Master of Science in Nutrition and Wellness Course Descriptions

The online Master of Science in Nutrition and Wellness (MSNW) offered through Benedictine University provides a sophisticated, life sciences–based study of holistic health, balanced nutrition and personal well-being. It also examines the implementation, promotion and ongoing management of health in the public realm. From individual therapeutic application to community-based health education, Benedictine's MSNW program offers thorough, rigorous coursework for health and nutrition professionals looking to deepen their knowledge and advance their career.

The advanced online degree program in nutrition and wellness requires 64 quarter hours of graduate-level coursework. The Nutrition and Wellness Core comprises 36 quarter hours. Students also complete 28 quarter hours of coursework in the Health Education concentration.

NUTRITION AND WELLNESS CORE

MPH 511 Biostatistics (4 quarter hours)
Apply statistical reasoning and methods in addressing, analyzing and solving problems in public health; health care; and biomedical, clinical and population-based research. Prerequisite: Algebra or equivalent.

MPH 604 Epidemiology (4 quarter hours)
Students analyze chronic and communicable disease patterns in the U.S. and the world. The course covers epidemiological models, preventive health and medicine, the spread of disease throughout history and the study of epidemiological statistical methods.

NTR 614 Advanced Nutrition and Metabolism (4 quarter hours)
Scientific examination of the nature, role, and metabolism of energy nutrients in the human health and disease. Applications are made to fed and fasted states, adapted starvation, and hypercatabolic and physically stressed states. Prerequisite: NTR 621.

NTR 621 Obesity Theory and Practice Applications (4 quarter hours)
This course discusses the impact of obesity—from the pathophysiological to the psychological—and considers the multidisciplinary assessment and treatment modalities of obesity for persons throughout the life cycle. Prerequisites: physiology, biochemistry and an advanced nutrition course.

NTR 625 Complementary Nutrition Therapies (4 quarter hours)
Scientific examination and discussion of the efficacy of foods, herbs, nutrients, and phytochemicals in various disease conditions, including mechanisms of action, safety issues, bioavailability, and recommendations. Prerequisite: NTR 614.

NTR 629 Nutrition and Health Research Planning (4 quarter hours)
Students focus on community-based research and evaluation of outcomes for health educational programs. Prerequisites: statistics and advanced nutrition course.

NTR 633 Advanced Nutrition Topics in Micronutrients (2 quarter hours)
Scientific examination and discussion of the efficacy of select micronutrients, as they related to specific health concerns, including the nature, bioavailability, mechanisms of action, safety issues, assessment of status, and recommendations in prevention and therapeutic use. Prerequisite: NTR 614.

NTR 684 Program Development and Administration (4 quarter hours)
Students learn policies and procedures for developing wellness programs, with special emphasis on budgets, management and evaluation. Prerequisites: NTR 629 and NTR 633.

NTR 694 Applied Data Analyses (2 quarter hours)
The course is an overview of quantitative and qualitative analyses and reporting as applied to the field of nutrition. Prerequisites: NTR 629 and statistics.

CONCENTRATION: HEALTH EDUCATION

NTR 530 Science of Sports Nutrition (4 quarter hours)
The course examines the metabolic and physiologic basis for macronutrients and micronutrient recommendations during training, competition/performance, and recovery. Includes disease applications and case studies.

MPH 601 Behavioral and Social Aspects of Public Health (4 quarter hours)
Students explore social and psychological determinants and theories of health behavior.

MPH 602 Public Health System (4 quarter hours)
This course provides an overview of the history, basic structures and operations of public health and health care delivery systems.

MPH 604 Epidemiology (4 quarter hours)
Students analyze chronic and communicable disease patterns in the U.S. and the world. The course covers epidemiological models, preventive health and medicine, the spread of disease throughout history and the study of epidemiological statistical methods.

MPH 605 Environmental Health (2 quarter hours)
Study the health implications of human relationships to the biosphere. Examine the effect of environmental change on physical, biological and social patterns. Explore alternative solutions for environmental problems.

MPH 607 Community Health Analysis (4 quarter hours)
Analyze factors relating to health needs in communities as a means to finding solutions. Coursework involves research and field work.

MPH 609 Cultural Context of Health (4 quarter hours)
Understand the cultural and sociological contexts in which the health care system developed. Examine the role of socio-economic groups in the history of the U.S. health care system.

MPH 632 Health Education (4 quarter hours)
Study educational techniques that encourage behavior change and learn how to best apply them in various settings.

MPH 664 Marketing of Health Care Services (4 quarter hours)
This course examines actions that successful health leaders take in the planning, strategy, research and implementation of marketing plans. Students explore concepts of marketing theory and the execution of marketing tactics as they apply to the health industry.

MPH 688 Community and Risk Communications (4 quarter hours)
Learn to assess, evaluate and develop plans for health education communication using the Internet and other media-based technologies. Examine how to apply the principles of effective risk management and crisis communications to address the health needs of specific audiences.

NTR 686 Health Education Internship (4 quarter hours)
Meet the competencies of the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc., which serve as the basis of the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) Exam. Prerequisite: MPH 601, NTR 614, NTR 629, NTR 633 and nutrition department consent.

NTR 697 Research I (2 quarter hours)
Students complete a review of current literature and actively participate in research processes, including planning, project implementation, data collection, data entry, and initial day analyses. Prerequisites: NTR 629.

NTR 698 Research II (2 quarter hours)
Students will continue the research process through analyses and interpretation of statistical data and outputs, development of appropriate graphics, and oral and written dissemination of the research results and conclusions. Prerequisites: NTR 697 and NTR 694.

To learn more about the online MS in Nutrition and Wellness courses, call us at (866) 295-3104 to speak to an Admissions Advisor, or request more information.