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

This Master of Science program is designed for the following two groups::

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree in any non-nutrition discipline
  • Hold a bachelor's degree in nutrition, but did not complete a DPD program and do not have a DPD Verification Statement. 

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
First YearUnits
AHCJ 5191Graduate Wholeness Portfolio1
AHRM 571Statistics and Research for Health Professionals I3
AHRM 572Statistics and Research for Health Professionals II3
AHRM 604Research-Proposal Writing1-6
DTCS 329Organic Chemistry with Applications for Nutrition4
DTCS 502Food Selection and Presentation5
DTCS 507Professional Issues in Nutrition and Dietetics1
DTCS 5082Community Nutrition4
DTCS 521Nutrition and Human Metabolism4
DTCS 530Biochemistry with Applications for Nutrition4
DTCS 538Introduction to Clinical Nutrition2
DTCS 540Nutrition through Life Stages3
DTCS 541Medical Nutrition Therapy I4
DTCS 544Medical Nutrition Therapy II4
DTCS 548Nutrition Counseling and Education3
DTCS 571Quantity Food Purchasing, Production, and Service4
DTCS 572Food Systems Organization and Management4
Second Year
AHCJ 548Human Resource Management in the Health-Care Environment3
DTCS 506Professional Seminar in Nutrition and Dietetics1
DTCS 526Pharmacology in Medical Nutrition Therapy2
DTCS 545Nutrition Care Management4
DTCS 546Introduction to Integrative and Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy3
DTCS 554Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy3
DTCS 566Food Chemistry and Experimental Foods4
DTCS 576Exercise Physiology in Medical Nutrition Therapy3
DTCS 694Research1-8
EPDM 509Principles of Epidemiology3
NUTR 517Advanced Nutrition I: Carbohydrates and Lipids4
NUTR 518Advanced Nutrition II: Proteins, Vitamins, and Minerals4
NUTR 519Phytochemicals2
RELE 524 (or any other Ethics course)Bioethics and Society3
Third Year
RELR 575 (or any other Relation course)Whole Person Care3
 Total Units: 97-109

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

Affiliation and practicum
DTCS 778Clinical Nutrition Affiliation (6, 12)12
DTCS 795Nutrition and Dietetics Graduate Practicum12
Total Units24
1

Register three times to fulfill unit requirement

2

Fulfills service learning requirement

Comprehensive Examination

The written comprehensive examination assesses the student’s broad understanding of nutrition and dietetics, statistics, and basic research methods. It is typically administered during the Spring Quarter of the graduate year, after the student has successfully completed most of the required coursework.

Normal time to complete the program

Two and a quarter (2.25) years (nine [9] academic quarters) of course work at LLU — based on full-time enrollment