1.0 University-wide Resources

1.1. Important Dates in the University Calendar

1.2. Campus Life

1.3. Research Office and Research Ethics Board

2.0 The Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Faculty of Professional Studies

2.1. Core Faculty

2.2. Adjunct Professors

2.3. Core Staff

3.0 AHN Graduate Program

3.1 Graduate Program Overview

The Master of Science Applied Human Nutrition (MScAHN) and the Master of Applied Human Nutrition (MAHN) programs will provide Students with advanced level study in nutrition, with an emphasis on issues related to community nutrition, food, and human nutrition. The programs explore the theoretical foundations of nutrition through critical reflection on current research and practice and drawing from other related disciplines. Students may elect to study full-time or part-time.

Two Graduate Degrees exist in AHN:

1. Master of Applied Human Nutrition (MAHN): Requires completion of five units of course work (two and one-half units of required courses and two and one-half units of electives).

2. Master of Science Applied Human Nutrition (MScAHN): Requires completion of a research thesis (1.5 units) and three and one-half units of course work. In summary, Students in this degree will be expected to complete one and one-half unit of thesis, two and one-half units of required courses, and one unit of elective courses.

Students in the MScAHN program are required to complete a research thesis. The thesis (and related activities) provides an opportunity for independent research and development of Students’ critical thinking, scholarship, and research competencies. The thesis contributes to practice-based knowledge in nutrition and dietetics. The program is planned by the Student with their Graduate Advisor/ Supervisor.

In some cases, MScAHN and MAHN Students will apply/be admitted to the Internship Education Program (IEP). In this case, the degree is referred to as MScAHN-IEP or MAHN-IEP. More details about these sub-categories of MScAHN and MAHN will be discussed later in this handbook, as there are three additional IEP-specific units required to graduate with MScAHN-IEP or MAHN-IEP.

Students who are not seeking registration as a registered dietitian may apply for the Food and Nutrition Practicum Program during study in either the Master of Science Applied Human Nutrition or the Master Applied Human Nutrition programs.

Students wishing to obtain the MAHN or MScAHN with Food and Nutrition Practicum must make a formal application through the Department chairperson by January 31, after the completion of 2.0 units of the MScAHN/MAHN. This is a limited enrollment program with a competitive selection process. Students must be prepared to relocate for their practicum and to accept little to no financial compensation.

The Food and Nutrition Practicum provides the opportunity to integrate a student’s academic studies with one practicum course at a Sponsoring Organization. Students admitted into the Food and Nutrition Practicum Program may gain work experience in community nutrition settings, the food industry and/or food systems fields. The Food and Nutrition Practicum is normally offered in the fall or winter semester (15 weeks) and students are scheduled full-time within an organization (approximately 40 hours/week).

3.2. Graduate Program Course Summary

Master of Applied Human Nutrition (MAHN)

Required Courses:

  • GAHN 6670 – Quantitative Methods of Nutrition Research (one-half unit)
  • GAHN 6675 – Qualitative Methods of Nutrition Research  (one-half unit)
  • GFSG 6613 – Critical Theories in Family Studies and Gerontology (one-half unit)

One unit chosen from the following:

  • GAHN 6600 Recent Advances in Nutrition Research (one-half unit)
  • GAHN 6602 Contemporary Issues in Food, Health and Disease (one-half unit)
  • GAHN 6607 Nutrition Education (one-half unit)
  • GAHN 6609 Nutrition and Population Health Assessment (one-half unit)
  • GAHN 6616 Community Education (one-half unit)
  • GAHN 6617 Issues in Food Security (one-half unit)
  • GAHN 6620 Clinical Trial in Food and Nutrition (one-half unit)

Elective Courses:

  • GAHN electives (one and one-half units)
  • Graduate level electives (one unit)

Master of Science Applied Human Nutrition (MScAHN)

Required Courses:

