Undergraduate Certificate Program in Management of Child Nutrition Programs

The undergraduate Certificate in Management Child Nutrition Programs requires six three-credit courses for completion and provides broad exposure to the field.  Individuals completing the program are prepared to take on additional responsibilities in their existing careers or explore 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 an understanding of both food service operations management and child nutrition.

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

• The child nutrition professional seeking additional training in food service operations and financial management and child nutrition.
• The individual with little or 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:

• An 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 undergraduate 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.

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

• NFS 362   Nutrition
• NFS 445   Financial Management in Nutrition and Food Systems
• NFS 475   Food Production Management
• NFS 425*  The Nutrition of the Child*
• NFS 473   Child Nutrition Program Management
• NFS 490   Current Topics in Child Nutrition Programs

*Courses with an asterisk require NFS 362 as a prerequisite.  NFS 362 is offered online every semester.

• Students must complete credit hour and course requirements with a 2.0 GPA.

Courses

NFS 362.  Nutrition. 3 hrs. Study of the body’s need for foods, including the chemistry of digestion, metabolism, and nutritive requirements of the body during the lifecycle.

NFS 445.  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 475.  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 425.  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 473.  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 490.  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.

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

Application Instructions

• Complete the undergraduate application for admission
  Complete the online application or contact Admissions at 601-266-5000 to request a paper application.  Under academic status, check Non-degree/Certificate.
• Submit official transcripts
  You are required to submit official transcripts for any prior college coursework you have completed.  The transcripts may be mailed from the institution attended to the Admissions.
• 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.
• Submit your application fee
  Applications should include a $25 non-refundable application fee made payable to the University of Southern Mississippi.

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

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

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