JMU - Health Sciences

Admission requirements for programs in the Health Science department vary by program. Refer to the specific program for admission criteria and deadlines.

Mission

The graduate programs in Health Sciences are committed to preparing students to become evidence-based critical thinkers in the health sciences. Specifically, these programs build upon the undergraduate health sciences programs by providing a more detailed knowledge base that is fortified by self-directed learning experiences and the development of practical, clinical, and/or research skills.

Goals

The specific goals of the graduate programs in Health Sciences are designed to help students develop their critical thinking abilities while expanding their knowledge in the rapidly changing health-related environments. Specifically, students will be able to:

�� critically evaluate the current research in the ever-broadening field of health.

�� access current literature in the health fields.

�� interpret current health-related research.

�� develop basic research skills.

�� describe and evaluate various health education models.

�� critically evaluate past and present health care administration strategies.

The mission and goals are based, in part, on the Standards for the Preparation of Graduate-Level Health Educators.

The mission of the Master of Science degree program in Health Sciences � Dietetics is to provide graduate education for practicing dietitians, those seeking to become Registered Dietitians, and for those from closely related fields who want to pursue graduate study in nutrition. Each student in the program will complete a research project in a selected area.

The mission of the Dietetic Internship at James Madison University is to provide a six-month supervised dietetic experience to qualified students in the Master of Science program in Health Sciences � Dietetics in order for them to achieve the competence of entry-level dietitians and the ability to apply current research findings to dietetics practice.

The Department of Health Sciences offers four degrees: Master of Science in Education, Master of Science, Master of Occupational Therapy and Master of Physician Assistant Studies. In addition, an interdisciplinary program in health care administration is offered as part of the Master of Business Administration.

In the Master of Science and the Master of Science and Education programs, courses must be selected with the approval of the major and minor advisers in accordance with the purposes of the student. Students electing a major or minor in the health sciences department are expected to have adequate undergraduate preparation in the chosen area of graduate study and satisfactory Graduate Record Examination scores.

Students entering the graduate program who do not possess entry-level health education competencies will be required to obtain these competencies with course work and assignments determined to meet the need as prerequisites of the program. Some undergraduate courses may be taken concurrently with graduate work.

Health Education

This 30-credit hour master�s program will enable graduates to demonstrate a core level of knowledge and skills in relevant areas of health education research and practice. This program is based on the American Association for Health Education and the Society for Public Health Education Standards for the Preparation of Graduate-Level Health Educators. Graduate-level standards are built upon entry-level roles, responsibilities and competencies that reflect undergraduate health education preparation.

Students wishing to complete this program who have not had undergraduate health education preparation must work with their advisor to plan a program of appropriate undergraduate courses to meet entry level competencies in health education. This plan must be approved by the graduate coordinator during the first semester.

The Masters in Health Education requires completion of five core courses (15 credits), elective courses chosen with approval of the department academic adviser and either a non-thesis, directed research, or thesis option.

First Year	Credit
Fall Semester	Hours
HTH 655. Research Techniques	3
HTH 558. Health Planning	3
First Year	Credit
Spring Semester	Hours
MATH 522. Statistics for Researchers	3
HTH 552. Strategies for Health Change	3
Second Year	Credit
Fall Semester	Hours
HTH 669. Modern Health Care Administration	3

Non-Thesis Option: Master of Science in Education

This option is designed for graduate students who are practicing health educators. Students wishing to teach Pre-K-12 health must obtain licensure in health and physical education. (See graduate programs in Kinesiology for information on teacher licensure). Students will complete 15 credit hours in core courses and 6 credit hour electives in health sciences with a 9 credit hour minor in secondary or higher education. Students applying to the Master of Science in Education program must be admitted to both programs and have an adviser in education as well as in health sciences.

Directed Research Option: Master of Science in Health Sciences

Students pursuing this option will complete 15 credit hours in core courses, 9 credit hour electives in health sciences, and 6 credit hours of directed research. This research would be more applied and have a broader breath of investigation than the traditional thesis. Evaluation may be more qualitative than quantitative and projects may be structured to meet the current needs of the student�s professional goals.

Thesis Option: Master of Science in Health Sciences

Students completing this option will earn 15 credit hours in core courses, 9 credit hours in electives in health sciences and 6 hours of thesis. Students choosing this option must follow the thesis guidelines of the College of Graduate and Professional Programs and the thesis guidelines and deadlines of the Department of Health Sciences.

