Birmingham, AL | Dept of Nutrition & Dietetics
Samford University offers 4 Nutrition degree tracks:
- Bachelor of Science in Culinary & Wellness Nutrition Management
- Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Master of Science in Nutrition
- Master of Science in Nutrition – Dietetics Concentration (with Fast-Track option)
The graduate programs are available 100% online with flexible scheduling, while undergraduate programs are campus-based in Birmingham, Alabama.
Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science in Culinary & Wellness Nutrition Management | $218,472 (total) | 4 years (full time) |
| Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics | $218,472 (total) + ~$1,340 program fees | 4 years (full time) |
| Master of Science in Nutrition | $32,208–$33,184 | 1 year (full time) or 2 years (part time) |
| Master of Science in Nutrition – Dietetics Concentration | $50,194 (total) | 2 years (full time) |
Samford’s nutrition programs feature over 100 years of excellence, small class sizes, faith integration in academics, state-of-the-art facilities including two modern food labs, interprofessional education opportunities within the College of Health Sciences, and a 100% placement rate into supervised practice programs or graduate school for DPD graduates who apply.
Bachelor of Science in Culinary & Wellness Nutrition Management
The estimated cost for the BS Culinary & Wellness Nutrition Management program is approximately $218,472 total ($54,618 annually) and would take 4 years to complete on a full-time basis (128 credits).
Culinary & Wellness Curriculum
The 128-credit BS Culinary & Wellness Nutrition Management combines science-based curriculum with hands-on culinary training, research, and directed practicum experience, preparing students for non-dietetic nutrition careers in culinary arts, wellness nutrition management, food service, and health promotion.
Freshman Year (32 credits):
- NUTR 110: Food Preparation (4cr)
- NUTR 210: Intro to Nutrition & Dietetics (2cr)
- MATH 150: Precalculus or higher (4cr)
- NUTR 220: Nutrition Science for Health Professions (3cr)
- UCR 101: University Core Rhetoric (4cr)
- UCS 102: University Core Seminar (4cr)
- UCT 101, 102: University Core Texts I & II (8cr)
- Fine Arts Elective (3cr)
Sophomore Year (31 credits):
- ACCT 211: Accounting Concepts I (3cr)
- BIOL 217: Human Anatomy (4cr)
- CHEM 205/206: Foundations of Chemistry with Lab (5cr)
- CHEM 215: Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry (3cr)
- CHEM 216: Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry Lab (1cr)
- ECED 307: Foundations of Leadership (3cr)
- NUTR 305: Introduction to Culinary Medicine/Nutrition (4cr)
- NUTR 310: Lifecycle Nutrition (3cr)
- NUTR 350: Community Nutrition Education (3cr)
- UCFW 120: Concepts of Health & Wellness (2cr)
- General Elective (4cr)
Junior Year (33 credits):
- BIOL 218: Human Physiology (4cr)
- NUTR 312: Food, Culture & Society (4cr)
- NUTR 370: Professional Issues in Nutrition (1cr)
- NUTR 371: Directed Professional Practicum (2cr)
- NUTR 412: Quantity Food Production/Management (4cr)
- NUTR 414: Experimental Foods (4cr)
- NUTR 498: Research Methods in Nutrition (2cr)
- UCBF 101: Biblical Foundations (4cr)
- General Electives (8cr)
Senior Year (32 credits):
- KINE 473: Exercise Physiology (4cr)
- KINE 477: Sports Nutrition (4cr)
- NUTR 413: Food Service Organization/Management (3cr)
- NUTR 420: Nutrition Science Communication (3cr)
- NUTR 499: Senior Seminar in Nutrition (2cr)
- General Electives (12cr)
- Humanities Elective (4cr)
- Social Science Elective (4cr)
Note: Minor or cognate required. Students work with School of Public Health advisor to determine course placement.
More curriculum details are available here.
Culinary & Wellness Clinical/Practical Requirements
Students complete NUTR 371: Directed Professional Practicum (2 credits) during junior year, gaining hands-on experience in chosen field through service-based learning activities, volunteer work, and professional practice settings aligned with career goals.
- Directed Professional Practicum (2 credits)
- Service-based learning activities encouraged throughout program
- Volunteer and work experience in culinary nutrition or wellness settings
- Hands-on culinary training in food labs
Culinary & Wellness Admissions Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Standard Samford University freshman admission requirements
- Transfer students must have 2.5 GPA minimum
- Transfer credits accepted from regionally accredited institutions with C- or higher
- Strong foundation in sciences recommended
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
The estimated cost for the BS Nutrition and Dietetics program is approximately $218,472 total ($54,618 annually) plus approximately $1,340 in program fees over four years and would take 4 years to complete on a full-time basis (128 credits).
