Program Overview

Community Nutrition and Health Promotion Specialization (M.S.)

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Nutrition and Health Sciences with a specialization in Community Nutrition and Health Promotion is designed to provide graduates with the knowledge and skills to develop research-based public policies and programs that enhance food security, nutrition, and health in communities.

Program Objectives

The program aims to equip students with the ability to:

• Develop research-based public policies and programs that enhance food security, nutrition, and health in communities
• Adapt programs to meet food and nutrient needs across the life cycle
• Apply health behavior theory
• Conduct needs assessment
• Develop, implement, and evaluate community-based programs

Curriculum Requirements

The M.S. in Community Nutrition and Health Promotion requires the following courses (15 credit hours):

• NUTR 805 Research Methods (3)
• NUTR 859 Nutrition: A Focus on Life Stages (3)
• NUTR 860 Health Behavior Theories and Approaches (3)
• NUTR 956 Community Nutrition (3)
• NUTR 976 Organization and Management in Community Nutrition and Health Promotion (3)

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning opportunities are available, including:

• NUTR 857 Classroom and Outreach Experiences in Food and Nutrition (3)
• NUTR 998 Special Topics in Human Sciences (1-3) for a total minimum of 3 credits for non-thesis students
• NUTR 875 or NUTR 975 for students in the Professional Studies in Dietetics specialization (3)
• NUTR 899 Master's Thesis for research thesis students (3)

Other Courses and Programs of Interest

Other relevant courses and programs include:

• NUTR 807 Principles of Epidemiology for Nutrition and Public Health (3)
• NUTR 950 Integrated Principles of Human Nutrition (3) - important for students without a background in human nutrition
• Graduate Minor in Leadership Education at University of Nebraska-Lincoln (9)
• Graduate Certificate in Public Health at University of Nebraska Medical College (15)
• Graduate Certificate in Gerontology at University of Nebraska-Omaha (12)
• Courses in Physical Activity in Health Promotion at University of Nebraska-Omaha, e.g., KINS 8130/BMKI 9131 Implementing Physical Activity in Diverse Populations (3)

Total Credits Required

The total credits required for the M.S. degree are:

• M.S. Option A: 30 total credit hours, requires research thesis
• M.S. Option B: 30 total credit hours, non-thesis

Preferred Courses Prior to Admission

To be successful in the program, the following courses are preferred:

• Two semesters of general chemistry (CHEM 109A General Chemistry I, CHEM 110A General Chemistry II)
• One semester of organic chemistry with lab (CHEM 251/CHEM 253 Organic Chemistry)
• One semester of biochemistry with lab (BIOC 401/BIOC 401L Elements of Biochemistry, BIOC 431 Biochemistry I: Structure and Metabolism)
• Human Physiology with lab (BIOS 213/BIOS 213L Human Physiology)

Careers

Graduates of the Community Nutrition and Health Promotion specialization may pursue careers as:

• Breastfeeding Coordinator/Lactation Consultant
• Certified Health Educator
• Community Health Director
• Extension Educator
• Health and Wellness/Lifestyle Coach
• Health Promotion Program Educator/Specialist
• Nutrition Consultant
• Nutrition Program Coordinator
• Public Health Nutritionist
• Worksite Wellness Program Director

Associated Faculty

The program is associated with the following faculty members:

1. Weiwen Chai
2. Lisa Franzen-Castle
3. Sarah Hortman
4. Georgia Jones
5. Megan S. Kelley
6. Heather Rasmussen
7. Linda Young
8. Sabine Zempleni