Graduate School Nutrition Director Certification Program (SNDCP)

 

• Overview
• Transcript Evaluation
• Letter of Notification for Employer
• How to Apply
• Requirements for Completing SNDCP
• Required Courses and Program of Study
• Tuition
• Certificate Program
• Frequently Asked Questions

The School Nutrition Program is pending approval by the PSC and will notify applicants when approval is finalized.

Documents for PSC Review

• Program of Study (see below)
• Course Syllabi
  • EDAP 7030      FDNS 6770
  • EDAP 7050      FDNS 2100
  • EDAP 7060      FDNS 6050
  • EADU 6200     FDNS 6660E
• Assessment Tools
  • Teaching Unit Rubric
  • Assessment Report Rubric
  • Foods and Nutrition Department Exit Survey
  • Alumni Survey
• School Nutrition Director Presentation for PSC
• Graduate Manual
• Curriculum Vitae
  • Rebecca Mullis
  • Silvia Giraudo
  • Barbara Grossman
  • Mary Ann Johnson
  • Tracey Brigman
• Faculty Handbook
• College of Education Assessment System
  • Standard 1
  • Standard 2
• School Nutrition Budget
• Organizational Chart
• Conceptual Framework
• ServSafe Alignment with Standards
• Courses with Field Experiences
• Courses, Faculty, Delivery Format
• Faculty with Demo Data
• Align Coursework with Projected Outcomes

The School Nutrition Director Certification Program (SNDCP) is designed for individuals interested in becoming a Certified School Nutrition Director. The program requires 21 hours of graduate courses in human nutrition, nutrition education, school fiscal and human resource management, and educational leadership. Other requirements include ServSafe Certification, a passing score on Georgia Assessment for Certification of Educators (GACE) or other basic skills tests approved by the Professional Standards Commission, and completion of a master’s degree.

Please review this website for more information about the SNDCP and about submitting your materials for evaluation, applying to UGA as a non-degree seeking graduate student in the Department of Foods and Nutrition and completing a master’s degree at UGA or another university.

If you need immediate certification for employment purposes, please email us at sndcert@fcs.uga.edu. Include the following: employer's name, title, and address. Also, submit all of required information listed under "Transcript Evaluation."  After receiving your documents, we will mail a letter of explanation to your employer (or potential employer) regarding the certification program. We will send a copy of the letter to you for your records.

Send your questions to the SNDCP coordinator: sndcert@fcs.uga.edu.

Potential applicants may submit materials to be evaluated for meeting the proposed School Nutrition Director program.  Submit the following for evaluation:

• Application to UGA Department of Foods and Nutrition Graduate Program (http://www.fcs.uga.edu/fdn/graduate/docs/fdn_grad_application.pdf)
• Statement of purpose
• Resume
• One official copy of transcripts (still sealed in envelope) from the institution that awarded your highest degree and any institutions with coursework relevant to your intended program
• Course title, number, institution, and course description (from internet or university handbook) for any courses that you wish to be considered as meeting course requirements.
• If completed, official documentation of a passing score on the Georgia Assessment for Certification of Educators, Basic Skills Assessment (GACE, http://www.gace.nesinc.com/) or an exemption score acceptable to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission on the SAT, ACT, or GRE (http://www.gapsc.com/documentation/basicskillsinfo.asp)
• If completed, official documentation of a passing score on the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators, Computer Skill Competency test (http://www.gace.nesinc.com/GA2_internet_based_testing.asp). Please submit your GACE test results or exemptions (Basic Skills and Computer Competency) directly to the Professional Standards Commission.  The SND Program Director can check the status of your GACE tests online.
• If completed, documentation of ServSafe Certification (http://www.garestaurants.org/education/workshops.asp, http://www.arches.uga.edu/~eandress/ExtSSTrainings.pdf) or an alternative (Certified Professional Food Manager, http://www.prometric.com/foodsafety/default.htm or National Registry of Food Safety Professionals, http://www.nrfsp.com/).
• If you are a Registered Dietitian, send a copy of your RD (CDR) card.

