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Welcome to the Nutrition Science Graduate Program in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies in Studies in the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. We hope that you have a rewarding and successful time in graduate school. This handbook describes the tasks and deadlines that are necessary for you to earn your graduate degree. The information noted in this version of the Nutrition Science Graduate Handbook applies to all students admitted in fall 20212022. Students are held to the program requirements for the year in which they matriculate. All graduate students should refer to the handbook for answers to questions regarding graduate policies and procedures.

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• Application
• Non-refundable application fee
• Official transcripts of earlier academic degrees
• T.O.E.F.L. or I.E.L.T.S. and financial statement (if applicable)
• Three recent (within 3 years) letters of recommendation (preferably from faculty members)
• Personal statement reflective of career goals and objectives (including research)

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Current Syracuse University graduate students who wish to apply to the Nutrition Science Graduate degree program (M.A. or M.S.) are eligible to apply through the internal admission process. This includes graduate students who have completed or are currently enrolled in another graduate program and would like to apply for the following fall semester. Graduate students who fall into one of these categories should complete the Graduate Enrollment Internal Admission Application. Internal applicants are subject to the same admission requirements as those applying from outside the university. Applicants must also provide all official degree transcripts, a personal statement of research interests and three recent letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty members. Forms must be completed and turned into the program Administrative Assistant.

Note: Students who received a graduate degree from Syracuse University more than 12 months prior to their application to the Nutrition Science Graduate Program should apply online. Students who are taking graduate classes and are not currently pursuing a graduate degree at Syracuse University but wish to should apply online.

Internal admits who wish to be considered for a graduate assistantship should indicate such on the Internal Application form.

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Students are discouraged from taking an incomplete grade in any course. In the event that If a student must file for an “Incomplete”, the Syracuse University Request for Incomplete Grade form must be submitted to the department chair for approval. Students who do not abide by the terms of the Incomplete will receive an “F.” Any graduate student with an incomplete may not be eligible for graduate assistantships.

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In preparation for the review, all graduate students are required to complete the Annual Review online survey. An email with the survey will be sent at least two weeks prior to the due date of the materials. The Annual Review survey provides faculty with information regarding the student’s academic progress and accomplishments. The information will also be used when awarding assistantships for the forthcoming semester/ year.

Annual Review Process:

Faculty The faculty advisor will review the advisee’s information and provide a summary of his/her progress to the graduate nutrition faculty committee. Nutrition faculty may provide additional information regarding student progress and performance. If faculty have concerns about a student's progress, the student will meet with the graduate program director to discuss concerns and create a plan for future success.

Academic Standards

Satisfactory Progress

All graduate students are required to maintain satisfactory progress in their degree program. This is accomplished by maintaining a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 (B) or higher in all courses listed in their program of study. This includes graduate courses taken outside the Nutrition Science Graduate Program (anthropology, education, psychology, sociology, etc.). Students must earn a B or better in all required courses.

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Master’s degree students must meet all requirements for the master’s degree within seven years from the time the student registers for the first course to be used toward their master’s degree program.

Program Extensions

In the event that If a graduate student cannot complete their degree within the allotted timeframe, the student may apply for an extension. To request an extension, students should consult their advisor and submit a formal request to the graduate director. The request should be in the form of a memorandum stating the reason for the extension and the amount of time needed for completion. Please note that extensions are granted only under the most extenuating circumstances (e.g., major illness).

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Graduate students may choose to audit courses during the fall and spring semesters. Permission of the instructor must be obtained by completing a “Grading Option Audit Form” with  with the instructor’s signature. Audited courses are not counted toward the graduate degree and students are required to pay 60% of the tuition cost.

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M.S. students may take up to 3 credits as “Independent Study.” An independent study may include research projects, literature reviews, or other scholarly activities beyond those involved in standard coursework. All independent studies are conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. Students must complete the “Independent Independent Study Form” Form prior to registering. The independent study must be completed in the semester when it is undertaken.

Graduate students may choose to audit courses during the fall and spring semesters. Permission of the instructor must be obtained by completing a “Grading Option Application Form” with  with the instructor’s signature. Audited courses are not counted toward the graduate degree and students are required to pay 60% of the tuition cost.