Nutrition and Dietetics Curriculum
The 128-credit BS Nutrition and Dietetics includes the ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), providing foundational knowledge for students pursuing the RDN credential through supervised practice programs and graduate education.
Freshman Year (36 credits):
- BIOL 203: Foundations of Biology I (4cr)
- BIOL 221/222: Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab (4cr)
- NUTR 110: Food Preparation (4cr)
- NUTR 210: Intro to Nutrition & Dietetics (2cr)
- NUTR 220: Nutrition Science for Health Professions (3cr)
- HCAD 321: Healthcare Economics (3cr)
- UCR 101: University Core Rhetoric (4cr)
- UCS 102: University Core Seminar (4cr)
- UCT 101, 102: University Core Texts I & II (8cr)
Sophomore Year (36 credits):
- BIOL 223/224: Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab (4cr)
- CHEM 205/206: Foundations of Chemistry with Lab (5cr)
- CHEM 215/216: Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry with Lab (4cr)
- MATH 150: Precalculus (4cr)
- NUTR 310: Lifecycle Nutrition (3cr)
- NUTR 350: Community Nutrition Education (3cr)
- PSYC 101: General Psychology (4cr)
- UCHW 120: Concepts of Health & Wellness (2cr)
- UCBF 101: Biblical Foundations (4cr)
- General Elective (3cr)
Junior Year (32 credits):
- CHEM 345: Fundamentals of Biochemistry (3cr)
- NURS 232: Statistics for Health Care Professionals (3cr)
- NUTR 312: Food, Culture & Society (4cr)
- NUTR 370: Professional Issues in Nutrition (1cr)
- NUTR 371: Directed Professional Practicum (2cr)
- NUTR 412: Quantity Food Production/Management (4cr)
- NUTR 414: Experimental Foods (4cr)
- NUTR 415: Advanced Nutrition I: Macronutrients (3cr)
- NUTR 416: Advanced Nutrition II: Micronutrients (3cr)
- NUTR 498: Research Methods in Nutrition (2cr)
- Fine Arts Elective (3cr)
Senior Year (24 credits):
- NUTR 401: Nutrition Care Process (3cr)
- NUTR 408: Clinical Nutrition I (3cr)
- NUTR 413: Food Service Organization/Management (3cr)
- NUTR 499: Senior Seminar in Nutrition (2cr)
- General Electives (13cr)
More curriculum details are available here.
Nutrition and Dietetics Clinical/Practical Requirements
Students complete 80 hours of supervised fieldwork during junior year through NUTR 371: Directed Professional Practicum (2 credits), gaining hands-on experience in community settings, wellness programs, and health facilities. Upon graduation, students must complete a post-baccalaureate supervised practice program (dietetic internship or equivalent) before RDN credentialing eligibility, as CDR now requires minimum master’s degree for credentialing effective January 1, 2024.
- 80 hours supervised fieldwork during junior year (NUTR 371)
- Community engagement through Samford Wellness Kitchen
- Hands-on experience in updated food labs and simulation centers
- Post-graduation: ACEND-accredited supervised practice program required
- Master’s degree now required for RDN credentialing (effective 2024)
Nutrition and Dietetics Admissions Requirements
- Prospective students apply for admission to Samford University
- Transfer students must have 2.5 GPA minimum
- Transfer credits accepted from regionally accredited institutions with C- or higher
- Nutrition course transfers must come from ACEND-accredited programs
- Science and nutrition courses must meet recency requirements (details in DPD Student Handbook)
- Additional documentation (syllabi) may be required for transfer credit evaluation
- No credit awarded for prior work or volunteer experience
- Students with disabilities contact Section 504/Disability Access Coordinator: 205-726-4078 or disability@samford.edu
Master of Science in Nutrition
The estimated cost for the MS Nutrition program is approximately $32,208-$33,184 and would take 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time to complete (33-34 credits for general program; 36 credits for PharmD joint degree).
MS Curriculum
The 33-34 credit MS Nutrition program offers online coursework in clinical nutrition, metabolism, community nutrition, and research methodology with emphasis on developing leadership, communication skills, and evidence-based practice application.
Nutrition Core (approximately 14-16 credits):
- NUTR 502: Public Health Nutrition
- NUTR 600: Advanced Nutrition and Metabolism
- NUTR 601: Clinical Nutrition
- NUTR 602: Nutrition Seminar
- NUTR 611: Research Methods and Applications
Directed Electives (select based on career goals):
- MHCA 603: Healthcare Management
- NUTR 514: Culinary Science
- NUTR 604: Diabetes Care
- NUTR 606: Dietary Supplements and Functional Foods
- NUTR 612: Pediatric Nutrition
- NUTR 613: Nutrition in the Older Adult
Nutrition Capstone:
- NUTR 610: Capstone Project in Nutrition
PharmD Joint Degree Option: 36 total credits with 6 credits of pharmacy coursework applied to MS requirements
More curriculum details are available here.
