Nutrition and Dietetics (Prior B.S./B.A.) — M.S.

The M.S. (for bachelor's degree graduates in non-nutrition areas/international students) is a program for persons with a prior bachelor’s degree. Students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in a nutrition-related field at a non-ACEND accredited program must apply for this degree route. Graduates are eligible to sit for the RDN exam after completion of the M.S. degree.

Program learning outcomes

At the end of this program, the graduate should be able to:

1. Integrate scientific information and translation of research into practice.
2. Demonstrate beliefs, values, attitudes, and behaviors consistent with the professional dietitian nutritionist level of practice.
3. Develop and deliver information, products, and services to individuals, groups, and populations.
4. Apply principles of strategic management and systems in the provision of services to individuals and organizations.
5. Plan, process, and perform nutrition-related research while protecting the public.
6. Demonstrate an ability to translate evidence-based literature into formats that the lay public can understand, including use of videos, writing articles, and counseling.
7. Evaluate emerging trends in nutrition and give competent, evidence-based answers to the public.
8. Use metabolic pathways to determine patient and client nutritional needs.

Admission is based on a selective process.  In addition to Loma Linda University and School of Allied Health Professions admissions requirements, the applicant must also complete the following requirements:

• An earned baccalaureate degree from a U.S. accredited institution of higher education or an international institution having appropriate government recognition as a degree-granting institution
• complete program prerequisites
• have a 3.0 G.P.A. or above (science and non-science prerequisites)
• complete an interview

Prerequisites

• College algebra, pre-calculus, or calculus
• Human anatomy with laboratory and human physiology with laboratory, complete sequence (two terms)
• General chemistry with laboratory, 3 quarters/2 semesters
• Microbiology with laboratory
• Human nutrition
• Medical terminology certificate or course

Affiliation and practicum units are required in addition to the didactic units listed above.

¹

Register three times to fulfill unit requirement

²

Fulfills service learning requirement

Comprehensive Examination

The written comprehensive examination  is designed to establish that the student has a broad understanding of nutrition and dietetics, statistics, and basic research methodology.   The comprehensive examination will be administered after students have successfully completed the majority of required courses—typically during the Spring Quarter of the student’s third year in the M.S. program.

Normal time to complete the program

One (1) year (three [3] academic quarters) of undergraduate preparatory work plus two (2) years (eight [8] academic quarters) of graduate course work at LLU — based on full-time enrollment