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In addition to their coursework, M.S. students must complete a Master’s Thesis. The thesis involves investigative work on a specific topic, extensive examination, and interpretation of nutrition literature on that topic and the presentation of results in a clear and logical form. The thesis topic should be selected in a specific area of interest that is reflected by the selection of courses within the major and related fields. Completion of the thesis may require an additional year of study beyond completion of coursework.

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All students must follow the graduate school Graduate School guidelines for formatting their thesis (Preparing Your Thesis/Dissertation).

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Thesis students can acquire a copy of a thesis template form from their thesis advisor. 

Didactic Program in Dietetics (D.P.D.)

Dietetics within the discipline of Nutrition is the science of applying food and nutrition to health. Master’s students who are pursuing the D.P.D. verification with courses from the master’s degree in Nutrition Science complete a minimum of 40 credits. Upon successful completion of all D.P.D. course requirements, the student will receive the D.P.D. Verification and will be qualified to apply to a supervised dietetic internship program. Students who have successfully completed their graduate degree and Dietetic Internship will be eligible to take the national examination to become a registered dietitian. Our most recent match rate for dietetic internships was 100%, compared to 66% 64% nationally. The pass rate for our graduates on the registration examination for dietitians was 91% 90% for the past three years.

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Please Note: If the student is a graduate of the Syracuse University undergraduate D.P.D. program, they will have had to complete N.S.D. 481, N.S.D. 482, N.S.D. 483, N.S.D. 484, N.S.D. 511, N.S.D. 512 and N.S.D. 555 or N.S.D. 452 for their undergraduate degree. These classes cannot be used toward the Graduate Degree in Nutrition Science; other courses need to be completed to fulfill the credit requirements for the graduate degree. In accordance with the University’s academic policies, once a course has been counted towards a degree or certificate, it cannot be counted again towards another degree.

Master’s Comprehensive Exam

Master’s students are required to complete the Master’s Comprehensive Examination as part of their master’s degree and must pass this in order to receive their degree. The Master’s Comprehensive Examination is given to candidates who are in the final stages of completing all requirements for the master’s degree. This examination provides the master’s candidate an opportunity to demonstrate his/her capabilities for critical analysis and thinking and assimilation of information contained in the body of nutrition literature. The exam is a take home exam. It will be given to students in early March of their final year of study; students will be given two weeks to complete the exam. Students will participate in an oral defense of their written responses to a group of nutrition graduate faculty on a specified date toward the end of the semester.

If the student fails to pass the Comprehensive Exam, they will be given a second chance to complete it. Failure to pass the second time will result in suspension from the Nutrition Science Graduate Program.

Certificate Of Advanced Study in Integrative and Functional Nutrition

The objective of the Certificate of Advanced Study in Integrative and Functional Nutrition at Syracuse University’s Falk College is to educate and train nutrition and other allied health professionals in personalized approaches to health and wellness. The rising public interest and awareness in nutrition and healthy lifestyles. changing demographics, a growing epidemic of nutrition related non-communicable diseases across the lifespan have created a growing need for nutrition professionals to work with clients in a patient centered manner using a systems biology approach.

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Future Education Model

Syracuse University has applied to open a new and exciting program in August, 2023 to prepare Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) released the Future Education Model Accreditation Standards for programs in nutrition and dietetics. These accreditation standards integrate didactic coursework with supervised experiential learning in a competency-based curriculum designed to prepare nutrition and dietetics practitioners for future practice.

Syracuse University demonstrated its leadership in education by submitting an application to be part of the third cohort of programs to be accredited by ACEND under these new standards. The ACEND Board has approved our phase 1 application and will make a final accreditation decision on the program in 2023 after review of our phase 2 report.

If successful, following the phase 2 report review by the ACEND Board, we will begin recruiting students during the 2022-2023 academic year.

Contact Nicole Beckwith, nmbeckwi@syr.edu, (315) 443-2396 for more information.

