College for Health, Community and Policy
The College for Health, Community and Policy offers the following graduate degrees and certificates:
Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Master of Dietetics Studies
The Master of Dietetics Studies (M.D.S.) is part of the 3 year joint degree, which includes the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Nutrition and Dietetics and 1000 hours of supervised practice. The M.D.S. is a non-thesis degree with an emphasis in Health Promotion, and Disease Prevention and Treatment. Students who successfully complete the joint Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD) degree receive a verification statement that certifies their eligibility to take the Commission on Dietetics Registration national examination to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN).
Criminal History Policy and Acknowledgement
The Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD) prepares practitioners for a variety of work settings which require practicum placement and service-learning. Placements occur in educational, clinical, health care facilities, hospital, and/or medical settings which require a criminal background check. The University of Texas at San Antonio is required to inform you of the requirements set forth by the Texas Occupation Code, Chapter 53, Sections 53.001 through 53.105.
As a prospective student in a licensure or certification program, you are required to acknowledge that you have been made aware of these requirements and that you have read the Criminal History Policy. The information can be found on the Dietetics program webpage.
Program Admission Requirements
Admission to the program is based on the following criteria:
- Students must maintain a 3.0 in the CPD undergraduate program and meet all other program requirements to be eligible to transition to the Master of Dietetics Studies (M.D.S.).
- Transfer students seeking the Master of Dietetics Studies-Advanced Standing Option must have a 3.0 GPA and hold a Bachelor in Dietetics or nutrition-related field and a verification statement from an accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) or an equivalent baccalaureate degree in nutrition and dietetics from an accredited college or university in the United States or have proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution. Students will be required to complete select CPD undergraduate coursework and practicums to meet requirements prior to transition to the master's degree. Advanced Standing Option admission is reviewed case-by-case and is contingent on accreditation requirements and the number of placements available for the advanced practicum/internship.
- Students will apply directly to the Coordinated Program in Dietetics. The application is open every January. The application process is competitive and includes a formal interview.
Note: Applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field will be required to complete all prerequisite courses and all equivalent undergraduate courses in dietetics and nutrition to meet core knowledge and competencies mandated by the accreditation.
Degree Requirements
Minimum of 30-semester-credit-hours.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses (30 semester credit hours): | 30 | |
| Nutrition Pathophysiology | ||
| Public Health Nutrition and Policy | ||
| Dietary Supplements and Functional Foods | ||
| Integration of Metabolism | ||
| Advanced Dietetics Practicum I | ||
| Advanced Dietetics Practicum II | ||
| Seminar in Dietetics | ||
| Research Seminar | ||
Students must successfully pass a comprehensive examination under the capstone course NDT 5903 Seminar in Dietetics | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
Standards and Procedures
Only one course with the grade of “C” will be accepted toward this degree. Students must earn a grade of “B” or better in NDT 5903, NDT 5946, NDT 5956. Students who earn a grade of “C” or lower in Seminar in Dietetics, Advanced Dietetics I, or Advanced Dietetics II must retake that course and earn a grade of “B” or better before progressing in the course sequence.
Graduate Certificate in Community Nutrition
The 12-hour Graduate Certificate in Community Nutrition is designed to meet the needs of students who want to contribute to the emerging field of community and public health nutrition. The certificate provides students with an understanding of both the scope and skills associated with community nutrition education and promotion. Specifically, this certificate is offered to equip students to fill the growing need for community nutrition practitioners, especially in south Texas.
The Graduate Certificate in Community Nutrition courses will include a mix of in-person, hybrid, and internet-based options and will provide critical knowledge regarding nutrition needs across lifespans. The certificate addresses the growing need for community and public health professionals with nutrition backgrounds. The certificate coursework provides students with a strong foundation in community nutrition content, evidence-based practices, and exposure to the professional roles associated with nutrition programs and policy in dietary behaviors.
Admission Requirements
The following departmental requirements are applicable to the Graduate Certificate in Community Nutrition:
- Bachelor's degree in Health Education, Health Promotion, Public Health, Psychology, Nutrition, or Dietetics. Closely related degrees will be considered based on completed coursework.
- Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, though students with a 3.0 GPA in their last two years will be considered.
- To maintain enrollment in the certificate program, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout tenure in the program.
- A current résumé.
- Two professional letters of recommendation with specified criteria to address.
- Statement of Purpose in pursuing the certificate.
Certificate Program Requirements
To meet the curricular requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Community Nutrition, students must complete the following 12 semester credit hours with a grade point average of 3.0 or above:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | ||
| NDT 6333 | Community Nutrition | 3 |
| NDT 5313 | Public Health Nutrition and Policy | 3 |
| NDT 6343 | Nutrition in Disease Prevention and Health Promotion | 3 |
| HTH 5333 | Nutrition through the Lifecycle | 3 |
| or NDT 5333 | Dietary Supplements and Functional Foods | |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
Students seeking admission to the certificate program who are not enrolled in a graduate degree program will be required to apply to the Graduate School as special graduate students and indicate that they are seeking admission to the Graduate Certificate Program in Community Nutrition. All other requirements for admission as a special graduate student described in Student Policies, Admission Policies, are applicable. All other requirements for certificate programs described in Certificate Program Regulations of this catalog apply to this program.
Health, Community and Policy (HCP) Courses
HCP 6953. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course is only for Graduate Archer Fellows and tailored to each student’s graduate program of study. An Archer Center faculty member will work independently with each student to develop a research project that is designed to advance the student’s academic and research goals. The project will align with the requirements of the student’s graduate degree. Individually, Fellows will identify a policy problem and develop and describe strategies for assessing the policy problem, develop strategies for resolving or addressing the policy problem, and determine linkages between specific academic/research interests, knowledge resources in the D.C. area, and their internship experiences. Collectively, as part of a policy working group, Fellows will read additional material specific to their policy area as a group and congregate to discuss and review each other’s work, with the objective of enabling cross-pollination, recognizing inter- and intra-disciplinary linkages and divergences, and providing a forum for networking.
HCP 6963. Internship. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course is only for Graduate Archer Fellows and consists of an internship in a governmental or non-governmental organization in Washington, D.C. The student is expected to work full-time (40 hours a week) at the internship, which may be paid or unpaid. Students are responsible for seeking and selecting their internships. The Archer Center does not guarantee any internship placements, but Archer Center faculty and staff will provide students with information about internship opportunities and advice about placements. The Archer Center faculty meet regularly with students to debrief and to integrate this practical training with other lessons in professional development.
HCP 6973. Inside Washington: View of Federal Government. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course is only for Graduate Archer Fellows and will provide the student with an overview of the federal policymaking process and the various public/private stakeholders and institutions that participate in this process. Specifically, the course focuses on three key elements of federal policymaking: separation of powers and original constitutional intent, influencing federal policy, and creating effective advocacy strategies. Students will examine a sampling of the extensive literature on political theory/philosophy, political institutions, political behavior, public policy and public administration. Students will also meet regularly with practitioners, such as officials from Congress, the White House, executive branch agencies, think tanks, organized interest groups, media/communications and lobbying firms.
Nutrition and Dietetics (NDT) Courses
NDT 5091. Community Nutrition Practicum. (0-3) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisite: Permission of course instructor; NDT 6333 is recommended to be taken concurrently. Application of learned strategies in meaningful community service through collaborative tasks performed at various community nutrition programs. Service learning activities are aimed at enriching the life experiences of students through civic responsibility and community outreach. Use the Nutrition Care Process to assess the needs of the community, diagnose nutrition-related problems, determine interventions, and develop plans to monitor the effectiveness of the intervention. Course Fee: DNPF $20; LRHC $10; STHC $6; GHC1 $75.
NDT 5191. Nutrition Care Process Practicum. (0-3) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisite: Dietetics majors only; completion of or concurrent enrollment in NDT 5353. A problem-based approach to dietetics practice using case simulations and studies; application of basic nutritional assessment skills, nutritional diagnosis, intervention, and monitoring in different settings; practice skills in counseling and nutrition education. Simulated case progression and comprehensive care delivery across the continuum of care. Course Fee: DNPF $20; LRHC $10; STHC $6; GHC1 $75.
