Nutritional Sciences, M.S., Gerontological Nutrition Concentration

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The Master of Science degree program in Nutritional Sciences offers 3 pathways based on background level of nutrition experience: NS, NS-RD and GP. The NS path is for general students. The NS-RD path is for students who are Registered Dietitian/Nutritionists (RD) or dietetic interns at other institutions and grants 6 graduate credits for their completed dietetic internship. The GP path is the ACEND accredited Future Education Model Graduate Program that includes the two-year full-time program which integrates didactic learning with supervised experiential learning in a professional setting where students upon completion earn a MS degree and are eligible for the RD credentialing exam. The FEM Dietetics Certificate path is a one-year full-time certificate program for students who have a master’s degree and have met year one GP ACEND course competencies. Students must contact the GP Director for assessment of prior learning/experience to determine eligibility for the FEM Dietetics Certificate. Students have the option of completing designated coursework in a specific field of nutrition to earn a concentration in one of the following areas: community nutrition educator, gerontological nutrition, obesity & weight management pediatric nutrition, or sports dietetics. GP students are assigned to the dietetics concentration.

NS and NS-RD

I. Admission Requirements

For an unconditional admittance the prospective student needs to have an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, preferably in a major of nutritional sciences or related field with a minimum of 1 nutrition course with A or B grade. Students with a cumulative GPA lower than 3.0, or who majored in another area with a minimum of 1 nutrition course with A or B grade may be considered for conditional admittance. Students must have a minimum of two letters of recommendation, preferably from current or former faculty who can evaluate the student’s ability to handle graduate work. Students must also submit a personal statement that discusses in detail why the individual wants to pursue an MS degree in Nutritional Sciences. Work and volunteer experience in the field is also evaluated. The Department uses a rubric for evaluating each applicant and scores points for: overall GPA, personal Statement, letters of recommendation, and work, volunteer, or internship experience.

II. Program Requirements

NS & NS-RD Path

Professional Core - 9 hours

Research Core - 6 hours

Concentration Courses - 6 hours

NSCG 5820 - Gerontological Nutrition (3)
Choice of: KRAG 5410 - Social Gerontology in Recreational Therapy , NSCG 5890 - Specialized Study in Nutrition Concentration or similar courses as approved by Director of Graduate Studies (3)

Nutrition Elective Courses - 6 hours (selected from the following courses)

Elective - 3 hours (Option to take any 5000 level or above graduate class from any department. Can be from the Nutrition Electives Courses)

Internship or Thesis - 3 hours

Total Credit Hours in NS path - 33 hours

III. Exit Requirements (NS & NS-RD paths)

1. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher is required.
2. Successful completion of at least 33 credit hours for either the Thesis or Non-Thesis (Internship) option is required.
3. Successful completion of a written Comprehensive Examination is required with 80% minimum score.
4. Successful completion of a minimum of three-credit internship program project or thesis, including passing an oral exam is required. NS-RD students complete this requirement through their dietetic internship and RD exam.

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