Health Services Administration

The Department of Health Sciences cooperates with the College of Business Master of Business Administration program to offer a health services administration track within the Master of Business Administration program. This program is intended to provide practicing health professionals with the business skills and health systems knowledge necessary for promotion or to take advantage of new opportunities.

This track includes the following four courses:

HTH 659. Health Care Environment (three credits)

HTH 660. Health Economics (three credits)

HTH 661. Financial Management of Health Services Organizations (three credits)

HTH 669. Health Care Administration (three credits)

Three of these courses are used to meet Master of Business Administration elective requirements. Students in the health services administration track take HTH 661, Financial Management of Health Services Organizations, instead of FIN 655, Advanced Topics in Financial Management.

Students who have not had at least two years of work experience in a health services organization will be required to complete a three-month internship. Application for admission must be made to the College of Business Master of Business Administration program. Applicants must meet Master of Business Administration prerequisites requirements. Please refer to the Business Administration section (http://cob.jmu.edu/mba) for specific requirements for this concentration.

Health Sciences

This program is designed for a very limited number of students who have extensive health related experience and want to plan a specialized program of study. This 30-credit-hour master�s program permits students to plan programs consistent with their needs and interests. This requires adviser and departmental approval. The program requires HTH 552, Strategies for Health Change and HTH 655, Research Techniques.

Dietetics Concentration

Dr. Janet Gloeckner, Graduate Concentration Coordinator

Phone: (540) 568-7084

A Master of Science degree may be pursued with a major in health sciences and a concentration in dietetics. The program includes course work in advanced nutritional biochemistry, applied nutrition, and research methods. Students must plan, conduct, and publish a research project. Students who want to study in the area of nutrition but have a limited background will need to fulfill prerequisite requirements in nutrition, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and statistics prior to full admission to the program.

Combined Master of Science/Dietetic Internship Program (MS/DI)

This program includes graduate education as outlined above and supervised practice experience to provide the skills necessary for professional practice in dietetics. Students will acquire new knowledge through course work and research and will apply that advanced knowledge to dietetic practice in a supervised setting.

Students with a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition or a related field who meet American Dietetic Association (ADA) Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) requirements are eligible for admission to the combined MS/DI program. Students with a BS in a related field may have appropriate background for graduate study in nutrition. However, it is necessary to complete all requirements of a DPD prior to application to the DI. The department has an CADE-accredited undergraduate program to facilitate completion of DPD requirements. Certain courses may be taken at the graduate level to meet these requirements.

The MS/DI at James Madison University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association. Questions about accreditation can be directed to:

CADE

216 W. Jackson Blvd.

Chicago, IL 60606-6995

(312) 899-4876

The graduate program is designed so that students take a full credit load (9-12 hours) of classes during the first year on the JMU campus prior to the dietetic internship rotations. All M.S. degree requirements, including prerequisite courses and research, must be completed prior to the start of the internship rotations. Most of the graduate classes in dietetics are offered in the evening.

The internship involves six months of supervised practice in clinical nutrition, community nutrition, and food service management. Upon completion of the supervised practice competencies and all requirements for the M.S. degree, graduates will receive a signed Verification Statement and may apply for eligibility to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians.

Application Procedure

Students will apply to the Dietetic Internship and the Master of Science program in Health Sciences (concentration in Dietetics) at the same time. All required materials must be submitted by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

To be considered for the combined MS/DI program, complete applications must be received by February 15th. Mailed applications for graduate admission must be sent to:

College of Graduate and Professional Programs

MSC 6702, James Madison University,

Harrisonburg, VA 22807

Application forms are available at http://www.jmu.edu/gradprograms and application may be made online. Sealed transcripts of all previous college and university work can be included with the mailed application (preferred) or sent directly to the College of Graduate and Professional Programs. A complete graduate application includes:

�� JMU College of Graduate and Professional Programs application (can be completed online).

�� An official transcript in sealed envelope from EVERY college or university attended.

�� Official results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) sent directly from the testing agency.

�� A $55.00 check made payable to James Madison University (may be paid by credit card if applying online).

The Dietetic Internship application packet must be postmarked by February 15th and sent to:

Dr. Janet Gloeckner, Department of Health Sciences

MSC 4301, James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA 228070

Applications are also available at the department Web site.

