSNS Thesis Brochure | Type: pdf | File Size: 966.341 KB | Download |
The total cost of the master’s in nutritional science thesis track program is $20,639.50 — a fraction of the cost of other comparable programs. In addition, we do not charge out-of-state tuition.
As an affordable Catholic university, we take pride in assisting students with accessing a college education. We offer scholarships to graduate students, including the FMOL Sisters Graduate Scholarship, and students can also seek funding through loans and other forms of financial assistance.
Visit the Office of Financial Aid page to learn more about funding and financial aid options.
| Semester | Credit Hours | Tuition/Fees | Course Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8 | $5,458.00 | $60.00 | $5,518.00 |
| 2 | 9 | $6,084.25 | $6,084.25 | |
| 3 | 7 | $4,831.75 | $4,831.75 | |
| 4 | 6 | $4,205.50 | $4,205.50 | |
| *Total | 30 | $20,579.50 | $60.00 | $20,639.50 |
*Tuition costs do not include textbooks or any additional costs associated with this program.
Kathryn Fakier, MS, RDN, CSO, LDN
Email: Kathryn.Fakier@franu.edu
Phone: (225) 214-6984
Advance your career in the health and wellness space in our research-focused program. The thesis track offers the opportunity for you to focus your studies on your interests, conduct your own research and prepare an article for publication. Contact us today for more information on the nutritional sciences - thesis track.
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Questions about accreditation of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Note: Prospective students should visit the State Authorization page to verify that Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is authorized to offer online courses and programs in your respective state. Prior to enrollment, students are also encouraged to visit their state educational agency or licensing board to ascertain whether or not they can utilize their degree program for additional compensation, initial licensing or renewal, as well as any other benefits.
*Elective credit hours vary from 2-3 depending on course taken
*Semester credit hours for semester 1 varies from 8-9
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