Skip to main content
UMass Collegiate M The University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • Visit
  • Apply
  • Give
  • Search UMass.edu
School of Public Health & Health Sciences School of Public Health & Health Sciences

Main navigation

  • Academics

    Academic programs

    BiostatisticsCommunity Health EducationEnvironmental Health SciencesEpidemiologyHealth Policy and ManagementKinesiologyNutritionProfessional ProgramsPublic Health SciencesSpeech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
    Graduate AdmissionsUMass AdmissionsFinancial aid and scholarshipsFaculty directoryCourses
  • Research
    Center for Community Health Equity ResearchCenter for Program EvaluationInstitute for Global Health
    Research news and highlightsResearch areasResearch centers and institutesResearch Administration Office (RAO)
  • Campus & Outreach
    Academic Dean & Office of Academic SuccessCenter for Language, Speech, and HearingOffice of Career PlanningOffice of Public Health Practice and OutreachSupport SPHHS
  • About
    AccreditationDiversity, Equity and InclusionNewsEventsDirectory
    Resources for current studentsResources for faculty & staffVisit usContact usSenior Recognition Ceremony

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Nutrition

Graduate Admissions: Nutrition

Learn about admissions to the MS and PhD programs in nutrition.

The application for the 4+1 Accelerated MS in Nutrition, the MS in Nutrition, and the PhD in Nutrition graduate programs is accessible online at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Graduate School website.

The admission process is shared by the University of Massachusetts Graduate School and the nutrition program. To be considered for graduate admission, applicants must meet the requirements of the Graduate School.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall deadline: Feb. 1   
  • Spring deadline: Oct. 1 (case-by-case PhD program only)

STEM Designation

The MS and PhD in nutrition degrees are considered STEM designated programs.

Admissions Requirements

  • Transcripts
  • Prerequisite coursework: see section below
  • Personal statement: Applicants’ personal statement are evaluated to assess not just their academic maturity and performance in the classroom, but also prior engagement with research projects and service to their community
  • Letters of recommendation (minimum of two)
  • Résumé/CV

Please note, Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are not required and will not be considered or reviewed by our admissions committee.

International Applicants

We encourage international applicants to apply to continue their educational journey with us! All international applicants should visit the University of Massachusetts Graduate School’s website for international applicants for important information on:

  • English Language Proficiency Requirement: successful nutrition candidates typically earn a TOEFL score of 100 or higher, or the equivalent on other approved tests
  • Prerequisite degrees and international transcripts
  • Estimated expenses
  • Receiving the I-20

Prerequisite Courses Required for Admission:

The program requires the completion of prerequisites in order to apply.

a. Basic Science Core: At least 5 out of 7 of these courses (or equivalent) must be taken before matriculation. Basic Nutrition (or a closely related course) must be one of these five. The remainder must be taken while enrolled in our graduate programs, but not for graduate credit.

  • Introductory Zoology or Biology (1 semester)
  • Human Physiology (1 semester)
  • Chemistry, General with lab (2 semesters)
  • Chemistry, Organic (1 semester)
  • Biochemistry (1 semester)
  • Microbiology (1 semester)
  • Basic Nutrition (1 semester)

b. Nutrition Core: These courses (or their equivalent) must be taken by those who do not have a BS degree in nutrition. These may be taken while enrolled in the M.S., but not for graduate credit.

  • NUTRITN 352 Lifecycle Nutrition
  • NUTRITN 430 Nutrition and Metabolism

Funding

We have traditionally been very successful in providing funding for PhD students (including first-year students) in the form of research assistantships (RAs), teaching assistantships (TAs), and traineeships. First-year students who receive funding typically receive a 10-hour-per-week position that includes a tuition waiver as well as a competitive paid stipend. The level of funding is dependent upon the availability of faculty-held grants and TA openings as well as the ranking of the student applicant in the context of the entire pool of applications. There is no separate application for funding; you will automatically be considered when you apply and are accepted for admission. Detailed information about funding will be communicated at the time of admission. 

Master’s students can also be considered for available RA and TA positions, with priority given to second-year students.

 

Local Navigation Links

Nutrition
Graduate Admissions: Nutrition
Apply now

Contact

Image
UMass M logo in maroon, black, and white.

Graduate Admissions

Campus-based Graduate Admissions
Email: sphhsgradapply [at] umass [dot] edu

Site footer

School of Public Health & Health Sciences
  • X
  • Find us on Facebook
  • Find us on YouTube
  • Find us on LinkedIn
  • Find us on Instagram
Address

Arnold House
715 North Pleasant Street
Amherst, MA 01003
United States

Academics

  • Explore our programs
  • Undergraduate
  • Graduate
  • Certificate
  • Post Baccalaureate

Research

  • Research News
  • Research Areas
  • Research Centers & Institutes

The School

  • About SPHHS
  • News
  • Events
  • Directory
  • Visit
  • Contact

Info for...

  • Current students
  • Faculty & staff

Global footer

  • ©2025 University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • Site policies
  • Privacy
  • Non-discrimination notice
  • Accessibility
  • Terms of use