Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan, and Longevity
USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
The Master of Science degree in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity is a Coordinated Program (CP) in Nutrition and Dietetics. The program received candidacy for accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) in 2015. It can be completed in two years, as a full-time degree program, with courses and supervised practice completed over 4 semesters and one summer session.
Students will be able to complete the degree program on campus or as a distance program if residing >100 miles outside Los Angeles. Successful completion of 46 units is required for graduation (28 units of didactic course work, 12 units of supervised practice and 6 units of research). Completion of the didactic and supervised practice (1200 hours) components and the award of a master of science degree provides students with “eligibility” to write the national registration examination of the Commission of Dietetics Registration (CDR), granting use of the nationally recognized credential, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
The program summative experience will be an electronic portfolio, including research completed throughout the program; and, students will be required to present their work at a local, state or national dietetics conference and/or in a peer-reviewed publication, as a requirement of graduation.
Career Options
The program prepares graduates for roles in the field of nutrition and dietetics promoting personalized nutrition through work in hospitals and health care facilities, long-term care or school food service programs, business, teaching, research or private practice.
Sample Courses
GERO 498: Nutrition, Genes, Longevity and Diseases
GERO 511: Fundamentals of Clinical Nutrition Screening and Assessment
GERO 512: Communicating Nutrition and Health
GERO 513: Fundamentals of Nutrition: Macronutrients
GERO 515L: Food Production & Food Services Management with Lab
GERO 517L: Advanced Therapeutic Nutrition with Lab
GERO 518: Current Topics in Clinical Nutrition: Healthspan and Longevity
GERO 560: Micronutrients, Health and Longevity
GERO 590: Directed Research – Portfolio
GERO 591: (1200 hours total) Field Practicum – Supervised Practice
GERO 593: Research Methods
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