Department of Nutrition and Family Studies

Return to: Colleges & Departments

Debra Hollingsworth, Head
Faculty: Chaumont, Fontenot, Gibbons, Quebedeaux, Robertson

Vision

To be the standard of excellence for our global learning community in the discipline of Nutrition & Dietetics and the discipline of Family & Child Studies.

Mission

To prepare students for successful careers in the discipline of Nutrition & Dietetics and the discipline of Family & Child Studies, with a focus on competence in prevention, education, and intervention in their chosen profession.

Departmental Objectives

• Develop critical thinking skills
• Strengthen oral, written, and technological communication
• Instill research principles and incorporate discipline-specific application
• Promote community involvement and leadership
• Cultivate interest in life-long learning
• Foster awareness of the global community

Curricula

The Nutrition and Family Studies curriculum has two concentrations. NUFS majors may choose either Dietetics or Family and Child Studies. The Dietetics Concentration provides students with the competencies needed to apply to Dietetic Internships for careers as registered dietitians. The Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association has accredited the didactic program. The Family and Child Studies Concentration prepares students to work in a variety of settings in the state, non-profit and private sectors in human development community-based programs and project serving families and children. The Family and Child Studies curriculum is approved by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Graduates can apply for the Certified Family Life Educator credential (CFLE) upon successful completion of the approved curriculum. The Department of Nutrition and Family Studies is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Graduation Requirements

A student in the Department of Nutrition and Family Studies must meet all graduation requirements listed in the section entitled “Graduation Requirements” in the Academic Regulations  section of this catalog. In addition, all course work in Nutrition and Family Studies that applies toward a degree must be accomplished with a minimum grade of “C”. Each student is required to complete a capstone experience. Students pursuing an Associate Degree in General Studies with a concentration in Family and Child Studies must earn a minimum grade of “C” in all course work in Nutrition and Family Studies and meet all Graduation Requirements as listed in the Academic Regulations section of the catalog.

Dietetic Internship (DI)—This postbaccalaureate program, administered by the Department of Nutrition and Family Studies has received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association (ADA). The purpose of the program is to enable those who meet the academic requirements to obtain greater than 900 hours of practice supervised by registered dietitians in medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition, and food service management to meet performance requirements for entry-level dietitians. Students who satisfactorily complete the DI will be able to take the national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

Return to: Colleges & Departments