Program Description

This program is designed 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, including most international students, must apply for this degree. The first year of the three-year MS is taught at the foundational (undergraduate) level. The second and third years are taught at the graduate level. The curriculum is comprised of didactic training and 1000 hours of supervised professional practice experiences to adequately prepare a competent graduate. Upon Completion of the program, the graduate is eligible to write the registration examination of the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Program Website  |  Catalog

Program Length

3 years (11 quarters)

*Important Changes in Application Dates and Process The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition & Dietetics (ACEND)

For prospective applicants planning to apply for Fall 2025, please note that the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition &  Dietetics (ACEND) is requiring all accredited programs to abide by the following policy:

  • Our program will be required to send a decision regarding acceptance by March 1.
  • If you are accepted into the program, you will be required to confirm or decline the acceptance by March 15.
  • The March 1 and 15 dates will be the same every year.
  • 2024-2025 application cycle (for those applying for Fall 2025), the application deadline will be early in 2025. Please check back for updates soon.
  • 2025-2026 application cycle and beyond (for those applying for Fall 2026 and after that), the application is to be submitted via DICAS.
  • Additional details to follow in the future.

Possible Careers

Numerous opportunities are available for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Dietitians in Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) assess patient’s nutritional needs, develop personalized nutrition treatment programs, and evaluate and report results. Dietitians also work in public health clinics, home health agencies, major supermarkets, and food service facilities. Some dietitians oversee large-scale food production and service facilities in health care, col-lege and university cafeterias, correctional facilities, and school food service.
Dietitians work under contract with extended health-care facilities or in their own private practice. Others work for wellness programs, sports teams, or other nutrition-related businesses. Some dietitians engage in research activities to enhance the profession. Increased interest in nutrition has led to opportunities in food manufacturing, advertising, and marketing, among others.

Application Deadlines

Quarter Application Open Priority Deadline Final Deadline
Autumn of 2024 Nov 30, 2023 Apr 30, 2024

Admissions Requirements

Admission to the program is based upon a selective process. To be eligible for consideration, the applicant must:
  • Have a bachelor’s degree
  • Complete program prerequisites
  • Have a 3.0 G.P.A., or above, in both science and non-science prerequisite courses
  • Complete an online application
  • Provide recommendations
  • Complete an interview

Prerequisites

  • College Algebra, Pre-Calculus, or Calculus
  • Human Anatomy with Lab & Human Physiology with Lab (complete sequence)
  • General Chemistry with Lab (one full year)
  • Microbiology with Lab
  • Human Nutrition
  • Certificate of Completion or grade for a Medical Terminology course

Discipline Accrediting Agency

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040, ext. 5400. Website: www.eatright.com/ACEND, Email: acend@eatright.org

Integrating faith and health
Integrating faith and health
Loma Linda University educates and encourages a balanced life by living our values of humility, compassion, justice, integrity, excellence, freedom and self- control. You will be surrounded by faculty who are committed to healthcare innovation and research while engaging your spirituality.

Expected Cost of Attendance

The following estimated cost of attendance is based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. Estimated amounts may vary based on a number of factors. Students may use these estimates when applying for financial aid.

Required Program Costs

Academic Year 2024-2025

Year of Program
Months Enrolled
Year 1
9
Year 2
12
Year 3
12
Tuition & Fees $33,968 $39,775 $32,406
Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance
(May or may not be purchased through the school)
$4,915 $3,150 $1,500

Other Educational Costs

Non-required costs that can be funded with scholarships/loans.

Year of Program
Months Enrolled
Year 1
9
Year 2
12
Year 3
12
Living Expense (Food & Housing Allowance)
Students will be assigned one of the following Living Expense Budget Options:
  • On Campus Dorm
  • $11,835 $15,780 $15,780
  • LLU Owned Rental Property
  • $18,900 $25,200 $25,200
  • LLU Owned Rental w/ Dependents
  • $19,800 $26,400 $26,400
  • Undergraduate Dependent w/ Parents
  • $7,200 $9,600 $9,600
  • Off Campus
  • $18,900 $25,200 $25,200
    Transportation Allowance $3,150 $4,200 $4,200
    Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $3,150 $4,200 $4,200
    Federal Student Loan Fees $79 $217 $217
    Cost of Obtaining Professional License 0 0 $200
    Dependent Care
    (See Budget Revision Request form)
    Available upon Request
    Disability-Related Expenses
    (See Budget Revision Request form)
    Available upon Request

    Notes

    The cost of attendance varies from year to year. Please contact the office of Student Finance for up-to-date costs.
    • Estimated amounts are for the academic year specified only. Amounts are based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on these amounts.
    • Amounts are expected to increase each year consistent with inflation in the professional education sector.
    • To qualify for financial aid, most students must be enrolled at least half time in an aid eligible program and be taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.