The University of Massachusetts Amherst

Graduate Admissions: Nutrition

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

The application for the MS and PhD graduate programs in nutrition 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 (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 the M.S., 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.