MS Clinical/Research Requirements
Students complete a culminating capstone project (NUTR 610) customized to explore nutrition topics aligned with personal passions and career ambitions. The capstone emphasizes application of evidence-based research in patient care and leadership skill development.
- Capstone Project in Nutrition (NUTR 610)
- Research methodology application throughout coursework
- Evidence-based practice interpretation and application
- Interprofessional learning experiences
MS Admissions Requirements
Academic Requirements:
- Baccalaureate degree in any field from accredited institution (or senior year of undergraduate study)
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on 4.0 scale
- All prerequisite courses completed within 10 years with C or better
Prerequisite Courses:
- Mathematics
- General Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Introductory Nutrition
Standardized Testing:
- GRE, MCAT, or DAT scores (waived for 2024 application cycle)
- GRE minimums: Verbal 153, Quantitative 144, Analytical 4.0
- MCAT equivalent: 492
- DAT minimum: 14
Application Materials:
- Three letters of reference (professor, work supervisor, RD or another professor)
- Resume/CV
- $1,000 non-refundable enrollment fee (applied to first semester tuition)
International Applicants:
- TOEFL: 550 (paper), 213 (computer), 80 (internet) OR IELTS Academic: 6.5
- May require WES/ECE transcript review
- No I-20 visa issuance available for this program
Application Timeline:
- Opens: August 1, 2025
- Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2025 (priority scholarship consideration)
- Summer Start Deadline: April 1, 2026
- Fall Start Deadline: June 1, 2026
- Entry months: May 2026 (summer) or August 2026 (fall)
Master of Science in Nutrition – Dietetics Concentration
The estimated cost for the MS Nutrition – Dietetics Concentration program is approximately $50,194 total over 2 years ($45,936 tuition + $4,258 program fees) and would take 2 years to complete on a full-time basis (48 credits).
Dietetics Concentration Curriculum
The 48-credit ACEND-accredited Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics combines online coursework with supervised experiential learning, preparing students for RDN credentialing through comprehensive training in clinical nutrition, food service management, and professional practice.
First Year:
Fall (13 credits):
- NUTR 501: Nutrition Care Process (3cr)
- NUTR 513: Food Service Organization & Management (3cr)
- NUTR 600: Advanced Nutrition & Metabolism (4cr)
- NUTR 611: Research Methods & Applications (3cr)
Spring (12 credits):
- NUTR 502: Public Health Nutrition (3cr)
- NUTR 511: Supervised Experiential Learning in Nutrition Practice (3cr)
- NUTR 601: Clinical Nutrition I (3cr)
- NUTR 612: Pediatric Nutrition (3cr)
Summer (7 credits):
- NUTR 511: Supervised Experiential Learning in Nutrition Practice (2cr)
- NUTR 514: Culinary Science (2cr, 5-week)
- SPH Elective (3cr)
Second Year:
Fall (8 credits):
- MHCA 603: Healthcare Management (3cr)
- NUTR 511: Supervised Experiential Learning in Nutrition Practice (1cr)
- NUTR 602: Nutrition Seminar (1cr)
- NUTR 614: Clinical Nutrition II (3cr)
Spring (8 credits):
- NUTR 509: Professional Development in Dietetics (3cr)
- NUTR 610: Capstone Project in Nutrition (3cr)
- NUTR 613: Nutrition in the Older Adult (2cr)
More curriculum details are available here.
Dietetics Concentration Clinical/Supervised Practice Requirements
Students complete supervised experiential learning (SEL) distributed across the program through NUTR 511, totaling required hours for ACEND Future Education Model competency achievement. All supervised experiential learning must be completed within the United States per accreditation requirements, with flexibility to complete at healthcare facilities in Birmingham or nationwide.
