Prerequisites
- Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in biochemistry, biology, dietetics, exercise science, food science, health education, hospitality/restaurant management, nutrition science, or other major related to their desired Area of Study.
- Applicants should have specific prerequisite courses on their transcripts related to their desired Area of Study. Deficiencies in specific courses, as judged by the Graduate Admissions Committee, will be indicated on an applicant's admission letter and will thus be the basis for "provisional" acceptance. "Provisional" status will be changed to "full graduate standing" after the specified course(s) have been completed and a grade of B or higher is achieved.
- Applicants not having a relevant bachelor's degree are welcome to apply, but should take prerequisite courses related to their desired area of study BEFORE applying.
- Grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Preferred minimum GRE scores: 400 Verbal; 500 Quantitative; 3.0 Analytical (writing).
After 11/1/11 Preferred minimum GRE scores: 140 Verbal; 144 Quantitative; 3.0 Analytical (writing). - Required minimum TOEFL score (International students only): 550 paper; 79 internet; or 6.0 IELTS.
How to Apply
| The application process requires two parts. Students must apply to the Office of Graduate Studies (Part 1) and to the Department of Nutrition & Health Sciences (Part 2). |
Part 1:
Link to the Office of Graduate Studies Steps to Admission and submit the following:
- Online application
- Official transcripts
- TOEFL scores (International students only) (Institution code = 6877; Department code = 77)
- Financial Resource Certification (International students only)
Part 2:
After submitting the online application from Part 1, you will receive an email notification with your new NU ID and WAM PIN. Now link to GAMES using your NU ID as login and WAM PIN as password to complete the Department application. You will be required to enter or upload the following:
- Resume/vitae
- Statement of purpose/goals
- Prerequisite courses
- GRE scores (Institution code = 6877; Department code = 0214)
- Names and contact information of three references. (When you submit your Department application, GAMES will automatically contact your reference letter writers and ask them to upload their references to GAMES.)
- Optional: Assistantship/Fellowship application
Deadlines
- March 15 for Fall Semester (February 1st for Dietetic Internship Applicants)
- October 15 for Spring Semester
The application deadlines are necessary for making Assistantship and Fellowship decisions. Applications submitted after these deadlines will still be considered for admission, but there is no guarantee that Assistantship/Fellowship funding will be available.
Tips for Developing a Competitive Application
Before completing an application, you should thoroughly explore and understand your graduate options by viewing Areas of Study You should become familiar with our Faculty and their research areas and contact individuals that share your career interests prior to submitting your application materials. This will help you to be more focused when preparing your statement of purpose and resume.
Your resume should include any work experience or employment history that relates to the area of study you wish to pursue. It should also include any honors and awards received in recognition of your academic and professional achievements. Keep in mind that your resume can include as much (or as little) information as you wish, as long as it helps the Graduate Committee judge your potential as a graduate student.
The statement of purpose is one of the most critical parts of your application. This is your opportunity to tell us about your personal and professional goals, why you desire a graduate degree, and anything else that provides the Graduate Committee with a glimpse of "who you are." Demonstrate to the Graduate Committee that your goals have been well thought out and that you understand what you are getting into. If you have job and/or volunteer experience that is relevant to your academic pursuits, be sure to provide details. It is helpful to highlight your strengths, although you should also address any weaknesses (such as poor grades or low GRE scores) and describe how that will affect your success as a graduate student. If you believe there are extenuating circumstances that have hindered your academic progress, you should describe them in enough detail to help the Graduate Committee judge your application.
Letters of recommendations will receive close scrutiny during the review process. When selecting your recommenders, try to identify professionals who know you well and have the ability to assess your potential for success in graduate school and your chosen career. Some of the qualities they should be able to address include (but are not limited to): your level of understanding of your chosen career; what strengths you will bring to that career; ability to work independently; ability to think critically and creatively; problem-solving and analytical skills; quantitative skills; verbal and written communication skills. Be sure to give your recommenders ample time for writing their letters. You might consider giving them your resume and a summary of your career goals, as well as the points you wish them to address.
Make sure your application is complete. Even if the application asks for information that is in your resume or statement of purpose, you should fill in all the information requested on the application forms.
