MARTIN - An online master of science in family and consumer sciences has been added to the list of courses offered by the University of Tennessee at Martin via UT Online.

"We believe this program has tremendous potential and are pleased to offer it as part of our service and outreach missions," said Dr. Jerald Ogg, UT Martin vice chancellor for academic affairs. "These faculty are outstanding, and anyone who enrolls is going to receive the same top-notch, practical education we have traditionally provided on campus."

The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences is offering the online program with two concentrations: general family and consumer sciences and dietetics. The first concentration is general in nature and based on a selected range of comprehensive courses. The dietetics concentration incorporates a Dietetic Internship Program (DI) accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education. The DI offers graduates of didactic programs in dietetics a post-baccalaureate, clinically based practicum. Students completing the DI portion of the concentration are eligible to take the registration examination that leads to becoming a registered dietitian. This option incorporates the DI practicum into an advanced-degree program that will lead to a master's degree.

"We are excited about offering our master's degree online. We believe this will provide new opportunities for a greater number of professionals in our region to pursue the master's degree in a convenient format," said Dr. Lisa LeBleu, UT Martin Department of Family and Consumer Sciences chair.

The courses for the general option of the master's in family and consumer sciences and the dietetics option, with the exception of the internship are accessible 24/7 using Blackboard CourseWare. The courses have discussion, email, chat, assignments and Web-conferencing capability. Students also have free technical support 24/7 through UT Martin's Help Desk.

Faculty hold graduate faculty status at UT Martin and all have specialized knowledge and experience in the areas in which they are teaching.

Applicants may be admitted as degree-seeking or non-degree-seeking. Degree-seeking candidates must meet all university requirements as listed in the university catalog under "Types of Admission." Individuals who plan to complete the dietetic internship must be degree-seeking. Applicants who plan to complete the master's must meet requirements for unconditional or conditional admission.

"UT Online anticipates a chance to deliver this degree to students online. This market needs this opportunity, and we are looking forward to helping these students develop in their careers," said Dr. Tommy Cates, Online and University Studies director.

For more information about this new program, contact UT Online, toll free, at 866-587-7589, or 731-881-7589, or visit www.utm.edu/utonline.

• Master's in Family, Consumer Sciences Joins List of UT Martin's Online Courses