Nutrition Education and Counseling, M.S.
Immaculata University has offered nutrition education for over 90 years and has provided graduate nutrition education for 35 years.
Immaculata’s Master of Science in nutrition will give you an in-depth understanding of nutrient metabolism, medical nutrition therapy, and changing nutritional needs throughout the life cycle, along with specialized topics in applied nutrition. You will be able to effectively communicate nutrition information, develop and implement current research, utilize nutrition literature and resources, and integrate nutrition knowledge from a variety of sources.
Two tracks are available for obtaining a master’s degree in nutrition, depending upon your background and career goals. Continue reading to learn more about the nutrition education and counseling track, or learn more about the clinical nutrition track with an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship here.
At A Glance
Program: Master of Science
Audience: Graduate students
Format: Face-to-face, online and hybrid
Next Start Date: August 26, 2024
Cost: $710/credit
Time to Completion Two years full-time
"Immaculata's graduate programs in nutrition and dietetics provide exposure to a wide variety of topics and experiences in the nutrition field. The programs challenge you to exercise and expand your knowledge through further research and application in the classroom and in the field. The superb faculty make themselves available to assist and guide you throughout the process, but they also encourage you to take responsibility for your own learning and professional development. It is evident that they care about your growth as an existing or an entry-level professional and want to provide you with opportunities to foster this growth."
Amy Wood '21 M.S.
Clinical Dietitian at St. Luke's University Health Network
- Faculty have real-world experience as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and nutrition educators.
- You will have a faculty advisor to guide you through your degree program from start to finish.
- You may participate in faculty-mentored research projects with some funding available.
- The program is flexible, with evening, hybrid, and online courses offered.
- A variety of courses are offered as electives to suit your interests and professional needs.
This track offers an advanced degree to meet your professional needs and interests without requiring a Dietetic Internship. The program provides updated information in nutrition education and research, health care ethics, lifecycle nutrition, and health counseling. The program also provides opportunities for you to develop your skills in communication, counseling, evidence-based practice, and program planning. If you are a practicing R.D. or R.D.N., this master’s degree will give you a professional edge and competitive advantage in the ever-changing field of nutrition and dietetics.
This program is available both full and part-time, and can be completed fully online, or through evening and hybrid classes. Studying nutrition education and counseling at Immaculata University will help open a broad range of career opportunities in which you can provide education, counseling and training. You may seek a career in multiple health-related fields, such as:
- Nutrition education and counseling—cooperative extensions, public health nutrition, community-based or workplace wellness programs
- Food and nutrition management—clinical settings, businesses, schools, food service
- Business and industry
- Higher education and research
- Health-related organizations and media
Prerequisites:
- General Chemistry with laboratory (CHE 101, 102)
- Organic Chemistry with laboratory (CHE 201)
- Biochemistry with laboratory (CHE 202)
- Anatomy and Physiology (BIO 209, 210)
- Statistics (PSY 208)
- Normal Nutrition (FNU 208)
- Nutrition (FNU 305)
- Advanced Nutrition (FNU 322)
- Community Nutrition (FNU 320)
- Strategies in Teaching Nutrition Concepts (FNU 353)
Program Core:
- GEN 501 Human Development (3)
- GEN 502 Methods of Research (3)
- GEN 503 Interpersonal Relations (3)
- NED 644 Nutrition in the Life Cycle (3)
- NED 647 Applied Nutrition and Metabolism (3)
- NED 653 Health Counseling (3)
- NED 680 Principles of Nutrition Education (3)
- NED 691 Nutrition Capstone (3)
- ELECTIVES Nutrition Electives (6)
Program Electives:
- NED 511 Special Topics in Nutrition (1-3)
- NED 512 Motivational Interviewing in Nutrition (2)
- NED 513 Culture & Diversity in Health Care Practice (1)
- NED 648 Independent Study (3)
- LDR 600 Foundations of Leadership (3)
- LDR 621 Strategic & Critical Problem Solving (3)
- LDR 603 Organizational Ethics (3)
- LDR 604 Theories of Change (3)
- COUN 606 Family Counseling (3)
- COUN 640 Diversity Counseling (3)
- EDL 614 Instructional Needs of English Language Learners (3)
- EDL 615 Contemporary Professional Ethics (3)
Other electives may be permitted with the written approval of the Department Chair.
To be admitted to either track of Immaculata’s nutrition programs, you must hold a bachelor’s degree with the appropriate prerequisite coursework. Prerequisites vary depending on the track you select. You may be required to take undergraduate courses to meet these admission requirements prior to acceptance into the graduate programs.
To apply, please submit:
- Immaculata’s graduate application form
- Official transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate school attended
- Two recommendations
- A one-page essay discussing your professional goals
