Health and Nutritional Sciences

Welcome to the Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences (HNS). The HNS Department provides undergraduate programs in Athletic Training, Nutrition & Dietetics, Exercise Science, Community & Public Health, Physical Education, and Sport and Recreation Management, as well as a number of supporting minors. The integration of academic programs, which focus on nutrition,  health, recreation, exercise, and human performance, provides students and faculty with unique opportunities to collaborate and to promote interaction among students in different majors with a common focus on promoting health through proper nutrition and physical activity.

The course offerings help develop students with a strong foundation of knowledge, skills, and abilities to enter graduate school or employment within the health care field, industry, or education. Students learn how to critique and analyze research within their designated field and apply that knowledge. Students have access to state-of-the-art teaching and research laboratories, nationwide internship programs, and study abroad experiences. Our faculty are nationally recognized as experts in their field and are dedicated to student success.

We encourage students to get involved in one the many student organizations associated with each of the major areas of study. Students are able to attend regional and national professional meetings, participate in service projects and research projects.

To indicate your interest in one of our programs, contact our department. We would be happy to visit with you personally about your interests and career goals. We can arrange a campus and department tour, visit a class, or visit with one of our current students or faculty members.

For more information, contact the department head:

Kendra Kattelmann, PhD, RDN, LN, FAND
Distinguished Professor, Department Head
Health and Nutritional Sciences
College of Education & Human Sciences
South Dakota State University
Office: 605-688-5161

Pre-Professional Areas

Pre-AT, Pre-PT, Pre-OT

Undergraduate Programs

Community & Public Health (B.S.)

Exercise Science (B.S.)

Nutrition & Dietetics (B.S.)

Physical Education Teacher Education (B.S.)

Sport & Recreation Management (B.S.)

Graduate Programs

Athletic Training (M.S.)

Dietetics (M.S. - Online Only)

Nutrition & Exercise Sciences (M.S. & Ph.D.)

Sport & Recreation Administration (M.S.)

Best Poster at SDSU URSCAD

Senior Exercise Science student, Rachel Goetz won the best poster in the area of nutrition and health sciences at the SDSU Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity Day. Rachel started working in Dr. Meendering’s research lab as a junior for her honors project. Rachel was also funded for a summer research experience through the SDSU Joseph F. Nelson Undergraduate Research Mentorship award. Rachel will be applying to Physician Assistant graduate programs as her next step after graduating this spring!

2018 April Brooks Woman of Distinction Award recipients

Dr. Lacey McCormack of HNS was honored as the faculty recipient for the 2018 April Brooks Woman of Distinction Award. The awards went to five women, which also included Dr. Jane Mort, Semehar Ghebrekidan, Dr. Janet Johnson, and Michelle Leeds, who have made an impact on campus in many ways. They were announced Thursday afternoon at the annual tea and award presentation that was held in the University Student Union’s Campanile/Hobo Day Gallery. Follow the link below for more information about the recipients' activities and the event.

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