Department of Health Behavior and Nutrition Sciences

Health Behavior and Nutrition Sciences

Telephone: (302) 831-6222
https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/chs/departments/hbns/
Faculty Listing: https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/chs/departments/hbns/faculty/

The Department of Health Behavior & Nutrition Sciences (HBNS) offers Doctoral programs in Health Behavior Science and Promotion and Nutrition Science; and Master’s programs in Health Promotion, Human Nutrition, as well as a Nutrition and Dietetics/Dietetic Internship (MS/DI) combination. The Department also offers a post-graduate Dietetic Internship certificate program and a Graduate Certificate in Health Coaching.

Completed applications for HBNS graduate programs will be reviewed on a rolling basis from January 15 through March 15 for admission beginning in the fall semester, when most applicants are admitted to start. The Master’s in Health Promotion and Graduate Certificate in Health Coaching programs accept applications for fall admittance through July 1. The Master’s in Human Nutrition and Master’s in Health Promotion programs will consider admittance for a Spring semester start with applications reviewed starting September 15. Admission application forms are available at: (https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/grad/prospective-students/grad-admissions/).

International student applicants must demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency in the English language if English is not their first language. The minimum TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score varies by degree program. Master’s degree programs typically require scores of at least 575 (paper based), 90 (TOEFL IBT) or IELTS of 6.5 and PhD programs requiring a score of at least 600 (paper based), 100 (TOEFL IBT) or IELTS of 7.0.

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. Please refer to Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships for more information.

Graduate Programs

PhD in Health Behavior Science and Promotion - The Doctor of Philosophy (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 behavior and promotion, in academic applied and applied academic settings.

PhD in Nutrition Science - The Nutrition Science (NS) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program provides the highest degree for nutrition 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 nutrition with health-related outcomes, in academic and applied settings.

M.S. in Health Promotion - The Master of Science in Health Promotion (MSHP) program prepares professionals for the successful design, implementation, and evaluation of health promotion interventions at the individual and population level. Students develop the knowledge and skills to use strategies, such as cognitive and behavioral modification, health coaching, health communication, and environmental and cultural change in diverse settings. The MSHP prepares graduates to work in diverse careers, such as health educators, research project managers, public health evaluators, and health coaches in settings including corporate wellness, academic institutions, local and state health departments, and health-related, nonprofit organizations. Students have the opportunity to select from the Health Coaching or Health and Disabilities concentration or pursue the general Health Promotion degree.

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. The MSHN program offers a thesis or non-thesis option. The MSHN non-thesis option has three concentration areas in dietetics, public health and health coaching.

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, (which includes graduate coursework and an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship), graduates are eligible to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s Registration Examination for Dietitians.

Dietetic Internship - This innovative, hybrid internship certificate program prepares students for entry-level practice as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). Upon successful completion of this ACEND-accredited program, graduates are eligible to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s Registration Examination for Dietitians.

Graduate Certificate in Health Coaching - This nationally accredited certificate program provides students and professionals with the knowledge and skills to facilitate positive behavior change and reduce chronic disease risk in individuals. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to take the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching Certification as a Health & Wellness Coach.

Programs

Master’s

Doctorate

Certificate

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