Master of Science in Human Nutrition ONLINE AND ON CAMPUS WEEKEND PROGRAMS
A Dynamic Program Established in 1977, University of Bridgeport s Master of Science in Human Nutrition distinguished itself from other master s programs in its focus on integrative and functional nutrition/ medicine, and its growing value in the prevention and management of health challenges. Embedded in the curriculum is the concept of bio-individuality, which enables clinicians to be able to provide customized diet and nutrient recommendations that will be effective. This is provided with an evidence based scientific approach. The Human Nutrition Institute provides a sound biochemical and physiological study of nutrition which allows students to understand the complex interrelationships between nutrition and health. A Flexible Learning Environment The program teaches you the science of nutrition as it applies to real people living in today s environment. Whether your career interest is nutrition, medicine, naturopathic medicine, chiropractic, acupuncture, nursing, health services, dental hygiene, dietary consulting, or other allied health care field, the Human Nutrition program has the right components for you. The M.S. in Human Nutrition is offered in two formats; a one weekend per month on campus program and an online program delivered through a distance learning system. Both programs offer flexibility enabling students to complete their studies within the context of their busy lives. Our program offers everything you need to become a successful professional in the field of nutrition, from prerequisite sciences to advanced therapeutics. Dr. David M. Brady Vice Provost, Health Sciences Division Director, Human Nutrition Institute
Online Program The University of Bridgeport s Online Campus offers academic programs, library resources and student services that are available 24 hours a day. The master s online program follows the same course sequence and timing of the on campus program (12 courses in as little as 28 months). Courses run three to four months and are usually taken two per term, three terms per year. Students will learn by completing research and assignments, viewing various media presentations presented in our digital learning system, and participating with fellow students and their instructors in a discussion board. Weekly participation is required with assigned due dates for coursework and exams. On Campus Weekend Program Students will attend class one weekend per month, taking one class on Saturday and one on Sunday. Schedules are 9 a.m. 5 p.m. Faculty are a blend of Ph.D.s and leading clinicians in nutrition. Class size is kept small to foster strong student teacher interaction. Each course runs three to four months. Attendance is mandatory for all classes. Certification and Career Options Graduates may obtain certification or earn credentials as a Certified Nutrition Specialist (C.N.S.) or a Certified Clinical Nutritionist (C.C.N.) through independent certifying boards. Doctors can attain the Diplomate of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition (D.A.C.B.N.) credential after completing the program. The Master of Science in Human Nutrition also lays the foundation for you to enter doctoral programs in nutrition. Elizabeth DiMeo, M.S., combined her master s in nutrition she earned from UB s campus-based program with her prior education in physical fitness and the culinary arts to form a well rounded and highly successful private nutrition practice. In addition to private practice, the nutritionist will benefit from opportunities in health and exercise facilities, the supplement industry, health food stores, schools/universities, private and public centers for alternative and integrative medicine, human nutrition research and in the field of seminar leadership.
