MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NUTRITION

The Master of Science in Nutrition (MSN) program is designed to prepare professionals for more advanced work in nutrition. It permits students with a background in nutrition to obtain depth in knowledge and research skills. The MSN degree serves as a good foundation for those who plan to continue their studies towards earning a PhD degree.

The existing curriculum doesn't have program learning objectives. The program learning objectives stated below were created in the API project entitled Academic Program Improvement Review of the Curriculum of Master of Science in Nutrition (Phase 4) Project code: API-2018-01-07 of the proposed MSN curriculum.

At the end of the program, the student must be able to achieve the proposed program goals:

1. Demonstrate mastery in advanced work in nutrition for the welfare of individuals, families, and communities.

2. Apply new knowledge and skills in specialized areas of nutrition.

3. Identify solutions or nutrition interventions for current nutrition concerns—local, national, and international issues based on developments in nutrition, dietetics, related fields, and nutritional care of individuals, families, and communities.

4. Advocate the role and importance of nutrition and dietetics for human well-being in relation to the needs, resources, and potential of individuals, families, and communities.

5. Practice critical thinking skills in judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making,

6. Complete a master's thesis through independent and self-directed learning and a draft journal article for publication.

7. Disseminate scholarly works and/or outputs through publications, presentations in national and international forums.

8. Establish linkages with national and international settings.

9. Demonstrate professional, social, and ethical responsibilities of a nutritionist-dietitian.

10. Integrate Filipino cultural heritage in the practice of the profession.

Tracer studies were conducted in the API project entitled Academic Program Improvement Review of the Curriculum of Master of Science in Nutrition (Phase 1). These highlighted the competencies and career opportunities of a graduate of the existing MSN program.

The different competencies from the MSN program are the following:

1. Ability to conduct research;

2. Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources;

3. Critical thinking;

4. Developing appropriate strategies and material for nutrition education;

5. Ability to comprehend the rationale for nutrition programs;

6. Ability to differentiate advocacy from a nutrition communication plan;

7. Verifying the veracity of nutrition and health claims;

8. Ability to plan and implement nutrition surveillance to monitor progress of nutrition plans; and

9. Ability to improve corporate health and wellness programs.

The following are a graduate of an MSN program's career opportunities:

• Hospital/ Clinical Nutrition Field

• Nutrition services/Manpower

• NGO Consultant

• Academe and Research

• Public Health Nutrition Field

• Culinary

• Regulatory Affairs Field

• Corporate and Industry Setting