Nutrition stands as a multifaceted field, weaving together biology, economics, politics, human behavior, and environmental science. Driven by a deep fascination with food and a newfound love for chemistry, I embarked on a graduate journey in nutrition. My aim was to delve into the complexities of lipid metabolism and diabetes, seeking a challenging and impactful career path, moving away from what I perceived as conventional dietary advice.
Julie Hooper: “Degrees in nutrition vary greatly in focus and material, so research and soul-searching are key.”
My Career Transition into Nutrition
Choosing a nutrition graduate program proved both exhilarating and daunting. Reflecting alongside fellow accepted students at various institutions, I contemplated my four-year post-baccalaureate transition from political science to the medical field.
For those contemplating a similar shift from social sciences to medical sciences, understand that it’s a demanding, costly, and often lengthy process, potentially with less financial return than other fields. Yet, if you’re aware of this and still drawn to this fascinating and rewarding domain, I encourage you to pursue it.
Having navigated acceptances from five diverse nutrition graduate programs, I’ve accumulated substantial insights into the spectrum of programs available in the U.S. and the application journey.
Coming from a liberal arts background, the research process felt initially overwhelming. Unlike the streamlined paths of medical, PA, PT, dental, or nursing schools, nutrition programs lack uniformity. The variety in degree types, program focuses, and prerequisites is vast. Even advisors accustomed to health professions offered limited guidance. My research largely relied on Google and LinkedIn, revealing a need for a consolidated guide to nutrition programs. I hope this post serves as a valuable resource for future nutrition professionals navigating their application process.
Understanding the Variety of Nutrition Degrees and Career Paths
The field of nutrition is diverse, and degree specializations are common. Defining your desired career path is crucial before applying to programs. While an M.D. offers flexibility, nutritional science training is limited. Nutrition degrees, conversely, differ significantly in content and emphasis, underscoring the importance of thorough research and introspection.
Important Note: Health Coach/Life Coach/Nutritionist Entering nutrition takes many forms. Many individuals market themselves as “nutritionists” with minimal formal education. Becoming a health coach requires less extensive schooling, but may result in limited credibility within the medical community.
Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN): The Clinical Standard
The term “nutritionist” often evokes the image of a Registered Dietitian. The RD credential signifies clinical expertise and is essential for clinical dietitian roles and most patient-facing positions. Becoming an RD involves completing a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), securing a Dietetic Internship, and passing a national examination.
Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD):
- DPD programs are predominantly at the undergraduate level, encompassing science prerequisites in chemistry and biology, alongside nutrition-specific coursework. Undergraduates typically major in dietetics to complete DPD requirements.
- For bachelor’s degree holders like myself, options include a second bachelor’s, a post-baccalaureate DPD program (offered by select schools), or a combined Master’s and DPD/RD program (GCPD). A list of GCPD programs is available at the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
Dietetic Internship (DI):
- Dietetic Internships are available across the U.S. Post-DPD completion, a competitive matching process determines internship placements. Internships vary in focus but include clinical rotations in Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), Community, and Food Service.
- Internship matching is competitive. A master’s degree enhances application strength, and a master’s will soon be mandatory for RD eligibility.
Master’s Degrees: M.S., M.P.H., and MS.P.H.
Graduate nutrition programs offer diverse degree types, often dictated by the program’s departmental affiliation within the university. Public health school affiliations typically lead to an M.P.H. degree, while programs in biological sciences, exercise physiology, or nutritional sciences often confer an M.S.
MPH (Master of Public Health): Public health school programs incorporate public health coursework, such as nutritional epidemiology and biostatistics.
M.S. (Master of Science): Programs outside public health may emphasize laboratory sciences or specific nutrition areas. For instance, USC’s program in Gerontology focuses on nutrition for aging populations.
MS.P.H. (Master of Science in Public Health): Columbia University offers an MSPH through Teachers College, suggesting a public health orientation despite its departmental location.
Coordinated Programs: Many graduate programs integrate DPD and/or DI components within a master’s program. Accredited coordinated programs are listed on the ACEND website.
Doctoral Degrees (Ph.D., Dr.PH.)
Doctoral nutrition programs are research-intensive, designed for those pursuing research or academic careers. Many require a prior master’s degree; applicant eligibility should be verified with each school.
While I considered a Ph.D., my immediate goal was both a master’s and a clinical degree. The following table outlines programs I explored and their prerequisites. Note that prerequisites are subject to change and may not be fully updated. This list is not exhaustive but reflects programs I seriously considered, applying to five in total.
Prerequisites vary; some schools (UW, USC, SDSU) require English Composition, while others (UNC Chapel Hill) may require anthropology or sociology.
Excelling in Prerequisite Coursework
Nutrition program prerequisites vary, so prioritizing common requirements across target programs is advisable. Most programs mandate general and organic chemistry, making these ideal starting points. Physiology and biochemistry are also frequently required.
Contacting schools early is crucial. Most accept online or community college prerequisite courses, though 4-year college coursework strengthens applications. Some schools stipulate specific prerequisites or completion deadlines before application submission.
