An excellent chance to get advanced knowledge, engage in leading edge research and prepare for a career in the area of public health is to pursue a Master’s in Nutrition and Food Science in the United States. Nonetheless, financing graduate education in the US might be an uphill task especially for international students. Scholarships on the other hand provide a valuable means of relieving learners from financial burden so that they can concentrate on their academic and professional goals. In this article, we outline critical steps that you need to take to get full MS funding for food science in the US. We are also sharing a list of schools which offer funding to decent CGPA candidates.
Tuskegee University (MS in Nutrition)
Tuskegee University absolutely meets the need by providing full funding with the availability of scholarships and assistantships. Given the strong program in Food and Nutritional Sciences as well as the history , it is one of the best options if you are looking for a full MS funding for Food Science.
Requirements:
- This program requires GRE score.
- Minimum CGPA of 3.0 in a similar undergraduate program.
Recently, one of the Bangladeshi student got full-funding offer for Fall 2024 intake. He was offered research assistantship with full tuition waiver with $5000 surplus in I-20. He had a strong GRE score (320+) and good publication record during his undergrad and grad studies in Bangladesh. He also had a professional experience for 5 years in public health sector.
Baylor University (MS in Nutrition Sciences)
Baylor University offers financial assistance covering 50% of tuition through Chequed funds, making it accessible to a broader range of students. With its extensive and comprehensive curriculum in nutrition and public health, Baylor provides opportunities for research in a wide variety of areas.
Requirements:
- CGPA at least greater than 3.0
- Relevant degree program in undergraduate that matches with this graduate program
- GRE is not required. But we suggest you appear in the GRE to maximize your chance for getting funding.
Drexel University (MS in Food Science)
The funding offered by Drexel University is partial which includes a scholarship amounting to $27,000 or more for entire program. The total tuition cost of this program is $31,095 per academic year. So, the scholarship covers almost 50% of the cost. This amount might be less based on your academic profile.
Specialty:
Drexel’s program is designed to function in action and helps students find employment enhancing their research through cooperative education. This program takes 2 years for full-time students. Even though the funding is not covering the enture tuition fees, the specialty of this program is Co-op which will allow students to do internship 6 months per academic year. This can offset any loans to cover the cost of this program.
Requirements:
- GRE is optional, but it is recommended to submit the scores if you think it will make your profile stronger.
Saint Louis University (MS in Nutrition and Dietetics)
Saint Louis University also provides partial support with regards to tuition where students get a minimum of $8,000 scholarship based on your profile. This university has an admirable program for public health and nutrition but it unique focus on research and practice. They offer assistantship to a few selected students. The estimated cost of this program is around $50,000 for a 15-month program.
Great thing about this program is SLU has an internship program and once you graduate from this program, you can apply to the internship directly. They take around 34 interns annually.
Requirements:
- GRE is optional. But again, submit if you think it will make your profile stronger.
Other Mid-rank Universities: MS Funding for Food Science
- George Mason University (MS in Nutrition and MPH)
- Ohio University (This university also offer funding)
- Montclair State University (MS in Nutrition and MPH)
- University of Nevada Reno
- East Tennessee University
- Georgia Southern University
Understanding Other Scholarship Opportunities
Once you have selected your preferred universities, the next step is to search for possible scholarships. There is quite a number of scholarships available for international students in the USA, which are funded by government schemes, non-profit organizations and private institutions. Some of the most prestigious scholarships in this area include Fulbright Foreign Student Program, Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program and Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships.
Fulbright Program
The Fulbright Program is one of the most popular and competitive scholarships globally. It covers full tuition, airfare, living stipends and health insurance for international students who want to study in America at graduate level. All those universities mentioned above accept Fulbright Program as a means of financing education fees making it an all-round option. It particularly suits those who have good academic history, leadership potential and intend to foster global understanding.
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program targets students from developing countries who are interested in development-related fields such as nutrition and public health. This scholarship applies only to scholars who pursue their studies at some specific participating universities amongst which may be some colleges mentioned depending on the year and program focus.
Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships
The Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships are awarded to graduate students who wish to pursue studies or research in the areas that fall under the umbrella of Rotary’s seven areas of focus including disease prevention and treatment with includes nutrition studies. All the universities cited above offer these scholarships, which are impressive for scholars who love community service and global health.
Additionally, there exist other scholarships targeting women pursuing higher education such as AAUW International Fellowships and PEO International Peace Scholarship. These scholarships apply to all colleges listed and they are good fit for any woman from any country wishing to get more knowledge in fields associated with nutrition and food science.
There are also additional funding opportunities for students from developing countries through Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund (MMMF) as well as various USAID scholarships. These awards also help students who want to contribute towards public health and nutrition in their home countries. It is critical that one considers carefully the eligibility requirements of each scholarship so as to ensure its suitability vis-à-vis their academic or career objectives.
Academic Preparation:
- CGPA>3.5: Academic achievements are highly valued when applying for scholarships. If you wish to be considered for most scholarships, you need to attain high academic standards while in college. There is a minimum GPA requirement for many programs and the more competitive ones demand an extremely good academic record from applicants. For improvement of your academic profile, think about taking additional courses or boosting grades if your GPA is below the required threshold.
- The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and TOEFL/IELTS examinations of English proficiency are common requirements not only by scholarship programs but also universities. You should start preparing for these exams months ahead and submit them well before the deadlines. Such tests will boost your application by raising its strength especially towards competitive scholarships like Fulbright or Rotary.
- In addition to test scores and grades, demonstrating relevant academic experience, such as research projects, internships, or publications, can set you apart from other applicants. Nutrition and Food Science have several research options at institutions such as Tufts University and Columbia University among others including Cornell University too. During undergraduate study it’s beneficial to take part in research or internships that would make your scholarship application bold enough.
- Even though some programs say GRE is optional, we suggest that you prepare seriously for the test. A high GRE score along with an average CGPA and work experience will give you advantage over other applicants in terms of securing full MS funding for food science.
Other Top and Mid-rank Institutes with MS Programs
- University of Massachusetts Amherst is a strong choice for students interested in a comprehensive program in Nutrition and Food Science. The university offers a range of research opportunities, particularly in public health nutrition, and provides various funding options, including scholarships and assistantships, to support graduate students.
- Tufts University is a top-tier school in America for studying nutrition and food science. Tufts, located in Massachusetts, is host to the esteemed Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy that is globally recognized as among the best nutrition schools on earth. The university’s policy oriented curriculum together with its focus on research and public health make it ideal for students interested in examining nutrition’s broader societal implications. Given Tuft’s limited scholarships and fellowships, those who opt to enroll there should be able to secure additional funding through external scholarships or assistantships.
- Columbia University in New York City is another prestigious institution that offers a strong program in Nutrition and Food Science through its Institute of Human Nutrition. Columbia is known for its rigorous academic environment, world-class faculty, and extensive research opportunities. The university provides some merit-based scholarships and fellowships, though these are highly competitive. Columbia’s location in New York City also offers students access to a wide range of internships and professional opportunities.
- University of California, Davis, is more popularly known for its agriculture, food science and nutrition research. It carries out interdisciplinary research whose specialties also include biology, sociology and public health. Among the services it offers are scholarships, fellowships and assistantships where the PHD students receive more funding than the Masters’ ones.
- It is Cornell University in Ithaca New York that is another main preference for those aiming to pursue a Master’s degree in Nutrition and Food Science. It has one of the largest academic units in human nutrition called Division of Nutritional Sciences which is concerned with biological, social or economic aspects of nutrition. The school provides some financing for graduate programs but has plenty of both fellowships and assistantships for good students who have done well academically or are interested in conducting a research.
- Public health, nutrition and food science are some of the academic programs and research that is done at the University of Texas in Austin which has a rich history. The university awards grants and fellowships to its students, especially those who engage themselves in research projects. The strong linkages between the food industry and public health organizations makes internship opportunities to be quite many for the students in UT Austin.
