Pre-professional Option Certifications
To combine nutrition science with the fields of the Pre-professional option, students should plan to obtain specific certifications in addition to the academic degree in the Food Science and Human Nutrition Pre-professional Option. Certifications to consider include:
The Human Nutrition option can serve as a nutrition science-based pre-professional program that leads in many directions. Students planning to apply for specific professional programs such as medical school, pharmacy school, graduate study, etc. should plan ahead by structuring their elective classes to meet the professional requirements of their field of interest. It can be beneficial to obtain student memberships in professional organizations related to the student’s areas of interest.
Certifications in Nutrition (For Registered Dietitian, see the Dietetics Student Handbook.)
Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
A CNS has an advanced degree (master's, doctoral, or professional level) in nutrition or closely allied subject and has additionally met the requirements of the American College of Nutrition (ACN). Requirements include a minimum of 1000 hours of professional experience and successful performance on a written examination covering the broad science of nutrition, ranging from basic aspects through clinical and research applications. CNS's are required to maintain their certification by earning continuing nutrition education (CNE) credits, generally through attendance at educational programs in nutrition.
Additional information can be found at the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists website.
Physician Nutrition Specialist
A Physician Nutrition Specialist® (PNS) is a physician with training in nutrition who devotes a substantial career effort to nutrition and who can assume a leadership role in coordinating interdisciplinary clinical nutrition services and education in academic health centers, other medical centers, private practice, and other health care settings. PNSs generally have backgrounds in the specialties of internal medicine, pediatrics, family medicine, or general surgery, and sometimes in subspecialties such as adult or pediatric gastroenterology, endocrinology, critical care, nephrology, cardiology, or others. They have completed a period of defined nutrition training, in addition to categorical residency training, that includes mastery of a defined core of knowledge and completion of a period of mentored clinical nutrition experience, which may be obtained in a nutrition fellowship or as part of training in another subspecialty. They have satisfied all requirements of, and are certified by, the American Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists.
Additional information can be found at the ASPEN (American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition) website.
Career options
Professional Schools
The Pre-professional Human Nutrition Option within the FSHN major allows students to meet professional school requirements while completing major requirements. Professional schools include Medical, Dental, and Pharmacy schools. Students interested in Physician Assistant programs can also meet admission criteria while completing FSHN major course work.
Students interested in applying to a professional school are encouraged to meet with a Pre-Health/Pre-Law Advising Center (PAC) representative to learn about professional school admission criteria and application process. Information can be found at the PAC website.
Schedule a meeting with a career counselor in Mānoa’s Career Center for more information on other professions to enter after graduation.
Graduate Education
Many students who select the Pre-professional Human Nutrition Option within the FSHN major can continue their education as Masters or Doctoral students in the biological sciences. More information about these programs can be found in this booklet and at the following websites:
Research
The Pre-professional Human Nutrition Option within the FSHN major provides students with the opportunity to conduct independent research projects by enrolling in FSHN 499 with a mentoring faculty member. Students who have undergraduate research experience may pursue careers after graduation in nutrition research as study staff or laboratory assistants.
Graduate Record Exam
Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are often required for graduate programs, especially for combined internship/graduate programs. The 4-hour general GRE test is administered at the University of Hawai'i in the Queen Lili'uokalani Center for Student Services in the Testing Center. To prepare for taking the GRE you can either purchase GRE practice books and software from most bookstores and/or you can download a GRE practice test for free from the GRE website. For further information, contact the Testing Center at 956-3454.
Undergraduate FSHN (Council) Student Club
You are encouraged to join the FSHN Council. You will have a chance to meet other students in your major and have the opportunity to share information and good times. Often graduating seniors leave behind jobs or career opportunities that are now available to you.
Useful Websites for Students Entering into the University of Hawai'i
All information for students covering how to apply, academic calendar, financial aid, catalog, transfer credit search, new database, on-campus activities, housing (dorms), parking, etc., can be found on the following websites:
MyUH Services is a mobile-optimized, one stop shop for UH business tasks, form, apps and more. It includes one-click access to services customized for students, faculty and staff across our 10-campus system.
STAR for students is the online degree tracking system for UH. You can view your degree requirements, register for classes, search for scholarships, and view your transcripts through STAR.
Use this website to make an appointment with our academic advisors. Advisors can assist you with developing a degree plan and making sure you’re taking the appropriate classes for graduation. Meeting with an academic advisor is mandatory every semester.
