Department of Nutrition and Family Studies

Return to: Colleges & Departments

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

Vision

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

Mission

To prepare students for successful careers in the discipline of 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 Department of Nutrition and Family Studies offers a major in Family & Consumer Sciences with separate concentrations in (1) Dietetics or (2) Family and Child Studies. The Department also offers a FACS Education Degree, Grades 6-12. Accreditations and program approvals in the department have been received from the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetics Association; the Council for Accreditation of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS); and the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR).

Dietetics (BS Degree)
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 Educatioin (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association has accredited the didactic program.

Family and Child Studies (BS Degree)
The Family and Child Studies concentration offers a Bachelor’s degree, which prepares graduates for careers in a variety of settings in the state, non-profit, private, and faith-based sectors in community programs serving children and families including Childcare/Daycare; Family Social Services and welfare; Juvenile programs; eldercare; programs for the disabled, family intervention and foster care; Extension services and industry-based employee assistance programs.

Graduates are also eligible for the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) credential.

Graduation Requirements

All students  must meet all graduation requirements listed in the Academic Regulations  section of this catalog. In addition, all course work in major that applies toward the degree must be accomplished with a minimum grade of “C”. Students must also pass English 101 and English 102 (or its transfer equivalents) with a minimum grade of “C”. Students pursuing bachelor’s degrees are required to complete a Capstone experience through and internship.

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 1200 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