Human Nutrition

The major in human nutrition is designed to enable students to develop a thorough understanding of nutrition and the ability to communicate those principles to the public.

The focus of the major is achieving and maintaining health, emphasizing changing nutritional needs throughout life. Graduates work cooperatively with other professionals in improving the overall health of individuals and communities.

Human Nutrition Program Goals

1. Prepare graduates for entry level practice as competent community nutritionists.
2. Didactic and supervised practice experiences will enhance development of critical thinking, communication, and self-assessment skills, preparing students for life-long learning, adaptation to change, and self-direction in the nutrition profession.
3. Graduates will recognize and demonstrate qualities of a professional, including commitment to ethical practice, service to their profession and their communities.

Human Nutrition Overview and Objectives

Human Nutrition B.S. graduates are nutrition professionals skilled in applying the science of nutrition to assisting healthy individuals, groups and communities in making appropriate food and lifestyle choices.

Graduates are able to:

• Demonstrate accurate understanding of the science of normal nutrition
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Conduct needs assessments and develop nutrition interventions for individuals, groups and communities
• Use effective teaching strategies for individuals, groups, or through community education programming
• Apply understanding of the influence of socioeconomic, cultural, social, psychological, and ethnic food consumption issues and trends to nutrition practice
• Demonstrate professional attributes including time management, priority setting, work ethic, critical thinking, advocacy, and service to professional and community organizations
• Demonstrate active participation, teamwork and contributions in group settings

Four Year Plan

Supervised Practice

The supervised practice experience requires a minimum of 180 hours as part of the degree in Human Nutrition. Course N&D 497: Supervised Practice in Human Nutrition (4-6 credits) is typically completed during the senior year. 

Application is required by October 20 for spring supervised practice or by March 20 for summer and fall supervised practice.

 Requirements for application for supervised practice (N&D 497) include:

• Completion or co-requisite of N&D 345
• Minimum GPA of 2.2 on a 4.0 scale with no grade lower than a “C” in required science courses or professional courses
• Completion of 50 hours of service learning prior to application and submission of a summary of the learning objective(s) and experiences in a Service Learning Statement (attach activity/hours log sheet)
• Completion of the online application and upload of a Cover Letter and Resume, and Service Learning Statement and Activity Log.

Supervised Practice Application