2019-2020 Graduate Course Catalog

Nov 23, 2024

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2019-2020 Graduate Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Nutrition Science, MS

Contact

Lynn Brann, Director of Graduate Programs in Nutrition

559 White Hall

315-443-4805

lbrann@syr.edu

Core Faculty

Kay Stearns Bruening, Lynn S. Brann, Chaya Charles, Tanya M. Horacek, Sudha Raj, Jessica Redmond, Jane Burrell Uzcategui, Margaret A. Voss

Staff

Donna Sparkes, Administrative Assistant

Program Description

The program emphasizes critical evaluation of scientific information and evidence-based practice and research. Due to the varying backgrounds and professional interests of students, the master’s degree program is flexible. The master’s degree may also serve as a preparatory step toward more advanced study at the doctoral level.

The thesis involves investigative work on a specific topic, extensive examination and interpretation of nutrition literature on that topic, and the presentation of results in a clear and logical form. Completion of the thesis may require an additional year of study beyond completion of coursework.

Admission

Students selecting nutrition as a major field of study must have minimum proficiency in chemistry and physiology. A recent course in nutrition must be presented upon entrance.

If you have a bachelor’s degree outside nutrition and would like to become a registered dietitian, make an appointment with the director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), Nancy Rindfuss, M.A., R.D., to obtain an evaluation of your DPD status. The evaluation might dictate classes you have to complete prior to starting the program.

Part-Time Study

Students are able to pursue the degree part-time.

Financial Support

Limited department financial aid is available in the form of graduate assistantships and scholarship credits for students enrolled in masters and doctoral programs. Financial aid is determined based on merit.

Additional information regarding graduate financial aid can be found at Graduate Student Aid

Transfer Credit

A maximum of 30 percent of credits counted toward a master’s degree at Syracuse University may be transferred from another institution provided that the credits are an integral part of the degree program.

Degree

The M.S. degree requires the completion of a minimum of 30 credits, including a thesis.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Locate, interpret evaluate and use professional literature and information technologies

2. Develop and apply research designs that include statistical analysis methods

3. Demonstrate effective, assertive and professional oral, written and advocacy/negotiation communication and documentation skills and use of current information technologies when communicating with individuals, groups and the public

4. Use the nutrition care process to make decisions, to identify nutrition-related problems and determine and evaluate nutrition interventions, including medical nutrition therapy, disease prevention and health promotion

5. Develop interventions to affect change and enhance wellness in diverse individuals and groups

6. Explain the impact of a food/nutrition policy position on food/public health and nutrition programs, services and research

7. Apply the fundamental biochemical principles to evaluate and solve metabolic and physiologic problems related to macro-and micro metabolism in both health and disease states

8. Demonstrate appropriate use and interpretation of nutrition assessment techniques

Major Area Courses

Students are expected to complete all of the core courses, with a grade of B or higher.

Supporting Area Courses

6 to 18 credits may be selected from any field(s) approved by the student’s advisor as being supportive of the total program. The program of study must be approved by the department’s graduate committee.

Thesis

The thesis should be selected in a specific area of interest that is reflected by the selection of courses within the major and related fields. Students should register for six credits of NSD 997 - Master’s Thesis . A written proposal for the thesis must be presented to the department for approval. Oral defense of the thesis is required.

Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive examination for the M.S. degrees consists of an essay test on advanced topics in nutrition and an oral examination.

Master’s students are required to complete the Master’s Comprehensive Examination as part of their master’s degree and must pass this in order to receive their degree. The Master’s Comprehensive Examination is given to candidates who are in the final stages of completing all requirements for the master’s degree. This examination provides the master’s candidate an opportunity to demonstrate his/her capabilities for critical analysis and thinking and assimilation of information contained in the body of nutrition literature. If the student fails to pass the Comprehensive Exam, they will be given a second chance to complete it. Failure to pass the second time will result in suspension from the Nutrition Science Graduate Program.

Satisfactory Progress

Certification for an advanced degree at Syracuse University requires a minimum average of 3.0 for work comprising the program for the degree and a 2.8 average for all credits earned.