Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise

Our mission is to discover, translate, and disseminate health-related advances in the nutrition, food, and exercise sciences. The work of the faculty and graduate students in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise (HNFE) contributes significantly to scientific progress through molecular and clinical advances leading to prevention and improved treatment of obesity and chronic diseases; behavioral discoveries that lead to effective intervention programs for youth and adults; and interdisciplinary research teams who speed the translation of scientific discoveries to effective therapeutic and public health interventions that will benefit Virginians and the nation. We provide exceptional training for our students focusing on the preparation of future professionals who are knowledgeable, committed to life-long learning, ethical, culturally sensitive, and able to work collaboratively as well as independently. Training in the use of rigorous scientific inquiry is the cornerstone of the HNFE graduate program. We foster innovation across all three Virginia Tech missions areas - teaching, research, and outreach - by (1) supporting programs that promote sustainability and community viability and encouraging student participation in research and extension; (2) designing, developing, and implementing programs and policies through a participatory and shared effort between the HNFE research and teaching community; and (3) utilizing our teaching and research expertise to improve the health across diverse populations. Finally, the department's main focus is on addressing one of the most critical public health challenges of today - chronic disease.

What You'll Need

Transcripts

Include a scanned copy of your college transcripts with your online application, then arrange for an official copy to be sent to us after you receive an offer of admission.

Letters of Recommendation

Check to see whether your department requires letters of recommendation from references. If so, you can include the letter writers' email addresses in your online application, or have the people you ask to write those lettes send paper copies directly to your program’s department.

Graduate School Testing Requirements

The Graduate School does not require entrance tests, but check to see whether your department requires you to submit GRE, GMAT, or subject test scores with your application. If so, have the testing agency send official scores to Virginia Tech Graduate School, code 5859. 

International students may be required to submit TOEFL scores. 

Application Fees

Degree-seeking students must include a $75 fee with their application, though check to see if you qualify for a waiver or reduced fee. All application fees are non-refundable.

Refund procedure

All application fees are non-refundable.