Nutrition and Dietetics (Post DPD) — M.S.

The M.S. degree for graduates of a bachelor-level didactic program in dietetics (DPD) is specifically designed for those who choose not to pursue a standard dietetic internship, but who wish to complete a coordinated master's degree and supervised practice experience, establishing eligibility for writing the registration examination for dietitians. This curriculum builds upon didactic coursework in nutrition and dietetics, culminating with an M.S. degree and a verification statement covering both didactic and supervised practice requirements.

Program learning outcomes

By 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 of 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 ability to translate evidence-based literature into formats 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:

• Bachelor's degree from an ACEND-accredited didactic program in dietetics
• complete program prerequisites
• have a 3.0 G.P.A. or above (science and non-science)
• complete an interview
• provide a DPD verification statement (or equivalent if international)

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

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

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Register three times to fulfill unit requirement. Course fulfills service learning requirement.

Comprehensive Examination

Comprehensive Examination  is designed to establish that the student has a broad understanding of nutrition and dietetics, statistics, and basic research methodology.  The written comprehensive examination will be administered after students have successfully completed the majority of required courses. The comprehensive examination will typically occur during the spring quarter of the student’s second year in the MS program.

Normal time to complete the program

Two (2) years (seven [7] academic quarters) at LLU — based on full-time enrollment.