Mail this information to School Nutrition Director Program, Dept. Foods and Nutrition, Dawson Hall, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602.  After receipt of all materials, applicants will be notified by the Department of Foods and Nutrition about the outcome of this evaluation within two weeks. (Do not send documents as email attachments.)

If you need a letter of notification for your employer concerning certification for employment purposes, then email us at sndcert@fcs.uga.edu.

Include the following: employer's name, title, and address. Also, submit all of required information listed under “Transcript Evaluation.” After we have received all of your materials, we will mail a letter of notification to your employer (or potential employer) regarding the certification program. We will send a copy of the letter to you for your records.

Application For Graduate Admission To The University Of Georgia

NOTE:  Independent and Distance Learning (IDL) courses (FDNS 2100 and FDNS 4050) do not require admission to the UGA graduate program.  You apply directly to the IDL office (800-877-3243 or http://www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/idl/). 

Only apply to the UGA graduate school when you are getting ready (but at least three months before) to take the graduate courses (FDNS 6660E, FDNS 6770E or other UGA graduate courses). 

You will need to put a "Start Date" on the graduate school application which will be the semester and year you take your first UGA graduate course.  If you don't take a class by your start date, then you need to tell the graduate school to change your start date.  Otherwise, your application expires, and you have to reapply and pay the application fee again.

The following are deadline dates for admission to graduate school:

• Fall semester:  July 1
• Spring semester:  November 15
• Summer semester:  April 1

Two options are available: 1) non-degree seeking or 2) masters degree. Choose one and follow the instructions below.

1. The non-degree seeking option is for those who already have a masters degree and/or who want to start taking the SND recommended courses. Non-degree seeking applicants must submit the following to the Office of Graduate Admissions (http://www.grad.uga.edu/):

• Application for admission
• Statement of purpose completed in the space provided on the application for admission; an academic major must be entered in item 4 on the application for admission (choose Foods and Nutrition)
• Application-processing fee (Effective July 1, 2009 application fees will be $75 for domestic and $100 for international students.)
• Two official copies of transcripts from the institution that awarded the highest degree

Mail the following to the School Nutrition Director Program, Dept. Foods and Nutrition, Dawson Hall, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602 (Do not send documents as email attachments.):

• Application to UGA Department of Foods and Nutrition Graduate Program (http://www.fcs.uga.edu/fdn/graduate/docs/fdn_grad_application.pdf)

And, if not previously submitted, then submit:

• Statement of purpose
• Resume
• One official copy of transcripts (still sealed in envelope) from the institution that awarded your highest degree and any institutions with coursework relevant to your intended program
• Course title, number, institution and course description (from internet or university handbook) for any course you wish to be considered as meeting course requirements.
• If completed, official documentation of a passing score on the Georgia Assessment for Certification of Educators, Basic Skills Assessment (GACE, http://www.gace.nesinc.com/) or an exemption score acceptable to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission on the SAT, ACT, or GRE (http://www.gapsc.com/documentation/basicskillsinfo.asp)
• If completed, official documentation of a passing score on the Georgia Assessement for the Certification of Educators, Computer Skills Competency test (http://www.gace.nesinc.com/GA2_internet_based_testing.asp).  Please submit your GACE test results or exemptions (Basic Skills and Computer Competency) directly to the Professional Standards Commission.  The SND program director can check the status of your GACE tests online..
• If completed, documentation of ServSafe Certification (http://www.garestaurants.org/education/workshops.asp, http://www.arches.uga.edu/~eandress/ExtSSTrainings.pdf) or an alternative (Certified Professional Food Manager, http://www.prometric.com/foodsafety/default.htm or National Registry of Food Safety Professionals, http://www.nrfsp.com/).
• If you are a registered dietitian, send a copy of your RD (CDR) card.

