Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition

Behavioral Health and Nutrition (MS)

Telephone: (302) 831-2265
http://www.udel.edu/bhan
Faculty Listing: http://sites.udel.edu/bhan/directory/

The Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition offers several Doctoral and Master’s level programs in the areas of Health Behavior Science, Nutrition Science, Health Promotion, Human Nutrition, and a Nutrition and Dietetics/Dietetics Internship combination. The Department also offers a post-baccalaureate Dietetic Internship certificate program and a Graduate Certificate in Health Coaching.

Although admission occurs on an on-going basis for BHAN graduate programs, to ensure consideration for admission to any of these degree programs, a completed admission application should be submitted no later than January 15 for the fall semester and September 15 for the spring semester. Admission application forms are available from the Graduate Office, from the department, and online at: (http://www.udel.edu/gradoffice/apply).

International student applicants must demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency in the English language if English is not their first language. The minimum TOEFL score varies by degree program with Master’s degree programs typically requiring scores of at least 550 (paper based) or 79 (TOEFL IBT); and PhD programs requiring a score of at least 600 (paper based) or 100 (TOEFL IBT). TOEFL scores more than two years old cannot be validated or considered official.

A limited number of teaching assistantships/tuition scholarships are available on a competitive basis. To be eligible the student must complete an application file and must be qualified for admission in regular status. Funding decisions are made separately from admission decisions. First priority is given to thesis students. Please refer to Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships  for more information.

Graduate Programs

Ph.D in Health Behavior Science and Promotion - The PhD in Health Behavior Science and Promotion (HBSP) provides the highest degree for health promotion and behavioral science professionals, preparing graduates for research careers in many settings, including academia, non-governmental organizations (business and non-profit), allied health fields, and public service at all levels of national government.

Ph.D. in Nutrition Science - The Nutrition Science PhD (NS PhD) program provides the highest degree for nutrition science professionals, preparing graduates for research careers in academia, non-governmental organizations (business and non-profit), allied health fields, and public service at all levels of national government.

M.S. in Health Promotion - This interdisciplinary program prepares professionals for the successful design, implementation, and evaluation of health promotion interventions at the individual and population level; and strategies for positive health behavioral change. Graduates gain marketable skills and knowledge for careers in both the private and public sectors.

M.S. in Human Nutrition - The Master of Science in Human Nutrition (MSHN) program emphasizes advanced knowledge of core nutrition principles and prepares students for advanced practice, research, and leadership roles. The focus of the MSHN is nutritional science, and the application of biochemistry, physiology, and biology principles to human nutrition in health and disease. Areas of emphasis include research and projects related to prevention or treatment of disease; nutrition in infancy, childhood, and aging; community nutrition; cardiovascular physiology; and identifying and clarifying relationships between diet and health.

M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics/Dietetic Internship - The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics/Dietetic Internship (MS/DI) program prepares students through engagement in methods, implementation and interpretation of nutrition science, and to apply and advance the field of nutrition through research, clinical, management, or community areas of practice. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s Registration Examination for Dietitians.

Dietetic Internship - This innovative, distance-learning and computer-based internship certificate program prepares students for entry-level practice as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s Registration Examination for Dietitians.

Graduate Certificate in Health Coaching - This program provides students and professionals with the knowledge and skills to facilitate positive behavior change to promote health and reduce chronic disease risk and experience.

PhD in Health Behavior Science and Promotion

Program Overview

The PhD in Health Behavior Science and Promotion (HBSP) provides the highest degree for health promotion and behavioral science professionals, preparing graduates for research careers in many settings, including academia, non-governmental organizations (business and non-profit), allied health fields, and public service at all levels of national government. The curriculum will provide graduate students with the training needed to become effective scientific practitioners with the capacity to conduct independent research in health-related outcomes and promotion, in applied and academic settings. Completion of a high-quality PhD dissertation, based on original research, is a key feature of the academic program. The research emphasis of the HBSP field is on the assessment of individual (including cognitive and affective domains), social, behavioral and environmental determinants of health, and the development of high quality, theoretically-grounded, and evidence-based health promotion interventions to address health problems in diverse populations.

Admission Requirements

Applications (all materials) for the program will be reviewed on a rolling basis between January 15 and March 15 for admission to the program at the beginning of the following fall semester. Since application decisions will be made on a rolling basis within this timeframe (January 15th - March 15th), applicants are strongly advised to complete and submit applications as early as possible.

The materials required for the application to be considered complete are:

• application form,
• undergraduate/graduate transcripts,
• official GRE scores,
• three (or more) letters of recommendation,
• curriculum vitae,
• and a graduate application essay where the candidate identifies how their own research interests relate to those of at least two Health Behavior Science and Promotion faculty members.