Curriculum The program consists of foundational courses in human physiology and biochemistry which expand into in-depth learnings on macro and micronutrients, biochemical individuality, human development, functional assessment and nutritional therapeutics. An integrative and holistic perspective is interwoven with an evidence-based approach to assessing and counseling a client. Elective courses are also offered in Nutrition and Cancer, Nutrition and Exercise, Nutrition and Autism, and Research in Nutrition. Passage of a comprehensive exam, administered on the UB campus biannually, is required to fulfill degree requirements. A 28-Month Schedule The M.S. in Human Nutrition is conducted in six terms. Two courses are taught within each term. A new program begins each year in January and September. Terms 1st NUTR 560A Pathophysiologic Basis of Metabolic Diseases NUTR 560B Biochemistry of Nutrition 2nd NUTR 560C Vitamins and Minerals NUTR 560E Assessment of Nutritional Status 3rd NUTR 560D Clinical Biochemistry NUTR 560G Lifelong Healing with Food 4th NUTR 560H Developmental Nutrition NUTR 560I Functional Medicine Nutrition 5th NUTR 560F Nutritional Therapeutics NUTR 560M Evidence Based Nutrition 6th NUTR 560K Virtual Clinic NUTR 560P Botanical Medicine Comprehensive Exam Prerequisite Courses Entry into the master s program requires courses in certain areas which must be taken within the last 10 years from an accredited institution. For active clinicians, exceptions to this 10-year requirement may be made at the director s discretion. These include 6 credits of Anatomy and Physiology, 4 credits of Biochemistry or 8 credits of Organic Chemistry and 2 credits of Basic Nutrition. These courses are offered in an accelerated format at UB on campus or online twice annually (May and September). NUTR 121 Anatomy and Physiology I, II This course provides a detailed study of the structure and function of cells, tissues, and organ systems, control systems of the human body, homeostatic mechanisms, and the interrelations between these systems. (6 credits) NUTR 122 Introduction to Biological Chemistry The first third of the course reviews basic general chemistry topics including atomic theory, periodic law, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, and acid and base concepts. The second third deals with organic chemistry and includes topics in isomerism, and the physical and chemical properties of the different organic functional groups.the last third is an introduction to human biochemistry concentrating on the structural and functional properties of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleotides. The roles of these biological chemicals in nutrition and metabolism is also discussed. (4 credits) NUTR 123 Basic Nutrition A study of the basic principles of nutrition and the influence of nutrients and food choices on health promotion and disease prevention and a detailed knowledge of the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and macro and micro nutrients. (2 credits) A graduate from UB s M.S. in Nutrition program and director of Integrative Gastroenterology Nutrition Services at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Dr. Gerard Mullin s contributions and discoveries have led to numerous awards and his continued selection as one of America s Top Physicians.
The leader in integrated health science education Required Courses NUTR 560A Pathophysiologic Basis of Metabolic Diseases A study of the underlying mechanisms of disease and the complex interrelationships between critical systems including respiratory, urinary, cardiovascular, digestive, nervous and endocrine. Lectures will include fluid and electrolyte imbalances, acid and base imbalances, inflammation, hypersensitivity, infection, necrosis, and neoplasms. The influence of various nutrients on systemic function will be stressed. (4 credits) NUTR 560B Biochemistry of Nutrition The course reviews the static and dynamic aspects of the biochemistry of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids, hormones and vitamins in the healthy individual. Cations, anions, enzyme kinetics, and integration and control mechanisms of the various metabolic pathways are discussed. (4 credits) NUTR 560C Vitamins and Minerals The course covers the basic and clinical aspects of nutrient homeostasis with emphasis on vitamin and mineral metabolism at the cellular and tissue level. Lectures will include specific functions, requirements, sources, assay methods, and effects of deficiencies and excesses of vitamins and minerals. (3 credits) NUTR 560E Assessment of Nutritional Status Clinical and laboratory procedures for evaluation of nutrient status, including blood and other tissue analyses, principles of functional assessment, dietary records, questionnaires, case histories, physical examinations and anthropometric methods are covered extensively. (3 credits) NUTR 560D Clinical Biochemistry The course encapsulates the biochemistry of disorders arising from acid/ base imbalance and the abnormal metabolism of the carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, amino acids, nucleic acids, bile pigments, vitamins and hormones. Inherited disorders of metabolism, the role of enzyme performance in prognosis of biochemical dysfunctions and the meaning and interpretation of clinical laboratory findings both traditional and functional are discussed. (3 credits) NUTR 560G Lifelong Healing with Food This course will teach the use of foods as medicine across a wide variety of demographics and health conditions. Menu and recipe planning, cooking methods, food preparation and safety will be covered. Cultural perspectives on nutrition will be addressed to include Chinese and ayurvedic food therapy and functional foods. Specialized nutrition plans will also be covered to include allergy elimination diets, detoxification, and anti inflammation. (4 credits) NUTR 560H Developmental Nutrition Nutritional considerations and health-related concerns throughout the life cycle are explored. Pregnancy, lactation, fetal, infancy, childhood, and adolescent growth and development are addressed in detail, in this context. Also considered is the etiology of nutrition-related disorders of adulthood and the elderly.