The steps below outline the application process for the MS in Nutrition Sciences – Lifestyle Management and Disease Prevention Track.

Online Application

Complete the online UAB Graduate School Application. The application fee is $50.

• Official transcripts
• Complete prerequisite screening
• 3 letters of recommendations
• Demographic information
• Personal statement
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the 4 science prerequisite courses listed in the Screening section below.
• No GRE required

Transcripts

Submit official transcripts from all universities and colleges attended directly to the UAB graduate school – note that proof of Bachelor’s degree is required. Send electronic transcripts to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Screening

Complete a LMDP Screening Form. Indicate prerequisite courses that you have completed. Download information about prerequisite courses.

• Introductory Biology (3 credit hours – lab is not required)
• Human Physiology (3 credit hours – lab is not required)
• Organic Chemistry (3 credit hours – lab is not required)
• Microbiology (3 credit hours – lab is not required)
• NTR 222 Nutrition and Health (Intro to Nutrition (3 credit hours)

REQUIRED: Email completed LMDP Screening Form and Syllabus for Intro to Nutrition course (if applicable) to Dr. Marian Carter (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for review and approval.

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required. Strong letters of recommendation generally come from the following:

• Current or previous professor
• Professional supervisor
• Professional colleague

Every applicant has unique circumstances. Collectively, your letters of recommendation should attest to your academic ability to complete a rigorous graduate program, your experiences with handling new and challenging situations, examples of your ability to take ownership for your learning, engagement in life-long learning, professionalism, and independence as a self-directed learner. The UAB Graduate School will send an email link to each of your references from the email address that you provide for each reference as part of your UAB Graduate School application. Your letters of recommendation will be submitted electronically by your references directly to the UAB Graduate School.

Other Requirements

• You must successfully complete all prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C earned before the program begins. If you do not have a minimum grade of C, it is suggested that you retake the course.
• Complete a personal statement.
• Exceptions to any admission requirements will be considered on an individual basis by the Lifestyle Management and Disease Prevention Program Director, and the LMDP Admissions Committee.
• Applicants with networking experiences in the field of nutrition and dietetics are preferred. These experiences can be paid or unpaid. Please see the networking section below for more information.

Networking

Networking is a very important aspect of learning about a career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. There are many opportunities to assist.

• Build relationships with your professors.
• Get involved with your local dietetic association.
• Shadow a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (preferred) or other related health professionals (e.g., Pharmacist, Registered Nurse, Respiratory Therapist, Physician Assistant, Clinical Lab Technician). Strive to obtain quality shadowing experiences where you gain depth of knowledge. Keep in mind that you can have these experiences in a variety of settings, such as in the clinical setting, community setting, or food service setting. Use these experiences to build your professional relationships and to demonstrate depth of unique experiences that make you stand out.