Program Highlights
Our program is a two year program (i.e., six consecutive semesters) designed for students who want to complete a graduate degree in nutrition with a strong science base and who want the opportunity to develop skills and competence in a variety of practice settings. Our program includes:
- Experience in developing nutrition education and wellness programs for target groups as part of our Nutrition Education and Wellness concentration
- Experience developing a business plan for nutrition-related nonprofit organizations
- Core internship rotations in community, food systems/service management and clinical nutrition and a clinical staff relief rotation
- Specialty rotations in critical care, long term care, and wellness
- An outpatient rotation in a specialty practice area based on student interest; potential choices include diabetes, renal, pediatrics and oncology
- An option to apply for the 11 week Pediatric Pulmonary Center Traineeship program; this program includes a multi-disciplinary approach to care and focuses on the development of leadership skills and clinical competence. This rotation incorporates supervised practice experiences in pediatric outpatient, critical care, wellness, as well as staff relief
- Graduate coursework leading to a Master of Science degree (non-thesis) in Food Science and Human Nutrition, and a minor in Family, Youth and Community Sciences
Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this program will:
- Earn a Master of Science degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition with a minor in Family, Youth and Community Sciences
- Complete an accredited dietetic internship program
- Be eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians
- Be prepared to assume an entry level position in community nutrition, clinical practice, food service management and other related positions
Nutrition Education and Wellness Competencies
In addition to the Core Competencies for Dietitians, students completing the General emphasis will:
- Conduct literature reviews and interpret and evaluate food, nutrition and nutrition education research, consumer issues, and nutrition education materials and programs.
- Conduct needs assessments for targeted community-based groups.
- Develop food and nutrition education programs and materials for diverse populations.
- Apply relevant education and behavioral sciences theories and techniques to modify nutrition and health behaviors for individuals and groups.
- Develop, market, conduct and evaluate food and nutrition education programs/training sessions that demonstrate effective use of oral and written communication skills and technology.
- Develop an in depth business plan for nutrition/health-related non-profit organizations that incorporates knowledge of governance, strategic planning, fund raising, risk management, policy, decision-making and planning functions of nonprofit organizations
Program Start Date
August 2010
Selection Process
Applicants must be accepted into the Graduate School and the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department to be eligible for consideration. Applicants accepted into our graduate program will be ranked based on their GPA, GRE and supporting materials (i.e., letters of reference, accomplishments, potential for success, etc.). Our list of ranked applicants will be submitted to D&D Digital Systems for processing. The final selection of students will be made using the D&D Digital Systems computer matching service. All MS-DI Program applicants must participate in the D&D Digital computer matching process. Applicants must include our program as one of their prioritized selections on their mark/sense card and submit the computer matching application form to D&D Digital Systems, along with the service fee ($50.00), no later than February 15, 2010.
