Master of Science in Applied Nutrition

Degree

Master of Science in Applied Nutrition
SWAG视频 Online | College of Professional Studies (CPS)
Online Programs in Applied Nutrition

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Mission

Mission of the Master of Science in Applied Nutrition

The mission of the Master of Science in Applied Nutrition program is to prepare individuals for leadership roles in the field of nutrition, to advance knowledge and expand skills that promote excellence and innovation in all areas of nutrition practice, and to emphasize evidence-based best practices to support the well-being and health outcomes of individuals, families, and communities through education, research, and scholarship.

Mission of the Master of Science in Applied Nutrition, dietetics PATHWAY

The mission of the SWAG视频 Master of Science in Applied Nutrition program is to prepare individuals for leadership roles in the field of nutrition, to advance knowledge and expand skills that promote excellence and innovation in all areas of nutrition practice, and to emphasize evidence-based best practices to support the well-being and health outcomes of individuals, families, and communities through education, research, and scholarship.

The Master of Science in Applied Nutrition Dietetics pathway provides a verification statement upon successful completion of program requirements, which prepares graduates for practice as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) after passing the national registration exam.

Accreditation

Regional Accreditation

All programs at the SWAG视频 are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Specialized Accreditation

The SWAG视频 Master of Science in Applied Nutrition, Dietetics focus is Fully Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education (ACEND) in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040 ext. 5400.

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master鈥檚 degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor鈥檚 degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website: .

In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited graduate program of Master of Science in Applied Nutrition, Dietetics Focus at The SWAG视频 are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN. In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice.

Program Description

Master of Science in Applied Nutrition program goals

Graduates of the Master of Science in Applied Nutrition Program will:

  • Interpret, evaluate, communicate and apply complex nutrition concepts to a wide variety of individuals, communities, and organizations.
  • Use evidence-based knowledge to inform best practices in nutrition professions.
  • Provide leadership and innovation to the nutrition profession, facilitating the growth and application of best practices in the field to our region and globally.
  • Utilize theories of health behavior and the translation of theory into practice as a valuable tool in public health, community, and clinical nutrition settings.

Master of Science in Applied Nutrition, Dietetics PATHWAY goals

In addition to the above, dietetics-pathway graduates will:

  • Be competent practitioners that are equipped to pass the RDN exam, that are ethical and skilled in patient care, and that are competitively employable in the field.
  • Use evidence-based knowledge to inform best practices in nutrition professions and Medical Nutrition Therapy.

Objectives in support of the goals of the Master of Science in Applied Nutrition program

Graduates of the Master of Science in Applied Nutrition Program will:

  • Develop and utilize nutrition concepts and best practices for nutrition and health promotion initiatives.
  • Apply core research principles to measure the nutrition status and environment of individuals and communities.
  • Develop communications and collaboration strategies with representatives from government, non-profit, community, and business entities regarding nutrition initiatives.
  • Interpret and modify explanations of complex nutrition concepts for various audiences.
  • Research, develop, and disseminate evidence-based and theory-driven educational materials and work products at an audience-appropriate level for topics related to nutrition and health promotion.

Degree Pathways

There are four (4) degree pathways that allow the Masters of Science in Applied Nutrition students to concentrate on growing areas of the nutrition industry and to pursue an educational pathway that best addresses their personal and professional needs. Within the Generalist Pathway, there are focus area-specific objectives based on the student鈥檚 chosen focus area and are listed below.

Degree Pathway: Generalist, Applied Nutrition

Students selecting the Generalist Pathway will develop skills in and an understanding of multiple competency areas of nutrition study and practice, dependent on their individualized course of study. This option allows the student to take the requisite first-year classes, and then diversify their educational plan of study to best meet their personal and professional needs.

