The USC Master of Science in Performance Nutrition and Dietetics Program provides students with the didactic and supervised experience needed to become a competent entry-level registered dietitian nutritionist.  The program curriculum emphasizes performance nutrition while spanning the breadth of the community, clinical, and service aspects of the dietetics profession. Students will learn knowledge and skills that can be applied to improve the health and performance of individuals, groups, and populations.  Graduates of the program will be eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam for registered dietitian nutritionists.

Learning Outcomes

1. Apply foundational sciences to food and nutrition knowledge to meet the needs of individuals, groups, and populations.
2. Integrate client/patient-centered principles in competent nutrition and dietetics practice.
3. Apply food systems principles and management skills to ensure safe and efficient delivery of food and water.
4. Apply community and population nutrition health theories when providing support to community nutrition programs.
5. Incorporate leadership, business, and management principles to guide dietetics practice.
6. Integrate evidence-informed practice, research principles, and critical thinking into dietetics practice.
7. Demonstrate professional behaviors and effective communication in all nutrition and dietetics interactions.

Admission Requirements

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• MS/PND Program application
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• *International applicants must provide: (see below for more information)
  •  International transcript evaluation records
  • And TOEFL or IELTS scores (as appropriate)
• Completion of all required course prerequisites (credit hours) with a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale:  
  • Human Nutrition (3) with a minimum grade of B or higher
  • Food Science (3)
  • Biology (3)
  • Chemistry (3)
  • Microbiology (3)
  • Organic Chemistry (3)
  • Biochemistry (3)
  • Human Physiology (3)
  • Exercise Physiology (3)
  • Psychology or Sociology (3)
  • Statistics (3)
• Applicants may present evidence of plans to complete up to 5 of these prerequisite courses with completion dates prior to the first day of classes in the MS/PND program.
• Preferred course prerequisite: Medical Terminology (1-3 credit hours or equivalent)
  • Applicants are encouraged to apply even if they have not completed this preferred prerequisite.
  • Admitted students who have not completed a previous medical terminology course will be required to successfully complete a designated self-study equivalent within the first semester of the program. 
  • Please see the program director for a current list of the accepted self-study options to fulfill this requirement.
• Minimum GPA from bachelor’s and all prerequisites of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Must earn a grade of B or higher in the introductory Human Nutrition course.
• GPA Calculation Form that displays GPA of prerequisite courses. 
• Three letters of recommendation (preferred that both professional and academic are included)
• Application Essay addressing the following:
  • Applicant’s motivation to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and career goals.
  • Highlights of applicant’s experience/exposure to the professional field of dietetics (ex. shadowing, professional conferences, volunteer and/or paid work)
  • Aspects of the USC MS/PND program that appeal/interest the applicant.
  • What does the applicant hope to gain from the USC MS/PND program (beyond fulfilling the requirements to sit for the RDN exam)?
  • Aspects of the applicant’s character and experience that align with the program mission and that indicate potential to support the program goals and objectives.
• Candidates for admission will be scheduled for a virtual interview with the program Admissions & Curriculum Committee for approximately 15-20 minutes to discuss the application essay, previous experience, and potential success in the USC MS/PND program. 
   *International applicants, who did not earn a degree from an English-based institution, must have their English language proficiency evaluated and meet one of the following score minimums:
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) minimum score of 80 (internet-based)/230 (computer-base)/570 (paper-based) or higher
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Course Type 2 overall band score of 6.5 or higher.
• PTE Academic: minimum score of 53
• Duolingo: minimum score of 120

Applicants who have been admitted to the MS PND program and possess a verification statement from an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics may apply for advanced standing eligibility to bypass up to 9-credit hours of the MS PND program didactic coursework. Information for the advanced standing application process can be found in the PND MS Student Handbook available on our website.

Degree Requirements (44 post-baccalaureate hours; 35-44 advanced standing hours)

Degree Requirements (44 post-baccalaureate hours)

Advanced Standing Degree Requirements (35-44 hours)

Applicants who have been admitted to the MS PND program and possess a verification statement from an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics may apply for advanced standing eligibility to forgo one or more courses in life cycle nutrition (PNDI 620), community or public health nutrition (PNDI 752), and food systems management (PNDI 770). Information for the advanced standing application process can be found in the PND MS Student Handbook available on our website. If approved, the program director will determine which courses may be waived for each qualifying student. All other program requirements remain the same.