Study Anywhere, Experiential Learning in Birmingham or Nationwide

Samford's Master of Science in Nutrition, Dietetics Concentration is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) as a Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics. The program prepares students for successful careers as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists within a supportive Christian learning community. Students benefit from personalized mentorship and guidance in nutrition science.  With flexible online courses and the option to complete supervised experiential learning in Birmingham or nationwide, graduates are well-equipped to excel as dietitians in diverse professional settings. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the credentialing exam by the Commission on Dietetic Registration to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. 

Amy Cameron square
Program Director
Amy Cameron, MS, RDN, LD

Customize Your Experience

Location Flexibility
Study from Birmingham, AL, or anywhere nationwide while completing Supervised Learning Experience (SEL) at a healthcare facility near you. 
Elective Courses
Choose from a range of electives in nutrition or from other departments in the School of Public Health to suit your specific interests.
Capstone Project
Customize your capstone project to explore a topic in nutrition that aligns with your passions and career ambitions.

 

Becoming an Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists are food and nutrition experts who have met the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s (CDR) criteria to earn the RDN credential. RDNs work in a wide variety of employment settings, including health care, business and industry, community/public health, education, research, government agencies and private practice. After completing eligibility requirements and being validated by CDR, individuals are eligible to take the registration examination for dietitians.

Some states require RDNs to obtain licensure or certification to practice. Specific licensure requirements vary from state to state, and among territories. Individual state licensure requirements can be found on CDR’s website. In Alabama, the Alabama Dietetics/Nutrition Practice Act of 1989 provides for licensing qualifications, renewals and revocation, exemptions, reciprocity, and penalties. It is the purpose of this Act to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public by providing for the licensing and regulation of persons engaged in the practice of dietetics and nutrition. More information is available on the Alabama State Board of Examiners for Dietetics/Nutritionists.
 
Program Completion Requirements
Successful completion of the MS in Nutrition, Dietetics Concentration requires the demonstration of competencies essential for entry-level practice as a registered dietitian nutritionist, aligning with the Future Education Model Accreditation Standards for Graduate Degree Programs (GP), and meeting Samford Graduation Requirements. More information can be found in the Student Handbook. 

Application Process

Students applying to the program who are not already enrolled at Samford must complete an online centralized application through the Dietetic Inclusive Centralized Application Services (DICAS).

In addition to personal information and academic history, all applicants must:
  • Submit a personal statement (3-5 double-spaced pages) that discusses your interest in the dietetics profession and your reasons for applying to Samford.
  • Submit three letters of recommendation. At least one letter should be from a professor, instructor, academic advisor, or another professional who has supervised academic studies.
Applicants will have a Zoom interview with members of the selection committee after applying.

Additional Requirements

  • Background Check: Once admitted, students must complete an initial background check.
  • Immunization Records and Health Insurance: Students must submit these at their own expense before starting the program.

Qualifications for Admission

  • A baccalaureate degree in any field from a college or university that holds institutional accreditation or is in the senior year of undergraduate study.
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Required prerequisite courses include completion of the following college-level courses with a grade of “C” or better:
    • Statistics or Business Math (3 semester hours)
    • Psychology or Sociology (3 semester hours)
    • General Chemistry, including a lab component (3-4 semester hours)
    • Organic Chemistry, including a lab component (3-4 semester hours)
    • Biochemistry (3-4 semester hours)
    • Microbiology: (3-4 semester hours)
    • Anatomy & Physiology (6-8 semester hours)
    • Introductory Nutrition (3 semester hours) - must have at least a grade of "B". (Students lacking this course may enroll in NUTR 500 - Principles of Human Nutrition the summer before beginning the program.)
  • GRE test scores are waived for the current application cycle.
  • Exceptions to any admission requirements will be handled on an individual basis

Information for International Applicants

All supervised experiential learning courses must be completed within the United States per accreditation requirements. This program does not offer sufficient in-person courses to meet the requirements for issuing an I-20 visa.  Review the ACEND guidance for International Students. 

Transfer Credit/Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

At this time, students cannot transfer any credits toward the MS in Dietetics Concentration program. The program also does not accept credits for prior learning or experience.

Application Timeline

Fall Application Cycle (for Fall 2025 start)

Application Deadline: October 18, 2024
Applicant Notification: November 1, 2024
Applicant Decision Due: November 15, 2024
Early Action Deadline: Applications submitted by this date receive priority consideration for scholarships.

Spring Application Cycle (for Fall 2025 start)

Application Deadline: February 1, 2025
Applicant Notification: March 1, 2025
Applicant Decision Due: March 15, 2025
Rolling Admissions: Begin after March 16, 2025, until June 1, 2025, or until all spots are filled.

Program Curriculum

Plan of Study

Estimated Tuition and Fees

Total Estimated Program Cost = $50,189 (over 2 years)

  • Estimated Tuition: $45,936
  • Estimated Supplemental Program Fees: $4,258

Financial Aid

Students are eligible to receive federal financial aid. Financial aid from external sources such as scholarships and private loans are also available. Students are responsible for all expenses incurred during the program but may seek the assistance of a One Stop Advisor at the Samford One Stop office to identify low-interest educational private loans for graduate students. Advisors can be reached via phone or email at 205-726-4023 and onestop@samford.edu.

Accreditation and Assessment

Accreditation Status
Samford University's Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995, (800) 877-1600 ext. 5400, https://eatrightpro.org/acend.
 
Mission, Objectives and Goals