Shauna Davis, who is focused on obtaining her Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity (MSNHL), says the program has revealed a whole new world of possibilities.
The Master of Arts in Foodservice Management and Dietetics will prepare students to communicate principles and practices of lifespan nutrition related to health and longevity as well as evaluate principles and practices related to wellness. At the end of this program graduates will be able to implement best practices in personnel management related to foodservice systems and sit for the national Certifying Board for Dietary Managers (CBDM®) Credentialing Exam.
Program Information
Is the Master of Arts in Foodservice Management and Dietetics Right for Me?
The Master of Arts in Foodservice Management and Dietetics is ideal if you want to be a leader in a changing and in demand field, gain the nutritional, foodservice and dietary knowledge to pursue a career as a dietary manager (CDM), or help promote healthspan, longevity, wellness, nutrition and dietetics in a variety of foodservice management settings.
The degree is designed for:
- Future leaders in foodservice management
- Individuals interested in careers as dietary managers (CDMs)
- Individuals interested in healthspan, longevity, wellness, nutrition, and dietetics
Career Opportunities for MAFMD Graduates
Foodservice management in:
- Healthcare facilities
- Schools
- Senior living communities
- Corporate wellness
How Do I Earn My MAFMD at USC Leonard Davis?
The Master of Arts in Foodservice Management and Dietetics can be completed online through distance education or in-person and on a full-time or part-time basis. Our students typically complete the degree in two years of full-time study.
Students residing in Kentucky or Puerto Rico are not eligible to complete the Master of Arts in Foodservice Management and Dietetics online via distance learning at this time.
What Will I Study in My Classes?
The Master of Arts in Foodservice Management and Dietetics prepares students to implement best practices in personnel management related to foodservice systems and to sit for the national Certifying Board for Dietary Managers (CBDM®) Credentialing Exam. The program goals focus on preparing graduates to provide leadership in foodservice systems and aging, effectively communicate with, counsel, and educate diverse populations about food and its societal and cultural relevance, understand the importance of the biological, psychological and social aspects of aging, implement best practices in food safety and production, independently produce and evaluate complex menus, formulate recipes and understand the aspects of senior living hospitality functions as they relate to foodservice.
You’ll explore these subjects through your required and elective courses:
- Food, Culture, Disease and Longevity
- Food Production and Foodservice Management
- Aging and Prevention of Chronic Diseases through Nutrition, Physical Activity and Lifestyle Changes
- Senior Living Foodservice and Revenue Management
What are the program requirements?
Successful completion of 32 units is required for graduation (26 units of didactic coursework, 4 units of research and 2 units of field practicum). The program’s concentration area is in foodservice management and dietetics and in preparing graduates to sit for the CDM exam.
Prerequisites
- None
Admission Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Complete supplemental application included as part of university application
- In your university application, you must upload your resume and statement of interest
- 2 letters of recommendation, either uploaded in your university application or mailed separately by your recommenders
- Official transcripts should be mailed directly to our office, or submitted electronically. Students must declare all schools on the application and submit transcripts from all institutions attended (even if it was for just one semester) after high school:
USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Office of Admission and Student Services
3715 McClintock Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0191
On your university application, include your scholarship application—merit-based scholarships are available to qualified applicants. The GRE may be waived by having strong academics. If the GRE is required, you will be notified during the review process.
Statement of Interest
Your statement of interest plays an important role in helping our faculty consider your application for graduate study. The following prompt is designed to help you but is not an exhaustive list of information you should include in your statement. We recommend that your statement is within three to five double-spaced pages. The statement should be uploaded as part of the university application.
- Tell us why you chose to apply to the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
- Tell us about your experiences in gerontology
- Describe your educational and career goals
- Please describe your strengths and weaknesses
Program Resources
Learning that Fits Your Life
Whether you live halfway across the world or have a busy career, we make this program work for you. You can earn the MAFMD degree online, through our robust digital course platform.
All your classes are streamed online, allowing you to interact with your classmates and professors in real-time. Learn more about our online education program.
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Stories and Spotlights
Educating leaders in nutrition and dietetics
Kayee Liu, MSNHL
Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity (MSNHL) student Kayee Liu enjoys sitting down with patients and helping them develop healthy eating plans.
Alicia Miller, MSNHL
Shifting careers especially in the midst of the pandemic can be an incredible challenge, but for Master’s student Alicia Miller, nothing is more important to her than working on innovative ways to promote healthy aging.
Learn more and apply
Our community of ambitious students, eminent faculty and renowned alumni is waiting for you to join us. Our advisory team is ready to answer all your questions. Let’s continue the conversation.
