Program Overview
The Master of Science in Community Nutrition (MSCN) at West Chester University promotes nutritional health and disease prevention in communities, emphasizing vulnerable populations. The MSCN is a 33-credit research-focused master’s program offered in a 100% online format for those seeking an advanced degree in community nutrition. The Master of Science in Community Nutrition includes core courses in nutrition science, applied nutrition, and nutrition research techniques as well as elective courses including nutrition concepts and controversies, vegetarian nutrition, nutrition education K-12, and exercise and older adults among others.
Concentrations
MSCN concentration
The MS in Community Nutrition is a research-focused program for those seeking an advanced degree in community nutrition. The MS promotes nutritional health and disease prevention in communities with an emphasis on vulnerable populations. The curriculum (33 credits) is offered in an online format and includes courses representing nutrition science, applied nutrition, and research techniques. The program culminates with a capstone paper.
MSCN with Dietetic Internship concentration
The MS in Community Nutrition with a Dietetic Internship is a 42 credit program. The curriculum includes the MSCN courses plus the Dietetic Internship supervised practice. The Dietetic Internship will comprise two components including the didactic portion, consisting of attending weekly virtual classes, and the supervised practice portion, which includes all supervised practice hours in each the Clinical I (inpatient) and Clinical II (outpatient), Community, and Food Service Management rotations. The required number of practice hours, 1000 minimum (divided among the supervised practice rotations) are required to be completed in order to successfully finish the DI.
Post-Masters Dietetic Internship Certificate
Post-Masters Dietetic Internship is a 15 credit Certificate program. The Dietetic Internship will comprise two components including the didactic portion, consisting of attending weekly virtual classes, and the supervised practice portion, which includes all supervised practice hours in each the Clinical I (inpatient) and Clinical II (outpatient), Community, and Food Service Management rotations. The required number of practice hours, 1000 minimum (divided among the supervised practice rotations) are required to be completed in order to successfully finish the DI..
Program Highlights
- Dedicated faculty with expertise in various areas of practice such as public health nutrition, diabetes prevention and management, sports nutrition, sustainability and obesity.
- Fully online program responsive to working professionals’ needs and requirements.
- Full time or part time course work can be completed based on students’ schedule.
- Opportunities to communicate and work with peers in an online format using tools such as discussion boards and live meetings in online classrooms.
- The Dietetic Internship option which includes supervised practice hours in inpatient, outpatient, Community, and Food Service Management rotations.
What can I do with this degree?
Master of Science in Community Nutrition is a valuable graduate degree for the registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) who would like to advance in their current positions. Our graduates work in areas such as primary care, outpatient services, counseling clients in the community, or school nutrition. Other opportunities are in maternal and child nutrition, community-based programs for older adults, health promotion programs and food banks. Some recent job titles include:
- Community health educator
- Director of nutrition and wellness
- Entrepreneur—many own their own health and wellness companies
- Nutrition labeling analyst
- Nutrition services manager
- Researcher
- Senior nutrition communications analyst
Some recent companies of employment include:
- Balanced Nutrition and Yoga
- The Campbell Soup Company
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Compass Group
- The Food Trust
- Hospitals across Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey
- Lancaster Nutrition
- Merck
- School districts across Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey
- Wellness Concepts