Letters of recommendation are optional and not required. All application materials should be submitted at least three months before the first day of the semester in which you wish to enroll. Applicants will be notified by the graduate school about their admission status within four weeks after receipt of all required application materials.

2. The degree seeking option is for those who do not have a masters degree. Degree seeking applicants should follow the instructions for admission to the University of Georgia (http://www.grad.uga.edu). Possible programs include Masters of Education in Adult Education or Masters of Education in Family and Consumer Sciences Education. These and other master’s programs are described at http://www.uga.edu/gradschool/programs/. Information about admission to the UGA graduate school is at: http://www.uga.edu/gradschool/admissions/requirements.html. All application materials should be submitted at least three months before the first day of the semester in which you wish to enroll. Applicants will be notified by the graduate school about their admission status within four weeks after receipt of all required application materials.

After the School Nutrition Director Certificate/Certification Program (SNDCP) is approved by UGA, the following will be required:

• For final certification of SND , you must have a master’s degree from a US regionally accredited college or university. For international applicants, the foreign degree equivalency statement must be obtained from one of the following not-for-profit agencies that provide this service. For a listing of these agencies, see http://www.cdrnet.org.. If you would like to obtain your master’s degree at the University of Georgia (http://www.grad.uga.edu/), then some possible programs include Masters of Education in Adult Education or Masters of Education in Family and Consumer Sciences Education. These and other master’s programs are described at http://www.uga.edu/gradschool/programs/. Information about admission to the UGA graduate school is at: http://www.uga.edu/gradschool/admissions/requirements.html.

• During the first year of admission to the SNDCP and before you can become certified, you must be ServSafe Certified. More information can be found at http://www.garestaurants.org/education/workshops.asp, http://www.arches.uga.edu/~eandress/ExtSSTrainings.pdf.  It is also acceptable to complete an alternative to ServSafe (Certified Professional Food Manager, http://www.prometric.com/foodsafety/default.htm or National Registry of Food Safety Professionals, http://www.nrfsp.com/).

• Before you can become certified by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, you must submit official documentation of a passing score on the Georgia Assessment for Certification of Educators Basic Skills Assessment (GACE, http://www.gace.nesinc.com/) or an exemption score acceptable to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission on the SAT, ACT, or GRE (http://www.gapsc.com/documentation/basicskillsinfo.asp).

• You must also submit official documentation of a passing score on the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators, Computer Skills Competency test (http://www.gace.nesinc.com/GA2_internet_based_testing.asp).  Please submit your GACE test results or exemptions (Basic Skills and Computer Competency) directly to the Professional Standards Commission.  The SND program director can check the status of your GACE tests online.

• Course requirements are listed on the next page. In some cases, the evaluation of your transcripts may show that you have already met some of these course requirements.  Within four weeks after all course requirements and all other requirements noted above are satisfied, the Department of Foods and Nutrition will recommend to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission that you receive School Nutrition Director Certification.  The Georgia Professional Standards Commission will notify applicants about their decision on certification.  Also, if all UGA requirements are met, then we will notify the UGA Graduate School that you have completed all UGA requirements for the School Nutrition Director Certificate.

Proposed Program Of Study (Subject To Approval By UGA) School Nutrition Director Certificate/Certification Program

Information about courses offered through Independent and Distance Learning is available at: http://www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/idl/

In-state tuition and fees, and phone numbers (706-542-1625) for further information beyond what the Department of Foods and Nutrition can provide, are posted at this website:
https://busfin1.busfin.uga.edu/bursar/semester_program.cfm.