(3 credits) NUTR 560I Functional Medicine Nutrition This course will teach advanced biochemical assessment using critical analysis of client history with clinical testing from a functional medicine perspective. Functional lab testing will be evaluated in detail with case studies. Topics will be relevant to preventive as well as therapeutic nutrition care. (3 credits) NUTR 560F Nutritional Therapeutics This course will include an understanding of the mechanism of action of various nutritional interventions, as well as the role it can play in helping to restore wellness. Students will become familiar with common pharmaceutical treatments, and become aware of possible drug-nutrient interactions, as well as drug-induced nutrient depletions. Students will learn how to incorporate nutrition in a complimentary role with conventional treatments. This course will emphasize the importance of incorporating evidence based medicine into nutritional therapeutic decisions. (4 credits) NUTR 560M Evidence Based Nutrition (Must be taken in online format) The course describes the analytical approaches for searching and interpreting clinical research data reported in the literature using evidence based practice with emphasis on the application of those data in clinical practice. Biological variation, experimental design, data and fact differences, matching analysis to design, integrity in analysis, and bias in design and analysis are considered in detail. (3 credits) NUTR 560K Virtual Clinic (Must be taken in online format) This final semester course will incorporate critical thinking and scientific knowledge as you complete 4 monthly modules on clinical management online with different instructors. You will learn key skills in assessment, clinical test analysis, designing treatment plans for specific common health conditions, weight loss strategies and how to effectively start and grow your nutrition practice. Synchronous data technology will be used to help you learn real-time with your classmates and instructors. (4 credits)
NUTR 560P Botanical Medicine A study of the use of herbs in nutritional practice. Lectures include the mechanism of action, pharmacological/toxicological properties, clinical applications, product standardization, and recommended dosage of individual herbs. (3 credits) Elective Courses* NUTR 560J Research in Nutrition The independent research project is an option in the Human Nutrition program in place of an elective course. The project can take the form of a literature-based study or an original research project. All work must be done by the student. The topic must be approved by the faculty advisor. The project must be completed within one semester following the completion of the core curriculum. (3 credits) NUTR 560L Nutrition and Exercise An instructional class for nutritionists detailing proper protocols for evaluating clients readiness for exercise, designing a proper exercise/ nutrition program with follow up assessments, exercise recommendations for clinical conditions, and enhancing endurance and performance during exercise and sports. (3 credits) NUTR 560Q Nutrition and Cancer This course will provide an understanding of the etiology of cancer from a functional medicine paradigm and current allopathic assessment and treatment options and how to implement nutritional therapy to assist cancer patients undergoing treatment. This course will also teach complementary supplementation strategies, and understanding of the role of diet and lifestyle in prevention of primary and secondary cancer and the establishment of communication skills to enhance collaboration with oncologists. (3 credits) NUTR 560T Nutrition and Autism This course will establish a foundational understanding of what Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is by defining the different conditions within the spectrum, and reviewing the known causes, symptoms, and trends and to acquire a foundational knowledge of the dietary modifications designed to facilitate healing and improve cognitive outcomes and increase overall health and well-being. Course will cover introduction to other biomedical treatments and testing available for ASD. (3 credits) Elizabeth Reed, M.S. is the founder and owner of BodySmart. She combines her experience as a personal trainer and the knowledge gained from her master s in nutrition to create a proper balance through fitness and nutrition for her clients. Admissions UB offers September and January starting terms. Completed applications for a September program start are due by July 15. Completed applications for a January program start are due by November 15. Candidates are encouraged to submit applications as early as possible. In addition to the UB application form and application fee, candidates must submit official copies of all academic transcripts and two letters of recommendation from faculty, supervisors or other professionals who have firsthand, current knowledge of the candidate, and a personal statement of 500 words detailing why you wish to take this program. International students require additional documents. The program can be completed in as little as 28 months or as long as five years. Advance standing is available to licensed healthcare practitioners (M.D., N.D., D.O., D.C., D.D.S., etc.). *Elective courses are available only in the online format and are not required for M.S. in Nutrition except for University of Bridgeport D.C., N.D., and M.S.Ac. dual degree students. Contact: If you have additional questions or would like further information please contact our Office of Graduate Health Sciences Admissions at 1.888.822.4476.