The steps below outline the application process for the MS in Nutrition Sciences – Lifestyle Management and Disease Prevention Track.
Online Application
Complete the online UAB Graduate School Application. The application fee is $50.
- Official transcripts
- Complete prerequisite screening
- 3 letters of recommendations
- Demographic information
- Personal statement
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the 4 science prerequisite courses listed in the Screening section below.
- No GRE required
Transcripts
Submit official transcripts from all universities and colleges attended directly to the UAB graduate school – note that proof of Bachelor’s degree is required. Send electronic transcripts to
Screening
Complete a LMDP Screening Form. Indicate prerequisite courses that you have completed. Download information about prerequisite courses.
- Introductory Biology (3 credit hours – lab is not required)
- Human Physiology (3 credit hours – lab is not required)
- Organic Chemistry (3 credit hours – lab is not required)
- Microbiology (3 credit hours – lab is not required)
- NTR 222 Nutrition and Health (Intro to Nutrition (3 credit hours)
REQUIRED: Email completed LMDP Screening Form and Syllabus for Intro to Nutrition course (if applicable) to Dr. Marian Carter (
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required. Strong letters of recommendation generally come from the following:
- Current or previous professor
- Professional supervisor
- Professional colleague
Every applicant has unique circumstances. Collectively, your letters of recommendation should attest to your academic ability to complete a rigorous graduate program, your experiences with handling new and challenging situations, examples of your ability to take ownership for your learning, engagement in life-long learning, professionalism, and independence as a self-directed learner. The UAB Graduate School will send an email link to each of your references from the email address that you provide for each reference as part of your UAB Graduate School application. Your letters of recommendation will be submitted electronically by your references directly to the UAB Graduate School.
Other Requirements
- You must successfully complete all prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C earned before the program begins. If you do not have a minimum grade of C, it is suggested that you retake the course.
- Complete a personal statement.
- Exceptions to any admission requirements will be considered on an individual basis by the Lifestyle Management and Disease Prevention Program Director, and the LMDP Admissions Committee.
- Applicants with networking experiences in the field of nutrition and dietetics are preferred. These experiences can be paid or unpaid. Please see the networking section below for more information.
Networking
Networking is a very important aspect of learning about a career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. There are many opportunities to assist.
- Build relationships with your professors.
- Get involved with your local dietetic association.
- Shadow a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (preferred) or other related health professionals (e.g., Pharmacist, Registered Nurse, Respiratory Therapist, Physician Assistant, Clinical Lab Technician). Strive to obtain quality shadowing experiences where you gain depth of knowledge. Keep in mind that you can have these experiences in a variety of settings, such as in the clinical setting, community setting, or food service setting. Use these experiences to build your professional relationships and to demonstrate depth of unique experiences that make you stand out.
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I want to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Is this the right program for me?
The Lifestyle Management and Disease Prevention (LMDP) track by itself does not qualify you to become an RDN, but completion of the LMDP track with the Dietitian Education Graduate Certificate Program (DEP-C) does enable graduates to sit for the national examination to become an RDN. To begin this process, students must first be admitted to the LMDP track. View admissions requirements.
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I have a bachelor’s degree in a non-related field, can I still apply to the LDMP track?
Students from all disciplines are welcome to apply to the Lifestyle Management and Disease Prevention track as long as the following prerequisite courses have been met: biology, organic chemistry, physiology, microbiology, and introductory nutrition.
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I completed my prerequisite courses at another college/university. How can I tell if they’ll count toward prerequisite requirements for the LMDP track?
The “Transfer Credit Equivalencies” tool can help you determine if the courses you completed compare to those we recommend at UAB.
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What is the benefit of completing this MS in Nutrition Sciences program?
This track provides you the opportunity to gain the knowledge and professional skills to apply nutrition for physical activity and disease prevention. You will also gain an in-depth understanding of nutritional biochemistry, the skills to practice basic nutrition education of the public, and the opportunity to plan community interventions to promote health throughout the lifespan.