A complete DI application packet must contain the following items:

�� Completed dietetic internship application.

�� Signed DPD Verification Statement or Intent to Complete form.

�� A typewritten statement of educational objectives and professional goals (2 pages double spaced, maximum).

�� Three (3) letters of recommendation which include the ADA standard recommendation form AND a separate statement of the applicant�s suitability for graduate study. Letters must be in a sealed envelope with the signature of the author across the back flap.

�� An official transcript in sealed envelope from EVERY college or university attended.

� A photocopy of official GRE scores (official results of the GRE must be sent directly to the JMU College of Graduate and Professional Programs).

�� A $30.00 check made payable to James Madison University.

All applicants must participate in computer matching through D&D Digital Systems. Applicants should obtain instructions and a mark/sense card to prioritize their internship preferences from their DPD Director or D&D Digital. This request should be made far enough in advance to allow turn around time for submitting by the February 15 postmark deadline. D&D Digital charges a fee for computer matching that is due with the applicant�s prioritized ranking. Address requests to:

D&D Digital Systems

304 Main Street, Suite 301

Ames, IA 50010-6148

Minimum requirements for admission to the M.S./Dietetic Internship program are a 2.8 overall GPA, a 3.0 GPA in major courses, plus a combined minimum score of 800 with a 3.5 in analytical writing on the GRE. Information about the GRE may be obtained from:

Educational Testing Service

Box 1025

Berkeley, CA 94701

Box 592

Princeton, NJ 08540


Minimum Requirements	Credit Hours
HTH 655/NUTR 660. Research Techniques/Research Methods in Dietetics1	3
MATH 522. Statistics for Researchers2	3
NUTR 655. Integrated Nutrition1	3
NUTR 654. Current Topics in Foods2	3
Choose one of the following options:	6-7
Nonthesis option
NUTR 681. Directed Research in Dietetics I (two credits)
NUTR 682. Directed Research in Dietetics II (two credits)
NUTR 695. Seminar/Research Interpretation in Dietetics (one credit, twice)
Thesis option
HTH 700. Thesis (six credits)
NUTR 695. Seminar/Research Interpretation in Dietetics (one credit)
Choose one of the following options:	12
Internship option:
NUTR 650. Nutrition Education/Counseling3
NUTR 651. Medical Dietetics Practicum
NUTR 652. Nutrition Assessment1
NUTR 656. Food Systems Management Practicum
Noninternship option (choose four of the following):
NUTR 545. Exercise and Nutrition2
NUTR 555. Theories and Practices of Weight Management2
NUTR 650. Nutrition Education/Counseling3,4
NUTR 652. Nutrition Assessment1,4
Elective (adviser approval required)
Elective to be selected by all students in program (adviser approval required)	3
	33-34

1 Fall only
2 Spring only
3 Summer only
4 Registered dietitians may petition to waive taking NUTR 650 and/or NUTR 652 and select one or two additional elective courses as replacements.

Interdisciplinary Program in Nutrition and Physical Activity

This 33-credit-hour master�s program permits students to major in health sciences/dietetics or kinesiology with a concentration in nutrition and physical activity. Students must declare a major in either health sciences or kinesiology with a concentration in nutrition and physical activity. This graduate program has been planned for Registered Dietitians or persons with an undergraduate degree in dietetics, kinesiology, or a related area. This program is designed for the student who has an interest in nutrition and its role in physical activity.

An undergraduate degree with a major in dietetics, kinesiology or a related field is required. Courses in nutrition, exercise physiology, anatomy and physiology are prerequisites for admission to the program. Students should also check the prerequisites listed in the catalog for each course required. Thirty-three hours are required for the degree program, including a thesis or directed research on a selected topic in nutrition and physical activity. The degree program can be completed in as few as two academic years, with a maximum of six academic years. This program does not lead to the RD status recognized by the American Dietetic Association; however, students are encouraged to obtain the RD status by completing the Didactic Program in Dietetics requirements and competing for entry into the dietetic internship (NUTR 651 and NUTR 656), an additional six credits. A list of DPD requirements is available from the undergraduate coordinator of the dietetics program.


