personal statement for nutrition masters

How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters (17 PDF Sample Examples)

Published: 14 Mar 2022 Study Abroad 107,613 views

A personal statement for masters program is one of the most important parts of your college application and writing a good one is what’s the exception between receiving an offer and being rejected.

If you’ve been tasked with presenting a personal statement, you should keep in mind that whatever you submit must put you forward as the right candidate for the course. Additionally, it should convince the admissions officers that you deserve a place on your program of study.

Achieving the above, is a skill most postgraduate students are yet to acquire but thankfully this article on How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters covers everything you need to know on doing this.

In this article you’ll learn:

• What is a personal statement?
• Tips for making your personal statement for masters stand out
• How to write a personal statement for masters
• Personal statement for masters sample
• Examples of personal statement for masters
• Conclusion – things to avoid when writing a personal statement for masters

Read:  Admission Interview Tips .

What Is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement AKA admissions or application essay or statement of purpose is a type of essay or written statement a candidate presents to a college, university, or graduate school they are applying to, explaining why they want to attend that school, study a particular course, and why they would be a perfect fit for these things.

A personal statement for masters is an essay you submit specifically for your postgraduate application. Writing one presents the opportunity for you to promote yourself to a school and show the admissions teachers that you are the perfect candidate for a course.

Tips For Making Your Personal Statement For Masters Stand Out

Before we get into how you should write a statement of purpose for masters, we would first like to share with you certain tips to include in your essay to make it stand out from that of other applicants and be convincing enough to any admissions officer that reads it. The tips we have mentioned here, cover general things like starting and ending your personal statement, timing, length, and what to include and what not to include in the essay, etc.

1. Starting And Ending A Personal Statement

When starting a personal statement, you would want to right off the bat grab the reader’s attention. To do this, start the statement by writing about your degree of choice, next why you want to study it and then how you got interested in it.

The next 2 sentences after that should cover a summary of your background in the chosen field, and you conclude by saying what you plan to do once you acquire your graduate degree.

Also start with that the evaluators reading want to hear first, then every other information should come second. You will notice we’ve used in the sop examples for masters we will share with you later in this article.

2. Plan Ahead

A personal statement is not something you rush while writing, which means if you want to get something good before you application then you must start to decide things like the length and how long it should take to complete.

Let us throw more light on this…

For length, a personal statement should be brief ranging somewhere between 500 -700 words, although schools often detect how long it should be. So, this is dependent on the institution you are applying to.

In terms of what to say in a statement, you could include personal experiences like why you were driven to apply for the program, an experience you had with a scholar in your chosen discipline, a course you took that inspired you to pursue masters, or a key moment during your studies which further motivated you.

No matter what you decide to write, just keep in mind that you need to take your time to craft something good even if it means creating several drafts before the real thing and do not forget to proofread the statement for errors.

3. Research Your Program Of Study

Researching your program of study is one way to establish that you truly understand the discipline you’re getting into and prove to the admissions officer that you thoroughly thought about it before applying.

And because you want to put yourself forward as a serious candidate, one way to make you research easier is for you to visit the website of the department you are applying to. This page will contain information about faculty members, their specialisation, and publications.

From the intel, you gathered there you can now identify which professors match your interests and which ones you will benefit the most from learning under. After you’ve found this out, relate the same in a sentence or two in your statement of purpose for masters.

Example: “I would be honoured to study under the tutelage of Professor Nadia whose work I found resonated strongly with my beliefs and intended projects in this course”.

4. Avoid Clichés, Junks, And Many Details

When writing a statement of purpose for master degree try to avoid clichés, junks, and unnecessary details so that you don’t lose or bore your readers in between. Be as concise as possible, even if it’s your chance to express yourself.

A personal statement is an opportunity for the admissions committee to get information that tells the that you are suitable for the course. So, when you overpower your statement with too many words, stories, and useless details, you come off as someone who is just trying to meet the word count.

5. Include Your Personal History Only If It Adds To The Statement

Do not include your personal history in your statement of intent for masters if it is not relevant to your purpose of study. This means no need for you to tell that story about that time you helped someone treat a cut and immediately realised that you wanted to be a doctor or nurse or how you developed a taste for reading at a very young age.

We can guarantee you that the hundreds of other applications competing for the same spot you are felt the same way, so saying those things really doesn’t make you unique.

On the other hand, if you are going to add personal history to your statement, you can put in things like an internship you did and the experience you got from the job, a major research project you ran by yourself, publications you’ve read or published, conferences you’ve attended or presentations you’ve done. These experiences are more concrete and are directly related to your program of study. They also set you apart from other applicants.

6. Don't Use The Same Personal Statement For All Your Applications

One common mistake applicant make that you shouldn’t is using the same statement of purpose for master degree for all your applications. Using the same information repeatedly even if you are going to change the university names is risky and could land you in a big mistake on a day you forget to be thorough.

All programmes have their own unique set of questions they want to see answered and information they need in your personal statement.

And even if some of them like extracurricular activities, proposal for project, why you are applying to the school, your unique qualities, and research works you’re doing might appear the same, do not use one statement to respond to all of them.

Write a new unique personal statement every time you want to apply.

Check out:  How to Write a Good CV for Students - Resume Examples for Students (PDF).

How To Write A Personal Statement for Masters

When writing a personal statement for masters there are several steps and ground rules you need to follow to ensure that it comes out good enough to impress the admissions team of a school, and ultimately convince them to give you a spot on your program of study.

If writing one is something you are currently struggling with and can’t seem to get down the process of it right no matter what, this section on how to write a personal statement for masters, discusses in detail everything you need to get help with yours.

There are 4 parts to consider when writing your personal statement and we have listed them below:

1. Planning A Personal Statement

A personal statement is a piece of writing showing your academic interests and is only for application purposes which means there is no room for any autobiographical information in it about your personal life. Be as to-the-point as possible when writing it and stick to telling the school why you are the right person for the course, plus any other extra information detailing your achievements.

Before You Start:

Allot plenty of time to write your msc personal statement so that you don’t rush it. Remember, this simple piece of writing is your one shot at convincing a school that you are the best applicant they’ve seen and as such can either make or break your application.

Read the information expected of you from the university, rules and guidelines given, selection criteria and understand what they mean. Also research the institution.

Do a thorough research on the course you are applying for; this will help you explain better why you want to study it. The tutors interviewing you can tell when you are lying and presenting yourself as uninformed can cost you the admission.

Ensure that you don’t use the same personal statement for all your applications.

When Writing:

When writing the statement there are some questions to ask yourself that can help you plan it better. Those questions are:

• Why you want to study a master’s and how does it benefit you in future?
• How does the course you have chosen fit into your pre-existing skill set?
• How do you stand out from the crowd as an applicant - e.g., work experiences you’ve had in the same field you are applying for?
• What do you aspire to do or be as a future career and how will the course help you achieve that?
• How can your work or skillsets contribute positively to the department/ university you are applying to, or society at large?

On the other hand, if you are applying for the masters to change from the field you studied in your undergraduate to another field, you should tell the school why you decided to take a different path in your studies.

Questions to ask yourself for this include:

• Your reason for deciding to change your discipline.
• How your undergraduate degree will be material for bringing fresh insights into your masters course.
• How changing your study path will help you attain your future career.

2. Structuring A Personal Statement

Having good structure for your personal statement for master degree is important because it ensures that everything from the beginning, middle, and ending of the statement is written and equally falls in place perfectly.

We’ve left some tips for you below to help you:

Start your personal statement with an attention-grabbing introduction that is not dramatic or cliché. That means you should not begin with any of these over-used phrases we’ve listed out below:

For as long as I remember…

Since my childhood…

I want to apply to this course because I’ve always felt a strong connection to it…

All my life, I have always loved…

My interest in (course) always ran deeper than…

I’ve always been zealous about…

Ever since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in…

My past educational experiences have always…

You would want to be as snappy as possible with your opening because the admission officer has over a hundred applications to read and can’t waste all their time on yours. This means you should avoid overpowering it with unnecessary facts, quotes, and stories from your life.

The middle part of your ma personal statement is where the main content of the write-up should be. This is where you show your dedication to the course you’ve chosen, what motivated you to choose it, and why you are the right candidate for it.

When writing the middle part of a graduate personal statement, you should:  

• Give concrete reasons why you want to study a course at the University. The reason could be because of how the course is aligned to your future career or the University’s reputation in teaching that program.
• Mention relevant things like projects, dissertations, or essays you’ve done, and any work experience you have.
• Show proof of your core skills like and how they can contribute to the department.
• Prove what makes you a unique candidate.
• Discuss who your main influences for wanting to study the course are and why.
• Add experiences like memberships to clubs that are related to your field, papers you’ve written before, awards, scholarships, or prizes.
• Draw focus to how the course links to your past and future.
• Mention your academic and non-academic skills and how they fit the course.

For Formatting:

• Keep the statement length between 250 -500 words or as directed by the school.
• Sentences should be no more than 25-30 words.
• Use headings to break up the content – Why this university? Why this subject? Etc.
• Make claims and provide evidence to back each of them up. This can be done by discussing your work experience and academic interests.

Language and tone to use:     

• The tone for your masters application personal statement should be positive and enthusiastic, to show you eagerness to learn and so that you convince the evaluators that you have what it takes to succeed.
• Use exciting and refreshing language, and an engaging opening line.
• Ensure you grammar, punctuations, and spellings are accurate.
• Avoid exaggerated claims you cannot backup.
• Don’t use cliché generic terms and keep your focus on the course.

Keep the ending of your essay for master degree application concise and memorable, leaving no doubt in the admission officers mind that you deserve a spot on the program.

To create the best ending summarise all your key points without dragging it our or repeating yourself. The ending should be simple, end on a positive note and make it clear that the school will be lucky to have you on their program.

Personal Statement for Masters Sample

In this section, we have left a masters personal statement example for you, which you can use as material to write yours for any course of study you are applying to a school for.

Personal Statement PDF

You can also download this statement of purpose sample for masters degree pdf here and take your time to read it later – Personal Statement For Masters Sample .

See Also:  Student CV Template .

Examples of Personal Statement for Masters

We have taken the time to source for some of the best postgraduate personal statement examples, which you can use in addition to the personal statement for masters program example as a template to write yours.

While you scroll through our list, you will find the perfect masters essay example for any field you wish to apply for, from business administration, to Psychology, to information technology, and lots more.

1. msw personal statement

We have found one of the best msw personal statement examples out there for you.

social work masters personal statement .  

2. personal statement for masters in public health

mph personal statement examples

3. personal statement for masters in management

Personal statement for master degree sample for masters in management .  , 4. personal statement for masters in education example.

personal statement for masters in education example

5. psychology masters personal statement

psychology masters personal statement example

6. sample personal statement for masters in data science data science masters personal statement

7. speech and language therapy personal statement statement of purpose for masters sample: speech and language therapy

8. business administration personal statement personal statement for masters in business administration

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12. international development personal statement statement of purpose for masters example

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14. computer science masters personal statement

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15. personal statement for masters in economics statement of purpose sample for masters degree in economics

16. mha personal statement statement of purpose format for masters in health administration    

Conclusion – Things to Avoid When Writing A Personal Statement For Masters When writing a personal statement for university masters, there are some things you should avoid, so that you don’t ruin your essay. We have listed out those things below: •    Avoid negativity. •    Following an online template blindly. •    Do not include unnecessary course modules, personal facts, or extra-curricular activities in your personal statement. •    Do not lie or exaggerate an achievement or event. •    Do not include inspirational quotes to your statement. •    Avoid using clichés, gimmicks, humour, over-used word such as 'passion' or ‘driven’. •    Do not make pleading statements. •    Avoid mentioning key authors or professors in your field without any explanation. •    Avoid using sentences that are too long. •    Avoid flattering the organisation or using patronising terms. •    Do not repeat information in your statement that you have already listed in your application. •    Avoid waffling i.e., writing at length. •    Don’t start writing your personal statement at the last minute.  