According to the Bursar's office, graduate students taking 5 or less credits must pay the $105 technology fee.  Other fees are waived, except in some cases students must pay the transportation fee of $90. As of 2009, the cost of the application to the UGA graduate school, tuition, and fees for those taking SND distance courses ("E" courses) at UGA is:

-A one-time application fee (plus the cost for transcripts) Effective July 1, 2009 Graduate School application fees will be $75 for domestic and $100 for international students.
- $633 tuition for 3 hours
- $105 technology fee

However, if you are taking 6 or more credits at UGA, then you may need to pay the other fees posted at the website above. Please call 706-542-1625 with the exact courses you will be taking, and they can provide you with the correct information that meets your particular situation.  It is best that you contact them directly with your particular situation if you have additional questions or concerns.  For courses taken through Independent and Distance Learning, please call 706-542-3243 or see www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/idl/

NOTE:  Independent and Distance Learning (IDL) courses (FDNS 2100 and FDNS 4050) do not require admission to the UGA graduate program.  You apply directly to the IDL office (800-877-3243 or http://www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/idl/). 

Only apply to the UGA graduate school when you are getting ready (but at least three months before) to take the graduate courses (FDNS 6660E, FDNS 6770E or other UGA graduate courses). 

You will need to put a "Start Date" on the graduate school application which will be the semester and year you take your first UGA graduate course.  If you don't take a class by your start date, then you need to tell the graduate school to change your start date.  Otherwise, your application expires, and you have to reapply and pay the application fee again.

Students who complete at least six of the seven graduate course requirements and all other requirements for the School Nutrition Director Certification program may be eligible for the SND Certificate program.  The main differences between the "certification" program and the "certificate" requires that the majority of the coursework be completed at UGA, the certificate is awarded by the UGA Graduate School and completion of the certificate will be documented on the student's official UGA transcript.  Certificate approval is pending.

1. What basic skills tests are required?

The requirement is a passing score on the Georgia Assessment for Certification of Educators (GACE, http://www.gace.nesinc.com/) or an exemption score acceptable to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission on the SAT, ACT, or GRE (http://www.gapsc.com/documentation/basicskillsinfo.asp).  For more information on the GACE exam and testing dates and locations, go to http://www.gace.nesinc.com/.

The GACE has replaced the Praxis exam as the Gold Standard in Georgia for assessing the knowledge and skills of prospective Georgia public school educators.

In addition, you must show competency in computer skills and must submit official documentation of a passing score on the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators, Computer Skills Competency test (http://www.gace.nesinc.com/GA2_internet_based_testing.asp).

Please see the Professional Standards Commission (PSC) website for information about Teacher Certification and Educator Assessment Requirements: http://www.gapsc.com/TeacherCertification.asp. 

2. What information other than my college transcripts do you need for evaluation?

Please see the Evaluation of Transcripts information on this website.

3. Where or to whom should I go to get answers to questions regarding certification?

For information on certification in the state of Georgia, read the information listed on the Georgia Professional Standards Commission website—specifically, all information listed on the Home Page and also under the Certification tab. The web address is http://www.gapsc.com/.

For information about the School Nutrition Director Certification Program, read the information posted on the web as well.

4. What do I need to do to pursue a masters degree?

Please see the “Application for Graduate Admission” section on this website for information about applying to UGA. If you are going to apply to another university, then contact that university for more information.

5. Will any of the courses be offered on-line, or will I have to come to UGA?

Please see the “Proposed Program of Study” section on this website for the required courses and their format.  Currently, the majority of the program is not offered online, although the Program Director can help you find substitute courses close to you or online substitutions.

6. Is this program covered by the HOPE Scholarship?

HOPE scholarship and other financial aid information is available online at http://www.uga.edu/admissions/finaid.html.

7.  Can you write a letter stating that I have been accepted into a State-approved School Nutrition Director's Program?

Yes.  Please request a letter by contacting sndcert@fcs.uga.edu.  This letter can substitute for a non-renewable clear certificate, but you must first mail your documents to the SND Program Director.

8. Can I complete my training while still employed?

Yes. Most individuals seeking certification earn their masters degree and/or certification while holding a full-time job. The courses will be offered on a regular basis and some course content will be offered online.