Minimum Requirements	Credit Hours
NUTR/KIN 555. Theories and Practices of Weight Management2	3
KIN 644. Metabolic and Cardiorepiratory Aspects of Exercise	3
KIN 645. Muscular, Hormonal and Environmental Aspects of Exercise1	3
KIN 650. Exercise Testing, Prescription and Evaluation2	3
HTH/KIN 655. Research Techniques2	3
MATH 522. Statistics2	3
NUTR 545. Nutrition and Exercise2	3
NUTR 652. Nutrition Assessment1	3
Choose one of the following:	3
NUTR 582. Nutrition and Metabolism1
NUTR 655. Integrated Nutrition1
Choose one of the following:	6
HTH/KIN 700. Thesis
NUTR 681, 682, 695. Directed Research in Dietetics I-II and Seminar and Research in Dietetics
	33

1 Fall only
2 Spring only

Minor Program

Health Sciences

A student working toward the Master of Education degree may minor in health sciences. A minimum of 12 credit hours in health sciences is required.

Course Offerings

Health Sciences

HTH 501. Workshop in Health and Nutrition. 1-3 credits.

An intensive investigation of a major current health problem such as sex education, drug abuse or environmental health.

HTH 510. Human Sexuality. 3 credits.

Components of human sexuality as they relate to the physical, social and emotional health of children, adolescents and adults. Such topics as physical and sexual changes during adolescence, abortions and contraceptives are discussed.

HTH 549. Contemporary Health Issues. 3 credits.

An investigation of concerns in the area of health promotion, including cardiovascular health, fitness, the personal role of health education, drugs and drug abuse, and other selected topics.

HTH 552. Strategies for Health Change. 3 credits.

An in-depth analysis of health education strategies employed in altering individual and community health behavior.

HTH 558. Health Planning. 3 credits.

An intensive exploration of resources and techniques employed in planning and evaluating health programs designed to meet the specific health needs of communities and groups.

HTH 645. Practicum in Health Sciences. 1-3 credits.

Selected practicum experiences for students in the various health sciences graduate programs.

HTH 655. Research Techniques. 3 credits.

This course examines: the focus of research, literature review, research design, choices of method of analysis, data collection techniques and the various ways to conclude a research effort. The logic of statistical analysis is used to develop research designs. Prerequisite: One statistics course.

HTH 657. Chronic Diseases. 3 credits.

Survey of common chronic diseases of humanity with emphasis on prevention and early diagnosis. Topics include such diseases as cardiovascular, endocrine, ophthalmic, respiratory and neurological disorders.

HTH 659. Health Care Environment. 3 credits.

This is a survey course examining the U.S. health care system, federal and state health policy, and public and private providers. Comparisons of the U.S. system will be made with other systems in the industrialized world.

HTH 660. Health Economics. 3 credits.

Course explores economic dimensions of the health care delivery system: demand, demand-related human behaviors, competitive markets, economic models for care delivery, regulation and medical insurance. Delivery models of other industrialized nations are considered, as is how the U.S. system may be improved. Prerequisite: Undergraduate microeconomics.

HTH 661. Financial Management of Health Services Organizations. 3 credits.

This course emphasizes financial management in a variety of health care organizations. Activities include the study of patient accounting, third party reimbursement and cost reporting. There will be extensive use of microcomputer spreadsheet methods. Prerequisites: Required: HTH 659; recommended: FIN 645.

HTH 669. Modern Health Care Administration. 3 credits.

Study of health organizations� internal operations through examination of activities in various health agency settings.

HTH 671. School Health Practice. 3 credits.

Analysis of two areas of the school health program (health services and health instruction) with emphasis on planning, implementing and evaluating health services and instruction.

HTH 680. Reading and Research. 3 credits.

Directed reading in designated areas of specialized interest. Investigating, researching and reporting. Course may be repeated for credit, with permission of the department head, when content changes.

HTH 685. Field Work in Health. 3-6 credits.

Practical experience in applying health theory to problems encountered in a professional setting. Specific assignments will be determined by the needs of the student. (Amount of credit will be based on amount of experience acquired. No more than six hours can be counted toward a degree program.)

HTH 695. Directed Research. 3 credits.

This is for research designed to complete the Directed Research Option. The course must be taken twice. Prerequisite: Permission of Graduate Coordinator.

HTH 698. Comprehensive Continuance. 1 credit.

Continued preparation in anticipation of the comprehensive examination. Course may be repeated as needed.

