Overview & Mission

Bachelor of Science in Foods and Nutrition

The Bachelor of Science degree in Foods and Nutrition provided by the Program is currently granted continuing accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the American Dietetic Association (ADA). ACEND is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This recognition affirms that ACEND meets national standards and is a reliable authority on the quality of nutrition and dietetics education programs. ACEND can be contacted at 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606 or www.eatright.org.

The Program encourages students to adopt an integrated, holistic approach to understanding the food, nutritional, and dietetic needs of individuals, through a rigorous course of study that provides a strong foundation in the sciences and liberal arts. Emphasis on personal enrichment with leadership, social responsibility, service and ethics within a diverse society is central to the Program’s mission.

The undergraduate program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills for entry into foods, nutrition and dietetics-related professions or advanced study.  The curriculum is designed to primarily prepare students to meet the general academic requirements of the ADA Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). Students who successfully meet degree and DPD program requirements receive a verification statement that makes them eligible to apply to a dietetic internship program to obtain the credentialing requirements for becoming a Registered Dietitian. 

Master of Science in Nutrition

The 38-credit graduate program combines advanced study in nutrition and health promotion with a competency-based, multidisciplinary core curriculum that provides nutrition and health professionals with a broad perspective of current issues in nutrition, psychology, ethics, and technology.  Nutrition professionals develop skills to assume leadership roles in delivering nutrition and wellness-related services in a variety of settings.  The Program emphasizes ways to incorporate new research, evidence based practice, and technologies into the practice of nutrition.

The Program prepares students for a variety of career opportunities in business, government, health care, and education.  Graduates work in private practice; nutrition education; school systems; the food and pharmaceutical industries; clinical and corporate research; community organizations; hospitals; public health agencies; work site wellness and health promotion programs; and fitness facilities.

Dietetic Internship Program

The Dietetic Internship Program (DI) provides supervised practice in dietetics to individuals who have a baccalaureate degree and who have completed the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) requirements of the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association. 

After completing the Program, interns receive a verification statement of program completion and are eligible to take the national examination to become a Registered Dietitian (RD).  The Program provides a choice of two concentration areas; Nutrition Education and Counseling (NEC) and Food and Nutrition Business and Communications (FNBC). The Program is designed to ensure training and skills in the practice competencies established for entry-level dietitians.

Accreditation Status

The Dietetic Internship Program of the College of Saint Elizabeth is currently granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the American Dietetic Association. ACEND is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE).

The address and phone number of ACEND are 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL, 60606, (312) 899-4876.  The program is accredited through 2015.



Student Outcomes

Master of Science in Nutrition

Graduates of the program will be able to:

  • Translate nutrition theory and apply current nutrition research to evidence based nutrition practice
  • Demonstrate professional leadership through the communication of nutrition research using professional activities such as grant writing, peer reviewed journal publications and/or presentations at professional meetings
  • Recognize the psychological, social, and ethical factors that influence health and nutrition practices and the impact on delivery of nutrition services from different perspectives

Dietetic Internship Program

The goals of the Program are to:

1
Prepare students for entry level positions in dietetics with an emphasis on developing knowledge and practice skills in the concentration area selected; either Nutrition Education and Counseling or Food and Nutrition Business and Communications while meeting the Competencies/Learning Outcomes for Dietetic Internship Programs as established by The American Dietetic Association, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

2
Provide a supportive environment in which students develop leadership and professional dietetic practice skills through self-assessment of competence in chosen concentration and initiation of draft professional portfolio.

3
Promote ethical practice in a spirit of service and social responsibility Admission Standards and Procedures.


Applicants to the Dietetic Internship (DI) must follow the procedures described in the DI application materials, including the instructions for participating in the computer matching process (DND Digital) and the centralized application process (DICAS).

