Graduate Dietetics Future Education Model

There are two application deadlines for admission to the class of 2025-2026: October 15, 2024 and February 15, 2025. These deadlines were established by ACEND. It is possible that the number of openings remaining in February will be limited so applying by the October deadline may be to your advantage. However, this is the first year with these ACEND deadlines thus we can’t predict how this process will work. Only complete applications submitted through DICAS by the deadline will be reviewed.

General Admission

Requirements

  • Completion of a bachelor’s degree with a recommended cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0
  • In addition to the general requirements below for the Master of Science (MS) degree, completion of an ACEND accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) program within 5 years of the application deadline is required with a Verification Statement signed by the DPD Director. Students completing their DPD more than 5 years before the application may require additional coursework.
  • Non-native English Speakers must also send official TOEFL scores unless they have completed a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution.

Coursework requirements include a minimum of:

  • Two semesters of Chemistry
  • One semester each of:
    • Anatomy or Biology
    • Biochemistry
    • Human Physiology
    • Nutrition
    • Statistics
  • An advanced Nutrition course with a Biochemistry prerequisite

How to Apply to the Dietetics Future Education Model Graduate Program

  • Applicants must submit an online application to DICAS (Dietetic Internship Centralized Application Services) and select the University of Rhode Island Dietetics Future Education Model Graduate Program as an option. Please see the DICAS website for current application information and fees. The University of Rhode Island (URI) Graduate School will use the DICAS application and no further URI application or application fee is needed.
    • All applicants will be asked to complete a personal statement with a maximum of approximately 1,000 words. Questions to be addressed in the personal statement include:
      • Why do you want to enter the dietetics profession?
      • What are some experiences that have helped to prepare you for your career?
      • What do justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion mean to you as a future dietetics professional?
      • What are your short-term and long-term goals?
      • What are your strengths and weaknesses or areas needing improvement?
      • Why did you choose the University of Rhode Island?
    • Official electronic transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be sent to DICAS.
      • When completing the DICAS application form, you must include the name and contact information (specifically an e-mail address) for each reference. This will trigger an e-mail message requesting completion of an online reference form. Please submit three references including an academic reference who can discuss your potential to complete a master’s degree.
      • List all work, extracurricular, and/or volunteer experiences in the appropriate sections; resumes will not be used for evaluation of work and volunteer experiences.
    • Criteria used for admission include:
      • Academic achievement
      • Relevant work experience
      • Personal statement
      • Recommendation letters
      • Extracurricular/volunteer activities
      • Commitment to or experience related to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice

Enrollment is expected to be limited to eight students in 2025-2026. Notification about acceptance will be provided on or before November 1, 2024 for October applicants and March 1, 2025 for February applicants. Applicant decision dates are November 15, 2024 and March 15, 2025.