Appying

• On-line application (from Graduate Studies)
• Application fee
• Two official transcripts (indicating earned bachelor's degree or higher)
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
• Resume/vitae
• Statement of purpose/goals
• Three letters of recommendation [Form]
• TOEFL scores (International students only)
• Financial Resource Certification (International students only)

• Grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. A grade point average of less than 3.0 may be considered under compelling circumstances.
• GRE scores of 400 or higher on Verbal, 500 or higher on Quantitative, and 3.0 or higher on Analytical Writing. GRE scores below these values may be considered under compelling circumstances.

Applicants should have completed undergraduate courses related to nutrition, human metabolism, exercise science, health education, foods, or food service administration. The most competitive applicants are those that have a strong background in biological sciences, with courses in physiology and biochemistry. Deficiencies in specific courses, as judged by the Graduate Committee, will be indicated on an applicant's admission form (F-2 form) 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. Students must remove course deficiencies before submitting their Memorandum of Courses.

Application materials should be submitted prior to February 15 for Fall Semester and August 15 for Spring Semester. These are general guidelines to ensure that the admission process will be completed on time for class registration and for graduate assistantship decisions. Applications submitted after these deadlines may also be considered under compelling circumstances.

Application materials may be sent to the Office of Graduate Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. An applicant's file will be evaluated by the Graduate Committee and recommendations of acceptability will be made to the Graduate Committee Chair. The Graduate Committee will judge an applicant's file in its entirety; incomplete files will not be evaluated. An applicant's credentials will be evaluated on the basis of academic preparation, professional abilities, and the availability of space. Selection of applicants will be made without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or age.

Application materials from international students must include two official or certified copies of all college- or university-level transcripts or mark sheets (records of courses and marks earned), with certificates, diplomas, and degrees plus certified English translations. Photocopies of certified records cannot be used. Students enrolled in other U.S. institutions may have certified copies of all foreign records sent directly to the Office of Graduate Studies by their current schools.

International students must take the TOEFL test and obtain a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based exam or 213 on the computer-based exam. The TOEFL requirement applies to applicants whose native language is not English. Non-native speakers who have received a baccalaureate or more advanced degree from a U.S. university or a university outside the U.S. in which English is the official language of instruction are exempt from the TOEFL requirement for admission.All international applicants to the Department of Nutrition & Health Sciences should obtain an F-1 (student) visa and are not eligible for "non-degree" status. Evidence of adequate financial resources for self-support is also required of all international students, including those who received their baccalaureate degrees at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Students should not assume that funds or work opportunities will be available at a later date, and should be prepared to have their living and educational expenses increase annually. Funding at University of Nebraska-Lincoln is extremely limited. Departmental assistantships and University-wide fellowships may be sought after one year of study in the U.S.

International applicants should begin applying approximately one year in advance of the desired first enrollment. Deadlines for international students are early in order to allow time for mailing and processing immigration forms.

Before completing an application, you should thoroughly explore and understand your graduate options. You should become familiar with our faculty's research areas and the various degree programs available to you. 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 graduate program you are applying to. 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 a brief written 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 form.