Mar 28, 2024  
Mansfield University 2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Mansfield University 2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Nutrition, Bachelor of Science


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Offered by the Department of Health Sciences


The Health Sciences Department offers a degree program in nutrition with concentrations in dietetics or sports nutrition.  Students in this major engage in rewarding activities in and out of the classroom. Those wishing to work in fitness and sports should select the sports nutrition concentrations, while those wishing to become registered dietitians must select the dietetics concentration. 

The nutrition major prepares students to complete advanced degrees in the field, qualify for post-baccalaureate internships and/ or seek employment upon graduation.  Career opportunities in this growing field include jobs as clinical dietitians, foodservice directors, sports nutritionists, corporate nutritionists, private practice dietitians, wellness and weight control experts, and community dietitians in public and private organizations. The Mansfield University dietetics concentration is currently accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Dr., Plaza Suite 2000 Chicago, IL 60606 (312-899-0040 ext 5400) acend@eatright.org.

Dietetics Concentration
Graduates of this program have two options: 1) to obtain an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited internship in order to become a Registered Dietitian, or (2) to obtain an entry level job. 

Sports Nutrition Concentration
Sports nutrition is a rapidly growing field of study. Careers in sports nutrition involve working with individuals and groups who are healthy, active and highly competitive.  The sports nutrition concentration is designed for students who seek graduate studies in related fields or who wish to prepare for careers.  Individuals who hope to become Registered Dietitians must complete the dietetics concentration or take additional courses that will qualify them to apply for a post-baccalaureate internship.       

Minor
A minor in nutrition is available for students wishing to combine nutrition with other areas of study. 

Mission
The mission of the nutrition program at Mansfield University is to integrate Mansfield University’s liberal arts emphasis with knowledge and skills necessary for progressing toward goals foundational to careers in foods, nutrition, and dietetics; graduate school; and/or post-baccalaureate internships. 

Vision
To provide a student-focused learning environment that allows nutrition students to develop their potential in becoming competent leaders who empower their patients, clients, employees, and communities.

Scholarship 
We enthusiastically embrace student learning.  We believe students should be actively engaged learners in, as well as out, of the classroom.  We believe faculty and students should be life-long learners.    

Character
We provide an environment which encourages personal accountability, integrity, honesty, and courage.   We create an atmosphere which fosters respect for others whom students may encounter in their personal and professional lives. 

Culture
We celebrate the uniqueness of individuals with whom nutrition professionals interact.  We provide opportunities for students to learn about the unique needs of humans from a variety of backgrounds.     

Service
We support our local community and embrace service learning.  We encourage our students to participate in volunteer activities related to the major.   

Program Goals

  • Provide quality didactic instruction that prepares graduates to apply for acceptance into accredited dietetic internships, graduate school, or entry level careers in nutrition or a related field. (Scholarship)
  • Offer encouragement, external motivation, and support to students in an effort to increase the number of students who complete the program. (Culture and Character)   
  • Prepare students for professional growth and development through membership in pre-professional clubs, professional organizations, attendance at professional meetings, and through community service.  (Service)

Program Student Learning Objectives

  • Students will demonstrate their ability to use and interpret current research in developing knowledge of nutrition, sports nutrition, and dietetic practice.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to use oral and written communications effectively as individuals and in group settings requiring collaboration and teamwork.
  • Students will demonstrate problem solving and critical thinking skills related to medical nutrition therapy.   (Dietetics only)
  • Students will demonstrate their ability to apply management principles using problem solving and critical thinking skills in hypothetical and actual practice situations.  (Dietetics only)
  • Students will exhibit understanding of public policy and its effects on health care systems.  (Dietetics only) 
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to make nutrient recommendations for athletes.   (Sports nutrition only)
  • Students will exhibit the ability to apply their knowledge of problem solving and critical thinking skills in hypothetical and actual sports nutrition practice situations.  (Sports nutrition only)      

Career opportunities in this growing field include jobs as foodservice directors or sports nutritionists in schools, sports nutritionists in fitness facilities, food and nutrition experts for food manufacturers or grocery store chains, food service directors for various institutions, clinical dietitians in hospitals and, long term care facilities, private practice dietitians, dietitians in wellness and weight control programs; community dietitians for community programs such as the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and employment in a variety of public and private organizations.

Nutrition and dietetics students are subject to all University academic requirements. The following academic requirements apply only to those continuing in the Nutrition and Dietetics Program.

1.        Courses required for the B.S. in Nutrition:  Dietetics concentration may not be taken Pass/Fail.

2.        A grade of “C” or above is required in all nutrition and dietetics (NTR) courses or the course must be repeated.

3.        Nutrition and Dietetics courses may be repeated once. Failure to achieve a “C” grade or better after taking the same course for a second time will block the student from enrollment in any further courses with the same prefix offered by Mansfield University.

4.        Requirements for the B.S. in Nutrition:  Dietetics concentration must be completed in 7 years or the student may need to repeat certain courses.

5.        Students must maintain a minimum GPA of a 2.7.  Students wishing to transfer into the Nutrition program’s dietetics concentration must have at least a 2.7.

All academic standards stated above must be met to receive a Verification Statement.  This Verification Statement is required for a Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics accredited internship, licensure and in some states for certification.

Students must meet all clinical agency health requirements. These may include background checks, specific immunizations, urine drug testing, and a respirator fit test. Students will be expected to cover the costs of background checks, immunizations, urine drug testing and respirator fit test.

The Mansfield University Nutrition program endeavors to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and with University Policies regarding students with disabilities. Every effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified students with disabilities who are able to perform the essential functions of our academic program in Nutrition. Students who are accepted into the program, and then are discovered to be unable to perform these essential functions (with or without accommodation) may not be able to complete the program. Graduates who complete the program but are unable to perform certain competencies may experience significant roadblocks to, and in, the employment setting.

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