Applied Nutrition (M.S.)
Degree: Master of Science
Major: Applied Nutrition
Total Hours: 30
Program Coordinator
Dr. Amy Shows, (409) 880-7962, 126 Nutrition, Hospitality and Human Services Bldg, amy.shows@lamar.edu
Master of Science, Nutrition
Program Educational Objectives
- Interpret and evaluate current nutrition literature.
- Increase cultural competence to integrate healthy food choices into diverse food patterns.
- Evaluate and present appropriate nutrition guidelines to individuals with unique nutrition needs.
- Develop marketable and lifelong learning skills.
Program Student Outcomes
Upon program completion, graduates will be able to:
- Develop a research proposal using evidence-based practice, thus communicating effectively in writing.
- Provide a Case Study Presentation using appropriate evidence-based nutrition guidelines, thus communicating effectively orally.
- Develop a Professional Portfolio, thus showing evidence of planning for lifelong learning.
Curriculum
The M.S. in Nutrition is a 30-hour program. The program core includes 3 hours in Nutrition Research; 3 hours in Food, Culture and Health; 3 hours in Nutrition Education and Counseling; 3 hours in Statistics and 3 hours in Nutrition Capstone. Students have the opportunity to select 15 hours of electives in the areas of Community and Lifecycle Nutrition as well as areas of interest in Contemporary Nutrition. The curriculum prepares students for careers in nutrition and/or nutrition-related fields by developing marketable skills including leadership, flexibility, maturity, dedication, dependability, and enthusiasm; it also positions graduates to become agents of nutrition promotion and intervention. The curriculum provides graduates with advanced knowledge and skills to succeed as administrators in community nutrition programs offering lifecycle services in pregnancy, infancy, and aging. Throughout the curriculum, the emphasis is placed on interventions that promote nutritional health and prevent chronic diseases that are nutrition-related; and, the recognition of underserved populations and those at high risk of diet-related diseases, nutrient deficiencies, hunger and malnutrition. In addition to the Nutrition Research course, every course requires students to read research from the current literature and apply the findings. The curriculum provides opportunities for students to critique study designs, strengths, and limitations. The M.S. in Nutrition culminates with the Nutrition Capstone course where students have the opportunity to integrate knowledge and skills gained throughout the program. This concluding experience is designed to expand students’ capacity to master new content, think critically, and develop life-long learning skills across the disciplines of nutrition and community health.
Please Note: This master's degree does not provide the requirements for the Didactic Program in Dietetics, provide eligibility to apply to a dietetic internship, or the eligibility to sit for the National Registration examination to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Admission Requirements
Bachelor's Degree: Undergraduate degree from an accredited university with an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher or a 2.75 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework.
Minimum 2.5 Undergraduate GPA