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Admission & Program Requirements

Chair

Daphne Lordly, PDt FDC, MAHE (MSVU), DEd (UNISA), Professor

General Information

The Master of Science Applied Human Nutrition and the Master of Applied Human Nutrition programs will provide students with the opportunity for advanced level study in food and nutrition social justice and sustainability, nutrition across the lifecycle, methods and critical analysis, theories and practices for change, and innovation and leadership. Students will learn the complexities of food, nutrition and health to become leaders in the food and nutrition field, emphasizing professionalism, compassion, leadership and advocacy for food and nutrition sustainability and social justice at local to global levels.

Students seeking registration as a professional dietitian must apply for the Internship Education Program when applying for either the Master of Science Applied Human Nutrition or the Master of Science Applied Human Nutrition. To be considered for the Internship Education Program applicants must meet EQual™ Canada undergraduate competencies.

Students who are not seeking registration as a professional dietitian may apply for the Food and Nutrition Practicum Program during study in either the Master of Applied Human Nutrition or the Master of Science Applied Human Nutrition programs.

Admission Requirements

Students applying to the Master of Applied Human Nutrition or the Master of Science Applied Human Nutrition will have completed an undergraduate degree in nutrition, dietetics, foods or related fields, e.g. health sciences, kinesiology, biology, biochemistry, health promotion/education, and nursing. Students applying to the Internship Education Program must have completed a EQual™ accredited undergraduate program before a decision can be made on admission. Students will have achieved a minimum of a B average (GPA 3.0). Credit in the following undergraduate courses will be required: applied statistics; biochemistry; physiology; sociology, psychology or communications; and a 3000 or 4000 level human nutrition course. Where there are deficiencies, additional undergraduate coursework (achieving a minimum grade of B) will be necessary in advance of graduate study.

The application package submitted for admission will include:

For Master of Applied Human Nutrition (MAHN):

Statement of Intent including career goals and how our program will facilitate achieving these goals
Two academic references for MAHN or one academic reference for MAHN with internship
Internship application package† for MAHN with internship

For Master of Science Applied Human Nutrition (MScAHN):

Statement of Intent including career goals and how our program will facilitate achieving these goals
A two-page research proposal including references*, or for applicants who have not yet identified a specific research plan, a two-page description of research interest(s) including references*
Two academic references for MScAHN or one academic reference for MScAHN with internship
Internship application package† for MScAHN with internship

†Internship application package must include:

Confirmation of completion of a PDEP/EQual™ accredited undergraduate dietetic program by that university’s Dietetic Program Director.
Resumé identifying related work experience in nutrition, foods, food service and/or community service. For those applying to the Internship Education Program with the Master of Applied Human Nutrition, significant post-graduation related work experience is expected.
Letter of reference (professional)
Signed acceptance of the Internship Education Program Terms and Conditions.

‡Food and Nutrition Practicum package must include:

Academic transcript indicating completion of at least 2.0 units of the MAHN or MScAHN program.
Completed Food and Nutrition Practicum Application Form including resume and statement of work experiences and career goals.

Completed application for MAHN and MScAHN with or without the Internship Education Program must be submitted by January 31. Applications are considered by the Applied Human Nutrition Graduate Studies Committee, and additionally for those applying to the Internship, the Internship Selection Committee. Completed applications for the Food and Nutrition Practicum must be submitted to the Department chairperson by January 31 during the MAHN or MScAHN programs, or after the completion of 2.0 units. Applications are considered by the Food and Nutrition Practicum Selection Committee.

Applicants may be interviewed. Final admission decisions are dependent on meeting all admission criteria. Admission decisions are final.

*The purpose of the two-page research proposal is to assess the research potential and writing skills of the applicants. Alternatively, applicants may submit a two-page description of their research interests including references. Due to the limited number of students that can be supervised by AHN faculty members, the applicants for MScAHN program are strongly encouraged to contact in advance and identify their potential thesis supervisor(s) in their Statement of Intent; however, those applications in which the supervisor is not identified will be considered as well.

