Applied Science (Applied Nutrition and Health)
Program Overview
The Applied Science (Applied Nutrition and Health) program at ASU prepares students with an AAS degree to advance their nutrition knowledge and skills. The program focuses on promoting health and wellness through nutrition, preparing students for careers in food service management, nutrition education, public health, and dietetics. Students gain practical experience through hands-on coursework and an internship in a community-based nutrition setting.
Program Outline
Applied Science (Applied Nutrition and Health), BAS
Degree Overview:
This program is designed for students who have earned an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and wish to further their education in nutrition. The program focuses on providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote health and wellness through nutrition within communities. Students who aspire to become registered dietitians can customize their experience to prepare for dietetics-focused graduate programs.
Objectives:
- Equip students with practical knowledge and specialized skills in promoting health and wellness through nutrition.
- Prepare students for careers in food service management and marketing, nutrition education, and public health.
- Help students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue further education in dietetics.
Program Description:
The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of nutrition and its role in health. Students will learn about food science, menu planning, food safety, and nutrition counseling. They will also gain experience in working with diverse populations and developing community-based nutrition programs.
Outline:
Program Structure:
The program consists of 120 credit hours, including coursework in nutrition, food science, public health, and business. Students will also complete an internship in a community-based nutrition setting.
Course Schedule:
The program offers courses in both traditional and online formats. Students can choose to complete the program full-time or part-time.
Modules:
- Nutrition Science: This module covers the basics of nutrition, including macronutrients, micronutrients, and the role of nutrition in health and disease.
- Food Science: This module explores the properties of food, food processing, and food safety.
- Public Health Nutrition: This module examines the role of nutrition in public health, including nutrition surveillance, nutrition policy, and community nutrition programs.
- Business and Management: This module provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage a food service operation or nutrition business.
- Internship: The internship allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.
Module Descriptions:
- Nutrition Science: Students will learn about the different types of nutrients, their functions in the body, and how they affect health.
- Food Science: Students will explore the chemical and physical properties of food, food processing methods, and food safety principles.
- Public Health Nutrition: Students will learn about the role of nutrition in public health, including nutrition assessment, nutrition surveillance, and nutrition policy. They will also learn about the social determinants of health and how to develop community-based nutrition programs.
- Business and Management: Students will learn about the principles of business management, marketing, and finance. They will also learn about the specific challenges and opportunities of managing a food service operation or nutrition business.
- Internship: Students will work under the supervision of a registered dietitian or other qualified professional in a community-based nutrition setting. They will gain experience in providing nutrition counseling, developing educational materials, and implementing nutrition programs.
Assessment:
Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, including exams, assignments, projects, and presentations. The internship will also be assessed by the supervising professional.
Teaching:
The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty who are experts in nutrition, food science, public health, and business. The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, group work, and simulations.
Careers:
Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in a variety of settings, including:
- Food service management
- Nutrition education
- Public health
- Community nutrition
- Private practice The program also prepares students for further education in dietetics, leading to careers as registered dietitians.
Other:
- The program is offered on the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus and online.
- The program is STEM-OPT eligible, which means that international students may be eligible for an extension of their F-1 visa to gain work experience in the United States.
- The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
