Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences
Our Mission
The mission of the Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences is to improve the health and wellness of human populations through excellence in dynamic, competency-based instruction, exemplary service, innovative and applied research, evidence-based practical application in health careers, and leadership to the professional health community.
About Us
The Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences offers baccalaureate degrees in health education and in dietetics, post-graduate dietetic internships, and graduate degrees in health education and in public health.
The Undergraduate Health Education Program is accredited by the Association for the Advancement of Health Education (AAHE) through NCATE. Students may choose from three options: 1) public school teaching certification, 2) community health/worksite, or 3) addiction studies. An option is available for students seeking a health component in elementary education.
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Dietetics Education of the American Dietetics Association. Students completing their B.S. degree are eligible to apply for dietetic internships.
The Dietetic Internship (DI) Program provides a supervised postgraduate practical experience preparinginterns for successful completion of the registration exam and entry-level practice.
Graduate degrees are offered through a Master of Health Education(MHE) and a Master of Public Health(MPH). To learn more about these graduate programs, please click on their respective links. Distance Learning through our Boise Center Campus makes the attainment of the MPH degree more accessible to campuses in Pocatello and Idaho Falls.
Department Objectives
Health is a dynamic multi-dimensional measure of the quality of life rather than simply a freedom from illness. The Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences promotes a holistic approach to health which focuses on positive health habits and lifestyle. This includes incorporating knowledge and skills, which enables the individual to assume personal responsibility for health decisions with strategies that combine educational, political, regulatory, and organizational supports for actions and conditions conducive to the health of individuals, groups, or communities. Disease prevention/health promotion coupled with the treatment of diseases and disorders enables a person to achieve a healthy happy, productive life in all respects.