Immunization Requirement
To be able to participate in courses, including Internships, the Food and Nutrition Practicum, and the Nutrition and Aging Place-based Learning course, which have placements or labs in health facilities it is necessary to have a physician complete a health screening form that verifies your immunization for contagious diseases. There is a fee for the immunization and your health plan may cover all or part of this cost. Please contact the Department for more information.

Criminal Records Check
Students are advised that certain courses including Internships, the Food and Nutrition Practicum, and the Nutrition and Aging Place-based Learning course which have placements in health facilities and community organizations require a recent and currently valid Criminal Records Check including a Vulnerable Sector Search. Please contact the Department for more information.

Master of Applied Human Nutrition

Program Requirements

The program will require completion of 5.0 units. Degree requirements may be completed on a part-time basis.

Required Courses

1.0 unit selected from the following:

❏ 0.5 unit GAHN 6670
❏ 0.5 unit GAHN 6675
❏ 0.5 unit GFSG 6613

Elective Courses

❏ 3.0 units of GAHN Electives*:

0.5 unit GAHN 6609
0.5 unit GAHN 6620
0.5 unit GAHN 6715
0.5 unit GAHN 6720
0.5 unit GAHN 6725
0.5 unit GAHN 6730
0.5 unit GAHN 6735
0.5 unit GAHN 6740
0.5 unit GAHN 6745
0.5 unit GAHN 6750
0.5 unit GAHN 6755
0.5 unit GAHN 6760

*May also include any of the Required Courses not selected above. Some courses may be offered in alternate years

❏ 1.0 unit of graduate level electives

Note: Electives should be selected in consultation with the graduate studies advisor in accordance with the candidate’s chosen area(s) of emphasis. These food and nutrition areas include social justice and sustainability, methods and critical analysis, human lifecycle, theories and practices for change, and innovation and leadership.Students may select courses listed under any MSVU graduate programs (GAHN, GFSG, GCYS, GSLL, GEDU, GPRL, etc.) or other university graduate programs. If selecting electives from other universities, students must obtain formal approval; see section 2.2.6 Letter of Permission (LOP).

All graduate students are expected to attend at least eight research seminars over the course of the program and submit their annual report by April 1.

Master of Science Applied Human Nutrition

Program Requirements

The program will require completion of 5.0 units, which includes 3.5 units plus thesis (1.5 units). Degree requirements may be completed on a part-time basis.

Required Courses

❏ 1.5 units GAHN 6691

1.0 unit selected from the following:

❏ 0.5 unit GAHN 6670
❏ 0.5 unit GAHN 6675
❏ 0.5 unit GFSG 6613

Elective Courses

❏ 2.5 units of GAHN electives*:

0.5 unit GAHN 6609
0.5 unit GAHN 6620
0.5 unit GAHN 6715
0.5 unit GAHN 6720
0.5 unit GAHN 6725
0.5 unit GAHN 6730
0.5 unit GAHN 6735
0.5 unit GAHN 6740
0.5 unit GAHN 6745
0.5 unit GAHN 6750
0.5 unit GAHN 6755
0.5 unit GAHN 6760

*May also include any of the Required Courses not selected above. Some courses may be offered in alternate years

Note: Electives should be selected in consultation with the graduate studies advisor in accordance with the candidate’s chosen area of emphasis. These food and nutrition areas include social justice and sustainability, human lifecycle, theories and practices for change and innovation and leadership.

All graduate students are expected to attend at least eight research seminars over the course of the program and submit their annual report by April 1.

Internship Education Program

The Internship Education Program enables students to build on theoretical knowledge and internship experiences to fulfill the competencies required by EQual™ Canada to reach entry-level professional dietetic competence

To be eligible for the Internship Education Program, students must be graduates of a PDEP/EQual™ accredited undergraduate program. Students apply to the internship at the time they apply for admission to the graduate program. Applicants may be interviewed prior to admission.

Students will be required to engage in up to 1.5 units of academic upgrading if it has been more than three years since they have completed course work in any of the PDEP/EQual™ accredited undergraduate program knowledge areas (Food Service Administration/Management, Community Nutrition and/or Clinical Nutrition/Medical Nutrition Therapy. See the MSVU IEP Manual for more information.

