Nutrition Education and Counseling

Catalog description

This graduate-level course equips students with the theoretical foundations and practical skills needed to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based nutrition education programs. Beginning with a thorough examination of adult learning theories, behavior-change models, and instructional design principles, students will learn to develop targeted curricula and assessment tools for diverse populations and settings. Emphasis is placed on program planning frameworks, outcome measurement, and continuous quality improvement to ensure educational interventions achieve meaningful impact. In the counseling component, students will delve into core counseling theories—highlighting motivational interviewing, transtheoretical models, and client-centered communication—to foster effective, empathetic partnerships with clients. Through a series of simulated counseling sessions, peer and self-evaluations, and reflective practice seminars, participants will hone their ability to set collaborative goals, navigate ambivalence, and support sustainable dietary behavior change. By course end, graduates will be prepared to lead and evaluate both group-based and one-on-one nutrition education and counseling initiatives in clinical, community,