Admission Requirements for the Master of Science in Dietetics Program

The Master of Science in Dietetics Program has the following requirements for consideration for admission to the program:

• Meets all admission requirements general to the UAMS College of Health Professions
• A bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited post-secondary academic institution (or equivalent foreign degree as evaluated by Education Credential Evaluators or World Education Services)
• Successful completion of a didactic program in dietetics academic program accredited through The Accreditation Council for Nutrition and Dietetics
• Acceptable grade-point average for all undergraduate and graduate coursework
• Meets specific technical standards
• A personal statement
• A personal resume
• Selection of qualified personal references

Admission to the Master of Science in Dietetics Program is competitive and based on the following factors:

• Academic achievement
• Academic aptitude
• Dietetics achievement
• Math and science achievement
• Personal and professional endorsement
• Work and volunteer experience
• Written communication

Applicants to the Master of Science in Dietetics Program must have earned or be in the process of completing a bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited post-secondary academic institution (or equivalent foreign degree as evaluated by Education Credential Evaluators or World Education Services).

Additionally, applicants must have completed a didactic academic program in dietetics that is accredited through the Accreditation Council for Nutrition and Dietetics.

To be considered for the Master of Science in Dietetics Program, applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.85 on a 4.0 scale.

Due to the competitive nature of the program, preference is given to applicants with an overall cumulative GPA above 3.0; a math and science GPA above 2.5; and relevant work or volunteer experience in a health care setting.

In order to be admitted to the Master of Science in Dietetics Program, applicants must possess certain physical, cognitive and behavioral abilities necessary to complete the curriculum. These requirements exist to ensure that students are able to effectively acquire the knowledge and skills needed to become competent and successful dieticians. Please visit the Technical Standards page for details.

Prospective students applying to the Master of Science in Dietetics Program will be required to compose a personal statement detailing the following:

• An explanation of the applicant’s interest in the dietetic profession
• The experiences that have helped to prepare the applicant for a career in dietetics
• The applicant’s short-term and long-term goals
• The applicant’s strengths
• The applicant’s weaknesses or areas in need of improvement
• Other information the applicant considers relevant to the selection committee’s decision-making

The personal statement should not exceed 1,000 words in length.

When applying to the Master of Science in Dietetics Program, applicants must submit a one-page personal resume.

This should include both paid and volunteer work experience. While experience in hospital dietetics is desirable, it is not mandatory. Additionally, please highlight any extracurricular activities, honors and awards that demonstrate a well-rounded lifestyle.

When applying to the Master of Science in Dietetics Program, the applicant will be required to provide details of three people who are qualified to assess the applicant’s potential as a student in the program.

At least one reference should a college professor or major advisor, while other references may include employers or other professional contacts.