Recommended Prerequisites

A completed master’s degree in health promotion, public health or the related social and behavioral sciences is required for admittance to the HBS PhD Program.

Students enrolled in the MS in Health Promotion (currently offered within the Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition) may apply to the HBS PhD program after completion of their first year and with agreement in writing from their MS advisor. If admitted, they may begin their HBS PhD program in their second year within the Department. Students applying to the MS to PhD bypass option must: (1) have exceptional performance during the first year of the Master’s program, (2) have the approval of the HBS graduate programs committee and their advisor, and, (3) have completed a bachelor’s degree in health promotion, public health or the related social and behavioral sciences from an accredited university.

Financial Aid

Assistantships will be available to competitive full-time students (registered in at least 6 graduate credits each semester) based on admission ranking, needs of the program, experience and expertise of the PhD student. Students will be obligated to work a minimum of 20 hours per week in an assigned position during the fall, winter session, and spring semesters.

Program Contact

Freda Patterson PhD, Program Director
fredap@udel.edu

PhD in Nutrition Science

Program Overview

Nutrition Science focuses on the physiological and biological aspects of foods and nutrients and their absorption, assimilation, biosynthesis, catabolism and excretion; and seeks to identify effective strategies to improve the dietary intake among individuals and sub-groups (i.e., older adults, children) to prevent and treat disease, improving health and promoting successful aging.

The Nutrition Science (NS) PhD curriculum provides students with the graduate-level training required to become effective scientific practitioners with the capacity to conduct independent research in nutrition and health-related outcomes, in both applied and academic settings. Students’ capacity to conduct research is developed through a combination of rigorous curriculum and active faculty mentoring, designed to bring students to the intellectual forefront of their discipline.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the NS PhD program is based on enrollment availability, the availability of faculty mentorship, and their ability to meet the following minimum entrance requirements:

1. A Master’s Degree in a related field from an accredited college or university with a GPA > 3.3 or a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field from an accredited college or university with an undergraduate GPA > 3.3 for the MS to PhD bypass option.
2. Verbal GRE (≥50th percentile) within past 5 years.
3. Quantitative GRE (≥50th percentile) within past 5 years.
4. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of at least 600 (paper based) or a TOEFL IBT of at least 100.
5. Completion of both an advanced (≥600 level or graduate level equivalent) Macronutrient Metabolism course and an advanced (≥600 level or graduate level equivalent) Micronutrient Metabolism course, each with a grade of A- or higher, is required; a transcript from an accredited university must also be provided.

Applications (all materials) for the NS PhD Program will be reviewed on a rolling basis between January 15 and March 15 for admission to the program at the beginning of the following fall semester. Since application decisions will be made on a rolling basis within this timeframe (January 15th - March 15th), applicants are strongly advised to complete and submit applications as early as possible.

Prior Degree Requirements

A completed master’s degree in a nutrition and/or dietetics related field is required for direct admittance to the NS PhD Program.

Students enrolled in the MS in Human Nutrition within the Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition at the University of Delaware, who have completed Advanced Macronutrient Metabolism, Advanced Micronutrient Metabolism, a graduate level study design course, and a graduate level statistics course, each with a grade of A- or better) may apply to the NS PhD Program after completion of their first year of study with agreement in writing from their MS advisor. If admitted, they may begin their NS PhD Program in their second year within the Department. Students applying to the MS to PhD bypass option must: (1) have exceptional performance during the first year of the Master’s program, (2) have the approval of the NS Graduate Programs Committee and their advisor, and (3) have completed a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a science/health related field from an accredited university.

Financial Aid

Assistantships are available on a competitive basis to full-time students (registered in at least 6 graduate credits each semester) based on admission ranking, needs of the program, experience and expertise of the applicant.

Program Contact

Jillian Trabulsi PhD RD, Program Director
trabulsi@udel.edu

Graduate Certificate in Health Coaching

Telephone: (302) 831-8974
Web Site: http://www.udel.edu/bhan/graduates/health_coaching.html

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Health Coaching provides students and professionals working in health care with the knowledge and skills to facilitate positive behavior change to promote health and reduce chronic disease risk and experience. Specifically, training serves to develop health coaching skills that will:

• help people clarify their health goals, and implement and sustain behaviors, lifestyles, and attitudes that are conducive to optimal health.
• guide people in their self-care and health-maintenance activities.
• assist people in reducing the negative impact made on their lives by chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes.

