Adventist Academic Nutrition Programs

Loma Linda University continues to be a leader in nutrition research and education. Guided by the University’s motto “TO MAKE MAN WHOLE”, the academic programs offered across two schools are designed to graduate competent nutrition & dietetics professionals who are prepared to go into the world and further the healing and teaching ministry of Jesus Christ.

The School of Public Health continues to build on its rich history of plant-based nutrition research by engaging in interdisciplinary research across public health disciplines and the Basic Sciences. This collaborative way of working assures that the school continues to promote and build on its core legacy of vegetarian and plant-based nutrition. Guided by its Nutrition faculty, the School of Public Health hosts the International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition (ICVN), the premiere scientific conference on the health effects of plant-based diets held every 5 years.

The School of Allied Health Professions offers Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree programs that lead to professional careers. Graduates are prepared to be registration eligible; and upon passing boars, be employed as clinical dietitians in hospitals and as directors of healthcare and school food service facilities. Some own private practices, offering consulting services to long-term care facilities, sports teams, and other venues.

Coordinated Program in Nutrition & Dietetics

The CP in Nutrition and Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). A CP includes both the lecture-based coursework and 1,200 hours of supervised practice required by ACEND. Upon completion of a CP, the graduate is eligible to take the boards (RD exam) to become a Registered Dietitian (RD/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Five Coordinated Program options are available at Loma Linda University.

BS in Nutrition & Dietetics – Entry occurs at the beginning of the junior year of college. To be eligible for admission, the applicant must have completed a minimum of 96 quarter units at an accredited college or university.
Bachelor of Science + Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics – Entry Level occurs at the beginning of the junior year of college. Students complete the BS portion (two years) and immediately enter the MS portion (one year).
MS in Nutrition & Dietetics (prior BA/BS degree) – This program is for persons with an earned bachelor’s degree in a field other than nutrition, and international students.
MPH in Nutrition with a Coordinated Program in Dietetics – This program’s area of emphasis is public health nutrition. The supervised practice hours include a 400-hour public health practicum that provides an opportunity for students to be involved in projects with a long-lasting impact on a local, regional, and/or international community.
Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (post-Didactic Program in Dietetics) – This program is for persons who have completed an ACEND-accredited DPD program.

Other Nutrition Programs

MS in Plant-based Nutrition (Online) – This is a competency-based program developed in direct response to the increasing demand (registered dietitians and other health care professionals) for a graduate curriculum focused on plant-based nutrition.

PhD in Nutrition – The program is designed to provide an advanced curriculum in nutrition, professional skills, and competencies required to support careers in teaching and research.

The Oakwood University Department of Nutrition and Dietetics offers a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, a Distance Dietetic Internship Program (DIP), and a Masters in Public Health (MPH) within the School of Nursing and Health Professions. The BS in Dietetics and Dietetic Internship Programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Our undergraduate program prepares students with the foundational knowledge and skills to be a member of health care teams with the ability to address the nutritional needs in health and disease of a multi-cultural society for service to God and humanity. Our students apply knowledge form physiology, biochemistry, and chemistry to understand digestion of food, absorption and use of nutrients by the body at different stages of life, and the effects of nutrient deficiencies and excesses. They also draw on the social sciences to understand the socio-cultural, psychological, economic, and political factors influencing choices of food. We seek to prepare our students in the BS, Dietetics program to enter the Dietetic Internships to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) as clinicians studying the relationship between diet and chronic disease. We also seek to prepare our students with training in public health nutrition, monitoring nutritional content of the American food supply, helping to alleviate nutritional problems throughout the world, and work with other health professionals in promoting health and well-being for people of all ages. Interns are highly encouraged to enter the MPH program.