Our clinical and preventive nutrition sciences programs offer exceptional education and research experiences for students that prepare them for careers as dietetic practitioners at all levels. The program provides a clinically challenging, rigorous graduate education in nutrition that may be completed online. This program is unique in regards to its distance education options and for advanced level practice opportunities in clinical, community, public health and management settings. The MSCN is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence through an individualized advanced-level, clinically focused graduate degree program. The program instills an appreciation of lifelong learning, professional leadership, and service. It prepares graduates with the advanced knowledge, expanded skills, and intellectual maturity necessary to become progressive, innovative and inter-professional practitioners and leaders in the dynamic health care environment. In 2003, SHP opened the first clinical doctorate program (DCN) in Nutrition. This web-based program focuses on advanced clinical practice assuring that RD's remain integral members of the health care team in any practice setting. This program requires completion of a clinical doctorate residency and a research project. Strategic Vision of the Graduate Programs in Clinical Nutrition
The Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition (MSCN) and the Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition (DCN) Programs are models for advanced-level graduate study in clinical nutrition. The programs utilize a web-based platform to educate a diverse group of RD professionals to service the state, nation and communities abroad. Graduates are prepared with critical thinking and scientific skills needed for advanced-level clinical practice, management, research, and leadership roles to respond to the challenges of the 21st century. Graduates are consumers of research and scholarship, able to design, conduct, analyze, and publish scientifically sound research and other peer reviewed papers on evidence-based dietetics practice. The program instills an appreciation for interdisciplinary collaboration and education, provides "upskilling" opportunities to achieve expanded roles in health promotion, disease prevention, and intervention for a multi-cultural society.
