Program Overview
As a targeted program focused on training graduate students for careers in health sciences, we provide learner-centered education and a strong scientific background in nutrition-related topics.
This program, offered by the UC Davis Department of Nutrition, is a part-time program designed for working professionals. Classes are 2 nights a week for 6 quarters (2 years). For more information, please contact us at mcn@ucdavis.edu.
Who is this program for?
Graduate students seeking careers in health sciences, specifically:
- pediatric nutrition specialists
- maternal nutrition specialists
- lactation consultants
- lactation specialists within healthcare organizations
- administrative positions in public health agencies at local, state and national levels
At this time we are not able to accept applications from international students requiring and F-1 or J-1 visas. Please revisit for the Fall 2025 application cycle.
What makes this program stand out?
- Learner-Centered Education
- Experience a tailored approach to learning, emphasizing practical skills with a robust scientific foundation.
- Work While You Study
- Balancing work and advancing your education is achievable with evening courses held twice a week.
- Remote Learning
- Lectures are live broadcast, giving you the opportunity to participate synchronously from anywhere. Enjoy the benefits of real-time interaction while maintaining flexibility and convenience.
- World-Class Faculty
- Gain valuable insights and mentorship from faculty members who are internationally known for their groundbreaking research in maternal and child nutrition.
- Path to Registered Dietitian (RD) Credential
- Fulfill a prerequisite for becoming an RD by obtaining a master’s degree through our program (NOT a DPD)
- Path to International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
- Fulfill the 95-hour lactation specific education requirement stipulated by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners by completing program courses. Clinical internship opportunities may also be available (2-4 additional units). More information on becoming an IBCLC. Start Your IBCLC Journey – IBCLC Commission (ibclc-commission.org)
- Career Advancement
- Position yourself for a career as a pediatric nutrition specialist, maternal nutrition specialist, or lactation consultant within healthcare organizations or public health agencies.
Curriculum
The program consists of four required core courses (22 units), special topics seminars (4 units), elective (4 units) and a six-unit student capstone for a total of 36 units. Students may have the option of enrolling in 4 additional units of clinical lactation internship during the summer between years 1 and 2 of the program.
- Nutrition During Pregnancy
- This course provides students with an understanding of the anatomical, physiological and biochemical changes that occur during pregnancy and early development. Students will learn about nutritional and lifestyle factors associated with fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Nutrition programs and intervention strategies for women with normal and high-risk pregnancies will be evaluated. Students will learn how to assess and identify risk factors that may complicate pregnancy and to plan and participate in collaborative health care interventions.
- Lactation and Infant Nutrition
- This course provides students with an understanding of the physiological and biochemical processes underlying human lactation and growth and development of the infant. Nutritional needs and assessment of both mother and infant under normal and special circumstances will be discussed. Factors associated with infant feeding practices and the consequences of those practices will be discussed.
- Child and Adolescent Nutrition
- This course provides students with an understanding of the relationships among nutrition, growth, and development during childhood and adolescence. Nutritional assessment for normal and high risk groups will be discussed as well as the psychological, social and economic factors that contribute to nutritional status. Students will learn about the nutritional needs of groups such as overweight children and adolescents, athletes and those with eating disorders and will examine and evaluate intervention strategies.
- Applied Research Methods
- The objectives of this course are to provide students with the knowledge and skills to critically review, plan and implement research projects related to maternal and child nutrition. Special aspects of nutrition research will be emphasized, including ethical concerns regarding human studies in cross-cultural settings; study design, sampling and methods for collecting different types of data; as well as management, analysis and reporting of data.
- Special Topic Seminars
- 1. Current Topics in MCN: Principles of Adult Education-Current scientific literature related to Maternal & Child Nutrition in adult education settings. Topics include methods and theories of adult education and critical thinking skills related to research evaluation.
2. Current Topics in MCN: Epidemiology & Evidence-Based Practice-Current scientific literature related to Maternal & Child Nutrition. Topics include epidemiology, evidence-based practice, breastfeeding promotion, and nutritional assessment of populations. - Elective (MCN offers Applied Principles in Lactation Management)
- Applied Principles of Lactation Management (4 units)-Applied concepts in breastfeeding support and human lactation management. Development of breastfeeding care plans that address problems encountered by lactating parents and their infants. Emphasis on evidence-based practice, professional guidelines, and professional standards of practice for lactation consultants.
- Capstone
- Complete a focused capstone project on an MCN topic of your choice during your final quarter.
Program Mission Statement
The educational mission of the Maternal and Child Nutrition Program is to provide excellent learner-centered education to a diverse body of graduate students, cultivating in them the confidence and passion to improve lives and transform the health of the communities in which they will serve as health care professionals. We will strive to cultivate an inclusive environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel respected and empowered to develop and implement culturally sensitive maternal and child health programs that provide the best evidence-based care for the diverse populations in the state of California. Learn more about UC Davis’ commitment to diversity.