How to Apply to the Master of Science in Dietetics Program

The application process for the Master of Science in Dietetics Program has the following main steps:

• Complete an online application to the UAMS College of Health Professions through the UAMS Online Admission Application.
• Complete an application through the Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service.

If the applicant is admitted to the Master of Science in Dietetics Program, additional requirements must be met before they enroll in the program.

• Receipt of state authorization for out-of-state distance education and/or out-of-state clinical placement (if applicable)
• Adherence to the distance education technology requirements
• Completion of the required immunizations and tests
• Submission of the UAMS Student Pre-Enrollment Medical Form
• Major medical health insurance coverage that meets minimum standards as designated by UAMS
• Completion of a criminal background check and drug screen

Re-Applying and Re-Admission

Students who have applied for a previous admission cycle or who withdraw or are dismissed from the UAMS College of Health Professions for any reason must re-apply for admission. Refer to the UAMS College of Health Professions Future Students website for details about the process.

The priority decision application deadline for the Master of Science in Dietetics Program is Jan. 10. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed through the final deadline of Feb. 15. Applications not completed and postmarked by this date will not be considered for admission to the program.

Applicants should begin the process the previous fall. Applicants who wait until January to begin the process often do not meet the application deadline.

To apply to a UAMS College of Health Professions degree program, you must complete the online admission application through Workday. You will find this application under “UAMS CHP Applicant Home (Graduate and Professional)”. Please note that a non-refundable fee of $40 is required and must be submitted along with your application.

You can save your application and return to it at a later date. However, it will not be considered for review until it is submitted and the application fee is paid. After submitting your application, you will need to return to the application site to complete any remaining action items related to your application.

In addition to the UAMS Workday Application, applicants to the program must also submit an application through the Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service. More information including submission deadlines and fees can be found on the DICAS website.

Official Transcripts

Arrange for each post-secondary academic institution you have attended to forward an official transcript of your coursework. If college courses were taken concurrently while high school through an accredited institution of higher education, please be sure to include a transcript from that school as well.

Official transcripts should be sent directly to the Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service.

For more detailed information about official transcripts, please refer to the UAMS College of Health Professions Future Students website.

Note: If you are admitted to the Master of Science in Dietetics Program, you will also need to provide official transcripts reflecting the completion of your degree and any courses that were in progress at the time of the Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service verification deadline.

International Transcripts

If an applicant is basing their eligibility on credits from an international institution, they are required to arrange for the official transcript or copy to be evaluated by Education Credential Evaluators Inc. or World Education Services.

An official copy of the evaluation must be sent directly to the Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service from the respective agency.

Refer to the UAMS College of Health Professions Future Students website for details about the evaluation of international transcripts.

English Fluency and Literacy Test Scores

All applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose native language is not English, are required to demonstrate fluency (speaking) and literacy (reading and writing). The Test of English as a Foreign Language and the International English Language Testing System are the two accepted tests for this purpose.

An official copy of the test scores must be sent directly to the Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service from the respective testing service.

Refer to the English Fluency and Literacy Requirement policy for details.

Official Verification or Intent to Complete Statement

An official verification or intent to complete statement from the program director of the applicant’s didactic program in dietetics must be submitted to the Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service.

Personal Statement

Submit your personal statement via the Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service.

Refer to the Admission Requirements page for the specific requirements for the personal statement.

Personal Resume

Submit your personal resume via the Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service.

Refer to the Admission Requirements page for the specific requirements for the personal resume.

Personal References

Provide the names and email addresses of your three references in the Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service. An email containing instructions for completing and submitting the reference form will be automatically generated and sent to the provided references.

Refer to the Admission Requirements page for the specific requirements of the personal references.

By March 1, 2026 applicants will be notified by letter of their admission status, either with an offer of admission or a position on the waitlist.

Applicants who receive an offer of admission must respond by March 16, 2026, at noon Central time, indicating whether they accept or decline their position in the program.

Once an applicant accepts or declines, we will offer any open slots to the next applicant on the waitlist.

This process will continue until all spots are filled or until the deadline of April 15, 2026.

If the applicant is admitted to the program, the following additional requirements must be met before they enroll in the program.

Additional Official Transcripts

If you are accepted into the Master of Science in Dietetics Program, you will also need to provide official transcripts to UAMS reflecting the completion of your degree and any courses that were in progress at the time of the Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service verification deadline. Refer to the UAMS College of Health Professions Future Students website for details about submitting official transcripts to the college.

Distance Education Technology Requirements

Students in this program are required to have internet access in their homes, as well as a laptop with a camera and microphone for the duration of the program. Additionally, they must use a web browser compatible with the current learning management system. All assignments and examinations will be submitted online.

State Authorization of Distance Education and Clinical Placement

Students enrolling in a distance education program who are not residing in Arkansas, as well as students who are going to a state other than Arkansas for clinical experience, must have prior approval from that state’s higher education agency. Federal Program Integrity standards require UAMS to gain this approval.

Fortunately, Arkansas along with many other states have joined the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement. Members of the SARA provide automatic approval to other member states to “operate” in that state. More information on state authorization for distance education to include out-of-state clinical placement of students can be found on the UAMS Academic Affairs website.

Should you have any questions regarding state authorization or the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement, please contact Tina Maddox, Ph.D., associate dean for academic affairs, at 501-686-5730 or TMaddox@uams.edu.

Immunizations and Tests

Accepted students must show documentation of certain required immunizations or tests prior to enrolling in a UAMS College of Health Professions program. Refer to the UAMS College of Health Professions Future Students website for details.

Pre-Enrollment Medical Form

Thirty days prior to their first semester’s registration, all individuals admitted must submit the UAMS Student Pre-Enrollment Medical Form. This form is used by UAMS Student and Employee Health Services to verify required immunizations and to establish a baseline for treating illnesses occurring after admission.

Health Insurance

All students admitted to a UAMS College of Health Professions degree or certificate program are required to have major medical health insurance coverage at all times that meet minimum standards as designated by UAMS. For health insurance information, please refer to the UAMS Student Life website.

Background Check and Drug Screen

When required, admitted applicants or students must obtain a criminal background check and drug screen. Background checks and drug screens are meant to ensure the safety and compliance of all UAMS College of Health Professions students with various clinical sites. Refer to the Background Checks and Drug Screens for Applicants and Students policy for more information.

If you have questions or concerns on these two items, please contact Phyllis Fields, associate dean for student affairs at PAFields@UAMS.edu or 501-686-5730.

The priority decision application deadline for applicants to the Summer 2027 program will be changed to December 1, 2026. The final deadline of February 15, 2027 will remain the same.