Application instructions are available on the College web site and must be submitted directly to the Dietetic Internship office as outlined in the application instructions; the process is separate from other graduate program admissions. Applicants are responsible for meeting all application deadlines. Individuals applying to the dietetic internship are not required but may apply to the MS in Nutrition program. Part time interns have the option of completing the MS in Nutrition concurrently. Individuals interested in applying should contact the Dietetic Internship Director with any questions

All students matched to the DI must  have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university or foreign equivalent and a Verification Statement from a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), meeting requirements of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the American Dietetic Association  (www.eatright.org). Acceptable Background and Medical Clearances at the expense of the applicant are required as a condition of admission to the Dietetic Internship program. (Applicants should contact the Dietetic Internship program for full policy, requirements and procedures.) These clearances must be obtained during a specified time period before the start of the program.

The Program has 14 full time and 6 part time positions with two separate DnD Digital Match Codes.  Applicants may apply to one or both of the full and part time options but must be sure to rank these choices appropriately.  For example, an applicant applying to both the full and part time option would be expected to use both of the program’s codes in priority order.  An intern interested in applying only to the program’s full or part time option, would use only that appropriate code.   Interns are matched with the program through the national matching process for the April match. The Dietetic Internship has two choices of concentrations; Nutrition Education and Counseling (NEC) and Food and Nutrition Business and Communications. Applicant select the choice of concentration after admission to the program.  Note: At the time of application, students who have not completed the educational requirements provide an Intent to Complete from a DPD.  Applicants must successfully complete the bachelor’s degree prior to program start date. Final acceptance into the Program requires the applicant to meet all admission criteria, health and medical requirements, proof of medical insurance, and student healthcare background clearance.


Graduates

The professional field of foods, nutrition and dietetics is a dynamic career choice in today’s health and consumer oriented society. This field offers the potential for a wide variety of employment options within the food industry, communications and health-related fields.

Our graduates have developed successful careers in healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry, the food industry as regulatory affairs specialists or as supermarket specialists, in communications as food writers, in education, community and public health agencies, and in the areas of nutrition counseling, corporate wellness, personal health, lifestyle motivation, and fitness.

Many graduates complete their program requirements to become Registered Dietitians. As RDs they are highly trained and qualified to offer specialized, in-depth medical nutrition and preventive nutritional care to patients and clients. For more information on careers in dietetics please see the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website at www.eatright.org.

Foods & Nutrition Program


Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Foods and Nutrition

Didactic Program in Dietetics concentration

  • FN100 Professional Preparation (1)
  • FN200 Introduction to Food Science w/Lab (4)
  • FN210 Basic Human Nutrition (4)
  • FN235 Methods of Nutrition Education (4)
  • FN300 Food Production Systems w/Lab (4)
  • FN320 Nutritional Biochemistry I (4)
  • FN323 Nutrition in the Life Cycle (4)
  • FN325 Nutritional Biochemistry II (4)
  • FN400 Professional Practice in Dietetics, Foods and Nutrition (1)
  • FN405 Food Science and Experimental Foods w/Lab (4)
  • FN435 Management in Dietetics Practice (4)
  • FN463 Nutrition Research and Communication Seminar (2)
  • FN490 Capstone in Foods and Nutrition (1)
  • FN500 Community Nutrition (3)
  • FN501 Medical Nutrition Therapy I (3)
  • FN502 Medical Nutrition Practice I (1)
  • FN503 Medical Nutrition Therapy II (3)
  • FN504 Medical Nutrition Practice II (1)
  • FN507 Service Learning in Community Nutrition (1)

Total: 53 credits

 

DPD concentration

  • BIO117 Human Physiology (4)
  • BIO209 Microbiology (4)
  • CHEM121 Introductory Chemistry (4)
  • CHEM 123 Introductory Organic Chemistry (4)
  • BUS121 Accounting and Finance for Health Care Professionals (4)
  • MATH 119 Elementary Statistics (4)
  • SOC – Sociology Elective (4)
  • PSY – Psychology Elective (4)

Total: 32 credits 


Total Required and Related Requirement Credits for the Bachelor in Science in Foods and Nutrition major in the Didactic Program in Dietetics concentration: 85 

A grade of C or better is required in all major core courses and in the sciences.