This website offers information about the world of CTAHR, including undergraduate and graduate programs, financial aid and scholarships, course requirements, publications, research projects, student council, faculty, and staff.
This web site shows the different programs, courses, and resources available within the HNFAS department. There is also a link to “Scholarships.”
The FSHN Council strives to nurture students' interest in dietetics, research, community wellness, food service and nutrition by providing the opportunity for students to network with other students, faculty, and professionals in food science, nutrition, and other health-related fields. In addition to enhancing fellowship and facilitating communication, student members are exposed to career information, scholarship opportunities, and community service activities.
UH Core requirements and class listings can be found at this site.
This web site shows information on how your credits transfer into UH Mānoa.
Student Academic Support Services
Access to student academic support services is important to ensure your success while a student at the University of Hawaiʻi. Below is a listing of some of these services that can also be found in the University of Hawaiʻi catalog.
- The Office of Civic and Community Engagement assists UH Manoa students and community organizations find ways to partner together to tackle important issues in the community by matching students’ passions and interests with the needs of community non-profit organizations through service.
- First Year Programs and ACE ease the transition of new students into the academic and social communities at UH Manoa. First-Year Programs provide the opportunity to develop personal relationships with faculty and other students, enhance active involvement in the educational process, and build connections to UH Manoa. In addition, First-Year Programs familiarize students with the array of resources and programs available at UH Manoa.
- Honors Program provides opportunities for talented and motivated undergraduates to excel in their academic studies. Students complete a challenging inquiry-based curriculum that encourages learning through independent research and creative expression. They enjoy intimate and personalized educational experiences within the setting of a large research university through small classes, dedicated advising, peer mentorship, and faculty guided projects.
- International Student Services has the responsibility for meeting University federal compliance with regard to international students. ISS strives to support international student success through the following endeavors:
- Advising students on immigration regulations that affect their status in the U.S.
- Providing programs that help promote cross-cultural adjustment
- Serving as a resource to the campus and international student communities
- Advocating for international students and international education
- Kokua Program (Disability Access Services) is UH Mānoa’s primary campus unit responsible for providing disability access services to students with disabilities toward equal opportunity.
- Learning Assistance Center provides tutoring, workshops, Supplemental Instruction (SI), and one-on-one appointments in which students learn appropriate study strategies and problem solving skills to achieve their academic goals.
- Mānoa Advising Center is an advising office for exploratory students who have not yet declared a major. MAC assists exploratory students with their major selection process by presenting options and providing general education advising.
- Mānoa Transfer Coordination Center is to help students transfer smoothly from a UH community college to UH Manoa and provide advising support throughout the transfer process, including the Ka‘ie‘ie Degree Pathway Program.
- Pre-Health/Pre-Law Advising Center is a walk-in resource for students interested in law, medicine, and other health fields (dentistry, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physician assistant, physical therapy, etc.). PAC advisors help students explore and clarify their career goals, plan appropriate course work, find opportunities to gain experience, apply to professional programs, review personal statements and résumés, provide mock interviews, and hold workshops throughout the year.
- Student Athlete Academic Services is the academic support program for student-athletes at UH Manoa. Working closely with instructional faculty, coaches, and campus resources, academic advisors assist students in formulating and meeting their academic goals while participating in intercollegiate athletics.
- Student Success Center in Sinclair Library offers students a welcoming and convivial place to study and to learn, and provides them the information and skills they need to be successful in their academic career and beyond. The center provides seating that facilitates collaborative learning, is open long hours, and permits students to bring their own snacks, all in a space that has natural light and air.
- Student Support Services is a federally funded TRIO program that provides academic advising and planning, special courses, financial aid advice, graduate and professional school advising, tutoring, mentoring, and academic enrichment activities to program students enrolled at UH Manoa. Students are selected to participate based on a combination of income and financial aid eligibility, parents’ level of education, and potential to benefit from program services.
- Mānoa Writing Center is a pedagogical space that supports writing and research at UHM. Our primary service is one-to-one writing consultations provided free of charge to all students, faculty, and staff affiliated with the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa. Our writing consultants are trained to help writers working in different disciplines at every stage of the writing process and with various writing projects (i.e., essays, research papers, resumes, letters, creative work).
Do not hesitate to discuss your needs with your academic degree advisor who can help refer you to the appropriate resource.
FSHN Course Descriptions
Viewable online at the UH Manoa Catalog.