  • GAHN 6670 – Quantitative Methods of Nutrition Research (one-half unit)
  • GAHN 6675 – Qualitative Methods of Nutrition Research  (one-half unit)
  • GFSG 6613 – Critical Theories in Family Studies and Gerontology (one-half unit)

One unit chosen from the following:

  • GAHN 6600 Recent Advances in Nutrition Research (one-half unit)
  • GAHN 6602 Contemporary Issues in Food, Health and Disease (one-half unit)
  • GAHN 6607 Nutrition Education  (one-half unit)
  • GAHN 6609 Nutrition and Population Health Assessment  (one-half unit)
  • GAHN 6616 Community Education (one-half unit)
  • GAHN 6617 Issues in Food Security (one-half unit)
  • GAHN 6620 Clinical Trial in Food and Nutrition (one-half unit)
  • GAHN 6691 – Thesis (one and one-half units)

Any additional courses taken above one unit from the required list above will be counted as GAHN graduate electives. Required courses are typically offered every year while elective courses may be offered in alternate years – consider this when planning your schedule.

Elective Courses:

Graduate level electives (one unit)

Electives should be selected in consultation with the graduate studies advisor in accordance with the candidate’s chosen area of emphasis. For graduate level electives, students may select courses listed under any Mount graduate programs or other university graduate programs. If selecting electives from other universities, Students must obtain formal approval; see Letter of Permission (LOP).

Cross-listed Undergraduate Courses*:

  • GAHN 6330 Food, Nutrition and Aging (one-half unit)
  • GAHN 6325 Advanced Human Nutrition and Metabolism (one-half unit)
  • GAHN 6400 Issues in Food Product Development (one-half unit)
  • GAHN 6408 Medical Nutrition Therapy I (one-half unit)
  • GAHN 6409 Medical Nutrition Therapy II (one-half unit)
  • GAHN 6414 Nutrition Education in the Community (one-half unit)
  • GAHN 6417 Management and Revenue Generation in Nutrition and Food Services (one-half unit)

Students who have completed these courses as part of an undergraduate degree at MSVU should not include these courses in their graduate program. Please consult with your Academic Advisor before registering.

Special Topics Courses*:

GAHN – 6650 Special Topics (one-half unit)

These courses offer a detailed study of issues relevant to professionals in nutrition and dietetics and related disciplines. Course titles and descriptions will be announced as courses are offered. Note: Students may take a maximum of 1.0 unit as Special Topics.

Other Relevant Information:

  • Full-time status is the equivalent of registration in three units of courses, or registration in thesis seminar.
  • Those students accepted with the condition to complete a certain number of undergraduate courses, must complete these courses prior to graduate program admission.
  • All degree requirements must be completed within five years of first registration.
  • All students must register for a minimum of one unit of courses during each calendar year. If a student is not able to meet this requirement, they must request a leave of absence from the Dean of Graduate Studies.
  • The Graduate Academic Calendar states that in order to remain in their graduate program of study, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the courses required for their degree; have a grade of “C” in no more than 1.0 unit of coursework and have not received grades of “F” or “F*.” If students do not meet any of these standards, they will be immediately dismissed from their graduate program. The Dean of Graduate Studies will contact all students who are academically dismissed.
  • Please refer to the Graduate Academic Calendar for complete course descriptions, grading criteria and procedures related to registration and academic conduct.

4.0 Master of Science in Applied Human Nutrition

4.1. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Responsibilities of Department
  • Responsibilities and Rights of Thesis Supervisor
  • Responsibilities and Rights of Student

4.2. The Thesis

  • Timeline and Sequence of Events
    • Registration
    • Thesis Proposal
    • Thesis Defense
    • Submission of Thesis
  • Organization of Thesis

5.0 Appendices

Appendix A – Annual Report Template (Spring 2024 this will be submitted via online Microsoft Forms)

Appendix B – Sample Title Page

Appendix C – Sample Signature Page

Appendix D – Abstract Format

Appendix E – Sample Thesis Formatting