Thesis

Thesis

The Thesis option is for students who are already registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) seeking a master’s degree, dietetic interns seeking a master’s degree, or students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics or related field and not seeking RDN status but wish to purse a graduate degree.

Quick Facts

• 100% online degree
• The GRE is NOT REQUIRED
• Complete your master’s degree is as little as 17 months
• Full time or part time options available
• Small student-to-teacher ratio provides a tailored classroom designed to meet you where you are
• Courses are designed to provide opportunities to engage in interprofessional discussions with other graduate programs at FranU
• Apply through the Office of Admissions or by clicking here
• Application deadline: July 15^th for a fall (August) start date; November 15^th for a spring (January) start date

About Our Program

• The Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences degree offers advanced studies with the opportunity for research and publication.
• We have a team of highly educated and specialized professionals that will guide you to meet and exceed our mission and goals.
• We are building a culture of academic excellence with an emphasis on nutrition.
• Students will have opportunities for hands-on learning through on-line courses, enhancing a student-centered environment where one can excel in his/her pursuit of life-long learning.
• Our students are called to serve the communities by sharing their gifts and talents through education in health and wellness.
• The graduate students will abide by the Core Values that mirror justice, humility, reverence and love for all life, and joyfulness of spirit and service, which will be practiced daily.

Mission

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.

Goals and Objectives

Goal #1 - Graduates of the program will be compassionate, well-qualified professionals and servant leaders in health and wellness.

• Objective #1 - Over a five-year period, 60% of the graduates enrolled will complete the program/degree requirements within 150% of the time planned for completion, or 25.5 months.
• Objective #2 - Over a five-year period, 60% of graduates will be involved as a leader in a community service and/or a professional organization in health and wellness.

Goal #2 - Graduates of the program will contribute to research in the community.

• Objective #1 - Over a five-year period, 60% of graduates will share their scholarly works through poster sessions, publications, or invited presentations at professional meetings.

Admission Criteria

Courses begin in the fall or spring semester. The MSNS program follows the University’s academic calendar. The following criteria must be met for a student to be eligible to apply:

• Bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics or related field, preferred
• If bachelor’s degree in not in nutrition and dietetics or related field, review of transcripts and approval must be made by the program director
• Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75
• The GRE is NOT REQUIRED

How to Apply

Your application will be reviewed when all required documentation is received in the Admissions Office. Partially completed applications will not be processed. To be considered for enrollment in graduate courses offered at FranU, the following information is required:

• Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
• Professional letter addressing goals, strengths, experiences, and interest
• $50.00 non-refundable application fee
• Applications are due on or before July 15th for August classes and on or before November 15th for January classes

For questions, please contact the Graduate Recruitment Admissions Coordinator at 225-768-1715 or email graduateadmissions@franu.edu with questions.

Graduation and Program Completion Requirements

Graduation and program completion requirements include:

• Successful completion of a Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences degree
  • No more than two "C"'s in any graduate courses
  • No less than a 3.0 GPA
• Submission and presentation of a research project
• Practicing, honoring and portraying the Code of Ethics for Dietetics and the Standards of Practice

Tuition

*Tuition costs do not include textbooks or any additional costs associated with this program.

Financial Assistance

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University has financial aid counselors available to assist students with the financial aid process. All students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form available at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Accreditation

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. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University.

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.