Welcome to the Nutrition, Dietetics & Food Sciences Department! We are glad to have you. On this page you will find information and links that will be useful throughout your MS/PhD graduate program. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.
Dr. Carrie Durward
Graduate Program Director
(435) 797-5843
carrie.durward@usu.edu
Tara Black
Graduate Program Coordinator
(435) 797-2102
tara.black@usu.edu
New Students
Departmental Forms
Departmental forms to complete at the start of your program:
Degree Requirements
This list is only a summary of the most common requirements. All requirements are listed in the USU graduate catalog. You will still be responsible for all policy requirements listed in the general catalog and NDFS graduate student catalog.
Other Requirements to Remember
- Coursework at 5000 level or below must be outside your department.
- Register for 1 credit during the semester you defend if all other requirements are met.
- Research and Integrity Course or CITI training as well as Teaching Professional Development needs to be completed.
- "P" Pass grade can only be used for credits in seminars, thesis or dissertation, and continuing grad advisement courses.
Preparing for Defense
Graduate students should submit their thesis/dissertation 30 days prior to defense, with a minimum of two weeks.
The format for your public defense is an introduction, presentation, followed by questions. Participants can ask questions during the presentation if needed and at the end. The public defense shows a rationale for your data and the critical assessment and interpretation of that data to show the depth of knowledge.
The non-public defense is open to all faculty members but is typically attended by the student's supervisory committee members. Additional questions and follow up take place during this period.
For more information about the defense, visit the School of Graduate Studies website and NDFS graduate handbook (see above under important links).
Wellness
- Aggie Wellness is the gateway to resources to help support student Mental Health (such as mental health services provided by Counseling and Psychological Services [CAPS]), Physical Health, and Physical Fitness.
- The Student Nutrition Access Center (SNAC) offers nutritious food to students in need.
- The Student Money Management Center helps students assess and make plans to improve their financial situation.
- Small grants may be available from the Emergency Hardship Fund.
- The Office of Global Engagement can assist students with maintaining immigration status, obtaining employment authorization, etc. Students can schedule an appointment with an advisor.
- Students are encouraged to connect with friends in the community via the International Friends Program.
- USU Thrive
- Mental Health Newsroom
- USU Human Resources