Community Nutrition & Health Promotion Specialization
Master of Science (M.S.) in Nutrition and Health Sciences
The master's degree in Nutrition and Health Sciences-Community Nutrition and Health Promotion specialization will provide graduates with the knowledge and skills 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 evaluation community-based programs
M.S., 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 (3)
- NUTR 857 Classroom and Outreach Experiences in Food and Nutrition (3) and/or 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 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)
Descriptions of courses within the department can be found online at: https://catalog.unl.edu/graduate-professional/courses/nutr/.
Total credits required:
- 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 - consult with your advisor.
- Two semesters of general chemistry (CHEM 109A General Chemistry I and 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 or BIOC 431 Biochemistry I: Structure and Metabolism)
- Human Physiology with lab (BIOS 213/BIOS 213L Human Physiology)
GRE is not required.
Careers
- 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
For additional career information, click here.
Application to this program
When completing the Office of Graduate Studies online application, select:
Major/Degree: Nutrition and Health Sciences
Specialization: Community Nutrition and Health Promotion
