Starting in fall 2025, Samford University’s School of Public Health will launch a new concentration within its Master of Science in Nutrition program for graduate students pursuing a career as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).
The program is accredited through the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and aligns with updated requirements from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), which, effective January 2024, mandates a master’s degree to sit for the RDN credentialing exam.
Program highlights:
- Christian Learning Community: There is a strong emphasis on fostering a supportive Christian learning community, where students benefit from personalized mentorship and guidance.
- Comprehensive Nutrition Education: The program blends advanced knowledge with practical experience, preparing students for diverse roles in nutrition and dietetics. The curriculum spans medical nutrition therapy, public health, pediatric and geriatric nutrition, and management, emphasizing research, interprofessional care, and professional growth. Hands-on learning through supervised practice, culinary science, and capstone projects equips graduates to deliver evidence-based care and excel as dietitians.
- Location Flexibility: With a fully online curriculum, students can study in Birmingham, Alabama, or anywhere nationwide while completing their supervised learning with nutrition professionals near them.
“We are truly excited about this new, fully accredited, dietitian pathway at Samford that allows students with a bachelor’s degree in any field to apply,” said interim dean Suresh Mathews. “This program also offers a seamless transition for eligible undergraduate students to earn both a BS degree and a MS in Nutrition with a concentration in Dietetics in five years and be qualified to take the national-level RDN credentialing exam.”
Rooted in over a century of excellence, Samford’s program inspires students to become resourceful leaders dedicated to health and wellness. Through a holistic approach to nutrition education, graduates are equipped to address the dynamic challenges of the health field while serving the nutrition needs of diverse persons in their communities with integrity, compassion, and respect.
