The University of Jordan (UJ) has officially launched a specialized Higher Diploma program in sports nutrition, a collaborative effort between the Department of Nutrition and Food Technology at the School of Agriculture and the School of Sports Sciences, under the umbrella of the School of Graduate Studies. The program is supervised by a group of experienced academics and international researchers from the university.
This cutting-edge program aims to advance the science of sports nutrition. It provides a comprehensive, modern, scientifically up-to-date curriculum to enhance the professional knowledge and skills of practitioners in the field.
Targeting nutrition specialists, athletes, health center workers, sports club managers, and professional teams—such as football, basketball, and Olympic sports teams—Topics covering exercise physiology, sports metabolism, dietary supplements, and the preparation of specialized meals., and the use of artificial intelligence in applied sports nutrition. Practical applications are emphasized through state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with advanced sports research devices.
The university announced that application for the program, which comprises a minimum of 24 credit hours, is now open, and classes will begin in the second semester of the 2024-2025 academic year. The program's development and approval followed extensive preparations and reviews by the Higher Education Accreditation Commission over the past year. Graduates will receive a recognized High Diploma degree, equipping them with the necessary qualifications to excel in the field.
Dean of the School of Agriculture, Prof. Ayed Al-Abdallat, noted that the establishment of the program was based on labor market needs, indicating that a growing number of fitness-focused sports clubs lack scientifically-based nutrition programs. He emphasized the necessity for a specialized diploma combining practical and academic expertise.
Dean of the School of Sports Sciences, Prof. Hasan Alsoud, described the program as a strategic initiative that strengthens the university’s commitment to academic innovation and interfaculty collaboration. He highlighted its potential to serve the sports community at all levels and foster joint scientific research between the Schools of agriculture and sports sciences.
Dr. Hadeel Ali Ghazawi, the program coordinator and the lead of "Sport Nutrition Profiling" research group, highlighted the program’s uniqueness as the first in Jordanian and Arab universities. Integrated into the university’s graduate studies, the program offers smart, innovative course materials and features a modern laboratory equipped with specialized sports nutrition tools, providing students with advanced, practical learning opportunities.
The program is designed with flexibility in mind; requiring only 24 credit hours delivered over two evenings a week, making it accessible to working professionals.