M.Ed. Concentration in Nutrition Education Specialization in School Nutrition Specialist

College of Education - Department of Nutrition

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) with a concentration in Nutrition Education, specialization in School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) combines the advanced study of education, applied nutrition and nutrition education with the development of knowledge, skills and competencies necessary to provide school nutrition services.

The specialization in School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) is designed for those who wish to fulfill the academic and internship requirements to become a School Nutrition Specialist (SNS). Visit the School Nutrition Association at www.schoolnutrition.org for information on these requirements and the national credentialing examination. Through this internship student interns will:

  • Prepare to assume district level/supervisory positions in school nutrition.
  • Understand and assess the nutritional needs of diverse populations, especially of school-aged children at risk and of limited income.
  • Provide an environment in which interns can appreciate and perform the variety of tasks required for operating successful school foodservice programs.
  • Prepare to communicate effectively in interactions with other professionals and stakeholders.
  • Be prepared to sit for the national Nutrition Specialist Credentialing Exam.

Program Learning Outcomes:

  • Develop effective nutrition education curriculum for a variety of audiences.
  • Integrate current science-based nutrition issues into food, nutrition, and wellness policies.
  • Design and interpret nutrition education research.
  • Select and utilize appropriate technology for nutrition education and foodservice operations.
  • Perform the variety of responsibilities for operating successful school nutrition programs.
  • Complete the eligibility requirements to sit for the School Nutrition Association’s School Nutrition Specialists Credentialing Exam.

Note: All courses are offered online.

 

Program Requirements

The program requires a minimum of ten (10) graduate courses which include: three (3) education core courses, four (4) nutrition core courses and three (3) specialization elective courses.

A timed online comprehensive examination is required is required as the student’s culminating experience. Additional information about the comprehensive exam and application due dates is available from the program advisor.

Students who do not meet graduate program prerequisite requirements are required to complete additional courses:

  • A statistics course within the last five (5) years is required before enrolling in NUED 911 Research Methods in Nutrition.
  • If the student’s baccalaureate degree is in a field other than nutrition, students are required to complete NUED 910 Nutrition Science for Educators. This course is offered during the summer term and must be taken the summer immediately following matriculation into this program.
  • Prior to enrolling in NUED 901 Seminar and Practicum I in School Nutrition, students must complete courses in foodservices systems, management, and basic financial and cost accounting

 Note: All courses are offered online.

Education Core Courses (3)

  • EDIL 920 Learning and Human Development
  • NUED 911 Research Methods in Nutrition
  • NUED 973 Nutrition Education Programs and Curricula I: Design

Nutrition Core Courses (4)

  • NUED 914 Contemporary Nutrition Issues for Educators
  • NUED 970 Technology in Nutrition Education
  • NUED 978 Public Health Nutrition
  • Capstone:
    • NUED 993 Nutrition Education Programs and Curricula II: Implementation and Evaluation

Specialization Core Courses (3), School Nutrition Specialist

  • NUED 900 Leadership in Excellence in School Nutrition
  • NUED 901 Seminar and Practicum I in School Nutrition
  • NUED 902 Seminar and Practicum II in School Nutrition

 

Admission Requirements

  1. Applicants must complete the online admission application
  2. Applicants must submit the $50.00 application fee
  3. Applicants must have earned a baccalaureate degree* from a regionally accredited college or university and must submit an official transcript from each college or university attended as an undergraduate or graduate student. Bachelor’s degree in a related field includes: food and nutrition, hospitality, education (physical, health, consumer sciences, biology), and nursing. Students with other degrees will be reviewed in the application process. Previous coursework must cover the following areas:
    • Basic nutrition or NUED 910 Nutrition Science in the Classroom
    • Foodservices systems
    • Management
    • Basic financial and cost accounting
    • Biostatistics (preferred) or statistics in the last five (5) year and before enrolling in NUED 911 Research Methods in Nutrition Education
  4. Applicants are required to possess an overall quality point average (QPA) of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale including acceptable grades in science courses.
  5. All prerequisite courses must be completed.
  6. Applicants who do not fulfill the QPA requirement but have a minimum quality point average of 2.80 on a 4.00 scale will be considered for admission after they complete two prerequisite courses at Framingham State University. These courses must have prior approval and must be completed with a grade of B (3.00) or better.
  7. Applicants must provide two letters of recommendation from professors, supervisors, and/or colleagues, submitted with the Framingham State University Letter of Recommendation form and sent directly to the University by the recommender.
  8. Applicants must submit a typed, 300-word personal statement discussing their motivation for seeking a master’s degree in view of prior formal education, current job responsibilities, and career plans.
  9. Personal or phone interview required.

Applicants are evaluated based on numerous factors including previous college coursework; letters of recommendation; and personal statement.

 

Application Deadline

Applications for the Master of Education with a concentration in Nutrition Education are accepted on a rolling basis. Although the University accepts on a rolling basis, courses are not offered every semester.

Student applying for the School Nutrition Specialist must apply by June 1st of the preceding academic year to start the internship in the fall. Students admitted after June 1st may still begin their studies in the fall in the other required master’s degree courses.

 

 

Effective as of the 2023-2024 Graduate Catalog