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Department of Nutrition,
Hospitality, and Retailing

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Undergraduate ProgramGraduate ProgramCourse DescriptionsFaculty

 

CONTACT INFORMATION: 601 Human Sciences Building, 1301 Akron Ave.
Box 41240, Lubbock, TX 79409-1240
T 806.742.3068, F 806.742.3042, www.depts.ttu.edu/hs/nhr

About the Program

This department supervises the following degree programs:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics
  • Bachelor of Science in Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management
  • Bachelor of Science in Retail Management
  • Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Master of Science in Hospitality and Retail Management
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Sciences
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Hospitality Administration

In addition to the regular degree programs, this department provides a ten-month post-baccalaureate dietetic internship that is accredited by the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and meets the ADA eligibility requirements for dietetic registration. For more informations, see the website www.depts.ttu.edu/hs/intern.

Mission. The mission of the department is to provide quality education, research, and service focused on the knowledge and skills intrinsic in the disciplines of nutrition, hospitality management, and retailing. To accomplish this mission, the department offers the following program areas: nutritional sciences; restaurant, hotel, and institutional management; and retail management.


Undergraduate Program

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition

The mission of the nutritional sciences program is to prepare individuals who will make a contribution to professions related to nutritional sciences and to society as a whole through quality education, research, and service. This program emphasizes the role of nutrition in the health and well-being of people. The concentration prepares competent professionals for nutrition and dietetic careers in hospitals, schools, colleges, food service, business, and government agencies. Completion of courses for the Specialized Certificate in Hospitality, Nutrition, and Food Science offers students the opportunity to secure a family and consumer sciences teacher certification to teach nutrition in secondary schools. Nutritional sciences courses also contribute to the liberal education of all students who enroll in nutritional sciences classes.

Concentrations.  A degree in nutrition offers the following concentrations:

  • Preprofessional Health Careers. This option offers an academic path for individuals interested in medicine, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, and other allied health options.
  • Nutrition, Health and Wellness Careers. This option offers an academic path for individuals interested in the fitness industry, corporate wellness, and healthy lifestyles in relation to nutrition and physical activity.
  • Teacher Certification. This option offers a career path for those interested in teaching nutrition at the junior high school and high school levels. Students complete a broad base of nutrition courses along with those that lead to teacher certification. Graduates will be eligible for a Specialized Certificate in Hospitality, Nutrition, and Food Science. Students seeking certification must meet all requirements outlined in the College of Education section of this catalog. Admission requirements for the teaching program include the completion of approximately 60 hours with an overall 2.5 GPA or better and a satisfactory level of performance on the THEA test or equivalent. Other requirements include a 2.5 GPA or better in professional education courses in the teaching field and a grade of C or better in all required concentration and support courses. To be recommended for certification, graduates must achieve a satisfactory level of performance on the TExES examination prescribed by the State Board of Education.

Minor in Nutrition. A student may minor in nutrition by completing a minimum of 18 hours of selected coursework. Specific courses for the nutritional sciences minor are finalized and approved by the student in conjunction with the major and minor advisors. Required courses are NS 1410 (for majors and minors) and five courses from NS 2310, 3325, 3340, 4220, 4301, 4330, 4350, and 4380. The couses in bold are offered online.

 

Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics

Acceptance into the competitive Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is based on the student’s GPA in nutrition, chemistry, and zoology courses and overall GPA after 60 hours. A list of the exact courses and criteria for acceptance may be found at www.depts.ttu.edu/hs/nhr/ns/undergrad.php. The Didactic DPD at Texas Tech is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and is designed to provide the student with an academic program that “provides for the achievement of knowledge and skills required for entry-level dietitians” as outlined by ACEND. A verification statement signed by the program director is given to students who successfully complete all DPD requirements. A grade of C or better is required for all nutritional sciences, support, and human sciences core courses. ACEND accredited graduates from the DPD are eligible to apply for an internship (such as the post-baccalaureate internship offered at Texas Tech). After successful completion of both an undergraduate and a supervised practice program, students are eligible to take the national examination given by the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR) and, after passing the national exam, they become a Registered Dietitian (R.D.). General Dietetics emphasizes the nutritional care and education of people and prepares the student to qualify for an internship; graduate school; or a position in a hospital, community agency, or a food service system or business with the prime responsibility of improving and maintaining the nutritional status of people.

 

Curriculum Tables

 

Bachelor of Science in Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management

The mission of the Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management (RHIM) program is to prepare individuals who will make a contribution to the hospitality industry and to society as a whole through quality education, research, and service.

The RHIM program prepares students for management career opportunities in the hospitality industry. The curriculum includes courses in nutritional sciences, arts and sciences, and both core and elective courses in RHIM. Classroom laboratory experiences keep pace with changes in the hospitality field and the required 1,200 hours of work experience allows students to become familiar with the hospitality industry. A 400-hour hospitality industry internship that can count toward the 1,200-hour work experience is also required. Texas Tech’s RHIM program, recognized as one of the top programs in the nation, offers a multidisciplinary approach to hospitality education. The curriculum is designed to prepare the student to meet both current and future hospitality needs. The program emphasizes problem solving and creativity in addition to strong practical laboratory experiences. The RHIM program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration.

Teacher Certification. This option offers a career path for those interested in teaching hospitality at the junior high school and high school levels. Students complete a broad base of hospitality management courses and 800 hours of hospitality work experience along with those that lead to teacher certification. Graduates will be eligible for a Specialized Certificate in Hospitality, Nutrition, and Food Science. Students seeking certification must meet all requirements outlined in the College of Education section of this catalog. Admission requirements for the teaching program include the completion of approximately 60 hours with an overall 2.5 GPA or better and a satisfactory level of performance on the THEA test or equivalent. Other requirements include a 2.5 GPA or better in professional education courses in the teaching field and a grade of C or better in all required concentration and support courses. To be recommended for certification, graduates must achieve a satisfactory level of performance on the TExES examination prescribed by the State Board of Education.