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• Dietetic Personal Statement Examples

Our dietetics personal statement examples will give you inspiration and the edge you need to stand out in your university application and secure your spot in the programme. These examples will provide good guidance for applicants who are applying for Dietetic and Nutrition courses at UK universities . 

Read dietetic personal statements below. 

Dietetic Personal Statement

Unlocking the potential of a well-balanced diet to transform lives and promote healthier lifestyles – is my passion and my calling as a prospective dietitian. The importance of a well-balanced diet to a healthy lifestyle is something that I have always been aware of and I would like to help others achieve this by changing their dietary habits. With obesity rates on the rise, I believe that the role of dietitians will become increasingly important in addressing society’s health issues. 

My studies at Schoolcraft College in Subjects Allied to Healthcare have provided me with a solid foundation in chemistry and biology and have also given me a taste of the demands of university-level education. Additionally, I have attended various short courses on nutrition and dietetics, such as Kensington and Chelsea College’s course on Nutrition, Healthy Eating and Weight Management, which was particularly impactful as it was led by Antia Tull, whose books on nutrition have greatly influenced my understanding of the subject.

My previous work experience as a nanny has also played a significant role in my decision to pursue a career in dietetics. The close relationship that I formed with the children in my care and the role that food plays in their development made me realize the impact that a good-quality diet can have on a child’s long-term development and day-to-day behaviour. I have made it a personal mission to educate myself on nutrition and dietetics while working as a nanny to ensure that the children in my care are receiving the best possible start in life.

Furthermore, my experience as a sales assistant has taught me how to work well under pressure and as part of a team, both of which are important skills for healthcare professionals. My internship experience at Dr Andrew’s Nutrition further solidified my desire to pursue a career in dietetics. During my 6-month internship, I was able to gain hands-on experience in the field and learn about the various aspects of dietetics. It was a valuable opportunity that gave me a deeper understanding of the profession and the impact that dietitians can have on people’s lives.

My ultimate goal is to work as a pediatric dietitian, where I can combine my love of child care with my enthusiasm for nutrition and make a positive impact in the lives of children. I am excited about the possibility of achieving this goal through further education and training in the field of dietetics.

Dietetic Personal Statement Example

I am excited to apply for the dietetic course because of my long-standing interest in nutrition and my desire to work in the healthcare industry. My passion for chemistry, food science, and understanding how nutrition impacts the human body led me to pursue this career path. My biology A-level provided a foundation for my interest in the variations of dietary needs throughout the life cycle. Additionally, a week of shadowing a dietitian solidified my decision to pursue this career and exposed me to the various challenges and rewards of nutrition.

I believe that my A-level subjects in biology and chemistry will be beneficial as the programme is divided into academic and clinical components. The first year of the program focuses heavily on biochemistry, and my background in these subjects will aid in my understanding. Additionally, my math skills will be useful as the programme includes many calculations for determining specific dietary needs. While some aspects of the programme, such as behavioural sciences and professional studies, will be new to me, my work experience has given me a glimpse into these skills in practice.

Upon graduation, my goal is to work as a dietitian for the National Health Service in the UK. I consider myself to be organised, committed, and friendly, all traits that will serve me well in the field of dietetics. I am diligent in completing assignments on time and to a high standard, and I enjoy planning my days to ensure that tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. My drive to succeed is exemplified by my decision to attend a college with a more rigorous curriculum despite the added commute. Additionally, I am comfortable interacting with others in unfamiliar situations, an important skill in a career that relies heavily on communication.

In my spare time, I enjoy participating in a variety of activities that further develop my skills. I volunteer as a young guide leader for my local group, working towards a leadership qualification that will help me develop teamwork and leadership skills. Additionally, I am a member of a local gym to improve my fitness and build self-confidence, and I work part-time at a retail store, honing my customer service skills. Furthermore, I take part in my college’s enrichment programme, including IT and Queen’s Scout Award, which have provided me with qualifications in text production and developed my teamwork and leadership skills. I am eager to begin the dietetic course and contribute to the field through my dedication and passion for the subject.

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Nutritional and health sciences personal statement

• Reading time: 2 minutes
• Price: Free download
• Published: 19th July 2019
• Word count: 572 words
• File format: Text

According to the United States, there are approximately 678,000 deaths each year because of unhealthy eating diet. Health related problems are one of the major concerns in this 21st century. Health is an issue which will affect not only the individual but also the community. One of the main factors of maintaining an optimum positive health is the food consumption. Lack of nutritional foods will lead to nutrient deficiency diseases. Therefore, individuals will seek for nutritional advice to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The Master program in School of Nutrition and Health Sciences focuses on a variety of areas of nutrition and its relationship to human health and growth in both healthy and non-healthy individuals.

My name is Kxxxxxx Wxx, I am a Bachelor degree holder in Science, majoring in Food Science and Technology. Throughout my studies in Monash University Malaysia, I had learned the skills, concepts and principles of food science and technology. These includes regional food culture, industrial application of food science and technology, types of food materials and manufacturing process. I also studied the qualitative and quantitative analytical skills of foods, laboratory research technique, quality control in food science and technology and food processing. I am an active and enthusiastic student and I am looking forward to join the Master programme in Nutrition and Health Sciences at Taipei Medical University. A Master’s degree in Nutrition and Health Sciences will provide me with diverse career opportunities and allow me to practice nutrition in various areas. This includes public or private health care industry, health administration in governmental and non-governmental organization or institution, research and academia. Furthermore, the master degree in Nutrition and Health Sciences will strengthen my research skills abilities and will pave my way to gain my PhD degree in a similar field later. I have a strong interest in conducting research that are relevant to human health, nutrition and the association between human health and metabolism and diabetics.

My interest in Nutrition and Health Sciences started through my readings in this field. I found myself interested in nutrition and the impact of food on health. This major will be of utmost priority as I have already planned my career path. I am quite assured that Taipei Medical University is where my academic dreams will come true. Due to the increase in awareness of food nutrition and consumption and its direct effect towards human body, professional whom are specialized in nutrition and health sciences are highly needed in hope for a healthier society. Therefore, it is my ambition to educate and contribute my humble expertise to the society with the knowledge gained from the Taipei Medical University.

I am interested in Taipei Medical University because it is portrayed as a diverse university which is a home for international students. Taipei Medical University is also known for its great research resources and experienced faculty members. I am confident that I am equipped with the necessary requirements and qualifications to pursue my masters in Nutrition and Health sciences with flying colours. As an international student, it is of no doubt that the level of adaptation with the local culture is vital, but with sheer determination and perseverance, I am adamant that persistence is the key to success. With all my respect, I am hoping that the Admissions Committee finds my credentials suitable in this respect and guide me on the right path. I am looking forward to your humble reply. Thank you.

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Gre prep online guides and tips, 3 successful graduate school personal statement examples.

Looking for grad school personal statement examples? Look no further! In this total guide to graduate school personal statement examples, we’ll discuss why you need a personal statement for grad school and what makes a good one. Then we’ll provide three graduate school personal statement samples from our grad school experts. After that, we’ll do a deep dive on one of our personal statement for graduate school examples. Finally, we’ll wrap up with a list of other grad school personal statements you can find online.

Why Do You Need a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a chance for admissions committees to get to know you: your goals and passions, what you’ll bring to the program, and what you’re hoping to get out of the program.  You need to sell the admissions committee on what makes you a worthwhile applicant. The personal statement is a good chance to highlight significant things about you that don’t appear elsewhere on your application.

A personal statement is slightly different from a statement of purpose (also known as a letter of intent). A statement of purpose/letter of intent tends to be more tightly focused on your academic or professional credentials and your future research and/or professional interests.

While a personal statement also addresses your academic experiences and goals, you have more leeway to be a little more, well, personal. In a personal statement, it’s often appropriate to include information on significant life experiences or challenges that aren’t necessarily directly relevant to your field of interest.

Some programs ask for both a personal statement and a statement of purpose/letter of intent. In this case, the personal statement is likely to be much more tightly focused on your life experience and personality assets while the statement of purpose will focus in much more on your academic/research experiences and goals.

However, there’s not always a hard-and-fast demarcation between a personal statement and a statement of purpose. The two statement types should address a lot of the same themes, especially as relates to your future goals and the valuable assets you bring to the program. Some programs will ask for a personal statement but the prompt will be focused primarily on your research and professional experiences and interests. Some will ask for a statement of purpose but the prompt will be more focused on your general life experiences.

When in doubt, give the program what they are asking for in the prompt and don’t get too hung up on whether they call it a personal statement or statement of purpose. You can always call the admissions office to get more clarification on what they want you to address in your admissions essay.

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What Makes a Good Grad School Personal Statement?

A great graduate school personal statement can come in many forms and styles. However, strong grad school personal statement examples all share the same following elements:

A Clear Narrative

Above all, a good personal statement communicates clear messages about what makes you a strong applicant who is likely to have success in graduate school. So to that extent, think about a couple of key points that you want to communicate about yourself and then drill down on how you can best communicate those points. (Your key points should of course be related to what you can bring to the field and to the program specifically).

You can also decide whether to address things like setbacks or gaps in your application as part of your narrative. Have a low GPA for a couple semesters due to a health issue? Been out of a job for a while taking care of a family member? If you do decide to explain an issue like this, make sure that the overall arc is more about demonstrating positive qualities like resilience and diligence than about providing excuses.

Specific Examples

A great statement of purpose uses specific examples to illustrate its key messages. This can include anecdotes that demonstrate particular traits or even references to scholars and works that have influenced your academic trajectory to show that you are familiar and insightful about the relevant literature in your field.

Just saying “I love plants,” is pretty vague. Describing how you worked in a plant lab during undergrad and then went home and carefully cultivated your own greenhouse where you cross-bred new flower colors by hand is much more specific and vivid, which makes for better evidence.

A strong personal statement will describe why you are a good fit for the program, and why the program is a good fit for you. It’s important to identify specific things about the program that appeal to you, and how you’ll take advantage of those opportunities. It’s also a good idea to talk about specific professors you might be interested in working with. This shows that you are informed about and genuinely invested in the program.

Strong Writing

Even quantitative and science disciplines typically require some writing, so it’s important that your personal statement shows strong writing skills. Make sure that you are communicating clearly and that you don’t have any grammar and spelling errors. It’s helpful to get other people to read your statement and provide feedback. Plan on going through multiple drafts.

Another important thing here is to avoid cliches and gimmicks. Don’t deploy overused phrases and openings like “ever since I was a child.” Don’t structure your statement in a gimmicky way (i.e., writing a faux legal brief about yourself for a law school statement of purpose). The first will make your writing banal; the second is likely to make you stand out in a bad way.

Appropriate Boundaries

While you can be more personal in a personal statement than in a statement of purpose, it’s important to maintain appropriate boundaries in your writing. Don’t overshare anything too personal about relationships, bodily functions, or illegal activities. Similarly, don’t share anything that makes it seem like you may be out of control, unstable, or an otherwise risky investment. The personal statement is not a confessional booth. If you share inappropriately, you may seem like you have bad judgment, which is a huge red flag to admissions committees.

You should also be careful with how you deploy humor and jokes. Your statement doesn’t have to be totally joyless and serious, but bear in mind that the person reading the statement may not have the same sense of humor as you do. When in doubt, err towards the side of being as inoffensive as possible.