- Boston University also has a solid program in Nutrition and Food Sciences as does the University of Southern California. Both schools are located in major cities, which gives the students numerous professional options. Nevertheless, funding may be more limited at such institutions than others; hence it is important to explore external scholarships as well as financial aid options.
- Rutgers University New Brunswick in New Jersey is well-regarded for its robust program in Nutritional Sciences. The university offers extensive research opportunities in areas such as food policy and global nutrition, with several scholarships and assistantships available to support students in their academic pursuits.
- University of Florida is known for its strong emphasis on research and practical applications in Nutrition and Food Science. The university offers a variety of funding options, including fellowships and assistantships, and is particularly noted for its work in public health nutrition and food security.
- Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, offers a highly competitive Emory Scholars Program that targets students with exceptional academic achievements, leadership qualities, and a commitment to community service. While primarily an undergraduate scholarship, Emory’s graduate programs in related fields, such as public health and nutrition, are also strong, making it an attractive option for prospective graduate students.
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is home to the prestigious Morehead-Cain Scholars Program, which provides comprehensive funding for undergraduate studies. The university is also well-regarded for its public health and nutrition programs, making it an excellent choice for graduate students interested in these fields.
- Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, offers the Paul Tulane Award, a merit-based scholarship for undergraduate students. Tulane’s graduate programs, especially in public health and nutrition, benefit from robust financial aid support, making it a solid option for those pursuing advanced studies.
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor offers a variety of fellowships through the Rackham Graduate School, including the Rackham Merit Fellowship, which supports students with outstanding academic achievement and potential. The School of Public Health, where nutrition programs are housed, provides additional scholarships and grants specifically for students in public health-related fields, including nutrition and food science.
- Purdue University, West Lafayette provides several fellowships for graduate students, such as the Purdue Doctoral Fellowship and the Lynn Fellowship. These fellowships support students with strong academic records and research potential. The Department of Nutrition Science also offers additional funding opportunities, particularly for those involved in research.
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore offers multiple scholarships through its Bloomberg School of Public Health for students pursuing master’s degrees in nutrition and public health. These include merit-based scholarships, research assistantships, and the Sommer Scholars Program, which provides full tuition and a stipend to students who demonstrate outstanding leadership and academic excellence.
- Ohio State University, Columbus offers the Graduate Enrichment Fellowship, which supports underrepresented students in graduate programs, including Nutrition and Food Science. The university also provides various departmental scholarships and research assistantships for students engaged in nutrition-related studies.
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities provides the Doris Duke Fellowships for the Promotion of Child Well-Being, available to students in fields related to nutrition and public health. The School of Public Health also offers other scholarships and assistantships for graduate students, particularly those focused on nutrition, epidemiology, and community health.
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign offers various fellowships through its Graduate College, including the Illinois Distinguished Fellowship and the Graduate College Fellowship, which support students with strong academic and research potential. The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition also offers specific scholarships and assistantships for graduate students.
- University of Washington, Seattle provides several fellowship opportunities for graduate students, including the GO-MAP (Graduate Opportunities and Minority Achievement Program) Fellowships, which support students from underrepresented groups. The School of Public Health and the Nutritional Sciences Program also offer scholarships and assistantships for students pursuing advanced degrees in nutrition.
Conclusion
Taking the decision of the right university, knowledge of available MS funding for food science opportunities, keeping high educational standards, preparing a strong application packet and for interviews gives the greatest outcome to secure your academic and professional purposes through up funding.
Each of these Universities-Tufts, Columbia, UC Davis, Cornell etc., have excellent programs in Nutrition and Food Science that come with particular strengths and funding opportunities. By doing this with determination as well as willingness you will achieve your dream and study at one of these world leading institutions making a significant difference in nutrition field. The path may be tough but worth walking because getting a scholarship and advancing studies in US is rewarding.
In case you can’t secure full MS funding for food science in these programs, you can check this article regarding loan options for international students.
Photo by Eric Dekker on Unsplash