Minor in Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management.  A student may minor in restaurant, hotel, and institutional management by completing a minimum of 18 semester hours of selected coursework. Specific courses for the minor should be finalized and approved in conjunction with the student’s major and minor advisors.

 

Curriculum Tables

 

Bachelor of Science in Retail Management

The mission of the retail management program is to prepare students to make a contribution to the retail industry and to society as a whole through quality education, research, and service. By focusing on both the role of diverse and global consumers and the complex infrastructure of retailing goods and services, faculty members maintain and expand a partnership between the retail industry and academics. Retail management courses emphasize integration of theory, e-commerce, category management, leadership, industry application, and career planning strategy (includes study in technology, communication, marketing, management, accounting, and economics). An internship program, industry-sponsored course projects, and a strong alumni base afford students the opportunity to interface with a dynamic combination of retail executives and organizations throughout their academic study.

The curriculum emphasizes work-related experiences, internship opportunities, and career placement. A 10-week, 300- to 400-hour supervised internship in the retail industry is required of each student with a retail management major. The supervised internship experience is planned jointly by the faculty and student. RTL 3389, Professional Practices in Retailing, is required during the spring semester prior to enrollment in RTL 3390, Internship in Retailing.

Tracks in Retail Management. The retail management program offers tracks in (1) store management and (2) corporate/research to better meet the needs of students and the retail community by focusing on the specific skills needed at the store level, operations, or corporate level. Students may choose a single track or complete both tracks. The required courses for the store management track are RHIM 3320, RTL 3375, and either RHIM 3345 or 3308. The required courses for the corporate/research track are RTL 3380, 4320, and 4330.

Minor in Retail Management. A student may minor in retail management by completing a minimum 18 semester hours of selected coursework. Specific courses for the minor should be finalized and approved in conjunction with the student’s major and minor advisors.

curriculum table:

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Graduate Program

The department supervises degree programs leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees described below. Applicants should contact the program graduate advisor concerning admission requirements and programs of study. Admission to a graduate degree program requires the recommendation of the department as well as the approval of the graduate dean.

Nutritional Sciences

Master’s Degree. The Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences (NS) degree requires a minimum of 30 semester hours (thesis option) or 36 hours (non-thesis option) for students in the basic M.S. program. For students who are in the combination M.S./Dietetic Internship program, 33 hours (thesis) and 39 hours (non-thesis) are required. Courses must be chosen in consultation with the major professor (thesis option) or NS graduate advisor (non-thesis option). For further information, see the website www.depts.ttu.edu/hs/nhr/ns/master.php.

Internship Program. The department offers a ten-month dietetic internship program. Selected credits earned during the program may apply to an optional master’s or doctoral degree. Fifteen hours of graduate credit are required in supervised experience in health and food service facilities. Upon completing the internship, the student is eligible to take the Commission of Dietetic Registration written examination to become a registered dietitian. See information at www.depts.ttu.edu/hs/intern.

Doctoral Degree. The Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Sciences degree requires a minimum of 72 hours (includes a minimum of 12 dissertation hours and includes at least 18 hours in the specialization area). A maximum of 30 hours of transfer credit from the student’s master’s program will be allowed. See www.depts.ttu.edu/hs/nhr/ns/phd.php.

Hospitality and Retail Management

Master’s Degree. The Master of Science in Hospitality and Retail Management degree requires a minimum of 37 semester hours, thesis or non-thesis. All Master’s degree students in hospitality and retail management must complete 16 to 19 hours of core coursework. Thesis option students complete an additional 18 hours as directed by their major professor. Non-thesis students may take three or more courses in four different concentration tracks. Those interested in the area of hospitality management should take RHIM 5316, 5370, 6308, and 6350. Students who wish to increase their knowledge of food and beverage management should take RHIM 5310, 5370, 5375, and 6370. A retail management track is also available for students who wish to pursue opportunities in the retail industry. These students should take RHIM 5360, 5385, 6346, and 6365. Students who have an interest in planning special events can follow the event management track by enrolling in RHIM 5316, 5360, 6308, and 6381.

Students without appropriate background in the chosen specialization will be required to take undergraduate leveling courses designed by the department. For more information, see
www.depts.ttu.edu/hs/nhr/rhim/academics_masters.php.

Hospitality Administration

Doctoral Degree. The Doctor of Philosophy in Hospitality Administration degree requires a minimum of 39 hours in hospitality, 21 of which must be completed as a hospitality administration doctoral student at Texas Tech. Additional requirements include 9 credit hours of education courses, 21 credit hours of research and statistics courses, 3 credit hours of seminar, and 12 dissertation credit hours. A GRE or GMAT score is required. Leveling coursework may also be required. For more information see www.depts.ttu.edu/hs/nhr/rhim/academics_doctoral.php.Back to Top

 

Course Descriptions

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Faculty

Click here to view alphabetical listing of all TTU faculty and their academic credentials.

Shane Blum, Ph.D., Chairperson

Professors: Boylan, Dodd, Goh, Hoover, Huffman, Moustaid-Moussa, Murimi, Reed, Spallholz
Associate Professors: Adams, Blum, Fowler, Kolyesnikova, Stout, Yuan
Assistant Professors: Chang, Cooper, Jai, McCool, Paton, Phelan, Wang
Research Assistant Professors: Rahman, Siriwardhana
Instructors: Boyce, Edwards, Fillipp, Kloiber, Sanchez

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