Just as being too intimate in your statement can hurt you, it’s also important not to be overly formal or staid. You should be professional, but conversational.

Graduate School Personal Statement Examples

Our graduate school experts have been kind enough to provide some successful grad school personal statement examples. We’ll provide three examples here, along with brief analysis of what makes each one successful.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School 1

PDF of Sample Personal Statement 1 – Japanese Studies

For this Japanese Studies master’s degree, the applicant had to provide a statement of purpose outlining her academic goals and experience with Japanese and a separate personal statement describing her personal relationship with Japanese Studies and what led her to pursue a master’s degree.

Here’s what’s successful about this personal statement:

• An attention-grabbing beginning: The applicant begins with the statement that Japanese has never come easily to her and that it’s a brutal language to learn. Seeing as how this is an application for a Japanese Studies program, this is an intriguing beginning that makes the reader want to keep going.
• A compelling narrative: From this attention-grabbing beginning, the applicant builds a well-structured and dramatic narrative tracking her engagement with the Japanese language over time. The clear turning point is her experience studying abroad, leading to a resolution in which she has clarity about her plans. Seeing as how the applicant wants to be a translator of Japanese literature, the tight narrative structure here is a great way to show her writing skills.
• Specific examples that show important traits: The applicant clearly communicates both a deep passion for Japanese through examples of her continued engagement with Japanese and her determination and work ethic by highlighting the challenges she’s faced (and overcome) in her study of the language. This gives the impression that she is an engaged and dedicated student.

Overall, this is a very strong statement both in terms of style and content. It flows well, is memorable, and communicates that the applicant would make the most of the graduate school experience.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School 2

PDF of Sample Graduate School Personal Statement 2 – Musical Composition

This personal statement for a Music Composition master’s degree discusses the factors that motivate the applicant to pursue graduate study.

Here’s what works well in this statement:

• The applicant provides two clear reasons motivating the student to pursue graduate study: her experiences with music growing up, and her family’s musical history. She then supports those two reasons with examples and analysis.
• The description of her ancestors’ engagement with music is very compelling and memorable. The applicant paints her own involvement with music as almost inevitable based on her family’s long history with musical pursuits.
• The applicant gives thoughtful analysis of the advantages she has been afforded that have allowed her to study music so extensively. We get the sense that she is insightful and empathetic—qualities that would add greatly to any academic community.

This is a strong, serviceable personal statement. And in truth, given that this for a masters in music composition, other elements of the application (like work samples) are probably the most important.  However, here are two small changes I would make to improve it:

• I would probably to split the massive second paragraph into 2-3 separate paragraphs. I might use one paragraph to orient the reader to the family’s musical history, one paragraph to discuss Giacomo and Antonio, and one paragraph to discuss how the family has influenced the applicant. As it stands, it’s a little unwieldy and the second paragraph doesn’t have a super-clear focus even though it’s all loosely related to the applicant’s family history with music.
• I would also slightly shorten the anecdote about the applicant’s ancestors and expand more on how this family history has motivated the applicant’s interest in music. In what specific ways has her ancestors’ perseverance inspired her? Did she think about them during hard practice sessions? Is she interested in composing music in a style they might have played? More specific examples here would lend greater depth and clarity to the statement.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School 3

PDF of Sample Graduate School Personal Statement 3 – Public Health

This is my successful personal statement for Columbia’s Master’s program in Public Health. We’ll do a deep dive on this statement paragraph-by-paragraph in the next section, but I’ll highlight a couple of things that work in this statement here:

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• This statement is clearly organized. Almost every paragraph has a distinct focus and message, and when I move on to a new idea, I move on to a new paragraph with a logical transitions.
• This statement covers a lot of ground in a pretty short space. I discuss my family history, my goals, my educational background, and my professional background. But because the paragraphs are organized and I use specific examples, it doesn’t feel too vague or scattered.
• In addition to including information about my personal motivations, like my family, I also include some analysis about tailoring health interventions with my example of the Zande. This is a good way to show off what kinds of insights I might bring to the program based on my academic background.

Grad School Personal Statement Example: Deep Dive

Now let’s do a deep dive, paragraph-by-paragraph, on one of these sample graduate school personal statements. We’ll use my personal statement that I used when I applied to Columbia’s public health program.

Paragraph One: For twenty-three years, my grandmother (a Veterinarian and an Epidemiologist) ran the Communicable Disease Department of a mid-sized urban public health department. The stories of Grandma Betty doggedly tracking down the named sexual partners of the infected are part of our family lore. Grandma Betty would persuade people to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases, encourage safer sexual practices, document the spread of infection and strive to contain and prevent it. Indeed, due to the large gay population in the city where she worked, Grandma Betty was at the forefront of the AIDS crises, and her analysis contributed greatly towards understanding how the disease was contracted and spread. My grandmother has always been a huge inspiration to me, and the reason why a career in public health was always on my radar.

This is an attention-grabbing opening anecdote that avoids most of the usual cliches about childhood dreams and proclivities. This story also subtly shows that I have a sense of public health history, given the significance of the AIDs crisis for public health as a field.

It’s good that I connect this family history to my own interests. However, if I were to revise this paragraph again, I might cut down on some of the detail because when it comes down to it, this story isn’t really about me. It’s important that even (sparingly used) anecdotes about other people ultimately reveal something about you in a personal statement.

Paragraph Two: Recent years have cemented that interest. In January 2012, my parents adopted my little brother Fred from China. Doctors in America subsequently diagnosed Fred with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). My parents were told that if Fred’s condition had been discovered in China, the (very poor) orphanage in which he spent the first 8+ years of his life would have recognized his DMD as a death sentence and denied him sustenance to hasten his demise.

Here’s another compelling anecdote to help explain my interest in public health. This is an appropriately personal detail for a personal statement—it’s a serious thing about my immediate family, but it doesn’t disclose anything that the admissions committee might find concerning or inappropriate.

If I were to take another pass through this paragraph, the main thing I would change is the last phrase. “Denied him sustenance to hasten his demise” is a little flowery. “Denied him food to hasten his death” is actually more powerful because it’s clearer and more direct.

Paragraph Three: It is not right that some people have access to the best doctors and treatment while others have no medical care. I want to pursue an MPH in Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia because studying social factors in health, with a particular focus on socio-health inequities, will prepare me to address these inequities. The interdisciplinary approach of the program appeals to me greatly as I believe interdisciplinary approaches are the most effective way to develop meaningful solutions to complex problems.

In this paragraph I make a neat and clear transition from discussing what sparked my interest in public health and health equity to what I am interested in about Columbia specifically: the interdisciplinary focus of the program, and how that focus will prepare me to solve complex health problems. This paragraph also serves as a good pivot point to start discussing my academic and professional background.

Paragraph Four: My undergraduate education has prepared me well for my chosen career. Understanding the underlying structure of a group’s culture is essential to successfully communicating with the group. In studying folklore and mythology, I’ve learned how to parse the unspoken structures of folk groups, and how those structures can be used to build bridges of understanding. For example, in a culture where most illnesses are believed to be caused by witchcraft, as is the case for the Zande people of central Africa, any successful health intervention or education program would of necessity take into account their very real belief in witchcraft.

In this paragraph, I link my undergraduate education and the skills I learned there to public health. The (very brief) analysis of tailoring health interventions to the Zande is a good way to show insight and show off the competencies I would bring to the program.

Paragraph Five: I now work in the healthcare industry for one of the largest providers of health benefits in the world. In addition to reigniting my passion for data and quantitative analytics, working for this company has immersed me in the business side of healthcare, a critical component of public health.

This brief paragraph highlights my relevant work experience in the healthcare industry. It also allows me to mention my work with data and quantitative analytics, which isn’t necessarily obvious from my academic background, which was primarily based in the social sciences.

Paragraph Six: I intend to pursue a PhD in order to become an expert in how social factors affect health, particularly as related to gender and sexuality. I intend to pursue a certificate in Sexuality, Sexual Health, and Reproduction. Working together with other experts to create effective interventions across cultures and societies, I want to help transform health landscapes both in America and abroad.

This final paragraph is about my future plans and intentions. Unfortunately, it’s a little disjointed, primarily because I discuss goals of pursuing a PhD before I talk about what certificate I want to pursue within the MPH program! Switching those two sentences and discussing my certificate goals within the MPH and then mentioning my PhD plans would make a lot more sense.

I also start two sentences in a row with “I intend,” which is repetitive.

The final sentence is a little bit generic; I might tailor it to specifically discuss a gender and sexual health issue, since that is the primary area of interest I’ve identified.

This was a successful personal statement; I got into (and attended!) the program. It has strong examples, clear organization, and outlines what interests me about the program (its interdisciplinary focus) and what competencies I would bring (a background in cultural analysis and experience with the business side of healthcare). However, a few slight tweaks would elevate this statement to the next level.

Graduate School Personal Statement Examples You Can Find Online

So you need more samples for your personal statement for graduate school? Examples are everywhere on the internet, but they aren’t all of equal quality.

Most of examples are posted as part of writing guides published online by educational institutions. We’ve rounded up some of the best ones here if you are looking for more personal statement examples for graduate school.

Penn State Personal Statement Examples for Graduate School

This selection of ten short personal statements for graduate school and fellowship programs offers an interesting mix of approaches. Some focus more on personal adversity while others focus more closely on professional work within the field.

The writing in some of these statements is a little dry, and most deploy at least a few cliches. However, these are generally strong, serviceable statements that communicate clearly why the student is interested in the field, their skills and competencies, and what about the specific program appeals to them.

Cal State Sample Graduate School Personal Statements

These are good examples of personal statements for graduate school where students deploy lots of very vivid imagery and illustrative anecdotes of life experiences. There are also helpful comments about what works in each of these essays.

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However, all of these statements are definitely pushing the boundaries of acceptable length, as all are above 1000 and one is almost 1500 words! Many programs limit you to 500 words; if you don’t have a limit, you should try to keep it to two single-spaced pages at most (which is about 1000 words).

University of Chicago Personal Statement for Graduate School Examples

These examples of successful essays to the University of Chicago law school cover a wide range of life experiences and topics. The writing in all is very vivid, and all communicate clear messages about the students’ strengths and competencies.

Note, however, that these are all essays that specifically worked for University of Chicago law school. That does not mean that they would work everywhere. In fact, one major thing to note is that many of these responses, while well-written and vivid, barely address the students’ interest in law school at all! This is something that might not work well for most graduate programs.

Wheaton College Personal Statement for Graduate School Sample 10

This successful essay for law school from a Wheaton College undergraduate does a great job tracking the student’s interest in the law in a compelling and personal way. Wheaton offers other graduate school personal statement examples, but this one offers the most persuasive case for the students’ competencies. The student accomplishes this by using clear, well-elaborated examples, showing strong and vivid writing, and highlighting positive qualities like an interest in justice and empathy without seeming grandiose or out of touch.

Wheaton College Personal Statement for Graduate School Sample 1

Based on the background information provided at the bottom of the essay, this essay was apparently successful for this applicant. However, I’ve actually included this essay because it demonstrates an extremely risky approach. While this personal statement is strikingly written and the story is very memorable, it could definitely communicate the wrong message to some admissions committees. The student’s decision not to report the drill sergeant may read incredibly poorly to some admissions committees. They may wonder if the student’s failure to report the sergeant’s violence will ultimately expose more soldiers-in-training to the same kinds of abuses. This incident perhaps reads especially poorly in light of the fact that the military has such a notable problem with violence against women being covered up and otherwise mishandled

It’s actually hard to get a complete picture of the student’s true motivations from this essay, and what we have might raise real questions about the student’s character to some admissions committees. This student took a risk and it paid off, but it could have just as easily backfired spectacularly.