Focus Area: Non-diet Approaches to Health Promotion

Graduates completing this focus area will be able to:

  • Define and explain key concepts related to overweight/obesity to a variety of audiences.
  • Describe the prevalence of and trends in overweight/obesity.
  • Develop materials to combat the impacts of overweight/obesity.
  • Analyze and communicate the medical, psychosocial, and economic costs associated with overweight/obesity to a variety of audiences.
  • Compare overweight/obesity prevention and treatment approaches to evaluate their efficacy at the individual and community levels.
  • Propose and communicate new approaches to combat the incidence of overweight/obesity for a variety of audiences based on an analysis of existing policy and regulations.
Focus Area: Nutrition and Disease Prevention

Graduates completing this focus area will be able to:

  • Analyze nutrition research literature to apply it to nutrition practice.
  • Analyze and communicate evidence-based nutrition information to a variety of audiences.
  • Apply theories of health behavior in nutrition practice settings.
  • Analyze and communicate research in nutrition-related disease prevention and progression to a wide variety of audiences.
  • Design and implement nutrition and wellness research to include identifying research hypotheses, analyzing data, interpreting research results, and writing publishable reports.
Focus Area: Sustainable Nutrition

Graduates completing this focus area will be able to:

  • Assess current regional and global agricultural policies and practices in relation to environmental stewardship, human health, and food justice.
  • Analyze nutrition, food systems, and agricultural literature to apply it to nutrition practice, education, and advocacy.
  • Evaluate the environmental sustainability of traditional and current diets worldwide and how they can meet nutritional needs while lessening environmental impacts.
  • Analyze and communicate evidence-based nutrition and food systems information to a variety of audiences.
  • Design and implement nutrition and food systems research to include identifying research hypotheses, analyzing data, interpreting research results, and writing publishable reports.
Degree Pathway: Dietetics Focus
  • At least 80% of graduates who respond to the 鈥淎lumni Survey鈥 will select 鈥渟trongly agree鈥 or 鈥渁gree鈥 indicating they were adequately prepared to be an effective RDN practitioner in their first post-graduate professional position.
  • At least 80% of employers who respond to the 鈥淓mployer Survey鈥 will select 鈥渟trongly agree鈥 or 鈥渁gree鈥 indicating the graduates demonstrated ethical behavior and cultural competency in all areas of nutrition and interprofessional practice in their first post-graduate professional position.
  • At least 80% of graduates who respond to the 鈥淎lumni Survey鈥 will select 鈥渟trongly agree鈥 or 鈥渁gree鈥 indicating they were able to communicate evidence-based research in nutrition to a wide variety of audiences in their first post-graduate professional position.
  • At least 80% of employers who respond to the 鈥淓mployer Survey鈥 will select 鈥渟trongly agree鈥 or 鈥渁gree鈥 indicating the graduates were able to communicate evidence-based research in nutrition to a wide variety of audiences in their first post-graduate professional position.

ACEND Required Objectives

  • Program Completion: At least 80% of program graduates complete program/degree requirements within three (3) years (150% of the program length).
  • Graduate Employment: Of graduates who seek employment, at least 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within twelve (12) months of graduation.

Employer Satisfaction: At least 80% of employers who respond to the 鈥淓mployer Survey鈥 will select 鈥渟trongly agree鈥 or 鈥渁gree鈥 indicating graduates were prepared for entry-level practice.

Graduate Performance on Registration Exam

  • At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within twelve (12) months of program completion.
  • The program鈥檚 one (1)-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one (1) year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%. 

Program outcomes data measuring success against these objectives is available upon request. Please contact the MSAN Assistant Program Director/Director of Dietetics Focus for further information.

