Community Nutrition & Health Promotion Specialization
Master of Science (M.S.) in Nutrition and Health Sciences
This specialization prepares students to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities through evidence-based nutrition and public health practice. Students will learn to develop and evaluate programs and policies that address food security, nutrition, and health needs; apply health behavior theories to support positive change; conduct community needs assessments; and design interventions that promote health across the lifespan.
Required Courses (15 Credit Hours):
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, review the Guide to Educational Health Careers online.
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)
Course descriptions are available online.
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.
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