NDT 5313. Public Health Nutrition and Policy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Concepts in nutritional epidemiology and public policy; and community-based interventions, resources, and research. Credit cannot be earned for both NDT 5313 and KAH 5343. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
NDT 5323. Nutrition Pathophysiology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: Human physiology and advanced nutrition.
Concepts related to nutrigenomics, immunology, pharmacology, fluid and electrolyte balance, acid-based balance, response to injury, complex diseases, and metabolic aberrations. Course Fees: GH01 $75; LRH1 $10; STSH $18.
NDT 5333. Dietary Supplements and Functional Foods. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
The fundamentals of complementary and alternative medicines, dietary supplements, ergogenics, herbs, and functional foods, and issues related to their use in health and physical performance. Course Fee: GH01 $75; LRH1 $10; STSH $18.
NDT 5343. Integration of Metabolism. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: NDT 3413 or equivalent course.
An in-depth study of the metabolism of nutrients, energy utilization at the cellular level, and role of coenzymes and cofactors. Course Fees: GH01 $75; LRH1 $10; STSH $18.
NDT 5353. Medical Nutrition Therapy II. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Dietetics majors only, and NDT 6323. Continuation of Advanced Medical Nutrition I; and review of the pathophysiology and the application of the nutritional care process in treating more complex human diseases and conditions. Examine contemporary research hypotheses on complex acute and chronic conditions and integrate them into current medical nutrition therapy approaches. A major aspect of dietetics practice is clinical and nutrition care of patients with different medical conditions. This course will discuss the nutrition care process (assessment, nutrition diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation) and apply concepts related to various conditions. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; GHC1 $75.
NDT 5851. Independent Study. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.
Independent reading, research, discussion, project, and/or writing under the guidance of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a master’s degree. Course Fees: GHC1 $25; LRHC $10; STHC $6.
NDT 5852. Independent Study. (0-0) 2 Credit Hours.
Independent reading, research, discussion, project, and/or writing under the guidance of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a master’s degree. Course Fees: GH01 $50; STSH $12.
NDT 5853. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Independent reading, research, discussion, project, and/or writing under the guidance of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a master’s degree. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
NDT 5901. Seminar in Dietetics. (1-0) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisite: Must be in good academic standing.
Corequisite: NDT 5957.
Capstone course. An in-depth analysis of mastery of knowledge and skills required for entry-level practice. Successful completion includes standardized testing and approval of a professional portfolio by program faculty. To be taken during the last semester of the Coordinated Program. Course Fees: DNTM $112; GHC1 $25; LRHC $10; STHC $6.
NDT 5903. Seminar in Dietetics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Must be in good academic standing. Corequisites: NDT 5956. Capstone course. An in-depth analysis of mastery of knowledge and skills required for entry-level practice. Successful completion includes standardized testing and approval of a professional portfolio by program faculty. To be taken during the last semester of the Coordinated Program. Course Fee: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
NDT 5913. Research Seminar. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Discussion of current research topics, use of databases, and evaluation of research articles. May be repeated for credit. Course Fees: DL01 $75; GH01 $75; LRH1 $10; STSH $18.
NDT 5941. Advanced Dietetics Practicum I. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all dietetics knowledge core requirements; must be in good academic standing.
Supervised practice in dietetics in different settings including acute and long term care facilities, rehabilitation and outpatient clinics, community programs, and foodservice operations; includes weekly seminar. Course Fees: DNPF $20; GHC1 $25; LRHC $10; STHC $6.
NDT 5942. Advanced Dietetics Practicum I. (0-0) 2 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all dietetics knowledge core requirements; must be in good academic standing.
Supervised practice in dietetics in different settings including acute and long term care facilities, rehabilitation and outpatient clinics, community programs, and foodservice operations; includes weekly seminar. Course Fees: DNPF $40; GHC1 $50; LRHC $10; STHC $12.
NDT 5943. Advanced Dietetics Practicum I. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all dietetics knowledge core requirements; must be in good academic standing.
Supervised practice in dietetics in different settings including acute and long term care facilities, rehabilitation and outpatient clinics, community programs, and foodservice operations; includes weekly seminar. Course Fees: DNPF $60; GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
NDT 5945. Advanced Dietetics Practicum I. (0-0) 5 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all dietetics knowledge core requirements; must be in good academic standing.
Supervised practice in dietetics in different settings including acute and long term care facilities, rehabilitation and outpatient clinics, community programs, and foodservice operations; includes weekly seminar. Course Fees: DNPF $100; GHC1 $125; LRHC $10; STHC $30.
NDT 5946. Advanced Dietetics Practicum I. (0-0) 6 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all dietetics knowledge core requirements; must be in good academic standing.
Supervised practice in dietetics in different settings including acute and long term care facilities, rehabilitation and outpatient clinics, community programs, and foodservice operations; includes weekly seminar. Course Fees: DNPF $120; GHC1 $150; LRHC $10; STHC $36.
NDT 5947. Advanced Dietetics Practicum I. (0-0) 7 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of all dietetics knowledge core requirements; must be in good academic standing.
Supervised practice in dietetics in different settings including acute and long term care facilities, rehabilitation and outpatient clinics, community programs, and foodservice operations; includes weekly seminar. Course Fees: DNPF $140; GHC1 $175; LRHC $10; STHC $42.
NDT 5951. Advanced Dietetics Practicum II. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisites: NDT 5947; must be in good academic standing.
Advanced supervised practice in dietetics with culminating experiences leading to entry-level competency; includes weekly seminar. Course Fees: DNPF $20; GHC1 $25; LRHC $10; STHC $6.
NDT 5953. Advanced Dietetics Practicum II. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: NDT 5947; must be in good academic standing.
Advanced supervised practice in dietetics with culminating experiences leading to entry-level competency; includes weekly seminar. Course Fees: DNPF $60; GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
NDT 5956. Advanced Dietetics Practicum II. (0-0) 6 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: NDT 5946; must be in good academic standing. Advanced supervised practice in dietetics with culminating experiences leading to entry-level competency; includes weekly seminars. Course Fees: DNPF $120; GHC1 $150; LRHC $10; STHC $36.
NDT 5957. Advanced Dietetics Practicum II. (0-0) 7 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: NDT 5947; must be in good academic standing.
Advanced supervised practice in dietetics with culminating experiences leading to entry-level competency; includes weekly seminar. Course Fees: DNPF $140; GHC1 $175; LRHC $10; STHC $42.
NDT 6313. Production and Food Service System Management II. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Dietetics majors only; NDT 3353, NTR 3023, or equivalent; and NDT 3292 or equivalent. Theories and principles related to the food service, systems management including leadership, decision-making, human resources, and financial management of operations. Management principles applied in dietetics, career planning, and professional development. Course Fee: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
NDT 6323. Medical Nutrition Therapy I. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Dietetics majors only; NDT 3323 and NDT 3333 or equivalent. Pathophysiology and the application of the nutritional care process in treating simple human diseases and conditions, part 1. Explore existing research hypotheses related to medical nutrition therapy and implement them in present MNT protocols. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; GHC1 $75.
NDT 6333. Community Nutrition. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: NDT 2043 or equivalent; consent of instructor. Nutrition-related issues in public health, various community resources, agencies, and programs involved in health promotion and disease prevention. Managing nutritional care throughout the lifespan, focusing on identifying and addressing population-wide nutritional issues to reduce community health risks. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
NDT 6343. Nutrition in Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: NDT 2043 and NDT 6333; consent of instructor. An evidence-based analysis as it relates to diet/nutrition in the prevention of chronic diseases; and fundamental concepts in the promotion of health among individuals and groups. Exposure to behavioral theories and models, including their use in research and application. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; GHC1 $75.
NDT 7893. Doctoral Research. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Graduate Advisor of Record. Under the direction of a faculty advisor, this course consists of independent and original research skill building, preparation, and writing of the dissertation proposal. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours may be applied toward the Doctoral degree. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
NDT 7993. Doctoral Dissertation. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy for Doctoral degree. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 33 hours may be applied to the Doctoral degree. Course Fee: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.