Following successful completion of all MAHN or MScAHN program requirements and the internship education courses (NUTR 4501, 4502, and 4503), students will be eligible to write the national examination required by all provincial dietetic associations or colleges for registration as a professional dietitian. The Internship Education Program is completed as an addition to all graduate requirements; the internship education courses cannot be taken in place of elective courses. Interns must be prepared to relocate for their Internship and to accept little to no financial compensation.

Required Courses for MAHN or MScAHN listed above plus the following internship education courses:

❏ 1.0 unit NUTR 4501
❏ 1.0 unit NUTR 4502
❏ 1.0 unit NUTR 4503

There are three possible grades for internships:

P Pass. Students continue to the next internship course

NCR No credit repeat. Students must repeat the internship course and pass before continuing to the next internship course. Normally a student may receive only one NCR grade and remain in the program.

F Fail. A failing grade in an internship results in dismissal from the Internship Education Program (students may still complete the MScAHN).

Food and Nutrition Practicum

The Food and Nutrition Practicum combines course work with work experience in the food and nutrition fields. Students can apply to the practicum during their study in the MAHN or MScAHN programs. This is a limited enrollment program with a competitive selection process. Students must be prepared to relocate for their practicum and to accept little to no financial compensation.

Students accepted into the MAHN or MScAHN with Internship Education Program are not eligible for the Food and Nutrition Practicum Program.

A MAHN or MScAHN with Food and Nutrition Practicum requires:

❏ fulfilment of the requirements of the 5.0 unit graduate degree

❏ completion of NUTR 4500

❏ adhere to the Food and Nutrition Practicum – Terms and Conditions, including those for withdrawal and temporary withdrawal

There are three possible grades for the practicum:

P Pass.

NCR No credit repeat. Students must repeat the course and pass. Normally a student may receive only one NCR grade and remain in the Food and Nutrition Practicum program.

F Fail. A failing grade in a practicum results in dismissal from the Food and Nutrition Practicum (students may still complete the MAHN or MScAHN).

Certificate in Nutrition and Aging

General Information
The Graduate Certificate in Nutrition and Aging provides students with specialized knowledge of the interrelationship between nutrition and aging that is essential for understanding the ways food and nutrition contribute to the physiological, psychological, and socio-economic dimensions of an older person’s life. The program will explore the impact of aging-related nutrition education at different system levels including a) microsystems (individual in family/community); b) mesosystems (age-friendly-/food secure- communities; care homes); c) ecosystems (nutritional policies, health systems); and d) macrosystems (values, culture, religious beliefs affecting nutrition and aging). The program will provide students with professional knowledge of disease prevention, health promotion, and appropriate recommendations for older persons with chronic health needs.

Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the Graduate Certificate in Nutrition and Aging students must provide evidence of an undergraduate degree in a field that provides required background for the certificate, with a GPA of 3.0 (B) or better, immunization record, and a criminal record check with a vulnerable sector search. Immunization for contagious disease and a recent valid criminal record check with a vulnerable sector search are required for the Place-based Learning course (GAHN 6900), which has placements in health and community settings. Please contact the Department for more information.

Conditional acceptance may be an option when there is prerequisite academic content. If a required course for the credential has an undergraduate course as a prerequisite, successful completion of the undergraduate course may be set as a condition for admission to the graduate credential.

Program Requirements
This program is offered jointly through the Department of Applied Human Nutrition and the Department of Family Studies and Gerontology. Students must successfully complete 2.0 units.

Required Courses (1.0 unit)
❏ GAHN 6900 0.5 unit
❏ GFSG 6611 0.5 unit

Elective (1.0 unit)
❏ 0.5 unit elective selected from the following:
GAHN 6715 0.5 unit
GAHN 6720 0.5 unit
GAHN 6735 0.5 unit
GAHN 6745 0.5 unit
GAHN 6750 0.5 unit

❏ 0.5 unit elective selected from the following:
GFSG 6609 0.5 unit
GFSG 6616 0.5 unit
GFSG 6633 0.5 unit

Academic Note: This web-based calendar information is applicable for the 2025-2026 academic year which runs from September 01, 2025 to August 31, 2026.

For information on previous years, please consult the University Academic Calendars web page.