Curricular Requirements: MSAN Generalist Pathway

Master of Science in Applied Nutrition (MSAN) Core courses

Program Required CoursesCredits
APN 600 鈥 Trends and Issues in Nutrition3
APN 604 鈥 Nutrition Across the Lifespan3
APN 610 鈥 Research Methods3
APN 615 鈥 Nutrition and Metabolism3
APN 620 鈥 Nutrition Education and Health Behavior Change3
APN 625 鈥 Nutrition Practice for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention or APN 734 鈥 Nutrition Leadership, Community Nutrition, and Wellness (Dietetics focus students)3
APN 755 鈥 Applied Nutrition Capstone3
APN 775 鈥 Advanced Nutrition Research3
Minimum of twelve (12) credits of electives: selected from any 700-level or higher APN courses (Generalist focus) or selected from the Suggested Focus Areas (below)12
Minimum Total Required Credits36

Focus Areas

Focus Area: Non-diet Approaches for Health Promotion
Suggested ElectivesCredits
APN 715 鈥 Measuring Social Media Impact or APN 734 鈥 Nutrition Leadership, Community Nutrition and Wellness or APN 740 鈥 Nutrition and Nutrition Information in Media or other approved elective3
APN 730 鈥 Medical Nutrition Therapy3
APN 745 鈥 Overweight and Obesity3
APN 750 鈥 Clinical Management of Overweight and Obesity3
Focus Area: Nutrition and Disease Prevention
Suggestive ElectivesCredits
APN 730 鈥 Medical Nutrition Therapy3
APN 760 鈥 Micronutrients: Nutrition and Functional Applications3
APN 765 鈥 Advanced Practices in Nutrition Therapy3
APN 770 鈥 Nutrition Counseling and Communication3
Focus Area: Sustainable Nutrition
Suggested ElectivesCredits
APN 701 鈥 Nutrition, Wellness, and Multimedia Communication or APN 734 鈥 Nutrition Leadership, Community Nutrition and Wellness or APN 770 鈥 Nutrition Counseling and Communication or other approved elective3
APN 707 鈥 Dietary Practices and the Environment3
APN 712 鈥 Global Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture Policy3
APN 717 鈥 Food Justice and Advocacy3

Curricular Requirements: Generalist with Food and Nutrition Science Concentration (Enhanced Pathway)

Master of Science in Applied Nutrition (MSAN): Generalist with Food and Nutrition Science Concentration (Enhanced Pathway)

Program Required CoursesCredits
APN 505 鈥 Applied Anatomy and Physiology3
APN 510 鈥 Applied Nutrition Biochemistry3
APN 515 鈥 Applied Food Innovation3
APN 600 鈥 Trends and Issues in Nutrition3
APN 604 鈥 Nutrition Across the Lifespan3
APN 610 鈥 Research Methods3
APN 615 鈥 Nutrition and Metabolism3
APN 775 鈥 Advanced Nutrition Research3
Twelve (12) credits of electives: selected from any 700-level or higher APN courses (Generalist pathway) or selected the Suggested Focus Areas (above)12
Minimum Total Required Credits45

Curricular Requirements: RDN to MSAN Pathway

Master of Science in Applied Nutrition (MSAN): RDN to MSAN Pathway

For current Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs); current CDR card must be provided at time of application. Upon acceptance you receive nine (9) total transfer credits for APN 600, APN 615, and APN 730.

Program Required CoursesCredits
APN 604 鈥 Nutrition Across the Lifespan3
APN 610 鈥 Research Methods3
APN 620 鈥 Nutrition Education and Health Behavior Change3
APN 625 鈥 Nutrition Practice for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention or APN 734 鈥 Nutrition Leadership, Community Nutrition and Wellness (Dietetics focus students)3
APN 755 鈥 Applied Nutrition Capstone3
APN 775 鈥 Advanced Nutrition Research3
Nine (9) credits of electives: choose from any 700-level APN courses (APN 730 not permitted)9
Minimum Total Required Credits27

Curricular Requirements: Dietetics Focus

Master of Science in Applied Nutrition (M.S.A.N.): Dietetics Focus

Successful graduates of the MS Applied Nutrition, Dietetics focus, will receive a verification statement allowing them to sit for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist registration exam, administered by the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR).

