The steps below outline the application process for the MS in Nutrition – Dietitian Education Program (DEP).

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
• 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 DEP Screening Form. Indicate prerequisite courses that you have completed. Download information about prerequisite courses.

• Introductory Biology (3 credit hours – lab is not required)
• 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)

Collect syllabi for the following courses or courses that you think might be equivalent to the UAB minor and return them with the completed DEP Screening Form to Dr. Marian Carter (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). The courses for the UAB minor are:

• NTR 222 Nutrition and Health (Intro to Nutrition) (3 credit hours)
• NTR 232 Lifecycle Nutrition (3 credit hours)
• NTR 320 Nutrition and the Consumer (3 credit hours)
• NTR 330 Nutrition and Metabolism (3 credit hours)
• NTR 420 Nutrition Genetics (3 credit hours)
• NTR 421 Nutrition Assessment and the Nutrition Care Process (3 credit hours)

REQUIRED: Send completed DEP Screening Form and Syllabi to Dr. Marian Carter (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for review and approval. If you have not completed the equivalent to the UAB Minor in Nutrition Sciences, you might be directed to consider the MS in Nutrition Sciences – Lifestyle Management and Disease Prevention (LMDP) track.

Letters of Recommendation

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

• Current or previous professor
• Supervisor
• Professional (preferably from a Registered Dietitian)

Every applicant has unique circumstances. Collectively, your letters of recommendation should describe transferable skills such as leadership, critical thinking, decision making, overcoming adversity and attest to your academic ability to complete a rigorous graduate program. Providing specific examples that illustrate these characteristics make for a strong letter of recommendation. 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 successfuly 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.
• If your application is selected to move forward in the admission process, a virtual interview is required.
• Exceptions to any admission requirements will be considered on an individual basis by the Dietitian Education Program Director, and the DEP Admissions Committee.
• Applicants with networking experiences in the field of nutrition and dietetics is expected. 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. Keep in mind you will need several letters of recommendation.
• Get involved with your local dietetic association.
• Shadow a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (preferred) or other related health professionals (e.g., Pharmacist, Nurse, Respiratory Therapist, Physician Assistant, Clinical Lab Technician). Strive for obtaining quality 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.