Students pursuing the graduate certificate in nutrition must choose from one of the following concentrations:
- Community Nutrition
- Food Security
This certificate qualifies for Title IV Federal Financial Aid.
Concentration in Community Nutrition
The graduate certificate in nutrition with a concentration in community nutrition prepares students to apply nutrition principles and the latest scientific evidence and methods of nutrition to health practice and research among different populations. The program emphasizes understanding the role of nutrition in population health and well-being and the development of skills required in the practice, analysis, and interpretation of nutrition-related information and data among individuals and populations. Students will acquire competencies in the following areas:
- public health nutrition framework
- nutritional assessment and monitoring
- research design and methodology
- planning and evaluation of nutrition programs
Concentration in Food Security
The graduate certificate in nutrition with a concentration in food security provides knowledge and tools in the areas of nutrition, food studies, geography, and geoinformation science to prepare students for careers in food security and safety. The program includes courses in nutrition, food security, food safety, and GIS and remote sensing. The program will give students insight into the determinants of food security in developing and industrialized countries, the roots of vulnerabilities of populations most at-risk, and programs involved in food security research and interventions worldwide.
Admissions
Applicants must meet the admission standards and application requirements specified in Graduate Admissions and must apply using the Application for Graduate Admission. The application process is competitive, and applications are considered for the fall and spring semesters. For application deadlines and detailed application requirements, refer to the College of Public Health Admissions website.
Concentration in Community Nutrition
Previous undergraduate coursework in natural sciences, nursing, health science, and sociology is helpful.
Policies
To earn the certificate, students must complete all requirements listed within a concentration and earn a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the 18 credits of graduate coursework, with no more than 3 credits with a grade of C.
For policies governing all graduate certificates, see AP.6.8 Requirements for Graduate Certificates.
Certificate Requirements
Total credits: 18
This certificate may be pursued on a full-or part-time basis.
Concentration in Community Nutrition (CMNT)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| NUTR 630 | Global Nutrition | 3 |
| NUTR 566 | Nutrition and Weight Management | 3 |
| GCH 712 | Introduction to Epidemiology | 3 |
| NUTR 651 | Nutrition Assessment | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select two from the following: | 6 | |
| Health Behavior Theory | ||
| Health Program Planning and Evaluation (Mason Core) | ||
GCH 752 | ||
| Food and Culture | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Concentration in Food Security (FSEC)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| NUTR 608 | Perspectives on Food Security | 3 |
| or BIOD 726 | Food Security | |
| NUTR 610 | Food Safety and Defense | 3 |
| or NUTR 583 | Food and Culture | |
| NUTR 626 | Food Systems | 3 |
| NUTR 630 | Global Nutrition | 3 |
| Elective | ||
| Select six credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Environmental Health | ||
| Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Remote Sensing | ||
| Food and Nutrition Security Policy | ||
| Nutrition Assessment | ||
or other approved elective course | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |