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
Department of Kinesiology
Department of Psychology
Department of Public Administration
Department of Public Health
- Master of Science in Health, Community and Policy
- Graduate Certificate in Applied Health Research
- Graduate Certificate in Community Nutrition
- Graduate Certificate in Health
Department of Social Work
Department of Sociology and Demography
Master of Dietetics Studies
The Master of Dietetic Studies (MDS) is part of the 3 year joint degree, which includes the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Nutrition and Dietetics, and the 1000 hours of supervised practice. The MDS 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 Dietetic 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 Dietetic Studies (MDS).
- Transfer students seeking the Master of Dietetic 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 master transition. 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 | ||
| Nutritional 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 II must retake that course and earn a grade of “B” or better before progressing in the course sequence.
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 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. Nutritional Supplements and Functional Foods. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Fundamentals of complementary and alternative medicines, nutritional supplement, ergogenics, herbs, and functional foods; and issues related to their use in health and physical performance. Course Fees: 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 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 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 5911. Research Seminar. (1-0) 1 Credit Hour.
Discussion of current research topics, use of databases, and evaluation of research articles. May be repeated for credit. Course Fees: GH01 $25; LRH1 $10; STSH $6.
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; GH01 $180; LRH1 $20.54; STSH $61.62.
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; GH01 $180; LRH1 $20.54; STSH $61.62.
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.