Graduate Certificate Program in Management of Child Nutrition Programs

The Graduate Certificate in Management Child Nutrition Programs requires six three-credit courses for completion and provides broad exposure to the field.  Graduates of the program are prepared to take on additional responsibilities in their existing careers or begin new careers as child nutrition professionals.

In the program, individuals with a variety of backgrounds take courses in food production management, financial management, child nutrition program management, nutrition of children, and related areas to gain expertise for positions that require a thorough understanding of both food service operations management and child nutrition.

The Graduate Certificate Program may serve as an entry point for enrollment into the Master of Science (MS) in Nutrition and Food Systems program. 

The program is geared to meet the educational needs of two types of students:

• The school nutrition professional seeking advanced training in food service operations and financial management and child nutrition.
• The individual with no experience in child nutrition programs seeking training in food production management, child nutrition program management, and child nutrition.

The main objectives of the program are to provide students with:

• A theoretical and practical understanding of child nutrition program management, including food production, financial management, child nutrition and school wellness.

• Skills needed to manage school nutrition programs in the 21st century.

Admission to the Graduate Certificate Program requires a baccalaureate degree in any subject area from a college or university approved by a recognized accrediting agency. No specific food service management or nutrition background is required.

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Program Requirements

The goal of the Certificate Program in the Management of Child Nutrition Programs is to provide knowledge and skills in food service operations management and child nutrition for those currently employed or pursuing careers in school nutrition.  School nutrition professionals are employees of state and local education agencies, who ensure that healthful meals and nutrition education are provided to children in their districts, communities, and states.  The certificate program focuses both on the management of school food service operations as well as meeting the nutritional needs of school children.   

The graduate certificate program was developed with the needs of working professionals in mind.  All courses are offered fully online using WebCT technology.  Most program participants will take 1-2 courses per term and will require approximately two years for completion.

The curriculum consists of six three-credit courses, for a total of 18 credit hours.

• NFS 545    Financial Management in Nutrition and Food Systems
• NFS 575    Food Production Management
• NFS 625*   The Nutrition of the Child*
• NFS 673    Child Nutrition Program Management
• NFS 690    Current Topics in Child Nutrition Programs
• NFS 715*   Recent Developments in Applied Nutrition*

*Courses with an asterisk have as a prerequisite a 3-credit undergraduate general nutrition course.  NFS 362, offered online every semester, satisfies this requirement.

• Students must complete credit hour and course requirements with a 3.0 GPA.
• Students must complete program requirements within four years.
• Students admitted to the Master of Science (M.S.) in Nutrition and Food Systems can also earn the Certificate in Management of Child Nutrition programs as part of the M.S. degree requirements.  Students admitted to the Certificate program who wish to pursue the M.S. program must complete a separate application and meet all admission requirements.  Certificate coursework may apply to M.S. degree requirements if the student has earned no more than 9 credit hours when admitted to the M.S program and if the minimum GPA requirements for the M.S. degree are met.   

Courses

NFS 545.  Financial Management in Nutrition and Food Systems.  3 hrs. This course is designed to teach financial management skills required in multiple nutrition and food service system settings. 

NFS 575.  Food Production Management.  3 hrs. This course is designed to provide the foundation knowledge and skills required in the operation of noncommercial foodservice establishments

NFS 625.  The Nutrition of Children.  3 hrs. Prerequisite: minimum one nutrition course approved by instructor.  This course is designed to provide knowledge about the nutritional needs of children and adolescents and the knowledge and skills necessary for caregivers to meet these needs

NFS 673.  Child Nutrition Program Management.  3 hrs.  This course is designed to provide an in-depth exploration of the specific knowledge and skills needed in the management and supervision of multiunits in child nutrition programs. 

NFS 690.  Current Topics in Child Nutrition Programs.  3 hrs. This course is designed to acquaint students with current issues and topics related to the management of Child Nutrition Programs supported through the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service.

NFS 715.  Recent Developments in Applied Nutrition. 3 hrs.  Prerequisite: minimum one nutrition course approved by instructor.  A study of current trends in applied nutrition.

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Applying to the Graduate Certificate Program in Management of Child Nutrition Programs

Prerequisites:

• A bachelor's degree in any field of study from an accredited institution.
• The TOEFL for all applicants for whom English is not their native language.
• An undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 2.75.
• Completion of an undergraduate introductory nutrition course (applicants who have not met this prerequisite can enroll in NFS 362, Nutrition, offered online)
• Official sealed transcripts must accompany the application.

Graduate Certificate Application Deadlines:

• Fall semester – July 15 
• Spring semester -  November 15
• Summer term – April 15

Application Instructions

• Complete the Application for Admission for Graduate School
  You may complete either theonline applicationor the paper application (which should be mailed to the Office of Graduate School, 118 College Drive #10066, Hattiesburg, MS 39406). Under academic status, check Non-degree/Certificate in Child Nutrition Program Management.
• Submit your application fee
  Applications should include a $35 non-refundable application fee made payable to the University of Southern Mississippi or to pay online click here.
• Submit an official transcript
  You are required to submit an official transcript from the college or university which awarded your degree.  The transcript may be mailed from the institution attended to the Graduate School, or mailed to you and forwarded in its original sealed envelope with your application letter.
• Letter of application
  Submit a letter of application, describing your professional goals and how this certificate program fits into those goals.  Mail your letter of application to Management of Child Nutrition Certificate Program, The University of Southern Mississippi, 118 College Drive #5172, Hattiesburg, MS 39406 or email to belynda.brock@usm.edu.

For any questions, please contact the Department of Nutrition and Food Systems.

Voice: 601 266-5377
Email: nfsinfo@usm.edu

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