Nutrition Option Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Keene State College Health Science/Nutrition option to provide a developmentally appropriate, comprehensive, evolving program to prepare and empower individuals to pursue a career and/or further studies in the field of nutrition and dietetics. The program will provide a focus in all areas of applied nutrition throughout the lifespan including clinical, community nutrition and health promotion, and foodservice management using didactic and experiential strategies.

Undergraduate Preparation: Nutrition Option

A. Advising

All students interested in the Nutrition Option are strongly encouraged to meet regularly with nutrition faculty for academic and admission criteria advising. Please refer to the Nutrition Option’ Student Handbook: Appendix B for admission criteria into the Health Science/Nutrition Option. You should select a nutrition faculty advisor in your first year. You do not need to be accepted into the program to meet with a nutrition faculty member for advising.

The Nutrition Option is a very structured program, and it crucial that you meet regularly with nutrition faculty for advising. The curriculum has sequential coursework, and one missed course may require an extra year, summer or semester for completion of degree requirements. You should begin coursework for the major during your first year. It is especially important that incoming students enroll in Health Science: Wellness Trends and Issues (HLSC 101) and Chemistry: Fundamentals of Chemistry (INCHEM 103) during the fall semester and Biology: Human Anatomy and Physiology I (BIO 230) and Health Science: Nutrition & the Profession (HLSC 125) during the spring semester of their first year.

B. Coursework

Take your course work seriously, it relates directly to your future career in nutrition. The following is a suggested 4-year course sequence for full-time students. All students are encouraged to meet early and regularly with a Nutrition faculty member advisor to assist in planning a suitable course sequence.

Practical Experience

The Health Science/Nutrition Option at Keene State College provides you with invaluable practical experience, which will enhance your in-class experience.

Practicum experience:

A 120-hour practical experience, under the supervision of a professional, is a requirement for your degree. In order to enroll in the HLSC 473 Practicum, you must complete the following prerequisite courses: HLSC 313 Foodservice Management/Lab, HLSC 318 Health & Wellness in the Lifecycle and/or HLSC 385 Behavior Change Facilitation. See your academic advisor for more information.

Refer to the Nutrition Option’s Handbook