Key Takeaways: Graduate School Personal Statement Examples

In this guide, we discussed why you need a personal statement and how it differs from a statement of purpose. (It’s more personal!)

We also discussed what you’ll find in a strong sample personal statement for graduate school:

• A clear narrative about the applicant and why they are qualified for graduate study.
• Specific examples to support that narrative.
• Compelling reasons why the applicant and the program are a good fit for each other.
• Strong writing, including clear organization and error-free, cliche-free language.
• Appropriate boundaries—sharing without over-sharing.

Then, we provided three strong graduate school personal statement examples for different fields, along with analysis. We did a deep-dive on the third statement.

Finally, we provided a list of other sample grad school personal statements online.

What’s Next?

Want more advice on writing a personal statement ? See our guide.

Writing a graduate school statement of purpose? See our statement of purpose samples  and a nine-step process for writing the best statement of purpose possible .

If you’re writing a graduate school CV or resume, see our how-to guide to writing a CV , a how-to guide to writing a resume , our list of sample resumes and CVs , resume and CV templates , and a special guide for writing resume objectives .

Need stellar graduate school recommendation letters ? See our guide.

See our 29 tips for successfully applying to graduate school .

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Author: Ellen McCammon

Ellen is a public health graduate student and education expert. She has extensive experience mentoring students of all ages to reach their goals and in-depth knowledge on a variety of health topics. View all posts by Ellen McCammon

Nutritional Science (Dietetics), MS

• Program description
• At a glance
• Degree requirements
• Admission requirements
• Tuition information
• Attend online
• Application deadlines
• Program learning outcomes
• Career opportunities
• Contact information

ALLIED HEALTH, Clinical Nutrition, Dietitian, Food, Health, Nutrition, Nutritionist, Research, Wellness, fitness

Once you know the proper techniques and methods for reading and successfully interpreting evidence-based nutrition research, you'll be at the leading edge of nutritional science.

The MS program in nutritional science with a concentration in dietetics is a nonthesis option for registered dietitian nutritionists and those with a verification statement from a didactic program in dietetics who are seeking to continue their education and advance their skills as practitioners.

The program emphasizes the scientific foundations of nutrition and prepares students to have interpretive expertise, problem-solving skills, strong writing skills and computer literacy.

Designed with working professionals' and students' learning preferences in mind, the program is completely online and can be completed either full time or part time. It is an ideal option for busy schedules, with multiple start dates each year and course lengths of 7.5 weeks.

• College/school: College of Health Solutions
• Location: Online

30 credit hours including the required applied project course (NTR 593)

Required Core (3 credit hours) EXW 501 Research Statistics (3) or NTR 502 Statistics in Research (3)

Concentration (9 credit hours) NTR 501 Research Methods in Nutrition (3) NTR 503 Designing Health Behavior Change Interventions (3) NTR 519 Nutrition Therapies for Eating Disorders and Addictions (3) NTR 520 Nutrition-Focused Physical Assessment (3) NTR 524 Chronic Inflammation and Metabolic Syndrome: The Common Pathway for Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes (3) NTR 525 Complementary Nutrition (3) NTR 529 Pediatric Nutrition (3) NTR 533 Food Systems, Ethics and the American Diet (3) NTR 535 Nutrigenomics (3) NTR 537 Evidence-based Nutrition (3) NTR 551 Geriatric Nutrition (3) NTR 555 Nutrition and the Athlete (3) NTR 598 Special Topics (3)

Research (3 credit hours) NTR 500 Research Methods (3)

Open Electives (9 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) NTR 593 Applied Project (6)

Additional Curriculum Information Students may take three additional courses from the concentration area to fulfill the open electives requirement. Other graduate courses may be applied toward open electives with program approval.

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Health Solutions.

Applicants must be either a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) or have completed an accredited didactic program in dietetics (DPD), and provide either a copy of the RDN credential or the DPD verification statement with their application.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• proof of registered dietitian status or DPD verification statement
• resume or curriculum vitae
• personal statement
• two references (one professional; one academic or professional)
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Applicants with RDN certification need to submit proof of registered dietitian status by accessing the Commission on Dietetic Registration's website ( https://www.cdrnet.org ) and complete the verification process using the online credential verification search. Applicants have who completed an accredited DPD need to provide a DPD verification statement with their application.

A personal statement of one or two pages (typed, double-spaced) is required and must address the following:

• significant professional responsibilities the applicant has held
• professional goals and reasons for desiring to enroll in this program
• strengths that will help the applicant succeed in this program and in reaching their professional goals
• personal interests in research, including, if applicable, studies involving the practice of dietetics

Contact information for the two references is required. References will be contacted via email to respond to a series of questions about the applicant. At least one reference must be an employer or supervisor.

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

• Students will be able to evaluate scientific research using appropriate design and ethical principles.
• Graduates will be able to create public health recommendations on health and disease for populations and individuals, using evidence-based nutrition research.
• Graduates will be able to analyze data using statistical software to test a research hypothesis.

Nutritional science is a vital, growing profession with many career possibilities. In this field, graduates share their knowledge of food and nutrition to help people make healthful food choices.

Settings in which food and nutrition careers can be found include:

• community and public health organizations
• corporations
• food manufacturing industries
• government agencies
• hospitals and other medical facilities
• long-term care facilities
• nonprofit organizations

College of Health Solutions | HLTHN 401AA [email protected] 602-496-3300

The Future RD

College advice | di help | rd stories, how to write the best personal statement for a dietetic internship.

Happy Tuesday y’all! Today’s post comes as many of you are completing your final edits on your dietetic internship applications and personal statements. (Keep on keeping on y’all; you’re doing fantastic!) Today’s post is not on what you should cover in your personal statement, like many other creators in the field have done an amazing job sharing through blog posts or filmed videos. Instead, this article discusses one specific point: how to personalize your personal statement for a dietetic internship.

In my opinion, a key way to set yourself apart is by showing that you fit perfectly with the internship. This is what today’s post explains in three simple steps.

1. Do Your Research on Dietetic Internships

In order to personalize your personal statement for a dietetic internship, you have to know what it’s about. Just like applying for a job, it’s important to research the school and its program. Think about:

• What are the program’s values?
• Where will you earn rotation hours?
• What does the internship emphasize through its concentration?
• Does the program ask you to move to another area or will you work near the school the whole time?
• And how competitive is the program?

Answering questions like these will help you evaluate whether you’re interested in applying before you put all your time and effort into it! Here are a couple of great places to look for information.

School website

The school’s website will probably be the best source of easily accessible information on an internship. A dietetic internship’s website will explain at the very least, what you need to apply, where the program is located, what the program timeline is, and what the concentration is in. Sometimes a website will also include a dietetic intern handbook, possible rotation sites, and intern-created content such as videos, example assignments, or testimonies.

People connected to the school

If the school’s website doesn’t explain everything you’re looking for, consider talking to people connected to the dietetic internship! This could be the program director or former interns, for example. Open houses, both in-person and online, are also a fantastic way to get a more in-depth understanding of an internship. If you aren’t able to attend an in-person meeting or would like to show some initiative, consider reaching out via email to someone. They can help answer questions you couldn’t find answers to anywhere else.

Sometimes, either the dietetic internship or interns will post YouTube videos related to the program. Although these are less common, it never hurts to do a quick search, as the ones that I’ve found are always highly informative.

Last but not least, consider searching my site for dietetic internships ! I write articles that do all the legwork for you and summarize everything I can find into one amazing article. Although the number of internships I’ve researched is low now, I’m always adding more to the collection. If there is one that you’d like to see on the site, leave a comment on this post and I’ll let you know!

2. Consider What You Appreciate

So you’ve done your research and know all you can about the dietetic internships you’ve chosen. The next step is to review everything you’ve learned and consider what is meaningful to you. If you’re set on working in a certain setting or specialization, maybe it’s that the program has a concentration in that. Maybe the program has an elective rotation that would empower you to craft your own journey. Maybe the program emphasizes resumes when looking at applications and yours looks terrific! Your situation and connection to each school will be unique to you and only you can decide what you like.

I want to add that while price or location might be something that’s important to you, you should be able to bring to light other reasons that you appreciate a dietetic internship. These will enable you to connect more powerfully with the internship.

3. Connect the Dots

Now that you know the programs and what you value in them, it’s time to apply that to each personal statement for a dietetic internship. As you write, ask yourself: “What can I reveal about myself that shows I am an incredible pick for this internship?”

When I applied to dietetic internships, my top pick was Montana State University (MSU) (I wrote about their dietetic internship , which led me to apply and eventually be accepted!)

Here’s a personal example from my statement that I tailored to MSU:

After completing my undergraduate degree, I’ll complete the dietetic internship at MSU, become a registered dietitian, and earn a master’s in nutrition science. Although my undergraduate degree and the internship will provide a great foundation for my career, I look forward to the deeper study that will come through the graduate degree in topics like obesity and food innovation and entrepreneurship.

I like that I tied what I had learned from my sources into my future plans. Because I knew I would be applying to the MS/DI program (meaning I would complete the dietetic internship with a master’s degree), I researched the degree and incorporated some of the topics here in this section and throughout my personal statement.

Some advice you might have heard elsewhere about writing your personal statement is sharing a weakness of yours. Some internships even require it as part of your essay! Here’s how I approached that for MSU:

One weakness in my application is that I don’t have much experience with sustainable food systems. But I’m applying to MSU because I believe that understanding this area of nutrition will be vital in the future. The world’s resources are dwindling, and consumers are starting to examine their foods’ impact on the environment. As a dietitian, I’ll need to identify sustainable foods, so I can share with clients in my future private practice. Even before I start my private practice, I’d personally appreciate knowing more about this area so I can apply what I’ve learned to my life.

It’s not necessarily a bad thing to not know much about your program’s concentration. MSU’s dietetic internship has a concentration in Sustainable Food Systems, which means learning about how to evolve the way food is produced, distributed, and consumed to support the health of people and the planet. Although people might choose a dietetic internship for its concentration because they want to go into it, I had no prior experience with this concentration. Instead, I chose it because it was so unique. (Also notice how I shared why this part of the program was important to me and my future.)

To personalize your personal statement for dietetic internships, you need to remember these three things:

• Do your research
• Decide what matters
• Connect the dots

I hope this article left you feeling more empowered to push through the last of your applications. Good luck to you all! Be sure to celebrate all the amazing work you’ve put into not just your application but improving yourself.

Are you applying to dietetic internships? What sources have you used?

Until next time, Emmalee

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Earning A Master’s In Nutrition: A Complete Guide

Updated: Nov 16, 2023, 9:38am

Making a positive impact in nutrition requires empathy, compassion and a passion for health and wellness. But that’s not all it takes to succeed in a nutrition career , especially as many areas of the field are implementing stricter employment criteria. Your education matters, too.

If you want to pursue a career as a registered dietitian , a clinical nutritionist or another advanced role in the nutrition field, you’ll need a master’s in nutrition. Completing an accredited graduate program in nutrition is a great way to kick off your career.

In this guide, we explore what it takes to earn a master’s degree in nutrition, including admission requirements, specializations, common courses and popular career paths for graduates. Read on to learn more about this degree.

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What Is a Master’s in Nutrition?

A master’s degree in nutrition is a graduate-level program that typically takes one to two years to complete. Students gain an advanced knowledge of human nutrition, including its molecular, biochemical and physiological aspects.

Specific coursework varies by institution but covers topics related to nutrition, health and research, such as biostatistics, metabolism and food science. Some programs may also require a seminar in nutrition, a master’s thesis or an internship to enhance students’ knowledge and qualifications.