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Am I able to keep my job while enrolled in the LMDP track?
The MS in Nutrition Sciences, Lifestyle Management and Disease Prevention track is an entirely online, non-thesis degree program comprising 36 credit hours of study. A student enrolled full time will complete the program in 4–6 semesters, depending on the term of enrollment (fall term recommended). However, part-time enrollment is allowed. The LMDP track is provided entirely online to allow flexibility for students who have other obligations.
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What is the cost of the MS in Nutrition Sciences, Lifestyle Management and Disease Prevention track?
For the most up-to-date information on tuition and fees, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid “Paying for College” webpage. Our graduate programs can be found under the “Graduate” tab, within the “Health Professions and Nursing” rows. Please note, charges for practicums are based on residency. Online courses are charged at the same rate for Alabama residents and non-residents. Detailed fees and charges related to practicums can be found in the DEP-C Handbook
Breakdown of tuition and fees according to the current Academic Calendar tuition rates.
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Do you offer any scholarships for students?
There are many scholarship opportunities on the UAB campus. We recommend students register for the Blazer Scholarship Management and Resource Tool (B-SMART) upon admission to our graduate degree programs to stay up to date on new scholarship opportunities.
Members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics may also want to explore scholarships available through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation. Students of our MS in Nutrition Sciences programs have been recipients of these in years past.
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Can I get financial aid and loan deferments (federal or private) if I am accepted into the DEP-C?
Information on financial aid available to students is provided by the UAB Financial Aid Office. You may contact them directly for specific answers to your questions.
Have more questions? Contact us at
The MS in Nutrition Sciences, Lifestyle Management and Disease Prevention (LMDP) track is taught completely online to allow flexibility and convenience for students who work full time, reside out of state, or simply want the convenience of online courses. This is a non-thesis Master of Science program comprising 36 credit hours of study. A full-time student will complete this program in 4–6 semesters, depending on the term of enrollment (fall is recommended), though part-time enrollment is allowed. Below are the required courses for degree completion.
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Fall (Year 1)
- GC 545: Genetics and Genomics Applications in Healthcare (2 credit hours)
- NTR 621: Applied Statistics to Nutrition Sciences I (3 credit hours)*
- NTR 632: Nutrition Counseling & Education (4 credit hours)
- NTR 690: Seminar (2 credit hours)
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Spring (Year 1)
- PA 550: Intro to Medical History Taking & Physical Exam (3 credit hours)
- NTR 521: Nutrition Assessment and the Nutrition Care Process (3 credit hours)**
- NTR 631: Community Interventions for Healthy Lifestyles (3 credit hours)
- NTR 637: Applied Research in Nutrition Sciences (3 credit hours)*
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Summer (Year 1)
- NTR 618: Nutritional Biochemistry (6 credit hours)
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Fall (Year 2)
- CDS 605: Survival Spanish for Health Professionals (1 credit hour)
- NTR 609: Applied Nutrition for Physical Activity & Disease Prevention (3 credit hours)
- KIN 644: Application of Exercise Physiology to Fitness and Performance (3 credit hours)
*NTR 621 is the required prerequisite for NTR 637. These courses must be taken in sequence.
**All students are required to take one 3–credit hour elective course. NTR 521 Nutrition Assessment and the Nutrition Care Process is the recommended elective. For students applying to the Dietitian Education Graduate Certificate Program, NTR 521 is a requirement.
Application Deadline
Fall Term: June 1
Spring Term: October 1
Summer Term: March 1
The MS in Nutrition Sciences, Lifestyle Management and Disease Prevention (LMDP) track admits during all terms.