Master’s Comprehensive Exam

Master’s students are required to complete the Master’s Comprehensive Examination as part of their master’s degree and must pass this in order to receive their degree. The Master’s Comprehensive Examination is given to candidates who are in the final stages of completing all requirements for the master’s degree. This examination provides the master’s candidate an opportunity to demonstrate his/her capabilities for critical analysis and thinking and assimilation of information contained in the body of nutrition literature. The exam is a take home exam. It will be given to students in early March of their final year of study; students will be given two weeks to complete the exam. Students will participate in an oral defense of their written responses to a group of nutrition graduate faculty on a specified date toward the end of the semester.

If the student fails to pass the Comprehensive Exam, they will be given a second chance to complete it. Failure to pass the second time will result in suspension from the Nutrition Science Graduate Program.

Certificate Of Advanced Study in Integrative and Functional Nutrition

The objective of the Certificate of Advanced Study in Integrative and Functional Nutrition at Syracuse University’s Falk College is to educate and train nutrition and other allied health professionals in personalized approaches to health and wellness. The rising public interest and awareness in nutrition and healthy lifestyles. changing demographics, a growing epidemic of nutrition related non-communicable diseases across the lifespan have created a growing need for nutrition professionals to work with clients in a patient centered manner using a systems biology approach.

The certificate, which will officially launch as a fully online program in the fall of 2022, aims to enhance their understanding of nutrition within the context of the individual’s genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors through educational training that is inter-professional, and evidence based using the Nutrition Care Process and Model. Nutrition care within the integrative and functional healthcare paradigm seeks to promote optimal wellness by combining evidence based conventional and complementary diet and lifestyle therapies in a sustained, coordinated manner that addresses the spectrum of acute to chronic disease conditions.

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Students may be awarded full-time or part-time assistantships. Students receiving a full-time assistantship work 20 hours per week , and receive a stipend and a tuition scholarship of 24 (9/9/6) credits for the two academic semesters and one summer session. Students receiving a full-time assistantship cannot be employed elsewhere.

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Graduate students holding an assistantship are entitled to audit courses during the fall and spring semesters at no charge. Permission of the instructor must be obtained by completing a “Grading Option Application Form” with the instructor’s signature. The form is then returned to the Student Records Office at 106 Steele Hall. (Forms are available at the Student Records Office, or your academic department.) Auditing courses during a Summer Session is NOT free; students will be charged 60% of graduate tuition.

All graduate teaching assistants are required to participate in the All-University T.A. Orientation Program that is held two weeks prior to the start of the fall semester. Students who receive an assistantship in the spring semester should contact the Graduate School for the dates and times of the Spring T.A. orientations. In addition to graduate assistantships, the department has a limited number of scholarship credits available to be awarded to deserving students (number of tuition credits awarded may vary).

University Fellowship

Syracuse University offers some fellowships for graduate students. We encourage you to explore opportunities here.

Graduate Travel Awards

Funds for travel and other related expenses are available for students presenting their work at national conferences from the Graduate Student Organization (G.S.O.) and the Falk College Dean’s Office. Students applying for the "Graduate Student Travel Subsidy" must complete the form and submit the completed applications to the G.S.O. and a copy to the Nutrition Science Graduate Program Director. Note: due to COVID-19, travel awards may not be available per usual protocol in the 2021-2022 academic year.

Financial Assistance

Please visit the graduate school website for information on financial aid. The Graduate School is located in 304 Lyman Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244 (315) 443-2543.

Professional Development and Resources

The opportunity to participate in various professional development programs is available to graduate students to enrich their educational experience at Syracuse University. Please visit Programs of the Graduate School to become familiar with the various educational programs.

Computer Resources and Printing

Information Technology and Services (I.T.S.) is the S.U. organization that manages the campus computer infrastructure.

Students wishing to use any of the computers within the labs, you must have a valid NetID and password. I.T.S. has public computer labs conveniently located around campus for students to use. The computers are directly connected to the SU campus network, allowing e-mail transactions and Internet access. Locations and hours of operation for the labs are listed under I.T.S. Computer Labs. Students in the Nutrition Science Program may also use the computer labs located in the Falk Complex.

