AY 2024-2025

https://calstatela.curriculog.com/proposal:12472/form

 

C1. How will the changes fit with the Institutional Mission / Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILO)

The proposed changes to our MS align with all the ILOs but are most closely tied to ILOs 1 and 3. To increase mastery of content and process of inquiry, we have added a crucial course to our core, which is nutritional biochemistry. We also believe that by making our program hybrid or online in the future, we will meet ILO 3, which speaks to our urban and global mission. Students struggle to work and also attend classes that are held in the evening. If we can make more or all classes online or synchronously online, students can live anywhere in the state, work, and be able to more fully contribute to the communities in which they live (instead of relocating to Los Angeles). The graduate program in nutritional science aligns with campus goals and priorities by creating a pathway for students to continue their studies in nutritional science. The university values programs that help with upward mobility, and the MS in nutritional science is a great example of this. Read below for the job outlook for dietetics. In addition, the mission of the program aligns perfectly with the university’s mission of service learning, public good, and engagement. The program has a long history and should continue to be supported by the department and the college. In addition, in 2024, students who want to take the exam to become a Registered Dietitian will need to have earned an MS degree. We must continue to offer a degree that prepares our students to sit for the RD exam, as this is what they have been working towards for many years. Field of dietetics and economic outlook The field of dietetics and nutrition has always been a popular choice for students, as the principles can be applied in their own lives, in their families, and in their communities. Nutrition, as a profession, has a positive job outlook, and there is a 16% projected increase in jobs for dietitians and nutritionists through 2024 (https://nutritionsciencedegree.org/nutrition-science-jobs-and-career-outlook/). With our aging population, and the treatment of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, the demand for dietitians continues to grow. The median annual income of dietitians and nutritionists was $65,000 in 2017. Salaries vary by region, years of practice, employment settings, and responsibilities but salaries in California in all segments are reported to be among the highest. For example, the average hourly salary for dietitians overall is $30.45 an hour while for those working in the Pacific (which includes California), it is $36.06. However, this additional amount is likely offset by the high cost of living, especially in Southern California. Students who earn a Masters or Doctorate can further increase their salaries, as can students who earn credentials like Certified Diabetes Educators or Community Health Educator Specialists (Compensation and Benefits Survey of the Dietetics Profession, 2017). Cal State LA’s Nutritional Science Program The Nutritional Sciences Department is housed as part of the Ronxiang Xu College of Health and Human Services. The program was created in 1968 and was first housed in the Department of Home Economics. In 1984, the Department of Home Economics became the Department of Family Studies and then Consumer Sciences. In 1993, the department was restructured and Nutritional Sciences joined the Department of Health and Nutritional Science. In 2001, the department split, with Health Science joining the School of Nursing, and Nutritional Science joining the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education. In the summer of 2022, the nutritional science program, along with food science, once again split off and is now its own department, known as the Department of Nutrition and Foods Science. Programs in Nutritional Science at Cal State LA include the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutritional Science and the Master of Science degree in Nutritional Science. Graduates from our program are prepared for a wide range of careers in the private and public sectors. Some of these careers include: • Providing nutrition-related care to patients in a wide variety of clinical settings. • Educating individuals and communities through community nutrition programs, like the Women, Infant and Children’s Program, and Head Start. • Managing food service operations in schools, hospitals, prisons, and other locations. • Conducting research related to nutritional science. • Overseeing and providing nutrition education through worksite wellness programs. • Presenting nutrition and health-related information in print, online, and social media platforms. • Client nutrition education through a private practice. • Educating students as faculty members of a school or university. • Working in the non-profit sector on nutrition and health-related initiatives. • Creating and assisting with policy development and implementation in government agencies. • Nutrition expertise within businesses such as food companies, supplement and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Cal State LA Mission Cal State LA transforms lives and fosters thriving communities across greater Los Angeles. We cultivate and amplify our students’ unique talents, diverse life experiences, and intellect through engaged teaching, learning, scholarship, research, and public service that support their overall success, well-being, and the greater good. Department Mission: The Department of Nutrition and Food Science (DNFS) prepares students to excel in nutrition and food science skills communication, research, policy, advocacy, and service. Graduates in nutrition will improve individual and community health as innovative leaders in the field. Students enrolled in the didactic program in dietetics will be prepared for supervised practice leading to eligibility for the CDR credentialing exam to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. Graduates of the Food Science program receive training in food safety, analysis, quality assurance, and new product development and will serve the industry, government, and non-profit organizations.

 

C2. Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

Students will be able to:

1. Conduct a thorough review of nutrition-related scientific literature using library resources, evidence-based guidelines, systematic reviews, and other peer-reviewed material and analyze this material for scientific merit.

2. Demonstrate strong oral communication skills through the completion of a thoroughly researched presentation.

3. Translate knowledge and skills from Nutritional Sciences competencies to nutrition research or evidence-based clinical practice.

4. Implement ethical conduct, leadership skills, and a commitment to lifelong service.

5. Prepare a well-written and structured comprehensive exam, thesis, or project that involves a comprehensive written evaluation of the existing literature about a nutrition topic.