Nutrition Certificate

USCB's Nutrition Certificate

food including raw salmon

The USCB Nutrition Certificate is a credential that demonstrates specialized knowledge and training in the field of nutrition. Taught by USCB faculty in the Department of Public Health and Human Services,  this program is designed to enhance career opportunities in healthcare, wellness coaching, fitness, and community health education. It also serves as a strong foundation for further studies in nutrition.

Through this 12-credit-hour program, students will explore the scientific, evidence-based connections between diet, physical activity, wellness, and the prevention or development of chronic diseases across all stages of life. Graduates will gain the skills to promote healthy lifestyles, address nutrition-related challenges, and improve population health.

Who Should Enroll

This certificate is ideal for professionals in healthcare and public health fields seeking to expand their expertise in nutrition science and its applications. It's also appropriate for:

  • Fitness and sports professionals, including athletic coaches and trainers, who want to optimize performance and recovery through nutrition.
  • Individuals interested in personal wellness or those passionate about food, diet, and nutrition science, looking to make informed dietary choices or support community health initiatives.
     

Bowl of food with nutrition label

Courses (12 Credit Hours = 4 Total Courses)

The program consists of four courses, totaling 12 credit hours:

Nutrition (3 credits) – PUBH B242
Explore the fundamentals of nutrition science, including macronutrients, micronutrients, and their role in maintaining health.
Life Cycle Nutrition (3 credits) – PUBH B322
Examine the nutritional needs and challenges across different stages of life, from infancy to older adulthood.
Nutrition & Chronic Disease (3 credits) – PUBH B328
Investigate the role of diet and physical activity in preventing and managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

Elective (Choose 1 of the following):
Food & Culture (3 credits) – PUBH B324
Study the cultural and societal influences on food choices and dietary patterns.
Sports Nutrition (3 credits) – PUBH B325
Learn how nutrition impacts athletic performance, recovery, and overall fitness.
Community Nutrition (3 credits) – PUBH B326
Focus on nutrition education and interventions to improve health outcomes in community settings.

Important Note

While the Nutrition Certificate provides valuable knowledge and skills, it does not qualify students to take the Registered Dietitian (RD) exam. The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires a minimum of a graduate degree, completion of an ACEND-accredited program, and supervised practice hours to become an RD. However, this certificate is an excellent steppingstone for those pursuing advanced degrees or seeking to enhance their qualifications for nutrition-related roles in healthcare, fitness, and community health.

Contact Us

Diana Gill, PhD, CHES

Chair, Department of Public Health & Human Services
Program Coordinator, Public Health
Associate Professor, Public Health

SciTech Room 216
One University Boulevard
Bluffton, SC 29909
Office: 843-208-8316
Diana Reindl, PhD, CHES

Kelly McCombs, MS, RD, LD, CDCES

Senior Instructor, Department of Public Health and Human Services
Sports Dietitian, Athletics Department

SciTech Room 218
One University Boulevard
Bluffton, SC 29909
Office: 843-208-8262
Kelly McCombs, MS, RD, LD, CDCES