This one-of-a-kind program in the United States aligns with the core legacy of vegetarian nutrition at LLU. It can also serve as a stepping stone for the PhD in Nutrition, focused on plant-based nutrition research at the LLUSPH or any other PhD Nutrition programs. It is aimed to provide evidence-based didactic and research training to registered dietitians and other health care professionals on plant-based nutrition for the health of the individual, population, and the planet.

This program is entirely online (combines synchronous and asynchronous classes) with didactic training in nutritional science with a focus on the role of plant-based diet patterns, plant foods, and nutrients for promoting health, preventing disease, and sustaining the planet, along with the evidence-based approach to applying the principles of plant-based eating for the health of the individual and population. The program culminates in a research project with a publishable manuscript or a written report.

The program provides background experience for those interested in research careers in academic or industry settings, provides advanced training in plant-based nutrition for physicians and other health professionals who want to apply this in their practice, is a stepping stone to pursue a PhD, trains health educators who want to promote health and prevent lifestyle diseases, and prepare those that want to work in programs on environmental sustainability.

This is not a coordinated program. It is for dietitians that are seeking a graduate nutrition degree focused on plant-based nutrition. The School of Public Health offers a coordinated Master’s program in public health nutrition.