HTH 699. Thesis Continuance. 2 credits.

Continued study, research and writing in the area of thesis concentration. Course may be repeated as needed.

HTH 700. Thesis. 6 credits.

This course is graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) basis. Prerequisite: HTH 655 or equivalent.

Dietetics

NUTR 545. Nutrition and Exercise. 3 credits.

Addresses the relationship of nutrition and exercise and the effect of dietary intake. Techniques of nutritional assessment and counseling through dietary plans will be investigated. This course is designed especially for professionals who may be employed in physical fitness programs. Prerequisite: NUTR 280 or equivalent.

NUTR/KIN 555. Theories and Practices of Weight Management. 3 credits.

An examination of the physiological, psychological and environmental theories of obesity. Current trends in obesity research are examined. A case study and laboratories are utilized to provide students with practical experience in conducting a weight loss program. Prerequisites: BIO 270, BIO 290, NUTR 280 or permission of instructor.

NUTR 582. Nutrition and Metabolism. 3 credits.

A study of the nutrients, their roles in intermediary metabolism, the effects of genetic errors in metabolism, nutritional deficiencies and means of assessing nutritional status. Agencies and programs concerned with nutrition and health and current trends in nutrition research are emphasized. The development of an individual nutrition research project, collection and reporting of data is required. Prerequisite: NUTR 280, physiology, biochemistry and statistics.

NUTR 650. Nutrition Education and Counseling. 3 credits.

Review of philosophy and provisions of major nutrition education of current research in the field of dietetics. Techniques of planning, implementing and evaluating programs. Theories and techniques of nutrition counseling. Nutrition education and counseling experience will be provided in a variety of settings. Prerequisite: NUTR 384 or equivalent.

NUTR 651. Medical Dietetics Practicum. 3 credits.

The application of nutritional care to a variety of medical situations in a health-care setting. This is a six-month off-campus practicum in a clinical setting taken simultaneously with NUTR 656. Course will be graded on an S/U basis. Prerequisite: Admittance into the dietetic internship.

NUTR 652. Nutrition Assessment. 3 credits.

Methods of assessing nutritional status of people in clinical and experimental settings. Prerequisite: NUTR 384 or equivalent.

NUTR 654. Current Topics in Foods. 3 credits.

In-depth study of a variety of current topics related to the United States and global food supply, food processing, food regulation, food marketing, and the relationship between foods and disease. Prerequisite: NUTR 446 or equivalent.

NUTR 655. Integrated Nutrition. 3 credits.

The biochemical and physiological processes involved in nourishing the body in health and in disease. Prerequisite: NUTR 482 or 582.

NUTR 656. Food Systems Management Practicum. 3 credits.

Food systems management in menu development, equipment and food procurement, cost control, food production and service, and personnel management. A six-month off-campus practicum in a clinical setting taken simultaneously with NUTR 651. Course will be graded on an S/U basis. Prerequisite: Admittance into the dietetic internship.

NUTR 660/HTH 655. Research Methods in Dietetics. 3 credits.

This course emphasizes skills in the initiation, conduct and interpretation of research, particularly that involving social science techniques applied to dietetics and health sciences. Emphasis is given to measurement issues, design, questionnaire development, survey techniques, field research, evaluation, quantitative (using SPSS) and qualitative analysis, and ethical issues. Prerequisite: Undergraduate or graduate-level statistics course.

NUTR 681. Directed Research in Dietetics I. 2 credits.

Advanced research in dietetics directed by a graduate advisory committee. Course will be graded on an S/U basis. Prerequisites: Unconditional admission status in the graduate program and HTH 655.

NUTR 682. Directed Research in Dietetics II. 2 credits.

Advanced research in dietetics research directed by a graduate advisory committee. Course will be graded on an S/U basis. Prerequisites: NUTR 681.

NUTR 695. Seminar and Research Interpretation in Dietetics. 1 credit.

Critical evaluation and interpretation of current research in the field of dietetics. Professional oral and graphic presentation of results obtained from research completed in NUTR 682 or HTH 700 required during the final semester in which the course is taken. May be repeated up to a total of two credits. Prerequisite: Undergraduate statistics.

NUTR 697. Directed Research Continuance. 1 credit.

Continued study, research and writing in the area of directed research project. Course may be repeated as needed, but does not count toward degree requirements. Course will be graded on an S/U basis.