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School Nutrition ,Certificate

School Nutrition, Certificate

Academic programs / Undergraduate minors and certificates / School Nutrition

Diet, Education, Food, Food Services, Health, Meals, Obesity, children

Does your dream career involve making a difference in children's lives through improved nutrition? Gain the knowledge and skills you'll need to manage school nutrition programs.
Description ▲

The certificate program in school nutrition provides students with a strong foundation in topics such as:

  • development of healthy cuisines
  • eating for lifelong health
  • food service purchasing
  • nutrition management and leadership

This certificate program is designed for individuals who are interested in qualifying to sit for the school nutrition specialist credential offered by the School Nutrition Association.

This certificate program provides detailed information on the requirements to run a school food service operation and offers students insight into the rules and regulations of the National School Lunch Program. More information can be found on the SNA website at https://schoolnutrition.org/careers-training/certificate-credentialing/certificate-program.

Individuals must complete 900 working hours in a school nutrition or food service environment before they are eligible to sit for the national School Nutrition Specialist exam. More information on this credential can be found on the SNA website at https://schoolnutrition.org/careers-training/certificate-credentialing/credentialing/.

At a glance ▲

Curriculum ▲
View curriculum archives

2025-2026 Catalog Year

Requirement Minimum Grade Credit Hours
The certificate in school nutrition consists of 30 credit hours, of which at least 24 must be upper division. A minimum grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) is required for each course.
ACC 382 Accounting and Financial Analysis
3 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
 C 3
EXW 302 Fundamentals of Wellness or EXW 325 Fitness for Life or HEP 100 Introduction to Health and Wellness (SOBE)
3 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
 C 3
HSC 355 Eating for Lifelong Health (SOBE) or NTR 450 Nutrition in the Life Cycle (SOBE)
3 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
 C 3
NTR 142 Applied Food Principles
3 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
 C 3
NTR 341 Medical Nutrition Therapy I or NTR 345 Development of Healthy Cuisines
3 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
 C 3
NTR 343 Food Service Purchasing
3 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
 C 3
NTR 344 Nutrition Management and Leadership
3 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
 C 3
NTR 400 Preprofessional Preparation in Dietetics or NTR 402 Preprofessional Prep in Nutrition Careers
1 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
 C 1
NTR 445 Management of Food Service Systems
4 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
 C 4
NTR 448 Community Nutrition
3 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
 C 3
NTR 498 Topic: Child Nutrition Seminar
This course is only offered in spring terms.
1 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
 C 1
Notes
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.

Enrollment requirements ▲

GPA Requirement: 2.00

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Program learning outcomes▲

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Students will utilize the knowledge of nutrition, food science and communication skills to convey food and nutrition information.
  • Students will apply food safety and sanitation protocols and practices to food service environments.
  • Students will demonstrate application of principles of food management and systems in the provision of food and nutrition services to individuals and organizations.
Career opportunities▲

Graduates with an undergraduate certificate can enhance their career options. The certificate in school nutrition helps graduates gain entry-level school food service positions such as:

  • child nutrition coordinator
  • child nutrition manager
  • food service manager
  • food service worker
  • school food menu planner
Professional licensure▲

ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state. For more information, students should visit the ASU professional licensure webpage.

Contact information▲

College of Health Solutions | HLTHN 401AA
chs@asu.edu
602-496-3300

What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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