Nutrition and Dietetics (MS) | Samford University

Pursue your career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with Samford University’s MS in Nutrition, Dietetics Concentration. Gain the skills and experience you need within a Christian learning community.

Master of Science

Nutrition

Dietetics Program

Prepare for a Career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Through Flexible Online Learning and Nationwide Experiential Training in a Christ-Centered Community.

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Is This Program for Me?

Samford’s Master of Science in Nutrition includes a Dietetics Concentration that 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 professional practice as registered dietitian nutritionists and builds a strong foundation in nutrition science through advanced coursework and supervised experiential learning.

Offered through flexible online instruction with supervised experiential learning placements in Birmingham, Alabama, or sites nationwide, the program prepares graduates for practice in clinical, community and public health nutrition settings. Students benefit from individualized faculty mentorship, small class sizes and a supportive Christian learning community focused on academic excellence, service and professional formation. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialing exam.

What Will I Learn?

Students develop advanced knowledge and practical skills across the full scope of professional nutrition practice. Coursework emphasizes evidence-based nutrition therapy, population health, leadership and professional ethics while integrating supervised experiential learning in real-world settings.

Academic Highlights Include

Hands-on training in supervised experiential learning sites
Experience in management, clinical nutrition, community nutrition and public health
Opportunities to complete supervised experiential learning in areas of personal interest
Development of critical thinking, communication and interdisciplinary collaboration skills essential for dietetics professionals

What Makes Us Different?

The dietetics concentration pairs rigorous academics with expert faculty to prepare you for success in a fast-growing, impactful health profession. Eligible undergraduate students can also seamlessly earn both a BS and an MS in Nutrition with a concentration in Dietetics in five years, graduating qualified to take the national RDN credentialing exam.

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.

Career Preparation

The Master of Science in Nutrition with a dietetics concentration is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics as a Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics. The program prepares students for professional practice as registered dietitian nutritionists and builds on a strong foundation in nutrition science through advanced coursework and supervised experiential learning.

Offered through flexible online instruction with experiential placements in Birmingham, Alabama, or at approved sites nationwide, the program prepares graduates for practice in clinical, community and public health nutrition settings. Students benefit from individualized faculty mentorship, small class sizes and a supportive Christian learning community focused on academic excellence, service and professional formation. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialing exam.

Samford’s MS in Nutrition prepares graduates for entry-level professional practice as registered dietitian nutritionists. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in hospitals, outpatient clinics, community and public health organizations, business and industry, education, government agencies and private practice with confidence and purpose.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists are food and nutrition experts who have met criteria established by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). To become an RDN, individuals must:

Complete an ACEND-accredited graduate program that integrates didactic coursework and supervised experiential learning
Meet CDR eligibility requirements
Be verified by CDR to sit for the registration examination for dietitians

Some states require licensure or certification to practice. Licensure requirements vary by state and territory. In Alabama, the Alabama Dietetics/Nutrition Practice Act governs licensure for dietitian nutritionists to protect public health and safety. Information about state licensure requirements is available through the Commission on Dietetic Registration and the Alabama State Board of Examiners for Dietetics/Nutritionists.

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.
An updated resume.

Select applicants will have a Zoom interview with members of the selection committee after the application deadline.

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 (3 semester hours)
- Organic Chemistry (3 semester hours)
- Biochemistry (3 semester hours)
- Microbiology (3 semester hours)
- Anatomy & Physiology (6 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 forInternational Students.

Transfer Credit/Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

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

Application Timeline

Fall Application Cycle (for Fall 2027 start)

Application Opens: August 5, 2026
Application Deadline: October 1, 2026
Applicant Notification: November 1, 2026
Applicant Decision Due: November 15, 2026
Early Action Deadline: Applications submitted by this date receive priority consideration for scholarships.

Spring Application Cycle (for Fall 2027 start)

Application Deadline: February 1, 2027
Applicant Notification: March 1, 2027
Applicant Decision Due: March 15, 2027
Rolling Admissions: Begin after March 16, 2027, until June 1, 2027, or until all spots are filled. Rolling admissions will be offered only if spaces remain available. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Estimated Tuition and Fees

Total Estimated Program Cost

Estimated Tuition:
- Year 1: $32,160 (32 credits)
- Year 2: $16,080 (16 credits)
Estimated Supplemental Program Fees: $4,258

Additional information can be found using the “Estimate Your Cost” link below.

Graduate Scholarships Information

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.

Contact Your Recruiter

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.