University of Connecticut |
Undergraduate & Graduate ProgramsUndergraduate ProgramsThe Department, established in 1970, has a distinguished record of teaching, research, and public service. Faculty, professional, and support staff are dedicated to excellence in undergraduate education. Each student has the opportunity for personal growth through the balance of strong academic programs, independent studies, field experiences, and for those who meet the requirements the department’s Honors Program. Students are encouraged to develop team building and leadership skills by participating in student organizations, independent studies, and field experiences. Nutritional Sciences (NUSC) majors integrate knowledge of the use of foods and nutrients by cells, individuals, and communities to promote optimal health and treatment of disease. The Department offers two areas of emphasis; Dietetics (Didactic Program) and Nutritional Sciences, through which students can obtain their Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nutritional Sciences. Students not admitted to the University as Nutritional Sciences majors may petition into this major during the first two weeks of each semester. The following petition requirements must be met for consideration of a change into the Nutritional Sciences major:
NUSC majors enrolled in the Didactic Program follow a curriculum that meets the American Dietetic Association (ADA) Didactic Program in Dietetics academic requirements. After graduation, the student must complete an independent dietetic internship, also called supervised practice, in order to fulfill the requirements to sit for the National Registration Exam. The Didactic Program in Dietetics at the University of Connecticut currently is granted accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education of ADA, 216W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60606-6695, (312) 899-5400. Admission to the Didactic Program in Dietetics concentration within the Nutritional Sciences major requires a minimum of 60 earned credits, a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher, successful completion of the following courses with a C grade or better: CHEM 1124Q and 1125Q or CHEM 1127Q and 1128Q; CHEM 2241, or 2443 and 2444; and BIOL 1107, and a B grade or better in NUSC 1165 and NUSC 2200. The form for declaring the concentration is below. Dietetic Internships are very competitive and our Didactic Program does not guarantee admission to an internship. There is currently a nationwide shortage of dietetic internships. Placement rate nationally has been 50% for the past two years, and our five year placement rate is about 60%. To increase the chance you will receive a dietetic internship our faculty recommends students prepare starting early in their college career and acquire work and volunteer experiences in the dietetics field. Our department offers independent studies and practicums to help students gain necessary experience. We also encourage students to be active in extracurricular activities to gain leadership experience. Earning at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA is also recommended. NUSC majors enrolled in the Nutritional Sciences option integrate the Nutritional Sciences Core Requirements with additional courses in the laboratory or behavioral sciences. Students interested in medicine, dentistry, or other health-related professions will work with faculty advisors to select appropriate supporting courses to meet their academic goals. This option may also lead to a career in academia, government, community nutrition and public health agencies, and the food, dietary supplement or pharmaceutical industry. Click here for more information about our Undergraduate programs. Click here for more information about our Didactic Program in Dietetics.
Graduate ProgramsDoctor of Philosophy and Master of Science degrees are offered in Nutritional Sciences. There are three major areas of expertise within the Department: Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition, Human Nutrition and Metabolism, and Community Nutrition. Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition is based on laboratory studies of biochemical metabolism in the cell, tissue, and whole animal. Human Nutrition and Metabolism involves human studies or trials to examine nutrient metabolism in health and disease. Community Nutrition focuses on public health areas of nutrition including community-level nutrition assessment, education, and intervention programs. Each emphasis area is interdisciplinary in approach and is supported by other departments at the University of Connecticut, as well as collaborative arrangements with other institutions. Opportunities for interdisciplinary research and study exist with other departments and university units, including the University of Connecticut Health Center, the Department of Sports, Leisure, and Exercise Sciences, the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, the Biotechnology Center, the School of Pharmacy, the Department of Pathobiology, the Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, the Department of Human Development and Family Relations, and the Department of Animal Sciences. All programs require a thesis, dissertation or expanded paper, in addition to the completion of appropriate Graduate courses and examinations. Click here for more information about our Graduate programs. |
News and UpdatesFall 2011 Seminar Series
ScholarshipsPlease go to the CANR Scholarships and Financial Aid page for Scholarship information
Positions OpenDHI Assistant Research Professor |