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.

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.

The “Transfer Credit Equivalencies” tool can help you determine if the courses you completed compare to those we recommend at UAB.

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.

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.

Students who wish to apply to the DEP-C will be required to attend in-person practicum coursework (about 20-32 hours per week), based on the preceptor’s schedule. For this reason, students are encouraged to not work while in the program.

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.

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.

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.