MPH Nutrition with coordinated program in Dietetics
The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree curriculum in Nutrition and Dietetics enables students to meet the didactic and supervised practice requirements for registration eligibility in dietetics. The purpose of registration is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public by encouraging high standards of performance by persons practicing in nutrition and dietetics. Students in the MPH coordinated program may establish eligibility to write the registration examination to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) by completing this program.
If you have your RDN, check out our Master of Science in Plant-based Nutrition program.
Program Director - Celine Heskey
Units | Cost per Unit | LLU Quarterly Fee | Average Completion Time |
---|---|---|---|
67+ | $895 | $910 |
2.25-3 years |
MPH Nutrition-Coordinated Program in Dietetics Catalog |
Learn More | Apply Now |
Student Housing |
In order to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) individuals must take a credentialing examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). The requirements to be eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam include meeting the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) requirements through didactic instruction and supervised practice experience. Our program is an accredited coordinated program, which means that students complete both didactic instruction (MPH Nutrition degree along with relevant corequisites) and 1200 hours of supervised practice (1. Public Health Practicum; 2. Food Systems Management Affiliation; 3. Clinical Nutrition Affiliation; 4. Practice within designated classes and labs) within the program. Once they have met all degree and non-degree requirements for the coordinated program, and successfully graduate from the program, they will be eligible to take the credentialing exam. Prior to program completion, students will be required to submit a graduation petition to the School of Public Health Academic Programs Office. Non-degree requirements include a comprehensive examination (public health nutrition), and culmination experience. More info.
For more information on registration eligibility requirements for RDNs, click here.
Loma Linda University Academic Calendar • Loma Linda University Course Schedule • Course sequence
The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995
1-800-877-1600 extension 5400
ACEND website
I am very grateful for the professors at LLUSPH who challenge me and provide continual learning opportunities. They care for their students beyond academics and encourage us to be the best versions of ourselves in all aspects.
–Briana Hewitt, MPH-RD Nutrition student
Program Goals
a. The post-graduate surveys will reflect that 80 percent of graduates are utilizing skills to promote health and/or prevent disease.
ACEND specific objectives
b. Eighty percent of students will successfully complete 100% of specified degree requirements within 150 percent of expected degree completion.
c. The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
d. Seventy percent of employers will rate the preparation of graduates of the Coordinated Program in Nutrition and Dietetics as satisfactory for entry-level practice.
e. Eighty percent of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
a. Sixty percent of Program graduates will contribute to the community and/or provide professional leadership in the field of Dietetics within 5 years of graduation.
ACEND specific objective
b. Of graduates who seek employment, 80 percent are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
- Describe the integration of biological mechanisms underlying the effect of food and nutrients on individual and population health outcomes.
- Function independently and collaboratively as a leader or member of a team, to plan, manage, and evaluate public health nutrition interventions.
- Critically analyze studies and nutrition and dietetics evidence-based guidelines for public health prevention, nutrition interventions, and research.
- Scrutinize public policies and processes related to food and nutrition and explore their impact on health outcomes.
- Examine the role of vegetarian dietary practices on human health, the environment, and ecology
- Demonstrate effectiveness in applying the nutritional care process consistent with competencies defined by the ACEND.
How to Apply
Contact cheskey@llu.edu to review your prerequisites and if you have questions regarding the admissions process.
- TOEFL
- Evaluation of international transcripts.
Pre-entrance health requirements/Immunizations
- TB/PPD skin test
- Hepatitis B vaccine
- Varicella vaccine
- TdaP
- Tetanus/Diphtheria booster (within last 10 years)
- MMR
Program Costs (2020-2021)
Tuition (per credit) (Estimated total) |
$895 (x 77 credits = $68,915) |
Program quarterly fees |
$910 (x 9 quarters = $8,190) |
Books, software and equipment (includes BLS training*) |
$2,917 |
Supervised practice: Food Systems Management affiliation tuition |
$1,790 |
Supervised practice: Clinical Nutrition affiliation tuition |
$3,580 |
Supervised practice: Public Health Practicum |
$3,580 |
Housing: Residence halls & Off-campus housing |
Review the links for the most up-to-date costs. http://home.llu.edu/campus-and-spiritual-life/housing-dining/residence-halls and http://home.llu.edu/campus-and-spiritual-life/housing-dining/off-campus-housing |
Travel** |
Most supervised practice sites are within a 60-mile radius of Loma Linda, California. ~125 days of affiliations/practicum Via car: $138 - $1,375 |
Liability insurance |
Students are covered by malpractice insurance while acting within the course and scope of any approved clinical assignment. http://llucatalog.llu.edu/about-university/student-life/ |
Medical exams |
https://home.llu.edu/campus-and-spiritual-life/student-health-service; see https://home.llu.edu/campus-and-spiritual-life/student-health-service/services-and-fees for an explanation of services and fees |
Drug testing |
$ free via Student Health |
Lab coat |
$30 |
Up-to-date program costs are available on the School of Public Health financial information catalog page http://llucatalog.llu.edu/public-health/#financialinformationtext
*Basic Life Support certificate is required for duration of the program – has to be an American Heart Association (AHA) course. The course is available on campus.
**Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from supervised practice sites.
Financial Aid, Scholarships, & Assistance
- Information on financial aid can be accessed through student services.
- Federal Work-Study positions are available for students. More information can be found here.
- Graduate assistanceships: Occasionally positions may be available for students to assist faculty with research or teaching.
- Scholarships: Information on scholarships is available through the Loma Linda University Financial Aid office, and also through the School of Public Health Finance office.
We are pleased to announce that the GRE requirement for both master level and doctoral level programs are being waived for this academic year. This applies to any applications for the Winter 2021, Spring 2021, Summer 2021, and Autumn 2021 terms.