Department of Nutrition and Health Care Management

Welcome to the Department of Nutrition and Health Care Management in the Beaver College of Health Sciences! Our department houses several outstanding programs where you can train as a professional and grow as a leader through the following:

• Participate in high impact learning experiences, including leading-edge internships and research projects to equip you for professional leadership and innovative skills
• Study and be mentored by award-winning, nationally and internationally-recognized faculty with "real world" experience in their fields
• Obtain field experience at top health care facilities, community and public health settings, and food organizations to impact determinants of health and health equity
• Train in the latest technology in nutrition assessment, food science and information system laboratories in our new College of Health Sciences building
• Join dynamic student clubs that sponsor service-learning projects, career planning, and leading professionals in the field as guest speakers
• Live in one of the most beautiful areas of the country full of recreational opportunities

Both the Nutrition undergraduate dietetics program and graduate Dietetic Internship are accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The undergraduate program in Nutrition and Foods offers three concentrations: Dietetics for those interested in careers promoting diets that foster healthy lifestyles and intend to become a Registered Dietitian (RD); Nutrition and Wellness for those interested in careers in public health nutrition to support the growing need for professionals to support food and nutrition programs in school systems, extension and health departments focused on community health; Food Systems Management in which students study foodservice and sustainable food systems for careers in culinary, foodservice, nonprofit, and hospitality organizations.

The graduate Nutrition program includes a dynamic, combined MS in Nutrition with Dietetic Internship (DI) for students seeking a graduate degree with a supervised practice internship for eligibility to sit for the RD exam. We recently launched our 100% online graduate program in Public Health Nutrition (PHN) based on WPHNA competencies. The program supports growing demand for professionals trained for leadership roles in public health, food security and extension agencies, school systems, and governmental agencies. We now offer a PHN/DI option leading to the RD credential for eligible students.

With the rapidly growing field of Health Care Management (HCM), there is strong demand for graduates from both undergraduate and graduate programs. The HCM undergraduate program combines foundational business courses with those providing specialized knowledge and understanding of the health care industry. The program uses a theory to practice model, and the curriculum is accredited by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration and prepares graduates for management positions in a variety of leading health care organizations. The Master of Health Administration program is a 100% online graduate program for working professionals who want to grow their careers as health care leaders and executives, and is led by outstanding faculty members with executive leadership experience in health care organizations across the country. In addition to the strong core curriculum in general health administration, the program concentrations include Health Care Leadership and Health Information Systems. The program connects busy professionals with the knowledge and skills to lead regional and national health care organizations.

Overall, our programs position students for outstanding leadership roles in the field, or further graduate study. Our graduates obtain strategic positions in health care systems, facilities, private practices, community agencies, schools, health care and food companies. Please call, write or come for a visit to find out how you can be mentored and live your calling through one of our outstanding programs. Make a difference in transforming the health and lives of those in North Carolina – and beyond! The faculty, staff and I look forward to meeting you.

The Department of Nutrition and Health Care Management supports the Beaver College of Health Sciences’ commitment to promoting an inclusive environment for student learning and professional development through our teaching, research, professional practice and daily interactions. https://healthsciences.appstate.edu/inclusive-excellence