A master’s in nutrition equips learners with an understanding of how food choices and nutrient metabolism affect overall health and well-being. The degree qualifies graduates to work in various nutrition and dietetics roles in both research and clinical settings.

Admission Requirements for a Master’s in Nutrition

Although specific requirements vary by institution, you must hold a bachelor’s degree to gain admission to a master’s in nutrition program. Majoring in a relevant discipline, such as food science or nutrition, at the undergraduate level is recommended but not necessary.

If your undergraduate major was unrelated to nutrition, you may have to complete foundational courses in topics like biology, chemistry, physiology and nutrition science before entering a master’s in nutrition program.

Other common admission requirements include:

• Minimum undergraduate GPA
• Letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts
• Personal statement

Specializations for a Master’s in Nutrition

Individuals pursuing a master’s in nutrition can choose from several specializations. While offerings vary among programs, common options include those listed below.

• Nutritional science: Designed for students interested in careers in scientific academia, government agencies or research institutes, and those interested in pursuing a doctoral degree
• Medical nutrition: Intended for aspiring healthcare professionals, as well as current medical professionals interested in applying nutritional sciences to healthcare
• Nutrition and human performance: Designed for students interested in becoming dietetics practitioners with a focus on evidence-based clinical applications of nutrition
• Nutrition education: Intended for those interested in designing nutrition-education programs, investigating the relationship between nutrition and disease, and planning public health initiatives

Common Courses in a Master’s in Nutrition Program

The specific classes you take may differ based on your chosen school and program. Here are some popular courses.

Life Cycle Nutrition

This class covers nutritional needs at various stages of development, from conception to adolescence and beyond. Students develop a solid grasp of the biological basis for nutrition requirements. They examine the implications of under-nourishment and over-nourishment, learning ways to address these issues.

Nutrition and Metabolism

This course focuses on essential vitamin and mineral requirements and metabolism. It covers how nutrient imbalances impact specific biochemical functions in the body. Students learn what amounts of specific nutrients are required to support metabolic pathways and how nutrients are digested and absorbed.

Vitamins and Minerals

In this course, learners study micronutrients’ role in maintaining human health at a cellular level. They broaden their knowledge of vitamins and minerals to identify potential applications in disease prevention.

Sports Nutrition

This class provides an overview of the specific nutrient needs of athletes, including the role of macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates and fats) in energy metabolism during training and recovery. Students learn about weight, body composition and guidelines for adequate nutrition for athletes.

Accreditation for Master’s in Nutrition

The Accreditation Council for Education and Dietetics (ACEND®) is the accrediting agency for higher education programs that prepare students to become registered dietitians (RDs) and registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs). ACEND evaluates the educational quality of nutrition and dietetics degree programs to determine accreditation status.

ACEND accredits more than 600 nutrition degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. As of January 1, 2024, anyone aiming to become an RD or an RDN needs a master’s degree from an ACEND-accredited program.

Master’s in Nutrition vs. Master’s in Dietetics: What’s the Difference?

While both a master’s in nutrition and a master’s in dietetics focus on nutrition and prepare learners for careers in the field, there are important differences between the two degrees.

• Master’s in nutrition: This degree is geared toward nutrition science related to the biochemistry, physiology and metabolism of nutrients. While the degree involves conducting research and understanding the impact of nutrition on disease prevention, its focus is on understanding how food affects the body on a cellular level.
• Master’s in dietetics: This degree focuses on translating nutrition science into practical interventions to be applied to individuals or groups. These programs develop skills in areas like medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition, food management and counseling techniques. In this program, students explore leading research and practices in the field, including supervised clinical experiences.

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Nutrition?

Below we list several career options available in nutrition and show the necessary qualifications for each. Though not every job included here requires a master’s degree in nutrition, earning a master’s can open doors to higher-level positions and promote stronger earning potential.

We sourced salary data for this section from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , Payscale and Glassdoor in November 2023.

Certified Health Education Specialist

Median Annual Salary: $59,990 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in public health or a related field Job Overview: Health educators develop and implement educational programs to address specific health issues, focusing on nutrition and disease prevention. They work in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, government agencies and community organizations. To earn certification, these professionals must pass the Certified Health Education Specialist® exam.

Registered Dietitian

Median Annual Salary: $66,450 Minimum Required Education: Master’s degree in dietetics or a related field from an ACEND-accredited institution Job Overview: Registered dietitians specialize in food and nutrition, providing personalized guidance and support to help their clients eat healthier. They used evidence-based practices to evaluate an individual’s nutritional needs, considering their medical history, lifestyle and health conditions. They may also develop customized meal plans, provide nutrition counseling and track their patient’s progress.

To become registered, dietitians must pass an exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

Public Health Nutritionist

Median Annual Salary: Approximately $81,000 Minimum Required Education: Master’s degree from an ACEND-accredited institution and passing score on CDR exam Job Overview: Public health nutritionists advocate for healthy eating habits. They may conduct surveys and interviews and gather data to analyze their community’s nutritional needs. They then create programs to address concerns and improve nutrition. Public health nutritionists may target specific groups, such as pregnant people or adults with Type 2 diabetes. Their goal is to provide access to well-balanced food to prevent nutrition-related diseases.

Clinical Nutrition Manager

Average Annual Salary: Approximately $71,000 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences or a related field; master’s sometimes required Job Overview: These healthcare professionals specialize in managing individuals’ nutritional needs in clinical settings, such as hospitals and long-term care facilities. They work with doctors and dietitians to ensure patients receive the nutrition required to support their treatment plans and specific medical conditions.

Food Scientist

Median Annual Salary: $79,860 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in food science or a related discipline; master’s sometimes required Job Overview: A food scientist uses chemistry and biology to research potential ways to improve food production, including food products’ safety, quality and nutrient content. They may develop new products, improve existing ones, analyze food composition and create new processing methods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Earning a Master's in Nutrition

Is it worth getting a master’s in nutrition.

If you have a genuine interest in nutrition and a desire to help people improve their health, consider a career in nutrition. If you want to fast-track your growth and earn a higher salary, a master’s degree is worth it.

What is the highest-paying nutrition job?

Keep in mind that salaries for nutrition careers vary based on experience, certifications, education level and geographic location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest-earning dietitians and nutritionists—those in the top 10%—brought home at least $95,130 per year as of May 2022.

What degree is best for a nutritionist?

If you’re interested in becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist, a master’s degree in nutrition from an ACEND-accredited program is the best place to start.

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Heidi Borst is a freelance journalist, healthcare content writer and certified nutrition coach with a love of all things health and wellness. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic, Good Housekeeping, MSN, Yahoo and more. Based in Wilmington, North Carolina, Borst is a lifelong runner and general fitness enthusiast who is passionate about the physical and mental benefits of sleep and self-care.

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Nutrition Graduate Program

Enhance you career with a graduate degree in Nutrition at the Department of Food Science and Nutrition UMN-Twin Cities. Our program offers multiple degree options and you'll have the opportunity to work with world-class researchers and instructors.

Whether your interests lie in physiology, biochemistry, clinical nutrition, community nutrition, or dietetics, we have opportunities for you.

+ About the Program

The interdisciplinary Nutrition Graduate Program at the University of Minnesota draws on faculty, courses, and facilities University-wide. With this approach we offer you the opportunity to tailor a program to your specific interests, using the resources of departments from several University schools and colleges

In order to provide the most complete educational experience possible, we emphasize the value of both research and teaching experience for our graduate students. The Nutrition Graduate Program offers opportunities to conduct research with a diverse faculty from many different departments within the University. These faculty members bring sponsored grants from the  National Institutes of Health ,  U.S. Department of Agriculture ,  Veterans Administration , and from various food/health industries and commodity groups. Nutrition research opportunities are available in many areas, including dietary fiber, cancer, cardiovascular disease, maternal and child nutrition, phytochemicals, antioxidants, energy metabolism, exercise and nutrition and nutrition education.

Departments or divisions that participate in the Nutrition Graduate Program:

• Food Science and Nutrition ( College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences )
• Epidemiology  ( School of Public Health )
• Masters in Public Health Nutrition  ( School of Public Health )
• Kinesiology  ( College of Education )
• Biochemistry  ( School of Medicine )
• Pediatrics  ( School of Medicine )
• Psychiatry  ( School of Medicine )

Your potential for personal and professional fulfillment in the field of nutrition is virtually unlimited. Career opportunities continue to grow rapidly with the search for solutions to nutrition-related problems.

An advanced nutrition degree will qualify you to:

• conduct research in colleges and universities
• teach in colleges and universities
• hold nutrition-related positions in government, healthcare facilities, commodity organizations, corporations and industry
• administer food service or international food or agriculture programs

Also, if you complete the additional graduate requirements to become a Registered Dietitian, you may practice as a dietitian in research, clinical, or food service settings.

These are some examples of where our Nutrition Graduate Program Students have gone after graduation:

• Faculty member, Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M, Kingsville
• Faculty member, Department of Preventive Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
• Faculty member, Department of Nutrition, Pennsylvania State University
• Coordinator, Center for Education and Leadership in Maternal and Child Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota
• Faculty member, Frederick Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
• Faculty member, Department of Nutrition, Utah State University, Logan, Utah
• Nutrition Group, Research and Development, Kraft Foods
• Clinical Dietitian, University Hospital, University of Minnesota
• Research and Development, Novartis Nutrition Corporation
• Research Associate, Clinical Research Center, University of Minnesota School of Medicine

+ Information for Prospective Students

M.S., M.P.S., and Ph.D. programs are offered in Nutrition. In 2018-2019 we had 45 applications and admitted 20 students. 

For more information, please contact Andrew Howe at  [email protected]

If you are interested in our program to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), you should contact Corrie Marion at  [email protected]

Application Requirements

Applicants to the program need a bachelor’s degree in any field or its international equivalent and prerequisite coursework. Most international applicants are also required to submit proof of English language proficiency ( click here for more information ).

Prerequisite Coursework

(at least one college level term completed)

• General Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Introductory Biology
• Biochemistry
• Nutrition coursework which may be taken after beginning the program:
• Principles of Nutrition*
• Lifecycle Nutrition*
• Advanced Human Nutrition* (a course which has chemistry, human physiology and a basic nutrition course as prerequisites)

Marked (*) courses may be taken after admission. In rare cases, a student with an especially strong academic background may complete a (unmarked) prerequisite after admission.

Generally, individuals are not admitted to the Ph.D. program without an M.S. in nutrition or a related field.

University of Minnesota Dietetic Internship

Applicants should indicate their interest in the  University of Minnesota Dietetic Internship  on the department application. An internship is a component of becoming a Registered Dietitian.

To participate in the Dietetic Internship students need to complete dietetics and graduate program coursework. The dietetics coursework can be completed during or prior to beginning the graduate program.

Note: If the dietetics courses are taken during the graduate program, students must pay graduate tuition for these courses or locate an advisor willing to fund coursework costs.

For information on the process necessary to become a Registered Dietitian contact  [email protected] .

+ Admissions and Funding

*graduate program applications for admittance in fall 2024 are due december 15, 2023*.

The Graduate Admissions Committee reviews each graduate program application beginning in January for fall intake and in August for spring intake.

Advisors and funding are limited and not guaranteed to all admissible applicants. Department funding is restricted and offered through a competitive process based on applicant qualifications and program resources. While it may occur concurrently in some instances, the funding process is entirely separate from the admissions process. If available and offered, funding usually takes the form of a research assistantship (RA), teaching assistantship (TA), or combination of the two. Funding is usually obtained through a student's advisor. Assistantships include an hourly wage, full or partial tuition coverage, and reduced-cost healthcare benefits. See  Graduate Assistant Employment  for more information about assistantship compensation and benefits. Follow this link to learn more about Graduate Student Employment at UMN .

