Research Emphasis
Brief Description
A 24-28 month program designed for students who want to complete a graduate degree in nutrition with a strong science base and who want to develop skills and competence in research, as well as the general areas of dietetics practice. This program includes:
- Core internship rotations in community nutrition, food systems/service management, clinical nutrition, and a staff relief experience
- In depth experience in planning and conducting a research study, and analyzing, interpreting and presenting/publishing data
- One elective rotation (four weeks) in a practice area based on student interest; choices include pediatrics, diabetes, renal, oncology, Clinical Research Center, private practice, Student Health Care and Wellness, sports nutrition and others
- Graduate coursework and a thesis research project leading to a Master of Science degree
- The opportunity to complete a minor in a related discipline
Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this program will:
- Earn a Master of Science degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition with a Specialization in Nutritional Sciences
- Complete an accredited dietetic internship program
- Conduct research and complete a thesis
- Prepare thesis results for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and present results at a professional meeting
- Be eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians
- Be prepared to assume an entry level position in community nutrition, clinical practice, or food systems/service management; prepare for a position that requires strong research skills or for entry into a doctoral program
Research Emphasis Competencies
In addition to the Core Competencies for Dietitians, students completing the Research emphasis will:
- Apply guidelines and principles learned from training courses appropriate for the type of research being conducted (i.e., Animal Care and Use; Informed Consent; NIH Human Participant Protections for Human Research Teams; etc.).
- Develop and defend a research proposal that demonstrates an understanding of the research process, methodology, and research ethics.
- Manage the process of applying for Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) or Biohazards and Recombinant DNA approval and/or renewal of projects approved by these committees.
- Conduct a thesis research project that meets the approval of the Graduate Supervisory Committee.
- Develop a budget for the research project and assist with management of the budget and procurement of material resources/equipment.
- Supervise laboratory safety training and compliance of other students (e.g., undergraduate/new graduate students) and participate in maintenance of records documenting compliance with laboratory safety compliance (e.g., radiation safety, annual blood borne pathogen training, chemical hygiene waste disposal, MSDS postings, etc.). (Applies only to laboratory-based thesis projects.)
- Prepare an abstract and present (poster or podium presentation) original research findings at a professional/scientific meeting (i.e., state, regional, national or international).
- Participate in the manuscript peer review process.
- Prepare a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
- Write and defend a thesis that conforms to all graduate school, college, and departmental guidelines.
Selection Process
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 (except as noted for the Sports Nutrition emphasis) 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 computer matching application form to D&D Digital Systems, along with the service fee ($50.00), no later than February 15, 2008.
