Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences Thesis

Program Mission

The mission of the Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences program is to educate and form entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists or dietetic practitioners to meet the core competencies for becoming servant leaders in health and wellness. With a concentration in community nutrition, graduates will be educated in the most rigorous, individualized, professional and comprehensive manner.

The MSNS program is designed with two options:

Option 1: Dietetic Internship (DI): for students seeking to become registered dietitians nutritionists (RDN).

Option 2: Thesis: for students who are already RDNs or who are not seeking RDN status.

Program Goals

1. Graduates of the program will be compassionate, well-qualified professionals and servant leaders in health and wellness.
2. Graduates of the program contribute to research in the community.

Program Level Student Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

Upon completion of the MSNS program, graduates will be able to:

1. Apply foundational sciences to food and nutrition knowledge to meet the needs of individuals, groups and organizations.
2. Integrate evidence-based guidelines, critical thinking and effective communication in the comprehensive plan of care for various disease conditions, populations and cultures.
3. Analyze food systems principles and management skills to ensure safe and efficient delivery of food and nutrition resources and services.
4. Demonstrate leadership and service in guiding practices to support initiatives for the community.
5. Exhibit professional responsibilities to provide safe, ethical and effective counseling by sharing gifts and talents through health and wellness education.

• Overall grade point average of 2.75 in undergraduate coursework
• Baccalaureate degree in at least one of the following:
  • Nutrition and Dietetics or related field
  • Biology
  • Kinesiology
  • Other health professions related degree
  • A minor in nutrition and dietetics or related field is acceptable
  • Permission of the MSNS Program Director if degree is not in one listed above
• Official transcript from all colleges or universities attended, sent to Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, Office of Admissions, 5414 Brittany Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
  • Completion of least 15 hours in the following undergraduate science courses and have earned a “C” or better: Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology, Basic Nutrition
• Three references discussing the applicant’s academic ability and research competence. References should come from: 1) Professor; 2) Research director/primary investigator (if applicant has research experience); and 3) Other professional in field of interest
• Personal statement/letter describing: 1) Strengths and weaknesses; 2) Career goals; 3) Experience with online courses; 4) Prior research experience, if any; 5) Research topics of interest
• Immunization records
• $50.00 non-refundable application fee.
• Applications are due on or before June 15th for August classes and on or before November 15th for the January classes

Year 1 - Fall

NUTR 5310	Community Nutrition Policy	3
IPGC 6320	Research Methods in the Health Sciences	3
NUTR 6910	Independent Study	2
Total Credit Hours:		8

Year 1 - Spring

NUTR 5320	Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy	3
IPGC 6315	Applied Biostatistics and Epidemiology	3
NUTR 5325	Advanced Food System and Food Security	3
Total Credit Hours:		9

Year 1 - Summer

IPGC 6125	Bioethics	1
NUTR 5315	BioNutrition	3
NUTR 6920	Thesis	3
Total Credit Hours:		7

Year 2 - Fall

NUTR 6310	Nutrition Education and Counseling Techniques	3
NUTR 6920	Thesis	3
Total Credit Hours:		6

Total credit hours for a Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences = 30

1. Completion of all requirements stated in the degree plan, with no more than 2 C's and a minimum GPA of 3.0
2. Recommendation for the degree by the program director
3. Meet all of the requirements of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University MSNS program
4. Completion and fulfillment of other requirements as noted in this catalog
5. Clearance of all indebtedness to Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, including the return of all materials borrowed from the University Library.