 

Minor under the Didactic Program in Dietetics concentration

Medical Nutrition for Health Professionals

  • FN210 Basic Human Nutrition (4) 
  • FN320 Nutritional Biochemistry I* (4)
  • FN323 Nutrition in the Life Cycle (4)
  • FN325 Nutritional Biochemistry II*(4)
  • FN501 Medical Nutrition Therapy I (3)
  • FN502 Medical Nutrition Practice I (1) (optional)
  • FN503 Medical Nutrition Therapy II (3)
  • FN504 Medical Nutrition Practice II (1) optional

 

Total: 22-24 credits
Students must meet pre-requests: *CHEM 121 and 123 or higher; **BIO 117. Students entering this minor must be approved by the DPD Director. Students entering this minor must have a 3.0 GPA or higher in the sciences, and be recommended by their major Program Faculty. 
This minor in Medical Nutrition for Health Professionals is designed specifically for students seeking to become health professionals who have an interest in medical nutrition. Students who intend to apply to medical school should comply with all the science and math requirements for admission.   Students admitted to this minor (and minors listed under the General Studies in Foods and Nutrition concentration) must have achieved a “C” or higher in all pre-requisite courses, and must achieve a “C” or higher for all courses in the minor to advance and/or awarding of the minor. This minor does not award an ACEND DPD verification statement. 

 

General Studies in Foods and Nutrition concentration

  • FN100 Professional Preparation (1)
  • FN200 Introduction to Food Science w/Lab (4)
  • FN210 Basic Human Nutrition (4)
  • FN235 Methods of Nutrition Education (4)
  • FN300 Food Production Systems w/Lab (4)
  • FN320 Nutritional Biochemistry I (4)
  • FN323 Nutrition in the Life Cycle (4)
  • FN325 Nutritional Biochemistry II (4)
  • FN400 Professional Practice in Dietetics, Foods and Nutrition (1)
  • FN405 Food Science and Experimental Foods w Lab (4)
  • FN463 Nutrition Research and Communication Seminar (2)
  • FN490 Capstone in Foods and Nutrition (1)
  • FN500 Community Nutrition (3)
  • FN507 Service Learning in Community Nutrition (1)
Total: 41 credtos

 

Related Requirements for the General Studies in Foods and Nutrition concentration

  • BIO117 Human Physiology (4)
  • CHEM121 Introductory Chemistry (4)
  • CHEM 123 Introductory Organic Chemistry (4)
  • BUS200 Principles of Management and Management Skills (4)
  • BUS121 Accounting and Finance for Health Care Professionals (4)
  • MATH 119 Elementary Statistics (4)
  • SOC – Sociology Elective (4)
  • PSY – Psychology Elective (4)
Total: 32 credits

 

Total Required and Related Requirement Credits for the Bachelor in Science in Foods and Nutrition major in the General Studies in Foods and Nutrition concentration: 73
A grade of C or better is required in all major core courses and in the sciences.
All FN Program course descriptions can be found under the College’s Self-Service system.

 

Minors under the General Studies in Foods and Nutrition concentration

The General Studies in Foods and Nutrition concentration offers three minor options expanding the opportunities for students from other majors to earn a specific minor emphasis in Foods and Nutrition. These minor options include: 1) Nutrition Science, 2) Foods and Nutrition, and 3) Foods, Nutrition and Community Education. 

 

Minor Option 1:  Nutritional Science (Total: 18 credits)

  • FN210 Basic Human Nutrition (4) 
  • FN320 Nutritional Biochemistry I* (4)
  • FN323 Nutrition in the Life Cycle (4)
  • FN325 Nutritional Biochemistry II*(4)
  • FN463 Nutrition Research and Communication (2)

 

Students completing option 1 must meet pre-requisites: *CHEM 121 and 123 (or higher); **BIO 117

 

Minor Option 2:  Foods and Nutrition (Total: 20 credits)

  • FN200 Introduction to Food Science w/Lab (4)
  • FN210 Basic Human Nutrition (4)
  • FN320 Nutritional Biochemistry I* (4)
  • FN325 Nutritional Biochemistry II*(4)
  • FN429 Food Science and Experimental Foods w/Lab (4)

 

Students completing option 2 must meet pre-requisites: *CHEM 121 and 123 (or higher)

 

Minor Option 3: Foods, Nutrition and Community Education (Total: 21 credits)

  • FN200 Introduction to Food Science w/Lab (4)
  • FN210 Basic Human Nutrition (4)
  • FN323 Nutrition in the Life Cycle (4)
  • FN500 Community Nutrition (3)
  • FN507 Service Learning in Community Nutrition (1)
Students must meet pre-requisites: **BIO 117 (Optional: CHEM 121 and 123).

