Graduate Program

Graduate Programs of Study

The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences offers a master of science degree in family and consumer sciences. This program is totally online (except for the dietetic internship rotations in the Dietetics Concentration). This degree is open to a person holding a baccalaureate degree from a four-year college or university, regardless of the degree. The student must have satisfactorily completed prerequisites to advanced courses in the selected areas in family and consumer sciences. Graduates of curricula other than family and consumer sciences may have acquired sufficient backgrounds in related courses and may be accepted. Each applicant's request for admission will be evaluated for the need for undergraduate prerequisites. The master's degree in family and consumer sciences offers two option: general family and consumer sciences and dietetics. The first option is generalist in nature and based on a selected range of comprehensive courses. Students under this option may choose an emphasis in child and family studies or food science/nutrition or remain generalist. The dietetics option incorporates a Dietetic Internship (DI) which offers graduates of didactic programs in dietetics a post baccalaureate , clinically based practicum. For either option, students may select the thesis or non-thesis route.

The objectives of the Master's Program in Family and Consumer Sciences are to:

  • Serve the needs of students within the region and within the state who desire advanced subject matter for personal and professional reasons.
  • Provide an alternative program to highly specialized curricula available at other institutions in the state.
  • Provide courses which permit students to form integrated concepts from distinct subject matter areas available in the department.
  • Meet needs of students who require considerable non-traditional scheduling and flexible time frames to complete their degrees.
  • Maintain high standards of expectation for quality and service to the students, the institutions, and the region.

Graduate Assistantships

Approximately 5 graduate assistantships are available in the area of child and family studies to qualified students. Inquiries about these should be directed to the graduate coordinator. Four of the Assistantships are at the UTM Margaret N. Perry Children's Center and carry a fixed stipend for 12 months, providing a waiver of all tuition charges, including out-of-state fees. The fifth Assistantship is for 9 months with the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, providing a waiver of all tuition charges, including out-of-state fees.

 

Admission to the master's program is determined primarily on the basis of the applicant's undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) and score attained on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Applicants for unconditional or conditional admission must meet the university requirements listed university catalog and one of the following requirements:

Admission Requirements

Unconditional Admission:

  • A minimum cumulative 2.50 GPA
  • A minimum of GRE score of 280
  • A minimum of 1400 points from: 400 times the applicant’s cumulative GPA plus GRE score (Verbal and Quantitative)

Conditional Admission:

  • A minimum cumulative 2.50 GPA
  • A minimum of GRE score of 280
  • At least one of the following:
    • A minimum of 1280 points from: 400 times applicant’s cumulative GPA plus GRE score (verbal and Quantitative)

      • OR

    • A minimum of 1480 points from: 400 times the applicant’s Senior Year GPA plus GRE score (Verbal and Quantitative)able GRE score is 280)

      • OR

    • A minimum GRE score is 280 (Verbal and Quantitative) if exempted from the university’s minimum GPA requirement.

Unclassified Admission:

Applicants for degree seeking status who meet the minimum GPA requirements for conditional admission but cannot provide a satisfactory official qualifying exam score may be granted unclassified admission. Unclassified students may enroll for one semester only and for a maximum of two graduate courses. They must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Continued enrollment as a degree-seeking student after the initial semester is subject to satisfactory completion of the requirements for conditional or unconditional admission in place when the student desires to re-enroll. If the student cannot satisfy the conditional admission requirements, future enrollment must be in the non-degree category.

Admission

To apply for admission, submit or forward the following documentation to the of Office of Graduate Studies.

 

Completed application and fee (online application can be found at: http://www.utm.edu/departments/gradstudies/adminreqs.php)

 

Official GRE Scores (General Test).

Two official transcripts from all colleges attended. If applicable, your of official TOEFL score.


For further information contact:
Office of Graduate Studies
UT Martin
Martin, TN 38238
731-881-7012


Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
University of Tennessee at Martin
340 Gooch Hall
Martin, TN 38238
Phone 731.881.7100
Interim Chair: Dr. Joey Mehlhorn
mehlhorn@utm.edu

 

Graduate Program Coordinator: Dr. Lisa LeBleu
llebleu@utm.edu
340D Gooch Hall
Phone 731.881.7116

Option 1: General Family and Consumer Sciences (30 semester hours):

Family and Consumer Sciences Courses:

  • 12 Hours - Selected in one or two areas of Family and Consumer Sciences

Research Related Courses:

  • 3 Hours - FCS 791, research methods
  • 3 Hours - Ed Eval 710, Educational Statistics or equivalent Supporting courses

Supporting Courses:

  • 6 Hours - Courses selected according to student's objective and approval of student's graduate committee.

Thesis Research/Family and Consumer Sciences Electives for Non-Thesis:

  • 6 hours - Topic chosen must relate to an area in family and consumer sciences (or 6 hours of approved coursework for non-thesis option)

A minimum of 70% of the degree requirements must be taken at 700 level.

Option 2: Dietetics (36 semester hours)

Family and Consumer Sciences Courses:

  • 12 Hours  - Must be from Food Systems Management/Food Science or Nutrition

Research Related Courses:

  • 3 Hours - FCS 791, Research Methods
  • 3 Hours - Ed Eval 710, Educational Statistics or equivalent

Supporting Courses: 12 Hours

  • Supervised Practice Component (admission to DI is required):
  • Food Systems Management 714
  • Nutrition 724, 734
  • Food Systems Management 744 and/or Nutrition 754

Thesis Research or Electives:

  • 6 Hours - must be related to dietetics

A minimum of 70 % of the degree requirements must be taken at the 700 level.

 

Student choosing the non-thesis route must write and pass a narrative comprehensive exam covering major areas studied. Questions will be submitted by members of student's graduate committee. A final oral examination may be required by graduate committee.

Dietetic Internship Program

The Dietetic Internship (DI) is a post-baccalaureate program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). Interns receive 1200 hours of supervised practice in clinical nutrition, food systems management and community nutrition with a concentration in nutrition therapy.

 

Career Opportunities

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