Student Print Accounts

Students are provided a $20 credit at the beginning of each academic year in August (this $20 credit covers the next 12 months) for printing services in the I.T.S. public computer labs. The university’s online Print Quota Management System automatically deducts the cost of the print service from $20 credit until the $20 credit is exhausted. Cost for black and white printing is 4 cents per piece of paper, 2 cents per side. Duplex printing is required. For more information, please visit Managing Your Student Print Account.

If a student is a graduate assistant and printing for a faculty member, their print quota should not be used. Please bring the document to be printed to the Nutrition Science and Dietetics Office, located in 550L White Hall in the Falk Complex. One of the office staff will print the document for the graduate assistant.Auditing courses during a Summer Session is NOT free; students will be charged 60% of graduate tuition.

All graduate teaching assistants are required to participate in the All-University T.A. Orientation Program that is held two weeks prior to the start of the fall semester. Students who receive an assistantship in the spring semester should contact the Graduate School for the dates and times of the Spring T.A. orientations. In addition to graduate assistantships, the department has a limited number of scholarship credits available to be awarded to deserving students (number of tuition credits awarded may vary).

University Fellowship

Syracuse University offers some fellowships for graduate students. We encourage you to explore opportunities here.

Graduate Travel Awards

Funds for travel and other related expenses are available for students presenting their work at national conferences from the Graduate Student Organization (G.S.O.) and the Falk College Dean’s Office. Students applying for the Professional, Academic, and Creative Work Grant must complete the form and submit the completed applications to the G.S.O. and a copy to the Nutrition Science Graduate Program Director.

Financial Assistance

Please visit the graduate school website for information on financial aid. The Graduate School is located in 304 Lyman Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244 (315) 443-2543.

Professional Development and Resources

The opportunity to participate in various professional development programs is available to graduate students to enrich their educational experience at Syracuse University. Please visit Programs of the Graduate School to become familiar with the various educational programs.

Computer Resources and Printing

Information Technology and Services (I.T.S.) is the S.U. organization that manages the campus computer infrastructure.

Students wishing to use any of the computers within the labs, you must have a valid NetID and password. I.T.S. has public computer labs conveniently located around campus for students to use. The computers are directly connected to the SU campus network, allowing e-mail transactions and Internet access. Locations and hours of operation for the labs are listed under I.T.S. Computer Labs. Students in the Nutrition Science Program may also use the computer labs located in the Falk Complex.

Library

The mission of the Syracuse University Library is to assist the educational and research efforts of faculty, students, and staff of Syracuse University by acquiring, organizing, providing access to, preserving and providing assistance in using the materials they require for scholarship and research. The Library offers its collections and services to users in an environment that actively supports learning, teaching, and research.

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Students in the Graduate Nutrition Science Program are eligible to participate in the university Graduate Student Organization. The Graduate Student Organization (G.S.O.) is a senate body made up of graduate student representatives who work for graduate students across the university. In addition to discussing graduate student business at its open meetings, the G.S.O. runs events and activities for graduate students throughout the year. G.S.O. is open to all graduate students at Syracuse University. Students are automatically billed for G.S.O. membership as part of their mandatory fees. The G.S.O. office is located in Room 303 Lyman Hall.

NEPA

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Lynn S. Brann, Ph.D., R.D.N., F.A.N.D.

Associate Professor, Nutrition Science Graduate Program DirectorChair

Contact Information: e-mail: lbrann@syr.edu, Phone: 315-443-4805

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Contact Information: e-mail: clmono@syr.edu, Phone: 315-443-9437

Maria Erdman, M.S., R.D., C.D.N., C.S.O.

Associate Teaching Professor

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Sudha Raj, Ph.D., R.D.N., F.A.N.D.

Teaching Professor and Graduate Program Director

Contact Information: e-mail: sraj@syr.edu, Phone: 315-443-2556

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Contact Information: email: napaul@syr.edu; Phone: 315-443-2269

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Zulma Blitz

Administrative Assistant

Contact Information: e-mail: djsparke@syrzvblitz@syr.edu; Phone: 315-443-5573