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The 51Ʒ��’s College of Graduate and Professional Studies is excited to announce the opening of a new online master’s degree in Applied Nutrition. The mission of the Master of Science in Applied Nutrition is to prepare individuals for leadership roles in the nutrition field, to advance knowledge and expand skills that promote excellence and innovation in all areas of nutrition practice, and to emphasize evidence-based best practices to support the well-being and health outcomes of individuals, families, and communities through education, research, and service.

51Ʒ��Online welcomes Elizabeth Dodge, M.S., Ph.D., to the role of Applied Nutrition Program Manager. Dodge joins the College with more than twelve years of experience in the nutrition and education fields. During her tenure at the University of Maine, Dodge served in a variety of capacities, including her role as advisor for the division of lifelong learning and course design specialist for the HealthyU initiative, as well as adjunct faculty and course design specialist in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition.

“Policy and population trends are driving the need for qualified professionals in the field of nutrition,” said Martha Wilson, Ph.D. Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies & Associate Provost for Online Learning. “Given UNE’s strength as a premier health sciences university, we believe our Applied Nutrition program will provide professionals with the skills and tools they need to make a positive impact in their communities, in the state of Maine, and across the globe.”

UNE’s Applied Nutrition program is offered 100% online, with no campus visits required. A 36-credit hour program, the master’s degree offers a generalist track as well as three options for areas of specialization: Business, Social Media, & Entrepreneurship; Obesity and Health Promotion; and Nutrition and Disease Prevention. The program does not lead to Registered Dietician (R.D.) verification. 

"The research shows the field of nutrition is growing rapidly,” said President Danielle Ripich. “The addition of the Applied Nutrition master’s degree demonstrates UNE’s continued commitment to educating tomorrow's health and wellness professionals."

“The Bureau of Labor predicts that employment in the field of nutrition is expected to grow 21% over the next five years,” Dodge stated. “This is above the average growth rate. We know there are a number of professionals looking for nutrition-focused advanced degrees, including those who already hold R.D. certification but do not have a master’s and those that do not wish to obtain certification but still want an advanced degree and rigorous education in the field of Applied Nutrition to support and further their personal and professional goals. This program is intended to fill that gap.”

The 51Ʒ��Online Master of Science in Applied Nutrition is accepting applications for the Fall 2016 term. The application deadline for the program is August 1, 2016. To learn more, visit or email nutrition@une.edu.