Open House
The LMDP track will host a Virtual Open House on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. CST. Students who are unable to attend the live session may email Dr. Marian Carter at
Admission Requirements
Students with a bachelor’s degree in any field of study are eligible to apply to the Lifestyle Management and Disease Prevention (LMDP) track as long as they have earned a grade of C or higher in three-credit hour courses for the following prerequisites:
- Introductory Biology – 3 credit hours – lab is not required
- Organic Chemistry – 3 credit hours – lab is not required
- Human Physiology – 3 credit hours – lab is not required
- Microbiology – 3 credit hours – lab is not required
- Nutrition and Health (Intro to Nutrition) NTR 222 – 3 credit hours
Prerequisite requirements can be completed at UAB or another institution. Here are the courses recommended for completion through UAB (if you are a distance-based student, please note that NTR 222 is available online every semester). Courses taken at another accredited institution are acceptable as long as the content is similar to the course descriptions found above. The Introductory Nutrition Course (NTR 222 Nutrition and Health) can be completed online at UAB the first semester of the program. You must earn a C or higher in the other prerequisite courses prior to applying to this program.
Students Interested in Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Students in the LMDP track interested in becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) have the option to apply to the Dietitian Education Graduate Certificate Program (DEP-C), an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)-Coordinated Dietetics Program. Admission to the DEP-C first requires admission to the LDMP track, then successful completion of 29 specified semester hours of the LMDP track with a minimum 3.0 GPA by the DEP-C start date. Students who complete these LMDP requirements are eligible to apply for the DEP-C, although there is not a guarantee of admission into the DEP-C. The DEP-C is a very competitive program and meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. The DEP-C cohort begins during the fall term, annually.
If admitted to the DEP-C, LMDP students will be required to complete an additional 37 semester hours of coursework and practicum experiences to meet ACEND eligibility requirements to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) national credentialing examination to become a RDN. More information on the DEP-C can be found here. The first step to beginning this process is to apply to the LMDP track.
Official Transcripts
Official transcripts from each institution where college credit was earned can be submitted electronically at
UAB Graduate School
LHL G03; 1720 2nd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294-0013
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required. Strong letters of recommendation generally come from the following:
- Current or previous professor
- Professional supervisor
- Professional colleague
Every applicant has unique circumstances. Collectively, your letters of recommendation should describe transferable skills such as leadership, critical thinking, decision making, overcoming adversity and attest to your academic ability to complete a rigorous graduate program. Providing specific examples that illustrate these characteristics make for a strong letter of recommendation. The UAB Graduate School will send an email link to each of your references from the email address that you provide for each reference as part of your UAB Graduate School application. Your letters of recommendation will be submitted electronically by your references directly to the UAB Graduate School.
International Applicants
Due to the exclusively online delivery system of the LMDP track, this program is not available to students who desire to pursue their studies while physically present in the US on an F-1 or J-1 student visa. Applicants who are physically present in the US in another immigration status that permits exclusively online study (such as H-4, L-2, TN, pending green card, etc.) are welcome to apply.
Please email your current immigration document (USCIS approval or receipt notice, plus most recent I-94 card) to
The program expects a cumulative TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 80, IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5, PTEA (Pearson Test of English Academics) score of 53, Duolingo score of 120, or IELA (International English Language Assessment) score of 176.
The Dietitian Education Graduate Certificate Program (DEP-C) is specifically for MS in Nutrition Sciences, Lifestyle Management and Disease Prevention (LMDP) track students. The DEP-C offers students in the LMDP track entirely online curriculum and in-person, local, or remote practicum experiences in a structured sequence of study. Upon successful completion, students are eligible to take the national exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). For more information about the DEP-C, please view the DEP Student Handbook.
Professional Licensure and Certifications
The UAB MS in Nutrition Sciences, Lifestyle Management and Disease Prevention track with the Dietitian Education Certificate Program is designed to lead to professional certification through the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). While there is a national certification exam offered by CDR, board certification does not confer state licensure. Specific licensure requirements vary from state to state, and among territories. Please visit the Professional Licensure and Certification General Disclosures webpage for more information on state and territories requirements.