Required CoursesCredits
APN 600 鈥 Trends and Issues in Nutrition3
APN 602 鈥 Trends and Issues in Nutrition Lab1
APN 604 鈥 Nutrition Across the Lifespan3
APN 606 鈥 Nutrition Across the Lifespan Lab1
APN 610 鈥 Research Methods3
APN 611 鈥 Research Methods Lab1
APN 615 鈥 Nutrition and Metabolism3
APN 616 鈥 Nutrition and Metabolism lab1
APN 620 鈥 Nutrition Education and Health Behavior Change3
APN 621 鈥 Nutrition Education and Health Behavior Change lab1
APN 730 鈥 Medical Nutrition Therapy3
APN 731 鈥 Medical Nutrition Therapy lab1
APN 734 鈥 Nutrition Leadership, Community Nutrition and Wellness3
APN 736 鈥 Nutrition Leadership, Community Nutrition and Wellness lab1
APN 755 鈥 Applied Nutrition Capstone3
APN 756 鈥 Applied Nutrition Capstone lab1
APN 760 鈥 Micronutrients: Nutrition and Functional Applications3
APN 761 鈥 Micronutrients: Nutrition and Functional Applications lab1
APN 775 鈥 Advanced Nutrition Research3
APN 776 鈥 Advanced Nutrition Research lab1
APN 780 鈥 Food and Nutrition Operations Management3
APN 781 鈥 Food and Nutrition Operations Management lab1
APN 785 鈥 Nutrition Assessment and Application in a Clinical Setting3
APN 786 鈥 Nutrition Assessment and Application in a Clinical Setting lab1
Minimum Total Required Credits48

Academic Policy

Minimum Grade Point Average

Matriculated graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better. Failure to do so will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Any student receiving a grade below B- on any individual course has failed that course must re-enroll and repeat the course to achieve a grade of B- or better. Any student who receives a grade of F in two (2) or more courses is dismissed from the program.

Graduation

Candidates must fulfill all program requirements and are required to earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to be eligible to graduate. All students must file an Application to Graduate with the Registrar鈥檚 Office via U-Online. Please see our Graduation FAQ for complete instructions and the answers to frequently asked questions.

Attendance Policy

Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 p.m. of the first week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean鈥檚 Office. 

Course Withdrawal Policy

Add/Drop Period

A student may add or drop a course during the time frames published on the SWAG视频 Academic Calendar. Courses dropped during the add/drop period will not appear on a student鈥檚 official transcript.

Course Withdrawal Period

A student may withdraw from a course after the add/drop period has ended through the designated withdrawal deadline, which is approximately at the 60% point of the course's length. The withdrawal period for each semester and session is published on the SWAG视频 Academic Calendar.

Grade for the Course Withdrawal

A course withdrawal during the withdrawal period results in a grade of W, which will appear on a student鈥檚 official transcript. The grade of W is awarded only if a student has submitted a completed Course Withdrawal Form to the Registrar鈥檚 Office by the deadline. A W grade does not impact the term or cumulative GPA.

Consultation Before a Course Withdrawal

Before deciding to withdraw from a course, students must consult their Program/Academic Director and are encouraged to discuss the situation with the instructor. 

International students must obtain the approval of the Office of Global Education, as withdrawals may affect visa status.

Students are strongly urged to consult with Student Financial Services, as course withdrawals may affect financial aid or Veterans benefits. 

Course Withdrawal Process

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must submit a Course Withdrawal Form, signed by their Program/Academic Director and Office of Global Education (if applicable), to the Registrar鈥檚 Office before the Course Withdrawal deadline.

Ceasing to attend classes or notifying the instructor does not constitute an official withdrawal.

Late Withdrawal

Requests to withdraw from a course after the withdrawal period will only be considered in extreme circumstances. To request a late withdrawal, a student must consult with their Program/Academic Director and submit a completed Academic Petition stating the extenuating circumstances and a letter of support from an advisor, faculty member, or Program/Academic Director to the College鈥檚 Dean鈥檚 Office offering the course for consideration. 

If approved, a W grade will appear on the transcript, not impacting the GPA calculations.

