News
School of Human Ecology introduces new master’s program for fall 2021
Applications are now live for the newest master’s degree at Tennessee Tech, a Master
of Science in Community Health and Nutrition, in the School of Human Ecology. The
program serves two different audiences: graduate students seeking to become registered
dieticians and community health professionals desiring to learn more about serving
rural communities.
“We’re just really excited to offer this program,” said Samantha Hutson, the director for the program. “It’s a pretty unique opportunity for students. Most of our students are from rural areas, so to be able to offer content in community health and nutrition, that’s not just specific to registered dietitians, but could be appropriate for educators, nurses, and really anyone who is interested in community health, we think is a pretty unique opportunity.”
The coursework will be primarily online, and will take about 22 months, or five semesters, to complete. It is a full-time program for students on the registered dietician path, but can be taken part-time for students interested only in the rural health aspect.
In addition to the online classes, students will complete 12 credits of experiential learning with Upper Cumberland partners, working in clinical nutrition, foodservice management, and public health. However, Hutson expressed a desire to expand experiential learning to other areas to provide more opportunities for students.
The program has been granted candidacy for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), as a Future Education Model Future Graduate program.
If you are interested in learning more about the program, contact shutson@tntech.edu or visit https://www.tntech.edu/cahe/hec/programs/community-health.php.
