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Northern Illinois University

School of Family, Consumer & Nutrition Sciences

Certificate of Graduate Study in Eating Disorders & Obesity

The Certificate of Graduate Study in Eating Disorders and Obesity is the only 12 credit program in the nation utilizing the study of Nutrition, Family Studies, and Body Image to assist students and current professionals in obtaining knowledge and developing skills related to the prevention and management of obesity and eating disorders.

Program Characteristics

  • Study the interrelationships among theories of human development, family systems, family stress, exercise, and nutrition and the occurrence of eating disorders and obesity.
  • Distinguish between the characteristics of obesity, eating disorders, and disordered eating.
  • Examine the cultural context that shapes and reflects Western ideals for appearance, family relationships, and eating habits.
  • Critique programs designed to prevent obesity and eating disorders.
  • Critique current interventions for weight management and treatment of disorders and their effectiveness.
  • Enhance competency in working with eating disorders and obesity in your area of professional practice.
  • Identify roles and importance of interdisciplinary members in the treatment of eating disorders and obesity.

Who should complete this program?  

Practitioners in Marriage and Family Therapy or Dietetics may use the program to enhance their skills in treating eating disorders and obesity.  Other professionals in various fields may use the program to prepare to prevent these disorders.

Courses 

Completion of the certificate program requires 12 semester hours of course work selected from the courses listed below:

Cornerstone Course
FCNS 602, Issues in Eating Disorders and Obesity (3) - It is recommended to take FCNS 502 as the first course in the EDOC sequence of courses.

Choose an additional three courses from the following list:

  • FCNS 529 Strategies for Modifying Nutrition Behaviors (3)
  • FCNS 616, Nutritional Factors in Obesity and Eating Disorders (3)
  • FCNS 637, The Child in the Family (3)
  • FCNS 650, Workshop in Family, Consumer, and Nutrition Sciences (1-3)
  • FCNS 674, Clothing and Human Behavior (3)
  • FCNS 684, The Family with Adolescents (3)                                        
    OR EPS 508, Theories and Research in Adolescent Behavior and Development (3)
  • FCNS 685, Family Stress and Structural Diversity (3)
  • FCNS 701, Problems in Family, Consumer, and Nutrition Sciences (1-3)

Courses may be applied toward a MS degree in Applied Family and Child Studies or Nutrition.

Admission 

Participants must have a degree in family, consumer, and nutrition sciences or related undergraduate or graduate degree.  The student must have introductory coursework in nutrition, psychology, and family relationships.  You must be accepted into the program and have status as a graduate student or student at large.

Additional Information  

This program can assist you in being part of the strategies/solutions to prevent and treat eating disorders and obesity! We look forward to hearing from you!

Address written inquiries to:

Amy D. Ozier, Ph.D., RD., LDN.
Assistant Professor
Facilitator of the Certificate of Graduate Study in Eating Disorders and Obesity
School of Family, Consumer, and Nutrition Sciences
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, Illinois 60115-2857

(815) 753-6343
Fax: (815) 753-1321