 

Requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Foods and Nutrition- Second Degree

The second degree option is designed for the student who holds a B.A. or a B.S. degree in a non-related field, and requires a minimum of 32 credits to complete the degree and DPD coursework to meet ACEND DPD verification requirements. Students earn a B.S. in Foods and Nutrition. 

 

Interested students must:
  • Apply through the Office of Admission.
  • Have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in past college-level studies. 
  • Submit all transcripts of past college attended. From this evaluation, the Program Director will determine what courses a prospective student must take, and approximately how long it will take the student to complete the degree requirements. Students who have completed their degree requirements outside of the United States must submit  TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores, copy of their foreign degree, and an original educational services transcript that states U.S. degree equivalency.
  • Meet the College’s requirements for a second degree and enroll as a matriculated student. 
  • Complete a one four-credit course under the CSE Essentials general education requirements, Element III. 
  • Coursework requirements towards the DPD concentration will be determined on an individual basis but must meet a minimum of 24 credits towards the major. Please note that only coursework with a grade of “B” or better for the DPD required and related courses will be accepted for initial transfer. Nutrition courses completed at another institution must have been completed within the past five years in order to transfer.  Nutritional Biochemistry I and II and all courses with specific ACEND DPD student learning outcomes must be completed at the College unless specific permission has been provided by the DPD Director or the FN Program Chair.

 

Qualified students completing the DPD concentration second degree option may wish to consider the B.S./M.S. Combined Degree Program.

 

This second degree option is designed for the student who holds a B.A. or a B.S. degree in a non-related field, and requires more than 32 credits to complete coursework to meet the ADA verification statement. Students earn a B.S. in Foods and Nutrition. Interested students must:

  • Apply through the Office of Admission.
  • Have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in past college-level studies.
  • Submit all transcripts of past college coursework.  From this evaluation, the Program Director will determine what courses a prospective student must take, and approximately how long it will take the student to complete the Certificate requirements.  Students who have completed their degree requirements outside of the United States must submit a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores, copy of their foreign degree,  and an original educational services transcript that states U.S. degree equivalency.
  • Meet the College’s requirements for a second degree, and enroll as matriculated students. 
  • Coursework requirements towards the major will be determined on an individual basis but must meet a minimum of 24 credits. All professional concentration coursework must be completed at CSE unless otherwise approved by the Didactic Program in Dietetics Director.
     

 

Requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Foods and Nutrition

The Program is designed for eligible undergraduate students who want to earn B.S. and M.S. degrees in Foods and Nutrition in a five-year period. The student who wishes to apply to this Program must: be a Foods and Nutrition major and meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Have completed five (5) semesters of college or completed 76 credits.
  • Have completed the following M.S. in Nutrition program prerequisites: BIO117 Human Physiology with Lab, CHEM121/131 Introduction to Chemistry with Lab, CHEM123 Organic Chemistry with Lab, CHEM201 Biochemistry with Lab, FN315 Advanced Nutrition, MATH119 Elementary Statistics.
  • Have completed all of the College’s undergraduate general education requirements.
  • Have attained a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average in both College of Saint Elizabeth and transfer coursework.

Students enrolled in the Combined Degree Program will:
  • Complete 116 undergraduate credits and 38 graduate-level credits, for a total of 154 credits.
  • Receive their B.S. degree in Foods and Nutrition upon completing 128 credits, which must include all general-education and major requirements. In the process of meeting B.S. degree requirements, students also fulfill the ADA Didactic Program in Dietetics verification statement requirements.


