New Food Regulations, Nutrition Policy, & Personalized Nutrition Graduate Certificate at Illinois
In January 2025, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is launching a 12-credit-hour Illinois Graduate Certificate titled “Food Regulations, Nutrition Policy, and Personalized Nutrition.”
The first course, NUTR 582: Personalized Nutrition, will be offered during the first eight weeks of the spring 2025 semester. NUTR 583: Nutrition Policy will be offered during the second eight weeks. NUTR 581: Food Regulations will be offered during the first eight weeks of the Fall 2025 semester.
To take one or all three courses, you will need to apply online to the Graduate Certificate through the University of Illinois Graduate College. There is no application fee but there is a tuition charge for each course.
Why Enroll in the Certificate?
This certificate is designed for dietitians, physicians, public health nutritionists, and professionals in the food industry and regulatory affairs, who want to gain a deep understanding of US food regulations, nutrition policy, and the growing field of personalized nutrition. By completing this certifcate you’ll be equipped to:
- Understand how individual genetic, epigenetic, and microbiome differences affect dietary responses.
- Examine how personalized nutrition products and services meet individual needs.
- Appreciate the policymaking process that improves public health and nutrition.
- Navigate complex regulatory environments with up-to-date knowledge of US food regulations.
- Apply practical skills crucial in today’s evolving food and health industries.
With a blend of academic rigor and real-world application, this certificate provides the tools you need to expand your skill set, earn continuing education credits, and advance your career.
Course Summaries
The Graduate Certificate consists of three 8-week credit-bearing courses; 4-credit hours each with two Coursera components.
NUTR 582: Personalized Nutrition
This 8-week course will provide foundational knowledge on nutrition and how dietary recommendations are developed before exploring how variations in genetics, epigenetics, and the microbiome influence individualized responses to nutrition. This course introduces new approaches to personalized diet planning and data analysis, focusing on real-world applications in direct-to-consumer nutrition services. You will also learn about the personalized nutrition ecosystem and how to form successful partnerships. Coursera components: Putting the Personal in Personalized Nutrition and Bridging Data and Practice for Personalized Nutrition.
NUTR 583: Nutrition Policy
This 8-week course examines the federal nutrition policymaking and evaluation processes. The course delves into the reach, adoption, and impact of the federal nutrition programs influencing dietary behavior, chronic disease conditions, and overall health status of the U.S. population. Additionally, students will examine several frameworks and strategies critical in developing and evaluating nutrition policies to solve population-level health problems. Coursera components: Introduction to Nutrition Policy, Frameworks, and Process (coming soon) and Applications of Nutrition Policy (coming soon).
NUTR 581: US Food Regulations
Coming in fall 2025! This 8-week course explores the history and principles of US food regulations. Students will examine how food regulations influence the US food industry in the context of labeling, claims and substantiation. Coursera components: Understanding Food Regulations & Food Labeling and Navigating Food Regulations: Enforcement & Case Studies.
Ready to Get Started?
Enrollment is now open! Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your expertise, earn continuing education credit, and take the next step in your career. The Graduate Certificate is designed to fit your schedule, allowing you to take one course or complete the full certificate at your own pace.
To apply for the Graduate Certificate or to start with just one course, submit a free online application. Details on how to enroll are provided on the course certificate page.