How to Apply

The information below applies to the Summer 2024 admission cycle.

All application materials should be postmarked by February 15 to be considered for admission.  Late applications will not be reviewed after this date.  Applicants must provide:

  1. DICAS Application for Admission: The program participates in the national computer matching of dietetic interns through Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS). More information including submission deadlines and fees can be found at https://dicas.liaisoncas.com/.
  2. National Computer Matching Program: Applicants must complete the online registration through D&D Digital to participate in the computer matching process. Information may be obtained from the applicant’s undergraduate dietetic advisor or directly from D&D Digital Company, 304 Main Street, Suite 301, Ames, IA 50010-6140. Telephone: (515) 292-0490, Fax: (515) 663-9427, http://www.dnddigital.com/.
  3. UAMS Online Admissions Application (OAA): An online application to the UAMS College of Health Professions is required and is available on the website.  The deadline for this application is the same as the DICAS deadline.  A $40.00 non-refundable application fee is required and must accompany the OAA application.
      • Academic Career: Graduate
      • Campus: Main UAMS Campus
      • Term: Summer
      • Academic Program: College of Health Prof GRAD
      • Admit Type: Applicant
      • Academic Plan: Dietetics M.S.
      • Academic Sub-Plan: N/A
  4. Official Transcripts: Official transcript(s) of all college work must be submitted to DICAS.
    Note: If you are admitted to the Master of Science in Dietetics program, you will also need to provide official transcripts to UAMS reflecting completion of your degree and any courses that were in-progress at the time of the DICAS verification deadline.
  5. 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 DICAS.
  6. References: Three letters of reference must be submitted to the DICAS System.  An e-mail message will be sent to the references requesting them to complete an online form. At least one reference letter should come from a college professor or major advisor.  Other references may include employers and/or other professional references.
  7. One-Page Resume: Resumes must be uploaded to the DICAS System.  Include paid and volunteer work experience.  Experience in hospital dietetics is desirable but not required.  Include extracurricular activities, honors, and awards indicative of a well-rounded lifestyle.
  8. Personal Statement: Applicants must enter a personal statement of 1,000 words or less into the DICAS System. The following items should be addressed:
    • Why you want to enter the dietetic profession
    • The areas in your previous experiences that have helped prepare you for a career in dietetics
    • Your short and long-term career goals
    • Your strengths and/or areas for improvement
    • Other information you consider relevant to the selection committee’s decision making.
  1. TOEFL scores, if applicable. See International Applicants in the Admission/Academic Information section of the catalog.

Early Acceptance/Pre-Select Appointments

Due January 15, 2024

The purpose of the preselect dietetic internship admission option is to offer qualified students the opportunity to apply for admission into the Master of Science in Dietetics Program prior to the traditional matching process. The program is accredited to accept 14 students. A maximum of 10 applicants will be pre-selected, and the remaining positions will be filled through D&D Computer Matching. To be eligible for consideration as a Preselect applicant, one or more of the following criteria must be met:

The applicant is:

  • Employed by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences OR
  • Currently enrolled in the University of Arkansas Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition Program OR
  • Currently enrolled in their senior year of the University of Arkansas Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)

Preselect Admission Requirements

Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA). Preference will be given to applicants with ≥3.0 in math, science, and dietetics courses, and those who have work or volunteer experience in a healthcare setting.

Applicants must provide:

  • UAMS Online Admissions Application (OAA): An online application to the College of Health Professions is required and is available on the website. A $40.00 non-refundable application fee is required and must accompany the OAA application.
  • DICAS application for Admission: Additional application materials must be filed electronically through the online Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service (DICAS), including official transcript(s) of all college work, Official Verification or Intent to Complete Statement, Three letters of reference, personal statement, and one-page resume.
  • TOEFL scores, if applicable.  See International Applicants in the Admission/Academic Information section of the catalog.
  • The applicant must inform the program director of pre-select application via email by January 15th.
  • The Program Director will review the application packet and coordinate review by the selection committee.
  • Applications for the pre-select option must be received by January 15th.
  • Applicants will receive notification via email from the Program Director of acceptance or rejection into the Preselect Admission Option by February 1st each academic year.
  • Written confirmation via email to the Program Director of acceptance or rejection of the internship position is required by February 3rd of the academic year.
  • Once an applicant has agreed to Early Acceptance, the name of the preselected applicant is submitted by the Program Director to D&D Digital and the preselected applicant’s name is withdrawn from the Spring computer matching process.

Meeting minimum requirements for the Preselect Admission Option does not guarantee acceptance into the Master of Dietetics Program.

Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening

All accepted applicants must consent to a criminal background check and drug screen prior to matriculation. Background checks and drug screens are required by most clinical sites during the didactic and clinical phase of the program. Matriculation into the program is contingent upon acceptable background check and drug screen results. Adverse results of a background check will be considered on an individual basis and may result in an inability to matriculate into the program. Enrolled students may be randomly drug tested throughout the curriculum and clinical sites may require updated background checks. More information about the requirement will be provided to accepted applicants.

Distance Education Requirements

Students will need internet access in their home, as well as a laptop computer with a camera and microphone throughout the program. Students must have a web browser that is compatible with the current learning management system. Students will submit electronic assignments and examinations online.