Plan of Study – MS Nutrition and Wellness

Exploration of specialized areas of nutrition with a focus on disordered eating, sports nutrition and changing nutritional needs that accompany aging. Examination of current research and evidenced based strategies for counseling clients with a variety of nutritional needs. Prerequisite: NFS 5220

Examination of the motivations behind consumer food choices and the popularity of current diet trends. Research on motivation and behavior change is discussed. Includes a practical component where students modify menus and client food diaries and make meaningful changes to promote a healthy lifestyle. Pre-requisite: NFS 2220 or NFS 2270.

Examination and application of food and nutrition knowledge, policy, and research to improve the nutrition status and health of populations while maintaining a sustainable food supply. Emphasis on approaches to prevent and alleviate diet-related conditions and the barriers to improving the nutrition status and health of diverse population groups through community health needs assessment. The impact of the US food system on public health, community health, and the environment will be addressed. Strong focus on the translation of evidence based research into public health recommendations or policies and the agencies charged with those tasks.

Advanced study of current scientific information related to nutrition and wellness topics such as public health education, pediatric nutrition, micronutrients, disorder eating and others. Students may earn credit for taking this course multiple times, as long as the courses cover different topics.

An assessment of current research and policy on weight gain and obesity in children and adults. Students will examine the scientific evidence on the causes and consequences of a surplus of body fat. In addition they will examine the success rates of current efforts to reverse obesity levels among different population groups.

An examination of the physiological, biochemical and nutritional aspects of pregnancy, lactation and cild development. Nutritional assessment and interventions for feeding disorders, childhood obesity and disease processes related to infants and children will be discussed. Pre-requisite: NFS 5220 or permission of instructor.

Students learn about the role of grants in agency funding and develop the basic skills needed to write a successful proposal to compete for funds from outside sources. Topics include: generating program ideas; researching funding sources; establishing and maintaining collaborative partnerships; proposal planning and development; establishing and analyzing program metrics; and the administration, reporting, and accounting for funds and program deliverables. Graduate students will independently plan and develop a grant proposal with an emphasis on the wider non-profit business environment.

A focus on the knowledge and skills needed by educators to understand, evaluate, and use research. Critical analysis of the major principles of teaching and classroom learning. Applying research skills to researching and critically analyzing recent trends and traditional theories in the field of education.

An examination of a contemporary approach to leadership structures, theories, and leadership practices in for-profit and nonprofit organizations. An integration of ethical leadership principles and leadership competencies in diverse organizational settings. Exploration of analytical tools and conceptual frameworks in leadership, based on an understanding of leadership roles in team development and organizational performance.

Integration and application of the core disciplines of business to enable students to develop effective decision-making skills. Tools and techniques for developing leadership strategy in view of corporate policy and competing stakeholders’ needs and interests are explored. The case study method, strategic plan development and analysis is applied to a cross-section of firms and corporate entities.

Address the challenges faced by for-profit and nonprofit organizations by understanding the unique institutional context and the behavior of individuals within these organizations. Review relevant research related to for-profit and nonprofit organizations, bridging theory and practice to address complex management issues. Examine relevant legal and ethical issues related to organizational theory and human behavior and the implications of such intersection for the modern organization.

Study of marketing concepts, terminology, and applications. Study of the role and operation of marketing functions and their influence on the organization both internally and externally.

Study and application of operations and global supply chain management principles in manufacturing and service industries. Students learn how to create value and achieve operational efficiency and optimize profitability through local and global supply chains. Focus on tools, techniques, and smart methods to efficiently manage inventory, quality control, and forecasting; design supply chain networks and business processes; and develop statistical quality controls, products, and services.

Using knowledge gained from course work and experiences, students address a current issue related to nutrition and wellness. In this first in a series of two capstone courses, students complete an analysis of the scientific and health care literature related to the chosen issue and design an original research project. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

Continuation of NFS 6955 Capstone I. Students complete an original research project related to a topic in nutrition. Prerequisite: NFS 6955.

Original research on a topic related to nutrition, to be approved by the thesis advisor: a thorough literature review, formulating a research question or hypothesis, detailed description of the research methods, collecting and analyzing data, interpreting results, and drawing conclusions. Preparation of the written thesis. Oral presentation and defense of findings to the thesis committee. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.