Additional funding opportunities may be available through the  University of Minnesota Graduate School .

International students can also find more information at the  International Student and Scholar Services Office .

Example Graduate Student Fees

• Graduates students must pay fees every semester that they are enrolled. These are separate from tuition and not covered by an Assistantship. This is a non-binding document with a recent list of fees that students were charged during the 21-22 academic year for reference.

Nutrition Program Admission

Follow this link to begin an application

Follow this link to download the Food Science and Nutrition Graduate Application Checklist

Nutrition Graduate Program General Information

The interdisciplinary Nutrition Graduate Program at the University of Minnesota draws on faculty, courses, and facilities University-wide. With this approach we offer you the opportunity to tailor a program to your specific interests, using the resources of departments from several University schools and colleges.

Faculty members bring sponsored grants from the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Veterans Administration, and various food/health industries and commodity groups. Nutrition research opportunities are available in many areas, including dietary fiber, cancer, cardiovascular disease, maternal and child nutrition, phytochemicals, antioxidants, energy metabolism, exercise and nutrition, obesity and nutrition education.

Although administrative services for the Nutrition Graduate Program are provided by the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences (CFANS) and the Department of Food Science and Nutrition (FScN), policies and procedures are established by the entire Nutrition graduate faculty and Graduate School.

Degrees Available

The Nutrition Program offers the following graduate degrees:

• Master of Science (M.S.); Plan A, research-based
• Master of Science (M.S.); Plan B, writing project-based
• Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.); Plan C, coursework-based
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

In addition to our academic programs, there is a dietetic internship program for graduate students (U of M–TEP DI Program) which provides the professional experience needed to become a registered dietitian. Further information is in later sections.

Admissions Process

Applicants meeting basic admission criteria will usually be notified that they are “admissible” to the Nutrition program by mid-March for fall intake and by mid-October for spring intake.

Formal admission occurs after an applicant secures a faculty advisor. Admissible applicants who do not secure an advisor by mid-April for fall intake and mid-November for spring intake will be added to our waitlist and may be contacted if a position in the program becomes available. Admissible applicants who do not secure an advisor by the beginning of their proposed term of entry will have their application withdrawn from further consideration.

Applicants determined to be admissible are added to a list of prospective students looking for an advisor, which is then circulated to graduate faculty. Faculty interested in advising an applicant may contact them directly. Admissible applicants are also encouraged to contact one or two faculty members with whom they are interested in working. Admissible applicants are expected to limit contact to faculty whose work truly interests them and is in alignment with what is presented in their application materials. Not all faculty are positioned to accept new students at this time.

Application Prerequisites

Nutrition is a biological science. Consequently, it is expected that incoming students have a similar science background to students entering any other graduate-level biology program.

The following courses are prerequisites for the Nutrition program:

• General chemistry
• Organic chemistry
• Introductory biology
• FSCN 1112, Principles of Nutrition *
• FSCN 3612, Lifecycle Nutrition *
• FSCN 4612, Advanced Human Nutrition *

*Completion of these courses prior to admission is highly recommended, but they may be taken after beginning the program. A final grade of B or higher is required for FSCN 1112, FSCN 3612, and FSCN 4612. Students with a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition will generally have completed these classes or their equivalents.

Prerequisite courses are considered successfully completed when documentation of a final grade of C- or higher is provided. Prerequisite courses taken in high school—even through programs such as PSEO—will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Nutrition graduate applications must be submitted through the University of Minnesota Graduate School’s central application system .

In addition to the standard identity and demographic information required by the Graduate School, all Nutrition applicants must submit the following application materials to be considered for admission:

• Unofficial transcripts The University of Minnesota will require an official transcript from every applicant’s BS- or MS-awarding institution prior to formal admission. Applicants are not required to submit official transcripts at the time of application, but are welcome to. Doing so may expedite later processes. Do not send official transcripts to the Department of Food Science and Nutrition . Official transcript submission guidelines can be found here .
• English language proficiency exam scores The University of Minnesota requires some applicants to submit proof of English language proficiency. This is a UMN requirement that can result in a rescinded admission offer if not met. Additional information about English language proficiency can be found by following this link .
• Personal statement
• Diversity statement
• Academic writing sample (optional)
• Extenuating circumstances statement (optional)

Specific information related to the above requirements can be found on the application itself and on the application checklist .

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required.

Ph.D. Admission without an M.S. Degree

Admission to the Ph.D. program is generally reserved for students who have already received an M.S. degree and display evidence of high academic achievement as determined by the Graduate Admissions Committee.

Exceptionally strong students without the M.S. degree may be considered for direct admission to the doctoral program. However, most doctoral program applicants without an M.S. are not admitted to the Ph.D. program and are instead considered for the master’s program.

Students currently enrolled in the University of Minnesota Nutrition M.S. program may bypass the M.S. degree and apply for a Change of Status to the Ph.D. program. These students must have the support of their advisor and several conditions must be met.

The following criteria is required for admission to the Ph.D. program without first receiving an M.S. degree:

New Applicants

The applicant must have a 3.5 GPA or greater and provide substantial additional evidence of high academic achievement as determined by the Graduate Admissions Committee. Successful applicants will have undergraduate research experience with publications or abstracts at national meetings.

Current UMN MS Students

Current students may apply for a Change of Status after making sufficient progress toward their M.S. research objective (usually at least 15 credits) in addition to having a 3.5 GPA or greater.

Change of Status Application Process

Follow this link to begin the Change of Status application process

The current student creates a new Graduate School application profile and submits a new application. This process will be identical to the standard application, with the following exceptions:

• The personal statement must explain the reasons a change of status is sought and a description of their research experience
• One letter of recommendation must be from the student’s current faculty advisor summarizing evidence of the student’s aptitude and ability to do doctoral-level research
• The student must contact the Food Science and Nutrition Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC) prior to submission so application requirements can be adapted for the Change of Status.

A $75 application fee applies to all Change of Status applicants.

Change of Status applicants will be informed of their application decision in March for fall intake or November for spring intake. Change of Status application decisions may be communicated earlier if time in the year’s admissions cycle permits.

+ Careers in Nutrition

International Student Information

Degrees Offered

Master's programs.

+ M.S. Degree (Plans A and B)

What are the master’s degree requirements.

The master’s degree has a minimum of 30 credits, comprised of 14 graduate level course credits in Nutrition, 6 credits in a minor or supporting field outside the major, and 10 thesis credits (Plan A) or 10 credits of additional graduate-level coursework and/or independent study (Plan B). See below for the Plan C M.P.S. Program requirements

14 Graduate Level Course Credits in Nutrition

• NUTR 8001: Orientation to the Nutrition Graduate Program (Fall, 1cr)  Should be taken the first fall semester An orientation class taught by the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) 

Graduate Nutrition core series*

• NUTR 5625 - Nutritional Biochemistry (Fall, 3 cr)
• NUTR 5626 - Nutritional Physiology (Spring, 3 cr)
• NUTR 5622 - Vitamin and Mineral Biochemistry (Spring, 3 cr)
• NUTR 5624 - Nutrition and Genetics (Fall, 2 credits)

*If a student has taken these core course(s) or their equivalents (the equivalence will be evaluated by the Director of Graduate Studies), they must take other courses to achieve the equivalent number of graduate level course credits. These may be from any nutrition course that is 5xxx or 8xxx, or FScN 4622 Nutritional Toxicology, or 6xxx courses if taught through Public Health.

One 8xxx level course (2 cr.) from the following list:

• NUTR 8620, Advances in Nutrition (2 cr)
• NUTR 8620/PHSL 8620 Advances in Nutrition: Obesity Prevention from the Molecule to the Bedside (Fall)

6 Graduate Level Course Credits Outside the Major

• Must include one graduate level statistics course. 
• Students enrolling Fall semester 2015 and later must include one graduate level research methods course (at least 2 cr.). Students can select from a list of recommended courses already offered across the university in consultation with their adviser.
• Other courses may be from any field but must be at the 5xxx or 8xxx level. (Exceptions: 6xxx Public Health courses are allowed.)

10 Thesis or Project Credits

• Plan A/thesis students must register for a minimum of 10 Master’s Thesis Credits (NUTR 8777). Plan A requires an original research project to be completed with the results subsequently reported as a thesis.  Its purpose is for students to learn how to demonstrate familiarity with the tools of research or scholarship in Nutrition, to work independently and present the results of their investigation effectively.  Thesis formatting instructions are available on the  Graduate School website .
• Plan B is similar to the Plan A but involves less research. It includes additional coursework and completion of a special project. Plan B/project students must take a combination of an additional 10 credits of coursework and/or Independent Study (NUTR 8695). The student’s adviser specifies both the nature and extent of the coursework and project work necessary to satisfy this requirement. The Plan B project should involve a combined total of approximately 135 hours (the equivalent of a minimum of three independent study credits) of work. Additional coursework can include up to 7 additional credits. Use the  Directed/Independent Study Form  to register for NUTR 8695.
• If a student begins as a Plan A MS student and has taken Master’s Thesis Credits NUTR 8777, these credits do not factor into the total number of credits needed. The student must submit a Registration Exception Request asking to exchange the Thesis Credits for Independent Study Credits in order to reach the minimum of 30 coursework credits. Previous theses and Plan B papers are available for review in the FScN Library, room 220. See the reception office, room 225A, to check out items.

Additional Master’s Degree Requirements (Plan A and Plan B)

• All required courses, except NUTR 8621, must be taken A/F
• Maintenance of a 2.8 GPA
• In addition to the academic requirements, students are expected to obtain teaching experience.  All MS Nutrition graduate students are expected to assist in teaching a course two times.
• Seminar Presentation (A presentation of your thesis or project work at the Graduate Seminar. Nutrition students do not register for the Seminar.  It is not graded and usually given during the last semester.)
• Passage of a Master’s Final Oral Exam (see details below and in Appendix C)
• Completion of a Master’s Thesis or project. The department and Graduate School each require a copy of the master’s thesis upon completion. The Department requires a copy of the Plan B paper. Advisors will not sign the Final Examination Report form after the final oral defense for Plan B MS students until they receive the final, revised copy of the student’s Plan B paper. The Graduate School does not require a copy of the Plan B paper, but it can be archived in the Digital Conservancy if the student requests.

Learn more about the Dietetics Master of Professional Studies (MPS)

+ integrated b.s./m.s. ('4+1' program).

Students will complete their 4th year as an undergraduate student and their 1st year as a graduate student at the same time, allowing students to complete an MS degree in a shorter time with less expense. This program is available to current undergraduate students majoring in Nutrition at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus in the Didactic Program in Dietetics or Nutrition Studies track.

+ Further Info About Master's Degree Requirements

Degree requirements.

The Master’s degree has a minimum of 30 credits, comprised of 14 graduate level course credits in Nutrition, 6 credits in a minor or supporting field outside the major, and 10 thesis credits (Plan A) or 10 credits of additional graduate-level coursework and/or independent study (Plan B). 