Senior-year students accepted into the Graduate Program in Nutrition can:

  • Use free electives to complete one graduate-level course from the Multidisciplinary Core Issues (3 credits)
  • Complete the following graduate-level professional concentration credits:
    • FN501 Medical Nutrition Therapy (4)
    • FN502 Medical Nutrition Practice (2)
    • FN655 Research Methods (3 credits; replaces FN463)
    • FN677 Program Design and Management in Community Nutrition (3 credits; replaces FN455)

Note: Descriptions of these graduate courses can be found in the Graduate Catalog. These 15 graduate-level professional concentration credits may only be applied to the M.S. in Nutrition Program, not to another graduate program or to the Dietetic Internship.

 

Requirements for a Minor in Foods and Nutrition

  • FN--- 100 or 200-Level Course (3)
  • FN--- 100 or 200-Level Course (3)
  • FN--- 100 or 200-Level Course (3)
  • FN--- 300 or 400-Level Course* (3)
  • FN--- 300 or 400-Level Course* (3)
  • FN--- 300 or 400-Level Course* (3)

Total: 18

*With approval of Program Chairperson. All course prerequisites must be met.

 

Requirements for the Combined Bachelor of Science/Master of Science Degree 

B.S. in Foods and Nutrition/M.S. in Nutrition

Eligible undergraduate students can earn a combined B.S./M.S. degree for a total of 154 credits.  Students are required to complete 116 undergraduate credits and 38 graduate-level credits to meet the combined degree requirements.  The Bachelor of Science degree will be awarded upon completion of 128 credits, which must meet all general education and professional concentration requirements.  In the process of meeting the B.S. degree requirementsstudents also fulfill the ADA DPD verification statement requirements; however this statement will be issued at the completion of the M.S. degree. 

Students interested in the B.S./M.S. program option, must be a major in Foods and Nutrition and meet the department’s eligibility criteria. Combined degree students must continue in the master’s program without interruption until completion or risk being dropped.  Combined degree students must apply and be granted a leave of absence in order to interrupt their studies.

1
Students must have established junior-level standing, or completion of 76 credits. Generally, this process is met at the beginning of the junior year. 

2
Complete the prerequisites to the M.S. in Nutrition program coursework: Human Physiology, Introductory and Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Advanced Nutrition, and Statistics. 

3
Have a completed all undergraduate general education requirements at the time of application. 

4
Hold a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in both College of Saint Elizabeth and transfer credits.

Upon acceptance into the Graduate Program in Nutrition, students in their senior year may use free electives to complete one graduate-level course from the Multidisciplinary MC 620 Ethical Issues

(3 credits), and complete the following graduate-level professional concentration credits: FN 501 Medical Nutrition (4 credits), FN 502 Medical Nutrition Practice (2 credits), FN 655 Research Methods (3 credits – replaces FN 463), FN 677 Program Design and Management in Community Nutrition (3 credits – replaces FN 455).  The fifteen (15) graduate-level professional concentration credits may only be applied to M.S. in Nutrition Program and cannot be applied to another graduate program or the Dietetic Internship.  Note: students who chose this option must complete the M.S. degree to receive the verification statement for the DPD.

Students accepted into the B.S./M.S. program may apply to the Dietetic Internship Program at the College of Saint Elizabeth under the Pre-Select Option.

  • Student must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA to be eligible.
  • Application material may be obtain from the Dietetic Internship Director after September 1st and must be returned by October 1st
  • Preselect decisions will be based on the applicant’s overall application packet, including GPA, a writing sample, evidence of work experience, recommendations and interview. 
  • Preselect decisions will be made by the Dietetic Internship Selection Committee and announced by November 1st
  • Applicants not admitted during this process may apply during the regular application process to this or any other program. 
  • Up to six of the dietetic internship slots may be awarded with this option.
  • There is no application fee for this option.
  • Applicants must have a Verification Statement to apply and must complete the MS in Nutrition degree requirements prior to the start date of the dietetic internship program.