Graduate Outcomes and Assessment

The Food Science and Human Nutrition Graduate program requires all students admitted to the program to display satisfactory progress towards fulfilling their degree (M.S. and/or Ph.D.) requirements. This includes completing the required coursework for the degree; attending departmental seminars; conducting original research; presenting research findings both orally and written; serving as a departmental Teaching Assistant for each degree; and satisfactory defense of research to the student's Program of Study (POS) committee.

Learning Outcomes

• Have an in-depth and accurate understanding of the knowledge within the field
• Understand central issues and current research important in the field
• Apply theoretical information to solve practical problems
• Prepare and communicate discipline-specific information in written and oral forms to scientific and lay audiences
• Design, conduct, and interpret research
• Facilitate learning in the classroom

Outcomes Assessment

• Satisfactory completion of degree course requirements with a minimum GPA ≥ 3.0, including a grade of B- or better for courses within the major.
• Satisfactory seminar attendance
• Student-developed POS Committee assigned to ensure satisfactory program of study
• Successful defense of original thesis research to POS Committee
• For PhD students, satisfactory completion of written and oral preliminary examination
• Professional presentation of thesis research as a departmental seminar
• Preparation of a manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed journal
• Formal evaluation of teaching efforts
• Annual review of student progress by a committee of faculty
• Secure professional-level position in a relevant area such as academia, industry, government, or health care