Plant-Based Food and Nutrition

Developed and taught by UConn’s Department of Nutritional Sciences, the Plant-Based Food and Nutrition Online Graduate Certificate program provides an exceptional opportunity for healthcare practitioners, chefs, and industry professionals to gain specialized training in the research-advised development of plant-based meal plans and products. The 4-course, 100% online graduate certificate can be completed in one to two years.

Note: Credits earned within the Plant-Based Food and Nutrition program’s NUSC 5200 and NUSC 5300 courses can later be applied to UConn’s MS in Personalized Nutrition

We recognize the importance of vegetarian based nutritional resources, from patients, customers and clients through to the food industry.

Healthcare Practitioners: Meet the Growing Demand for Plant-Based Food and Nutrition

With the increasing awareness of the environmental impact and health concerns associated with animal-based food products, the number of vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians has grown significantly in the past decade. As more people adopt plant-based diets or incorporate more plant-based food products into their meals, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to guide their clients towards nutritionally well-balanced plant-based diets. This certificate seeks to equip students with the necessary skills to promote health, well-being, and disease prevention in their patients and clients.

Research Chefs & Product Development: Grow Your Role in Plant-Based Food Industries

Meet the rising demand for highly nutritious plant-based food products while minimizing their environmental impact. Our curriculum emphasizes research and evidence-based knowledge and principles to prepare students for developing plant-based food products. By enrolling in this program, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of nutrition from plant-based diets and learn how to apply this knowledge to the development of plant-based food products to promote health and prevent chronic diseases.

Master Plant-Based Food and Nutritional Underpinnings

Upon completion of the program, students will have the skills to:

• Assess biochemical and physiological functions, metabolic pathways, interactions, and deficiencies/toxicities of macro and micronutrients.
• Connect the nutrient content of plant-based foods to health benefits and disease prevention.
• Develop/understand recipes, formulation, and techniques for processing and manufacturing plant-based food products.
• Devise strategies to create plant-based food products with high nutritional values.

Build Connections and Stand Out in the Field of Nutrition

UConn’s Plant-Based Food and Nutrition Online Graduate Certificate facilitates networking and engagement of students and professionals, ensuring that graduates are equipped with peer, faculty, and professional networks capable of providing the connections often pivotal in their career-growth.