Requirements
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Curriculum Requirements
LMDP track students are eligible for the Dietitian Education Graduate Certificate Program (DEP-C) after completion of 29 specific credit hours of LMDP coursework before the DEP-C start date. DEP-C cohorts begin in the fall term annually, with a supplemental application due to the Department of Nutrition Sciences by January 5th of the preceding spring term. All current LMDP track students will be contacted with the supplemental application and instructions prior to this deadline.
The DEP-C comprises 37 credit hours of graduate coursework, including 24 credit hours of practicum requirements. Combined, the LMDP track and DEP-C comprise 73 credit hours of graduate coursework.
The DEP-C curriculum is taught completely online to allow flexibility and convenience for students who reside out of state and for the integration of practicum requirements. Though the curriculum is entirely online, practicum requirements are completed in person within facilities that meet supervised practice requirements. The LMDP track and DEP-C requirements, including practicums, can be completed wherever you are located. Students do not have to relocate to Birmingham, but three campus visits are required throughout the DEP-C.
This is a full-time program with courses offered in a specific sequence of study. Courses or supervised practice hours taken at any other institution cannot fulfill requirements of the DEP as there is no policy to evaluate equivalencies. Pre-requisites for admission to the program are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the program.
Fall (DEP-C Year 1) – 12 credit hours
- NTR 600: Principles of Food Science Operations and Menu planning (3 hours)
- NTR 604: Principles and Practice of Nutrition Support (3 hours)
- NTR 670: Practicum in Wellness (3 hours)*
- NTR 671: Practicum in Community Nutrition (3 hours)*
Spring (DEP-C Year 1) – 12 credit hours
- NTR 501: RDN Certification Review (0 hours)**
- NTR 601: Advanced Medical Nutrition (3 hours)
- NTR 611: Advanced Food Systems and Resource Management (3 hours)
- NTR 672: Practicum in Food Systems Management (3 hours)*
- NTR 673: Practicum in Medical Nutrition Therapy I (3 hours)*
Summer (DEP-C Year 1) – 9 credit hours
- NTR 500: Communications in Nutrition (1 hour)
- NTR 674: Practicum in Medical Nutrition Therapy II (4 hours)*
- NTR 675: Practicum in Dietetic Administration (4 hours)*
Fall (DEP-C Year 2) – 11 credit hours
- NTR 609: Applied Nutrition for Physical Activity and Disease Prevention (3 hours)***
- CDS 605: Survival Spanish for Health Professionals (1 hour)***
- KIN 644: Application of Exercise Physiology to Fitness and Performance (3 hours)***
- NTR 676: Advanced Practicum in Dietetics (4 hours)*
*Denotes practicum course. These courses are considered in-person experiences and therefore are subject to tuition charge based on state residency classification (resident or nonresident).
**NTR 501 is a non-credit hour review course for the RDN credentialing exam and includes a one-year subscription to eatrightPREP. Students will pay a non-refundable fee of $550.
***NTR609, CDS605, KIN644 are degree requirements of the LMDP track. Therefore, upon completion of these final LMDP track and DEP-C requirements, students may earn their degree.
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Graduation Requirements
Students are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA to maintain good Academic Standing. Graduates receive their Verification Certificate and are eligible to take the national exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) once they have completed all degree requirements of the MS in Nutrition Sciences, Lifestyle Management and Disease Prevention track and the Dietitian Education Graduate Certificate Program. The maximum time allowed for completion of the Dietitian Education Graduate Certificate Program is 2.25 years.
Additional Information
Please refer to the UAB Academic Calendar for important dates.
Descriptions of Nutrition Sciences graduate coursework can be found in the Graduate Catalog.
Learn more about the Supervised Practice (Practicum) requirements.
Open House
The LMDP track will host a Virtual Open House on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. CST. Students who are unable to attend the live session may email Dr. Marian Carter at