For career changers lacking prerequisites, post-baccalaureate programs streamline the process compared to competing with undergraduates for course enrollment. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) website lists post-baccalaureate programs, but confirm prerequisite offerings, as pre-med programs may lack nutrition or physiology. I completed general chemistry at UCSD before enrolling in the UC Berkeley Extension post-baccalaureate pre-health program, enabling flexible prerequisite completion for various health professions. My post-baccalaureate coursework, including organic chemistry and anatomy, was rigorous. Classmates included career changers and GPA-boosting pre-med students. The intensive environment fostered rapid learning, friendships, and study groups.
Smart tip from Julie Hooper: Wear protective eye goggles when dicing onions.
The GRE and Standardized Tests
GRE scores were required by all programs I applied to, though some accept the MCAT or DAT instead. While GRE relevance to nutrition is debatable, low scores can negatively impact applications. Most schools expect scores at or above the 50th percentile.
GRE preparation courses or tutors (like Manhattan Prep) are beneficial. Don’t expect peak performance on the first attempt. I retook the GRE and significantly improved my quantitative score. GRE success involves exam familiarity, pacing, and strategic guessing. Timed practice exams and review are key to score improvement.
Gaining Practical Experience in Nutrition
Many programs favor applicants with field experience.
- Connect with an RD: Reach out to Registered Dietitians in your area for shadowing or informational interviews. This clarifies career interests and desired degree types. LinkedIn is a valuable tool for finding and contacting nutrition professionals. Most are passionate about their work and eager to advise aspiring students.
- Volunteer: Seek volunteer opportunities, even unpaid ones. Hospital or research positions can be competitive without prior medical experience. My clinical research position at UCSF stemmed from a nine-month volunteer commitment. Note that even volunteer roles can be competitive; my interview involved a panel of clinicians in both English and Spanish.
- Engage with Local Food Systems: For those less inclined towards clinical or research nutrition, local food involvement is valuable. Consider part-time work at local farms or farmers markets. Any food or health-related experience can refine your interests.
Graduate programs want to understand your motivation for graduate study and your career aspirations. Gaining practical experience provides direction and strengthens your application.
Strategically Narrowing Your Program Choices
Applications are time-consuming and costly, so focus on programs you genuinely consider attending. Some applicants apply to only one program, but my geographical flexibility led me to apply to five.
Mastering the Application Process
- Early Essay Drafting: Most applications require a personal statement, statement of purpose, or both. Statements of purpose are typically formal, outlining academic history, experience, and goals. Personal statements allow for more creative expression of passion for the field. Adhere to specific prompt instructions and craft engaging, well-written essays. Application deadlines are often in December and January, so begin essay writing by summer.
- Iterative Drafting and Feedback: Even personal statements benefit from review. Share drafts with friends, family, mentors, and colleagues for diverse perspectives and editing assistance. I revised my statement nearly 30 times, gaining valuable insights each round. Ensure your narrative is clear and impactful to those unfamiliar with your journey. The statement is crucial, so aim for excellence.
- Strategic Recommender Selection: Recommendations posed the greatest application challenge for me. Schools often prefer two academic and one professional recommendation. Avoid solely employer recommendations. Academic recommendations can be challenging to secure, so reach out to professors early. Contact professors with whom you’ve worked closely or taken multiple courses. Professors need to remember you to write effective recommendations. Email professors, explaining your goals and providing your personal statement. If currently in school, engage with professors and request recommendations in person before course completion. Recommendations matter; seek recommenders who will provide strong endorsements. Never request recommendations from friends or family. Request recommendations at least one month before deadlines.
- Timely Transcript Ordering: Order transcripts well in advance of deadlines. Transcript issues can derail applications. Order transcripts a month prior to deadlines and confirm receipt.
- The Graduate School CV: Nutrition graduate programs typically request a CV, not a resume. Graduate CVs differ from job resumes and can exceed one page, detailing post-undergraduate accomplishments. Include academic achievements, research experience, certifications, and publications.
- Punctual Submission: Know and adhere to application deadlines. Early submission may be required for merit-based awards or fellowships, so inquire with programs about these deadlines, which may not be publicly listed. Maintain application organization, perhaps using a spreadsheet.
Acceptance and Program Decisions
Acceptance notifications typically begin in late February or early March, with decision deadlines around April 15, though some programs (e.g., University of Washington) have earlier deadlines.
Accepted students days are invaluable for program evaluation. Interacting with faculty, current students, and fellow accepted students provides program insights. My UNC Chapel Hill accepted students day significantly influenced my program choice (shifting from Tufts to UNC Chapel Hill!). Each school offers unique advantages, so research and ask questions. Remember, you’ve already been accepted; now it’s their turn to convince you to choose them. Graduate school is a significant investment, so find the right fit by asking informed questions.
Consider degree type, program length, location, research opportunities, student community, cost, program ranking, and alumni career paths.
My Program Choice: UNC Chapel Hill!
I’m thrilled to announce my enrollment at UNC Chapel Hill for graduate studies in August!
Following an intensive application process, I received acceptances from all programs applied to (UC Berkeley, University of Washington, Tufts, UNC Chapel Hill, and San Diego State). UNC Chapel Hill emerged as the clear frontrunner after careful evaluation. Its diabetes research, coordinated clinical and public health program, and departmental integration within both the medical and public health schools resonated deeply. I was also impressed by the faculty, inspiring students, and the bright and diverse accepted student cohort.
Go Tar Heels!