This graduate certificate program allows students to take courses (18 credit hours) specializing in health coaching to enhance their academic and professional experience. Students may work towards a graduate certificate in addition to pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree or students may enroll in this stand-alone graduate certificate program for the purpose of personal and professional development. In some programs, certificate program course credit can be applied toward a graduate degree. ALL graduate certificate program students must achieve a cumulative 3.0 (B) grade point average in all graduate certificate courses attempted in order for the graduate certificate to be granted.

Requirements for Admission

Admission to the Health Coaching Certificate Program is determined by the satisfactory completion of the following:

• A health-related undergraduate degree from an accredited institute of higher education (e.g. behavioral health, nutrition, exercise science, nursing, or related discipline(s)). Health professionals with master’s or doctoral degrees may choose to participate in this program. Individuals with a non-health related undergraduate degree but with commensurate and demonstrable experience in behavioral health and/or health care are also eligible to apply.
• Successful completion of the University of Delaware Graduate Studies application including official transcript(s), three letters of recommendation, and an application essay.

Acceptance into the program will be determined by a committee comprised of faculty that teach in the program curriculum. Qualifications of each applicant are assessed on the basis of a record of success in undergraduate work and potential for success in graduate-level work or demonstrated success in graduate work. If academic deficiencies are identified applicants may be required to take prerequisite courses prior to formal admission. Review of applications and admission are conducted on a rolling basis. Admission into the Graduate Certificate Program can occur after enrolling in graduate courses.

Program Contact

Michael Mackenzie, PhD, Program Director
mmackenz@udel.edu

MS in Health Promotion

Telephone: (302) 831-6681
http://sites.udel.edu/bhan/graduates-health-promo/

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Health Promotion prepares professionals for the successful design, implementation, and evaluation of health promotion interventions. Students are prepared in the science and art of helping people change their lifestyle and behaviors through a combination of efforts that involve cognitive and behavioral modification, and environmental and cultural change. The program is designed to meet the needs of both traditional graduate students and working professionals, with graduates having the skills and knowledge to work with a wide variety of populations and in diverse settings. The program provides opportunity to pursue specific areas of emphasis within health promotion which can include but is not limited to: exercise science, aging, nutrition, social marketing, health psychology, community health, health communications, worksite and student health, or program evaluation.

Requirements for Admission

Students will be admitted to the program based upon enrollment availability and their ability to meet the following entrance requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree based on a four-year curriculum from an accredited college or university.
• Acceptable undergraduate transcripts.
• Three letters of recommendation indicating the capability, interest, maturity, scholastic, and professional potential of the candidate for graduate study.
• Adequate preparation in health as determined by the prerequisite requirements.
• Acceptable GRE scores (verbal score of 153 or higher and quantitative score of 144 or higher).

Recommended Prerequisites

All prerequisites are subject to individual review by the Health Promotion Graduate committee. Specific prerequisites for the program are:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Statistics
• Equivalent of three topical health-related courses
• Health Promotion or Community Health Programming course

Admission is selective and competitive, based on the number of well-qualified applicants and the limits of available faculty and facilities. Those who meet stated minimum academic requirements are not guaranteed admission, nor are those who fail to meet those requirements necessarily precluded from admission if they offer other appropriate strengths. See Graduate Admissions  for additional information.

Financial Aid

Available financial aid will be awarded to full-time students (registered in at least six graduate credits each semester) based on admission ranking, needs of the program, and experience and expertise of the graduate student. Students who receive financial aid will be obligated to work up to 20 hours per week in an assigned position during the fall and spring semesters. Some forms of financial aid may provide support for tuition while others may not. Continuation of this award is contingent upon the evaluation of the program director and Health Promotion Graduate committee. The student must remain in good academic standing to be eligible for the continuation of the award.

Program Contact

Elizabeth Orsega-Smith, PhD, Program Director
eosmith@udel.edu

MS in Human Nutrition

Telephone: (302) 831-3332
http://sites.udel.edu/bhan/graduates-human-nutrition/

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Human Nutrition (MSHN) program emphasizes advanced knowledge of core nutrition principles and prepares students for advanced practice, research, and leadership roles. The focus of the MSHN is nutritional science, and application of biochemistry, physiology, and biology principles to human nutrition in health and disease. Areas of emphasis include research and projects related to prevention or treatment of disease; nutrition in infancy, childhood, and aging; community nutrition; cardiovascular physiology; and identifying and clarifying relationships between diet and health.

Requirements for Admission

Admission to the Master of Science in Human Nutrition (MSHN) program is based on enrollment availability, the availability of faculty mentorship, and their ability to meet the following minimum entrance requirements:

1. an undergraduate cumulative index (based on a 4.0 system) of 2.75 with a 3.00 average in the major field
2. A combined GRE score (Quantitative + Verbal) of 297
3. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of at least 575 (paper based) or a TOEFL IBT of at least 90.

