Mar 28, 2024  
2016-2017 Graduate Catalog 
    
2016-2017 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Health Sciences, Dietetics Concentration, M.S.


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Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for programs in the Department of Health Sciences vary by program. Refer to the specific program for admission criteria and deadlines.

Mission

The graduate programs in health sciences are dedicated to preparing students to become evidence-based critical thinkers in the health sciences. Specifically, these programs build upon the undergraduate health sciences programs by providing a more detailed knowledge base that is fortified by self-directed learning experiences and the development of practical, clinical and/or research skills.

Goals

The specific goals of the graduate programs in health sciences are designed to help students develop their critical thinking abilities while expanding their knowledge in the rapidly changing health-related environments. Specifically, students will be able to:

  • critically evaluate the current research in the ever-broadening field of health.
  • access current literature in the health fields.
  • interpret current health-related research.
  • develop basic research skills.
  • describe and evaluate various health education models.
  • critically evaluate past and present health care administration strategies.

The mission and goals are based, in part, on the Standards for the Preparation of Graduate-Level Health Educators.

In the Master of Science programs, courses must be selected with the approval of the major adviser in accordance with the program requirements. Students electing a major in the health sciences department are expected to have adequate undergraduate preparation in the chosen area of graduate study and satisfactory Graduate Record Examination scores.

Students entering the dietetics or nutrition and physical activity concentrations of the health sciences graduate program who do not possess the required prerequisites must obtain them before beginning the program.

Overview of Programs

The Department of Health Sciences is home to three graduate programs: M.S. in health sciences with a concentration in either dietetics or nutrition and physical activity; M.O.T. in occupational therapy; and M.P.A.S. in physician assistant studies.

Health Sciences: Dietetics Concentration

Graduate Program Director: Dr. Jeremy Akers

Email: akersjd@jmu.edu

This program is not accepting new students for the 2016-17 academic year. Please check with program director for updates.

A master of science degree in health sciences may be pursued with a concentration in dietetics. The program includes course work in advanced nutrition, topics in foods, professional issues in dietetics, management in dietetics settings, research methods, nutrition and disease, nutrigenomics, and geriatric nutrition. In addition to course work, students must plan, conduct and complete a written report on a research project. The prerequisite for admission to this program is the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential.

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