Foodservice Management and Dietetics (MA)

The degree focuses on the principles and practices of lifespan nutrition and wellness, food safety, the design and organization of food service systems, purchasing and personnel management using classroom learning as well as research application to address industry problems and find solutions. Graduates may seek roles in long-term care, hospitals, government and other public and private foodservice operations. The degree prepares graduates to sit for the Certifying Board for Dietary Managers (CBDM®) Credentialing Exam. Graduates will work with multidisciplinary teams to provide quality food production, service and nutritional care and are an integral member of the health care team. 

Continuous registration in the program is required. Leaves of absence are available for limited times and may require the student to wait until the next year to re-enroll as some courses are offered annually, and must be taken sequentially. A maximum of two leaves of absence is allowed. 

In order to participate online, students will be required to have access to a computer with multimedia capability including high-speed Internet access, audio and a digital video camera. Specific details regarding computer requirements will be provided by the program.

Prerequisites for Admission

Students applying for admission to the Master of Science in LIfespan, Nutrition and Dietetics program must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. In addition, the following prerequisites must be complete before starting the program: human physiology, microbiology, biochemistry and introductory nutrition. 

In selecting applicants for admission, the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology considers both academic potential (as reflected in undergraduate study with a GPA greater than 3.0) and professional potential (as reflected in experience, references and career goals). The school requests information from applicants to supplement that supplied by the USC Application for Graduate Admission. Supplemental information includes a résumé, statement of interest in nutrition and longevity and two letters of reference. Interviews may be required for highest ranking applicants.

Probation and Disqualification

Probation and Warning: Any graduate student with a cumulative or semester grade point average in the university falling below B (3.0) will be placed on academic probation. A graduate student whose semester average falls below B (3.0) but whose cumulative grade point average in the university is 3.0 (A = 4.0) or higher will be placed on academic warning. Students will not be allowed to begin supervised field practice in the second semester if any first semester grades fall below a B (3.0).

Disqualification: A graduate student on academic probation will be disqualified if his or her cumulative record accumulates more than 12 units of C work. A graduate student, whether on probation or not, will be subject to disqualification if the Student Affairs Committee of the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology at any time determines deficiency in academic achievement.