• NUTR 8621, Presentation Skills (Fall, 1credit) Should be taken the first fall semester. This is an orientation class taught by the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS)
• NUTR 5625 - Nutritional Biochemistry (3 credits, Fall)
• NUTR 5626 - Nutritional Physiology (3 credits, Spring
• NUTR 5622 - Vitamin and Mineral Biochemistry (3 credits, Spring)
• NUTR 5624 – Nutrition and Genetics (2 credits, Fall) *If a student has taken these core course(s) or their equivalents (the equivalence will be evaluated by the Director of Graduate Studies), they must take other courses to achieve the equivalent number of graduate level course credits. These may be from any nutrition course that is 5xxx or 8xxx, or FScN 4622 Nutritional Toxicology, or 6xxx courses if taught through Public Health.
• NUTR 8620, Advances in Nutrition (Spring)
• Must include one graduate level Statistics course.
• Students enrolling Fall semester 2015 and later must include one graduate level research methods course (at least 2 cr.). Students can select from a list of recommended courses already offered across the university in consultation with their adviser. See Appendix C for the current list of courses.
• Plan A/thesis students must register for a minimum of 10 Master’s Thesis Credits (NUTR 8777). Plan A requires an original research project to be completed with the results subsequently reported as a thesis. Its purpose is for students to learn how to demonstrate familiarity with the tools of research or scholarship in Nutrition, to work independently and present the results of their investigation effectively.
• Plan B is similar to the Plan A but involves less research. It includes additional coursework and completion of a special project. Plan B/project students must take a combination of an additional 10 credits of coursework and/or Independent Study (NUTR 8695). The student’s adviser specifies both the nature and extent of the coursework and project work necessary to satisfy this requirement. The Plan B project should involve a combined total of approximately 135 hours (the equivalent of a minimum of three independent study credits) of work. Additional coursework can include up to 7 additional credits. The independent study form and instructions (NUTR 8695) can be found on our website. For more information see Appendix F: Nutrition MS Plan B Option Guidance.

If a student begins as a Plan A MS student and has taken Master’s Thesis Credits NUTR 8777, these credits do not factor into the total number of credits needed. The student must submit a Registration Exception Request asking to exchange the Thesis Credits for Independent Study Credits in order to reach the minimum of 30 coursework credits. Previous theses and Plan B papers are available for review in the FScN Library, room 220. See Sue Winkelman in the reception office, room 225A, to check out items.

Transfer Courses

The graduate level courses taken at another institution that are determined to be equivalent may be substituted for program courses based on faculty approval and Graduate School guidelines. Students must complete the Degree Plan Worksheet for GPAS, in consultation with their advisor, to request approval of transfer courses.

For information regarding transfer credits policy visit the UMN policies website.

• The 14 graduate level course credits in Nutrition must be taken on an A/F basis (except NUTR 8621). Biostatistics should also be taken on an A/F basis but the other required courses outside the major can be taken S/N.
• In addition to the academic requirements, students are expected to obtain teaching experience. All M.S. Nutrition graduate students are expected to assist in teaching a course two times.
• Seminar Presentation (A presentation of your thesis or project work at the Graduate Seminar. It is not graded and usually given during the last semester.)
• Passage of a Master’s Final Oral Exam (see details below)
• Completion of a Master’s Thesis or project. The department and Graduate School each require a copy of the master’s thesis upon completion. The Department requires a copy of the Plan B paper. Advisers will not sign the Final Examination Report form after the final oral defense for Plan B MS students until they receive the final, revised copy of the student’s Plan B paper. The adviser should ask other committee members to sign the Report form, but retain the form until he or she receives the final, revised copy of the Plan B paper. The student can submit an electronic or hard copy to his or her adviser. The electronic or hard copy of the Plan B paper should be forwarded to the Program Coordinator (Nancy Toedt) to be stored in the Department. If it is a hard copy, it should be spiral bound prior to submitting to the adviser. The Graduate School does not require a copy of the Plan B paper, but it can be archived in the Digital Conservancy if the student requests.

MS Nutrition Minor

Master’s students in other programs may complete a minor in Nutrition by completing a minimum of the following two courses:

• NUTR 5625 - Nutritional Biochemistry (Fall, 3 credits)
• NUTR 5626 - Nutritional Physiology (Spring, 3 credits)

Details about the Master’s Final Oral Exam

Master’s students must pass a final oral exam to complete their degree. The final exam consists of a student presentation of their thesis research or project followed by questions from faculty examiners. The final exam covers the major and related fields, and may include any work relevant to these fields.

Examining Committee

The student and adviser agree on recommendations for an appropriate examining committee for the final oral examination. There are three members, two from the major area and one from the minor or related area. Students must consult with possible examiners prior to recommending them for committee membership.

Visit this link to determine who is eligible to serve on your examining committee.

Visit this link to assign your examination committee members.

Exam Procedures

The student must make the thesis or Plan B project available to the examining committee at least 14 days before the exam. The exam is closed, with only the student and the examining committee present. The total exam will not exceed three hours.

Visit this link for administrative policy on Master's degree completion.

Example Schedule for the Master’s Degree

• NUTR 8621, Presentation Skills, 1 credit (students should take this course their first fall semester)
• NUTR 5625 - Nutritional Biochemistry, 3 credits
• PUBH 6450, Biostatistics I, 4 credits
• Begin thesis literature review
• Begin thesis research
• Master’s Thesis (NUTR 8777) or Plan B project credits (NUTR 8695) should be taken each semester in order to reach 14 credits each semester.
• NUTR 5622 - Vitamin and Mineral Biochemistry, 3 credits
• NUTR 5626 - Nutritional Physiology, 3 credits
• Prepare final draft of literature review
• NUTR 5624 – Nutrition and Genetics, 2 credits 
• Research Methods Course (at least 2 credits)
• NUTR 8620, 2 credits
• Submit abstract for presentation at national/international meeting
• NUTR 8620, 2 credits (if NUTR 8xxx course requirement was not taken fall semester)
• Master’s Thesis or Plan B project credits (These should be taken throughout program in order to reach 14 credits each semester.)
• Begin writing publication(s)/thesis (Writing may begin earlier.)
• Present research at Graduate Seminar
• Master’s Final Oral Exam

Outside Major Course Information and Terms Offered

• PUBH 6450, Biostatistics I (4 credits, fall, spring, every year)
• PUBH 6451, Biostatistics II (4 credits, spring, every year)
• STAT 5021 Statistical Analysis (4 credits, fall, spring, every year).
• Electives must be taken at the 5xxx or 8xxx level. Exception: FScN 4622 (Nutritional Toxicology) and 6xxx Public Health courses are allowed.

Important Deadlines for Master’s Degree Completion

• Register every fall and spring semester until your degree is awarded.
• Complete Annual Student Progress Report every spring semester and discuss progress with adviser.
• Submit Graduate Degree Plan into GPAS at least one semester prior to anticipated graduation.
• Assign members to master’s final exam committee at least one month prior to exam.
• Download Graduation Packet up to one semester before Master’s Final Exam.
• Schedule final exam. Notify the adviser and other members of the Master’s Final Exam Committee at least two weeks in advance that the thesis or Plan B project will be delivered on a particular date. All Exam Committee members must have at least two weeks to read the thesis or Plan B project after it has been delivered.
• Submit Graduate Application for Degree the first business day of anticipated month of graduation.
• Obtain signatures for Reviewer’s Report prior to the final exam. (Plan B does not require the Reviewer’s Report.)
• Submit Reviewer’s Report and Final Examination Report no later than the last business day of anticipated month of graduation.
• After Master’s Final Exam, make corrections or revisions to the thesis or Plan B project. Submit thesis within six months of the final exam date to GSSP Office and submit one bound copy of the thesis to FScN Student Services in 225J FScN. The Plan B paper does not require a hard cover, but must be in a securely bound material.  Thesis formatting instructions are available here .
• Perform required Departmental laboratory checkout. Turn in keys.
• Students are encouraged to schedule an exit interview with the Department Head.

For links to the forms needed for these degree completion steps see: Master’s Plan A Master’s Plan B

For answers to frequently asked questions visit this website .

Time Limit for Earning the Master’s Degree

All requirements for the master’s degree must be completed and the degree awarded within the shorter of five calendar years after initial enrollment in the graduate program. Students who are unable to complete the degree within the time limits described above due to extraordinary circumstances may petition the program and collegiate unit for an extension of up to 12 months. Students must obtain the approval of their adviser/s and program DGS and submit the petition by the deadline. If a petition is approved, the student is notified in writing of the expectations for progress and for the month/year of degree conferral.

If the petition is denied, the student is notified in writing that he or she will be terminated from the graduate program upon expiration of the limit. Students who have been terminated under such circumstances may apply for readmission to the program; however, readmission is not guaranteed.  A petition form can be found here .

Doctoral Program

What are the doctoral degree requirements .

The doctor of philosophy is primarily a research degree.  Consequently, it’s heavily focused on the research and less on coursework.  The following research areas are available in the program:

• Human Nutrition
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Public Health Nutrition

The Ph.D. degree requires a minimum of 50 credits. If you have a M.S. in Nutrition from the University of Minnesota, the minimum number of credits for the Ph.D. degree will be determined upon enrollment based on the courses included in the MS degree plan.

• NUTR 8621, Presentation Skills (Fall, 1cr)  Should been taken the first fall semester An orientation class taught by the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS)
• NUTR 5624 – Nutrition and Genetics (Fall, 2 credits) 

One 8xxx level courses (2 cr.) from the following list:

• NUTR 8620, Advances in Nutrition (every other Fall)

12 Graduate Level Course Credits Outside the Major 

• Must include one graduate level Statistics course. 
• Students enrolling Fall semester 2015 and later must include one graduate level research methods course (at least 2 cr.). Students can select from a list of recommended courses already offered across the university in consultation with their advisor.
• Other courses may be from any field but must be at the 5xxx or 8xxx level. (Exceptions: 6xxx Public Health courses are allowed)
• Certain course requirements may be deemed met if their equivalents were taken at another institution and the transfer of graduate courses for credit may also be considered when a student submits their Graduate Degree Plan to the DGS for approval.

24 Doctoral Thesis Credits (NUTR 8888)

Additional doctoral degree requirements .

• Maintenance of a 3.0 GPA
• In addition to the academic requirements, students are expected to obtain teaching experience.  All Ph.D. Nutrition graduate students are expected to assist in teaching a course three times.
• Passage of a preliminary written exam (See Appendix C)
• Passage of a preliminary oral exam (See Appendix C), taken after passage of the preliminary written exam
•  Passage of a final oral exam (See Appendix D)
• Completion of a doctoral thesis . 

+ Ph.D. Example Schedule

Fall semester 1.

• NUTR 8621, Presentation Skills, 1 cr (students should take this course their first fall semester)
• NUTR 5625 - Nutritional Biochemistry, 3 cr
• PUBH 6450, Biostatistics I, 4 cr

Spring Semester 2

• NUTR 5622 - Vitamin and Mineral Biochemistry, 3 cr
• NUTR 5626 - Nutritional Physiology, 3 cr
• Fulfill 1st Teaching Assistant (T.A.) responsibility
• Update literature review as needed throughout
• Take Written Preliminary Exam 

Fall Semester 3

• NUTR 8620, Advanced Topics, 2 cr
• NUTR 5624 – Nutrition and Genetics, 2 credits
• Research Methods Course (at least 2 cr)
• Submit Degree Plan and Assign members to Oral Preliminary Exam Committee  (if successfully passed the written prelim exam)
• Fulfill 2nd T.A. responsibility
• Submit abstract for presentation at national/international meeting 

Spring Semester 4

• PUBH 6451, Biostatistics II, 4 credits
• Additional course credits outside the major as needed
• Take Written preliminary Exam if not taken the prior spring semester

Fall Semester 5

• Take Oral Preliminary Exam (This may be taken earlier, depending on when the written prelim is taken) 
• Begin writing publication(s)/thesis
• Fulfill 3rd T.A. responsibility

Spring Semester 6

• Complete thesis research.
• Assign members to Final Exam Committee Complete writing publication(s)/thesis
• PUBH 6450, Biostatistics I  (4 cr, fall, spring, every year)
• PUBH 6451, Biostatistics II (4cr, spring, every year)
• STAT 5021 Statistical Analysis (4 cr, fall, spring, every year) 

Research Methods Course 

List of recommended courses is available in Appendix J of the Nutrition Graduate Program Handbook

• Spring Semester: PUBH 6450/6451 MAY conflict with NUTR 5622

Graduate Minor in Nutrition

Taking the following coursework will complete a minor in Nutrition for Ph.D. students in other doctoral programs:

• NUTR 5622 Vitamin and Mineral Biochemistry (Spring, 3 cr)
• One 8xxx level course (2 credits) from the following list: NUTR 8620, Advances in Nutrition (Spring), NUTR 8620/PHSL 8620 Advances in Nutrition: Obesity Prevention from the Molecule to the Bedside (Fall)

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Memorising the many functions of nutrients in Home Economics as a Year 8 student was never a chore for me; the tiny components tucked away in our food fascinating for their disproportionately large effects on the human body and health...