Prior Degree Requirements

Prerequisite course requirements for admission to the MSHN include:

1. Physiology (one course)
2. Inorganic chemistry (two courses, Chem 1 and Chem 2),
3. Organic chemistry (one course)
4. Biochemistry (one course)
5. A nutrition course at a level requiring a biochemistry prerequisite

Students seeking to enter the program from undergraduate majors other than nutrition should expect to take prerequisite courses in sciences and nutrition prior to admission.  

Admission to the program is selective and competitive based on the number of applicants and limits of available faculty and facilities. Those who meet minimum academic requirements are not guaranteed admission.

Financial Aid

A limited number of teaching or research assistantships are available on a competitive basis to full-time students (registered in at least 6 graduate credits each semester) based on admission ranking, needs of the program, experience and expertise of the applicant.

Program Contact

Alisha Rovner PhD, Program Director
arovner@udel.edu

Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics/Dietetic Internship

Telephone: (302) 831-4989
http://www.udel.edu/bhan/dietetic

Program Overview:

The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics/Dietetic Internship (MS/DI) program prepares students through engagement in methods, implementation and interpretation of nutrition science, and to apply and advance the field of nutrition through research, clinical, management, or community areas of practice.  The program combines graduate coursework with a minimum of 1,200 hours of supervised practice experience in various areas of dietetics practice. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s Registration Examination for Dietitians.

Admissions Requirements:

Admission to the MS/DI is competitive. Those who meet stated requirements are not guaranteed admission, nor are those who fail to meet all requirements necessarily precluded from admission if they offer other appropriate strengths as determined by the Nutrition Graduate Programs Committee or Intern Selection Committee.  Students will be admitted based on enrollment availability and their ability to meet the following entrance requirements:

1. Minimum of a Baccalaureate Degree
2. Verification of completion of the Didactic Program in Dietetics or an intent to complete form, from an ACEND-accredited undergraduate program
3. Overall GPA of 3.0 or above (based on a 4.0 system)
4. Verbal GRE (≥50th percentile) within past 5 years
5. Quantitative GRE (≥50th percentile) within past 5 years
6. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of at least 600, TOEFL IBT score of at least 100
7. Recent relevant work experience beyond that required for undergraduate course requirements (may be either paid or volunteer)
8. A Medical Nutrition Therapy course completed no more than four years prior to the application to the University of Delaware Dietetic Internship

Financial Aid:

Students may apply for federal financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Program Contact:

Anja Leefeldt, MS, RDN, LDN
Dietetic Internship Director
aleef@udel.edu

Dietetic Internship Certificate Program

Telephone: (302) 831-4989
http://www.udel.edu/bhan/dietetic

Program Overview

The Dietetic Internship at the University of Delaware is an Internet-based program that can be completed anywhere in the United States. This internship interprets the missions of the University, the College of Health Sciences, and the Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition through its activities to promote philosophies to include education of students, service in the community, and participation in professional organizations.

This internship provides graduates of a didactic program in dietetics (DPD) with an opportunity to increase their knowledge of food and nutrition science, and to acquire competencies needed to practice dietetics in a variety of settings. Upon successful completion of the program, each student will receive a verification of completion certificate and be eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians.

Requirements for Admission

Admission requirements for the University of Delaware Dietetic Internship include the following:

• Minimum of a baccalaureate degree.
• Verification of completion of the Didactic Program in Dietetics or an intent to complete form, from an approved/accredited undergraduate program.
• Overall GPA of 2.75 or above; GPA of 2.75 or above in professional courses.
• Recent relevant work experience beyond that required for undergraduate course requirements (may be either paid or volunteer).
• A Medical Nutrition Therapy course completed no more than four years prior to the application to the Dietetic Internship.
• A Biochemistry course completed no more than five years prior to the application to the Dietetic Internship.

Admission to the dietetic internship is competitive based on the number of applicants. This program is accredited to accept up to 45 dietetic interns annually. Those who meet minimum academic requirements are not guaranteed admission.

Program Contact:

Anja Leefeldt, MS, RDN, LDN
Dietetic Internship Director
aleef@udel.edu

Programs

• Health Promotion (MS)
• Human Nutrition - Non-Thesis (MS)
• Human Nutrition - Thesis (MS)
• Leadership in Disability Services (MA)
• Nutrition and Dietetics (MS) with Dietetics Internship (DI)

• Health Behavior Science and Promotion (PhD)
• Nutrition Science (PhD)

• Dietetic Internship Certificate
• Health Coaching Certificate