Late withdrawal petitions must be submitted to the Registrar鈥檚 Office by the last day of the class.

Note: All deadlines, procedures, and policies related to course withdrawal are subject to the guidelines specified on the SWAG视频 Academic Calendar.

University Withdrawal

All matriculated students who wish to withdraw from the University must complete notification documentation available from the Registrar鈥檚 Office. Documentation must be signed by designated academic and administrative authorities.

Re-Admission

Students who have been withdrawn from the program for any reason must reapply if they wish to continue their studies. The application procedures, academic policies, and program requirements that are in effect at the time of readmission will apply. Students who re-enroll following withdrawal will have their previous coursework evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than five (5) years old may not be accepted for credit in the program.

Students who have been administratively withdrawn from the program may petition for re-admission after a full semester has elapsed. The petition letter must provide a justification for re-admission that addresses how past issues have been resolved and will not re-occur. The letter should be attached in the application portal.

TIMELINE FOR COMPLETION

A student who has not completed the MS Applied Nutrition program within five (5) years will be administratively withdrawn from the program and be required to apply for readmission.

Leave of Absence (Academic Stop Out)

Students may stop out of their program for up to two (2) semesters. Students need to coordinate stop outs in advance with their assigned student support specialist, and stop out time is considered part of the time allotted to complete the academic program. Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned.

However, the student who does not return at the specified time or who exceeds two (2) semesters of stop out will be administratively withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures. Readmitted students are subject to the re-admittance term鈥檚 catalog (this may mean that policies and/or program requirements have been changed or updated since previous admission, and should be reviewed for potential impact on degree requirements, time to complete the degree, and degree planning).  

Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the Student Support Specialist and Student Financial Services to indicate a change of plans; stop out time can affect financial aid eligibility and repayment.

Medical Leave of Absence

In the event that a leave of absence is taken due to medical reasons, a doctor鈥檚 note may be required in order to return to active standing within the program.

Academic Integrity Policy

The SWAG视频 values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy. Failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

  1. Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
  2. Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
  3. Action that destroys or alters the work of another student.
  4. Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one (1) course without permission of each instructor.
  5. Plagiarism is the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student鈥檚 previous record of violations. The appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in The College of Professional Studies Student Handbook.

Student Access Center

The Student Access Center works to ensure that the University promotes respect for individual differences and that no person who meets the academic and technical standards needed for admission and continued enrollment at SWAG视频 is denied benefits or subjected to discrimination due to a disability. Toward this end, and in conjunction with federal and state laws, the University provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students.

Transfer Credit

Upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to three (3) courses (maximum of nine (9) credits) into the Master of Science in Applied Nutrition program.

To request consideration for transfer credit, a student must provide an official transcript and a course syllabus for each course. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of The College of Professional Studies based on specific program details listed below. Requests for approval of transfer credit should be submitted to and will be granted at the discretion of the Program Director.

Transfer courses must:

  • Be classified as graduate level.
  • Have been taken within five (5) years of application.
  • Have been completed with a grade of B or better. 
  • Be worth three (3) credits
  • Be equivalent to one (1) of the required program courses or an elective course that meets the goals of the student鈥檚 education. 

Admissions

See  for more information.

Financial Information

TUITION AND FEES

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This catalog outlines the academic programs, degree criteria, policies, and events of the SWAG视频 for the 2024鈥2025 academic year and serves as the official guide for academic and program requirements for students enrolling at the University during the Summer of 2024, Fall 2024, and Spring 2025 semesters.

The information provided is accurate as of its publication date on April 26, 2024.
The SWAG视频 reserves the right to modify its programs, calendar, or academic schedule as deemed necessary or beneficial. This includes alterations to course content, class rescheduling, cancellations, or any other academic adjustments. Changes will be communicated as promptly as possible.

While students may receive guidance from academic advisors or program directors, they remain responsible for fulfilling the requirements outlined in the catalog relevant to their enrollment year and for staying informed about any updates to policies, provisions, or requirements.