University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Master of Science in Lifespan, Nutrition and Dietetics (M.S.L.N.D.)
Los Angeles, USA
MSc
DURATION
38 hours
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus, Distance Learning
Key Summary
About: The Master of Science in Lifespan, Nutrition and Dietetics (M.S.L.N.D.) programme at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology trains professionals in nutrition, dietetics and gerontology for aging populations. It emphasizes healthspan, longevity, clinical nutrition and food service management. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national Certifying Board for Dietary Managers (C.B.D.M.) credentialing exam.
Career Outcomes: Graduates pursue leadership in health and wellness, nutrition program director, dietetics services supervisor in healthcare facilities and roles in community nutrition, clinical dietetics, food service management, public health and aging services. They may work in consultancy, policy development, and aging research roles.
The Master of Science Lifespan, Nutrition and Dietetics (M.S.L.N.D.) program’s mission is to improve the lives of individuals by addressing the global need for professionals trained to provide nutrition and dietetics advice, information, and recommendations. Our graduates will distinguish themselves with specialized knowledge of the nutritional needs of a global aging population. Students who complete the program are eligible to sit for the national Certifying Board for Dietary Managers (C.B.D.M.) Credentialing Exam.
Designed For
- Individuals are interested in practicing dietetics outside of the U.S.
- Individuals interested in careers as dietary managers (C.D.M.s)
- Individuals interested in healthspan, longevity, wellness, nutrition, and dietetics
Curriculum (38 units)
- GERO 488: Food, Culture, Disease, and Longevity in Italy and the Mediterranean (4 units) OR GERO 498: Nutrition, Genes, Longevity and Disease (4 units)
- GERO 511: Fundamentals of Clinical Nutrition Screening and Assessment (4 units)
- GERO 512: Communicating Nutrition and Health (2 units)
- GERO 513: Fundamentals of Nutrition: Macronutrients (2 units)
- GERO 515: Food Production and Foodservice Management (4 units)
- GERO 517: Advanced Therapeutic Nutrition (4 units)
- GERO 560: Micronutrients, Health, and Longevity (4 units)
- GERO 590: Directed Research (2 units)
- GERO 591 Field Practicum (4 units)
- GERO 593: Research Methods (4 units)
- GERO 599: Special Topics (4 units)
Prerequisites
Prerequisite courses must be completed before starting the program.
- Physiology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Basic Human Nutrition or DPD Verification Statement in lieu of these 4 courses
- All prerequisite courses must meet our minimum unit requirement in the semester system. Courses taken on any other system, including the quarter system, must be converted to semester units.
- Not required to complete all at USC
- Complete this prerequisites template and upload it with your online application.
- Plan, deliver, and administer nutrition and dietetics programs in the private and public sectors.
- Promote healthspan and longevity through mastery of advanced knowledge of nutritional science.
- Integrate scientific methodology, critical thinking, and analytical research skills into nutrition practice.
- Demonstrate effective communication (both oral and written), contributing to culturally diverse nutrition services, education programs, and policies.
- Demonstrate leadership skills in nutrition and dietetics practice and health/food systems development for individuals and organizations.
- Successfully sit for the national Certifying Board for Dietary Managers (CBDM®) Credentialing Exam.
Financial Aid
Graduate degree programs are eligible for federal and private student loans. Students should determine their eligibility for federal assistance by filling out a FAFSA form. USC’s school code is 001328. If you have any questions, please contact USC’s financial aid office at financialaid.usc.edu.
Merit-Based Scholarships
We award over $500,000 in merit-based scholarships to our graduate students each year. Students are encouraged to apply for these funds within their graduate application. If you apply for a scholarship in your application, you will be considered by the scholarship committee upon admission.
VA or GI Bill Tuition Assistance
USC’s Master’s Programs accept VA and GI Bill tuition assistance. Payment can be coordinated through USC’s Veterans Resource Center at vrc.usc.edu.
- Leadership in health and wellness
- Nutrition program director
- Dietetics services supervisor in healthcare facilities