- NUTR 511: Supervised Experiential Learning in Nutrition Practice (total 6 credits across program)
- Supervised practice hours distributed throughout curriculum
- Locations: Birmingham, AL or healthcare facilities nationwide
- All SEL completed within United States (ACEND requirement)
- Competency demonstration aligned with Future Education Model standards
Dietetics Concentration Admissions Requirements
Application Process:
- Apply through Dietetic Inclusive Centralized Application Services (DICAS)
- Personal statement (3-5 double-spaced pages) discussing dietetics interest and Samford application reasons
- Three letters of recommendation (at least one from professor/instructor/academic advisor)
- Zoom interview with selection committee after application
- Once admitted: background check, immunization records, health insurance required
Academic Requirements:
- Baccalaureate degree in any field from accredited institution (or senior year undergraduate)
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on 4.0 scale
- GRE waived for current application cycle
Prerequisite Courses (C or better):
- Statistics or Business Math (3 semester hours)
- Psychology or Sociology (3 semester hours)
- General Chemistry with lab (3-4 semester hours)
- Organic Chemistry with lab (3-4 semester hours)
- Biochemistry, no lab (3-4 semester hours)
- Microbiology, no lab (3-4 semester hours)
- Anatomy & Physiology, no lab (6-8 semester hours)
- Introductory Nutrition (3 semester hours, B grade minimum) – may enroll in NUTR 500 summer before program if lacking
Transfer/Prior Learning:
- No transfer credits accepted toward MS Dietetics Concentration
- No credits for prior learning or experience accepted
International Applicants:
- All supervised experiential learning must be completed in United States
- Insufficient in-person courses for I-20 visa issuance
- Review ACEND guidance for International Students
Application Timeline:
Fall 2026 Cycle:
- Opens: August 5, 2025
- Deadline: October 1, 2025
- Notification: November 1, 2025
- Decision Due: November 15, 2025
- Early Action: Priority scholarship consideration
Spring 2026 Cycle:
- Deadline: February 1, 2026
- Notification: March 1, 2026
- Decision Due: March 15, 2026
- Rolling Admissions: March 16-June 1, 2026 (until filled)
Fast-Track MS Nutrition – Dietetics Concentration
The estimated cost for the Fast-Track MS Nutrition – Dietetics Concentration is approximately $267,972 total over 5 years (undergraduate + graduate combined) and would take 5 years to complete on a full-time basis (earning both BS and MS degrees).
Fast-Track Program Structure
The Fast-Track program allows Samford Nutrition and Dietetics undergraduates to complete bachelor’s degree and Master of Science in Nutrition with Dietetics Concentration in five years. First three years focus on undergraduate coursework, graduate-level courses begin senior year, with full transition to MS program upon graduation.
- Years 1-3: Complete all required undergraduate coursework
- Year 4 (Senior): Begin graduate-level courses while completing bachelor’s
- Years 4-5: Complete MS in Nutrition, Dietetics Concentration requirements
- Requires careful academic planning with program directors
- Must complete all convocation credits by end of junior year
Fast-Track Application Process
Step One: Submit Interest Form and contact akustos@samford.edu for appointment as early as possible for course planning guidance
Step Two: Complete Application Form during junior year (deadline: January 15) requesting permission to enroll in MS courses during senior year
Fast-Track Admissions Requirements
Entering Requirements:
- First admitted to Samford University undergraduate program
- Maintain 3.0 cumulative GPA throughout all coursework
- Complete all convocation credits by end of junior year
- Currently available only for Nutrition and Dietetics majors
- Application Form with resume and personal statement
- Transcripts (official from all institutions)
Prerequisite Courses (C or better):
- Statistics or Business Math
- Psychology or Sociology
- General Chemistry with lab
- Organic Chemistry with lab
- Biochemistry, no lab
- NUTR 412: Quantity Food Production and Management OR Microbiology, no lab
- Anatomy & Physiology, no lab
- NUTR 220: Nutrition Science for Health Professions OR NUTR 500: Principles of Human Nutrition (B or better)
Tuition
Undergraduate Programs:
- Estimated cost per credit: $1,270 per credit (based on $40,760 annual tuition ÷ 32 credits)
- Annual tuition 2025-2026: $40,760
- Annual fees: $1,150
- Room (Vail/Smith): $7,600
- Board: $6,660
- Total annual undergraduate: $56,170
- Program-specific fees for Nutrition & Dietetics: approximately $1,340 over four years
Graduate Programs:
- School of Public Health tuition: $976 per credit hour
- MS Nutrition (33-34 credits): $32,208-$33,184 total tuition
- MS Nutrition, Dietetics Concentration (48 credits): $45,936 tuition + $4,258 supplemental program fees = $50,194 total
2026-2027 Anticipated Undergraduate Costs:
- Tuition: $42,590
- Fees: $1,200
- Total with room/board: $59,170
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
Samford University’s undergraduate Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (DPD) and Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics are both accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
The DPD has over 100 years of excellence preparing competent entry-level dietitians with 100% placement rate into supervised practice programs or graduate school for graduates who apply and 90% three-year rolling pass rate on CDR credentialing exam for supervised practice program graduates who completed Samford’s DPD.
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