Department of Nutrition & Food Studies
The Department of Nutrition and Food Studies at George Mason University prepares students to improve health and well-being through nutrition, dietetics, food systems, and public health.
Through undergraduate and graduate programs, students develop the scientific knowledge, practical skills, and community-focused perspective needed to address some of today's most pressing health challenges, including chronic disease prevention, food insecurity, nutrition education, and equitable access to healthy food.
As the only program of its kind in Northern Virginia, the department offers academic pathways in nutrition, dietetics, public health nutrition, and food systems, supported by hands-on learning, research opportunities, and community engagement. Graduates pursue careers in healthcare, public health agencies, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, schools, corporate wellness programs, and food and nutrition organizations dedicated to improving health outcomes across diverse populations.
Whether your goal is to become a registered dietitian, nutrition educator, researcher, public health practitioner, or food systems leader, George Mason provides the education and experience needed to make a meaningful impact on individual and community health.
How to Apply to Nutrition and Dietetics Programs
Whether you're pursuing an undergraduate degree in nutrition, preparing to become a registered dietitian, or advancing your expertise through graduate study, George Mason University offers multiple academic pathways in nutrition and food studies. Admissions requirements vary by program and may include prerequisite coursework, academic records, application materials, and program-specific criteria.
Prospective students are encouraged to review admissions requirements, application deadlines, transfer information, and graduate application procedures to identify the pathway that best aligns with their academic background and career goals. From first-time college students to working professionals seeking advanced credentials, the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies provides resources to help you navigate the admissions process and take the next step toward a career in nutrition, dietetics, public health, or food systems.
Explore Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Systems Programs
George Mason University's Department of Nutrition and Food Studies offers academic pathways that prepare students to improve health through nutrition, dietetics, food systems, and public health. Whether you're interested in becoming a registered dietitian, addressing food insecurity, promoting community health, or developing expertise in nutrition science, you'll find programs designed to connect classroom learning with real-world impact.
Explore our programs to find the pathway that aligns with your interests, career goals, and commitment to improving health through nutrition.
Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (MS)
Prepare for a career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) through George Mason's graduate program in Nutrition and Dietetics. Students gain advanced knowledge in clinical nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, and evidence-based practice while developing the skills needed to provide nutrition care across healthcare settings.
Career pathways include: Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), clinical dietitian, community dietitian, sports nutrition professional, nutrition consultant, and healthcare nutrition specialist.
MS in Nutrition (Non-Dietetics Concentrations)
Explore nutrition through specialized concentrations in areas such as Community Nutrition and Nutrition & Performance. This flexible master's program prepares students to address nutrition challenges through education, health promotion, research, community programs, and population health initiatives.
Career pathways include: Public health nutritionist, nutrition educator, wellness program manager, community nutrition specialist, nutrition researcher, and health promotion coordinator.
Master of Public Health (MPH), Food Security and Nutrition Concentration
Combine public health practice with expertise in nutrition and food security. Students learn to develop, implement, and evaluate programs and policies that address food access, nutrition-related health challenges, and population health outcomes in local and global communities.
Career pathways include: Public health nutritionist, food security program manager, policy analyst, global health practitioner, community health specialist, and nonprofit or government program leader.
Food Security, Graduate Certificate
Gain specialized knowledge of food access, nutrition, food systems, and geographic factors that influence food security. This interdisciplinary certificate prepares students to address one of the most pressing public health and social challenges facing communities around the world.
Career pathways include: Food security specialist, community development professional, nonprofit program coordinator, food policy analyst, public health practitioner, and sustainability advocate.
Nutrition, Graduate Certificate
Build advanced knowledge of nutrition science and its role in individual and population health. Students learn how to assess nutritional status, analyze nutrition-related data, and develop evidence-based interventions that improve health outcomes across diverse populations.
Career pathways include: Nutrition educator, wellness specialist, community health professional, healthcare program coordinator, public health practitioner, and nutrition research assistant.
Food Systems, Minor
Examine how food production, distribution, access, and policy affect the health of individuals and communities. The Minor in Food Systems explores issues such as food security, agriculture, sustainability, nutrition, and health equity through an interdisciplinary lens.
Career pathways include: Food policy professional, sustainability coordinator, community food systems advocate, nonprofit program specialist, public health professional, and food security practitioner.
Nutrition, Minor
Develop a deeper understanding of nutrition science and its impact on health and well-being. Designed to complement a variety of majors, the Nutrition Minor helps students build knowledge that can be applied to healthcare, education, wellness, public health, and personal health goals.
Career pathways include: Health educator, wellness coordinator, community health professional, nutrition program assistant, healthcare support professional, and graduate study in nutrition or public health.
Explore Areas of Research and Impact
Faculty and students in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies are advancing knowledge in areas that influence health, nutrition, and well-being across individuals, communities, and populations. Through interdisciplinary research, community partnerships, and applied scholarship, our work addresses challenges ranging from chronic disease prevention and food insecurity to nutrition education, aging, and global health.
Explore the research areas below to learn how George Mason faculty are contributing to evidence-based solutions that improve health outcomes and strengthen communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nutrition and Dietetics Programs
What degrees are offered in nutrition and dietetics at George Mason University?
George Mason University's Department of Nutrition and Food Studies offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs focused on nutrition, dietetics, food systems, and public health. Academic options include the Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (MS) for students pursuing the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential, the MS in Nutrition with non-dietetics concentrations, the Master of Public Health (MPH) with a Food Security and Nutrition concentration, graduate certificates in Nutrition and Food Security, and undergraduate minors in Nutrition and Food Systems.
These programs prepare students for careers in healthcare, public health, nutrition education, food systems, research, and policy while addressing critical challenges related to health, nutrition, and food access.
Explore all nutrition and dietetics programs:
How do I apply to the nutrition and dietetics programs?
Admission requirements vary by program and academic level. Undergraduate students interested in Nutrition or Food Systems minors can declare those programs through George Mason University, while applicants to master's degrees and graduate certificates must complete the university's graduate admissions process and meet any program-specific requirements, prerequisites, and application deadlines.
Prospective students should review admissions requirements carefully to determine eligibility, required application materials, and important deadlines for their intended program.
Learn more about admissions requirements and application deadlines:
What career paths are common for graduates?
Graduates of George Mason's nutrition and dietetics programs pursue careers that improve health through nutrition science, clinical care, public health, education, food systems, and policy. Career outcomes vary by degree and area of specialization, but graduates commonly work in healthcare organizations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, schools, universities, community programs, research institutions, and corporate wellness settings.
Common career paths include:
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
- Clinical Dietitian
- Public Health Nutritionist
- Nutrition Educator
- Community Nutrition Specialist
- Food Security Program Manager
- Health Promotion Coordinator
- Wellness Program Manager
- Nutrition Research Associate
- Food Policy Professional
Many graduates also pursue doctoral study, advanced research opportunities, leadership roles, and careers focused on addressing food insecurity, chronic disease prevention, and population health challenges.
Learn more about nutrition and dietetics career pathways: