Recipient Organization
PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY
P.O. Box 519, MS 2001
PRAIRIE VIEW,TX 77446
Performing Department
Ag & Human Sciences
Non Technical Summary
As our population increases the United States must increase college completion rates at the post baccalaureate levels to satisfy the workforce needed to effectively compete in the global sphere. In recent years, there has been increased interest in the role of food and nutrition in promoting health and wellness, particularly as part of preventative healthcare in medical settings. The importance of diet in preventing and treating illnesses such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, stroke and cardiovascular disease is now well known. The College of Agriculture and Human Sciences at Prairie View A&M University is proposing to expand its current graduate program by adding a Master's of Science degree in Human Nutrition. The program will offer a clinical tract in dietetics specially geared towards students in the dietetic internship program. An additional option in general nutritional science will be available for students who are non-dietetic majors. Both options will be thesis/research driven for added training and experience. The specific objectives are to support the initial development of the nutritional sciences curriculum, develop course descriptions policies & procedures, provide opportunities for faculty to participate in short term training activities, and provide opportunities for students to participate in professional organizational activities. Project Investigators will follow a detailed outcome driven schedule to coincide with college and university deadlines, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board deadline, and the project timeline. The college dean, department chair, and nutrition faculty will be intimately involved in the various aspects of the project to ensure successful completion and implementation.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
The overall goal of the project is to develop a Master of Science [MS] degree in human nutrition at PVAMU. The program will train students desiring to be registered nutrition dietitians (MS, RND) as well as those interested in a general human nutrition MS degree.The Specific Objectives of the project are: (1) to support the initial development of the human nutrition curriculum by allowing faculty the release time to develop new courses, course descriptions and syllabi, as well as policies and procedures. (2) Support opportunities for faculty to participate in professional enhancement and development activities in preparation for program delivery. (3) Provide initial funds to attract students in the first year of program offering.
Project Methods
The first step in the project will be the creation of a planning committee. The committee will be responsible for selecting courses for the degree. This process will involve examining the current inventory of courses at PVAMU, deciding on additional courses needed and determining existing courses that can be cross listed. The course listing will be submitted to the College for final review. Faculty will develop course outline and assist in determining policies and procedures for the various degree options. Every effort will be made to assign faculty from within the current academic or research staff who are qualified to teach the respective courses. Once the courses for the degree have been determined, the details will be presented to the university graduate academic council then submitted to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Project personnel will devote time and effort to plan and accomplish goal and objectives. Project personnel will liaise with the faculty, department/college and the university as the project progresses. The Principal Investigator (program director) will coordinate all activities for the efficient management of the project. Project Investigators will follow a detailed outcome driven schedule to coincide with university deadlines, project timeline and evaluation of the various duties and components. Every effort will be made toward efficient program management. The college dean, department chair, and nutrition faculty will be involved in course selection, evaluation, and the decision- making process of inclusion in the curriculum. The project will be evaluated based on the accomplishments of activities and expected outcomes. These activities will serve to guide the project and to make adjustments where warranted. The PD and all key personnel will evaluate and discuss accomplishments or delay (if any) at various intervals over the duration of the project. Evaluation will be continuous with a formal report made annually.