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Personal Statement:Nutrition

Nutrition Personal Statement

As Thomas Edison said “In future we would be able to cure disease through nutrients with gene and drugs”. According to my observation of life nutrition is the fundamental factor which influences health and it’s the relationship between health and disease. Often people do not realize the importance of good nutrition for wellbeing. This whole world revolve around nutrition, we are absolutely nothing without nutritional values. Chemistry of the human body is the reason which made me interested in nutrition.

In school I read that eating influence the ability to concentrate, growth, nourishment, resistance to infections etc. why? Because of the nutritional values. Medical research has proven that good nutrition helps to maintain healthy weight, body and body systems to function for a lifetime. It is also essential for boosting self-confidence. It plays a critical role through all stages of life ,through my working experience I have observed eating food is much more than we think, It involves psychological, environmental, economical, genetic etc. factors

I really enjoy applying good scientific knowledge of food on people or for the benefit of people, which nutrition is all about.

At present, I am studying Access to Health Human Science and enjoying the process of learning new things and remembering old stuff. I have done quite well in Human digestive system and cells and tissues chapters, in which relation of human digestive structure to function together with the role of enzyme and different types of cells tissues our bod is made up of was the most important part. I am also studying Structure function and disorders associate with different nutrients such as carbohydrate, lipids, proteins etc. Most of this chapter is consist of chemical test in laboratory, which I enjoy taking part in, whether it‘s a test or research. I like studying the small details about things as tiny as a cell so that I can fully understand the depth of the topic. I am looking forward to Illnesses and genetic disorders in Physiology. Beside that I have also enrolled for part times Certificate course in counselling, which will enable me to understand the needs of other. I am also intending to do work experience or shadowing, to get the exact idea of this field.

My employment as a health care and weight loss advisor has given me experience of dealing face to face with customers and providing confidential advice about healthcare has not only made me highly confident with people but has also polished my communication skills as well. I have been the best employee of the store more than eight times because of the high volume of positive feedback I used to get through an online survey report of the store.

Other responsibilities at work are to assess customer’s need and provide information about symptoms and drugs, dispensing over the counter medicine. Being a weight loss advisor I have to provide well-rounded diet and exercise plans according to weight, body mass index (BMI), age and eating patterns . I have attended workshops and meetings with nutritionist on how to advise customers about weight loss and maintain good health as part of my job. I have always encouraged my customers to eat healthy food to reduce risks of disease. I keep my customers motivated by supporting them; keep in contact with them so they can feel more confident about what they are doing, and it’s the psychological courage which most people are lacking. Working as a receptionist has made me very well organised finishing task on time and the work planning. I had to provide reception duties on behalf of the team in a responsive and courteous manner, maintain all sort of paper work like fees and attendance record, maintenance of office equipment, collect cash, mail, photocopy etc.

Moreover I have also served as a Catering Assistant experience, where I actually knew how important hygiene is. Poor cleaning and not keeping everything at right temperature, serving rotten vegetables, meat, drinks or any other thing can destroy the nutritional value in addition can get customers into serious digestive problems.

In developing countries people do not have basic amenities to live. I did some voluntary teaching to orphan children while studying at school. I and my sister arranged a tuition centre at my house where I used to teach them about basic hygienic rules as well as academic studies which I found very rewarding and it’s a great way to practice your skills and training and serving humanity.

I do cooking myself every day, as some of my family members are diabetic and suffering from high blood pressure so I have to be very careful in terms of meal planning and choosing different ingredients. I try to increase the amount of soluble fibres which are mainly found in fruit and vegetables so they can slow down the absorption of glucose. I keep myself update with nutritional knowledge by reading online books and sites

My future plan is obviously to finish my degree in nutrition but beyond that I want to post graduation in human nutrition and food industry and to study it deeply. It’s quite early to say that

My desire is to do the best in this field which could be beneficial for human kind, and university can give me rights path, more understanding. I can learn more and more knowledge of this filed through veteran learned teachers. And looking forward to your acceptance of my application.

Universities Applied to:

• University of Surrey (Nutrition) - Offer (Merits in all Science subjects with 60 credits) - Firm
• King's College London (Nutrition) - Offer (Pass with 72 credits) - Insurance
• Kingston University (Nutrition) - Offer (Pass)
• University of Westminster (Nutrition) - Offer (Pass)
• Metropolitan University (Nutrition) - Offer (Pass)

Grades Achieved:

• Access to HE (Physiology) - Merit
• Access to HE (Chemistry) - Distinction
• Access to HE (Nutrition) - Distinction
• Access to HE (Physics) - Distinction
• Access to HE (English) - Merit
• Access to HE (Maths) - Distinction
• Access to HE (Study Skills) - Distinction

110 credits in total.

I was a mature as well as an international student. It was really hard but not impossible.

General Comments:

I chose Surrey over King's because there is a lot of support available for the students in the form of extra tuition, workshop,courses etc while at King's i was given an impression "you are lucky to be here",King's college's student and prof have a superior complex;they think they are the best on this planet.

Staff at surrey is really very helpful and down to earth.

Comments on the statement:

When I was writing my PS i could not find any PS of my subject on the internet. I hope my PS would not only help the student who want to study Nutrition but also help the international student.

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• Sep 11, 2023

MS Nutrition, Dietetics Personal Statement Samples

Updated: May 20

If I am selected for the master's degree program in Nutrition and Dietetics, I will be able to further develop my practicum through intensive training as well as increase my breadth and depth of knowledge in nutritional science. Throughout my undergraduate study of Food Science and Nutrition, I have developed several areas in particular of which I am most passionate, especially cancer prevention through proper diet and exercise, the worldwide epidemic of chronic heart disease, the causal relationships between cardiovascular disease and conditions such as obesity, diabetes mellitus type 2 prevention, as well as the worldwide trend that indicates that the incidence of heart disease is increasing for younger demographics in developed nations.

When it comes to preventing obesity, it’s important to focus on eating clean, fresh, and nutritious foods. It’s not as simple as just cutting out junk food. Instead, it’s about incorporating whole foods into your diet and developing healthy eating habits that can be maintained long-term. The MS in Nutrition program provides the tools and expertise to help us decipher the complex and often confusing world of nutrition information. Through coursework and hands-on experience in clinical settings, we will learn to craft well-balanced diets and educate others on making healthy food choices.

It is my dream to become a fully accredited Dietitian, fulfilling the requirements mandated by the Dietetics Association of Australia. My introduction to research in the form of participating in undergraduate research experiences has prepared me for the challenges of graduate-level research and beyond. It is my intention, through research and practice, to aid in the general public’s overall food choice, encouraging the consumption of nutritionally sound foods. As a Dietitian, I will be able to work in a hospital or clinical setting, helping people live longer, healthier lives.

Any doctor would be remiss in their duties if they were to not give back to the community they serve and beyond. As an international student, born and raised in Hong Kong, China, and conversant in three languages has enabled me to travel with ease throughout many countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Macao, Taiwan, and Australia. I have achieved a high degree of cultural competency through my experiences alone.

My travels coupled with my education have allowed me to observe different eating patterns, food choice behavior, health status, and lifestyle choices in diverse nations and cultures. I bring an innovative record of accomplishment of excellence to the graduate program, two BS Degrees with honors, and have been an active member of both the Golden Key Society as well as the Nutrition Society of Australia.

I am a committed and driven individual with a passion for health and nutrition. Balancing work, school, and martial arts tournaments has taught me the importance of time management and discipline, both of which have proven to be essential skills in the pursuit of higher education. My professional experiences in both China and Australia have allowed me to develop and refine important communication and organizational skills and taught me how to approach problems critically and analytically, skills which I know will be critical to my future as a nutrition professional.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to a personal interview.

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Scholars in nursing, Latin American studies, and exercise and nutrition will travel to Nepal, Spain and Finland.

Three UNC-Chapel Hill faculty members recently received awards from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board to teach or conduct research abroad during the 2024-25 academic year.

Among the 800 U.S. scholars selected are Carolina’s Suja Davis, clinical associate professor at the School of Nursing; Oswaldo Estrada, professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Romance studies department; and Anthony Hackney, professor in the College’s exercise and sport science department and the Gillings School of Global Public Health’s nutrition department.

“Participation of Carolina faculty in Fulbright supports the global mindset of our campus and enhances the University’s global reputation,” said Giselle Corbie, senior vice provost for faculty affairs. “I am proud of these faculty who will maintain their international connections for years and bring global knowledge and perspectives to their research and teaching.”

Carolina has a long history with the  Fulbright Program . This year, UNC-Chapel Hill was honored as a Top Producing Institution for Fulbright U.S. students for the 14th time for sending over 20 students and recent alumni abroad on Fulbright scholarships for graduate studies, research or teaching.

Suja Davis 

An educator and a health care professional, Davis will be hosted by the Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences in Nepal. There she will teach adult health nursing and research courses, conduct workshops and seminars for the faculty and promote faculty scholarship. She will lecture, lead seminars and conduct research to incorporate educational innovations into the nursing curricula.

“The Fulbright Scholar Award is the most widely recognized, prestigious and respected international exchange program in the world,” Davis said. “I aim to build a global network of contacts, which can lead to collaborations and partnerships that benefit Carolina’s SON.”

Oswaldo Estrada 

Estrada is a professor of Spanish and Latin American studies and director of the Faculty Fellows Program at the Institute for the Arts and Humanities. In Spain, he will do archival research as part of the Literature, Image and Cultural History research group in the Institute of Language, Literature and Anthropology.

Estrada’s work will focus on Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (1648-1695), a poet from colonial Mexico. Estrada is writing a book about her carols, religious poems and her prologues and dedications to explore how the poet-nun of the Baroque era articulated a feminist discourse that attracts a wide range of readers today.

“My interdisciplinary reading reflects the true nature of the poet who contests calcified differences between male and female,” Estrada said. “I would love to offer undergraduate and graduate courses on Sor Juana’s feminism, in English and Spanish, to serve our students interested in gender studies, feminism and queer studies.”

Anthony Hackney 

Hackney will complete the second year of his Fulbright fellowship at the University of Eastern Finland as the Fulbright-Saastamoinen Distinguished Chair in Health Sciences. Through the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children study, he researches how chronic engagement in physical activity, like sports, may affect the health and physical performance capacities of young girls transitioning to women.

This is Hackney’s fourth Fulbright scholar award. He also serves as the University’s Fulbright faculty liaison in the Center for Faculty Excellence and advises Carolina faculty on developing competitive Fulbright applications.

“If I had to name one thing that has profoundly helped to shape me into the person I am today, it would be the Fulbright program,” Hackney said. “It has made me a better professor in the classroom and the laboratory — a better all-around person — and enriched my life and that of my family. It has been and is a ‘win-win’ experience.”

Read more about the Fulbright scholars.

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