Nutrition FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline for the program?
For the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, May 1st is the deadline for students to apply for entry to the Nutrition program. All students who meet the requirements (2.5 GPA, C or better in prerequisite class) will be accepted.

For the Coordinated Program [for students with a verification statement from an ACEND accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)], January 15.
For the Coordinated Program, May 15 is the deadline for students who have an undergraduate degree without a DPD verification statement.
For the Master of Science with a major in Health Sciences and a concentration in Nutrition, May 15 for fall admission, October 1 for spring admission and April 1 for summer admission.

What does accreditation mean?
Accreditation by the Council on Accreditation for  Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) helps assure students that experts in the field of nutrition and dietetics have evaluated the quality of a program. The accreditation process involves thorough programmatic evaluation by the institution as well as by the accrediting agency. The Coordinated Program received 10-year initial accreditation in 2008.Other information about dietetics accreditation can be obtained by visiting the website of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org.

Will a degree an undergraduate degree in Nutrition allow me to participate in DICAS or complete an ACEND accredited dietetic internship?
Graduating with a B.S. in Nutrition from GSU will not allow for participation in a dietetic internship accredited by ACEND; however, if your goal is to become a Registered Dietitian, a B.S. In Nutrition will prepare you for the Coordinated Program in the Department of Nutrition, which prepares students for careers as Registered Dietitians.

For which careers will a degree in Nutrition prepare me?
The B.S. in Nutrition prepares students for graduate and professional (medical, physician assistant, dental, occupational therapy, speech pathology, and dietetics) schools. Students graduating with a B.S. in Nutrition are eligible for careers in industry, pharmaceutical sales, nutrition policy, and as a WIC nutritionist and careers other government agencies.

If I already have a college degree will I be required to receive another one?
Students applying to our graduate Coordinated Program who have an undergraduate degree in Nutrition without a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification statement or who have  an undergraduate degree in another area will not need to obtain a second undergraduate degree.  The additional course content required for students to obtain a DPD verification statement (required for students to take the national examination for Registered Dietitians upon graduation) is incorporated in the Master of Science in Health Sciences Coordinated Program.   Students who have a graduate degree from another institution will need to obtain the MS in Health Sciences.  A maximum of six graduate course credits from another institution may be applied to the MS in Health Sciences program if approved by the Coordinated Program Director.

How do I become a Registered Dietitian (RD)?
Completion of the CP and receipt of the Verification Statement will allow the student to sit for the RD exam. If successful on the exam, the graduate then becomes an (RD). Continuing professional development is required of all RDs, and these requirements can be met in a variety of ways.

How is the job market?
The RD credential is the key to securing a rewarding career. As a career choice, there are a wide variety of options for employment including hospitals, HMO’s or other health care facilities; sports nutrition and corporate wellness programs; food and nutrition-related businesses and industries; private practice; community and public health settings; universities and medical centers; research areas; and other nutrition and food related agencies.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dietitians is expected to grow faster in long-term care, residential care facilities, and physician clinics. Other areas of practice grow as emphasis on disease prevention and education increases. Selecting a career in nutrition appears to be a wise decision as our former students tend to be placed in positions at 100%.

Why should I select Georgia State programs over other programs?
Each individual has unique needs and desires. Our programs are located in a dynamic urban environment that affords our students the opportunities for an endless array of experiences. As of 2024, all registered dietitians will have a graduate degree.  The programs at Georgia State University provide graduate coursework and supervised practice.  Our faculty members are experts in many areas of nutrition and dietetics and have developed extensive networks of colleagues and resources that make our program desirable.  Program faculty are very student focused, and we get to know our students extremely well.

How do I find out more information about the university and the application process for your program?
You will find your questions about Georgia State University answered from links at the homepage www.gsu.edu. Additionally, you will find information about the various options in nutrition, the faculty, and program requirements and processes on the Department of Nutrition website.

What are the advantages of obtaining an advanced degree in nutrition?
Graduate study provides students with an environment to explore new ideas and to gain new knowledge and problem-solving skills to optimize personal, social, and professional opportunities. Personally, students become better able to master complex information. Social and professional benefits include development of advanced practice skills, in-depth exploration of one’s area of practice, and the acquisition of new perspectives. Graduate study can also provide opportunities for career advancement and career change and multi-skilling or cross-training, as well as financial advantages. Graduate education provides students with the ability to develop expertise that will enable them to pursue leadership roles. Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of graduate study is gaining research skills and knowledge of research methodology.

What will my graduate experience be like in the Department of Nutrition at Georgia State?
Our faculty is dedicated to providing students with an academic experience that will prepare them to meet professional demands of a dynamic workplace. While all students complete a core of courses to ensure a master’s level knowledge of nutrition sciences and research, students may also choose areas of interest.  Students will have the option of completing a thesis, master’s project, course concentration, or comprehensive examination as their capstone. Throughout the program, graduate students are mentored using a challenging, yet supportive environment.

Are Graduate Assistantships available?
A number of graduate assistantships, including Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs) and Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs), may be available for qualified graduate students. After acceptance and consultation with your program director, students wishing to obtain a graduate assistant position should complete and submit the Application for Graduate Assistant form. Generally, assistantships cover the student’s tuition costs (not fees) and provide a financial stipend. The amount of the stipend depends on the level of the assistantship and the contracted amount of time the student spends working on the assistantship.

What is included in the curriculum of the graduate program?
The curriculum for the graduate program includes health sciences core courses, specialization nutrition courses, and a capstone.  For a list of possible courses please visit the course catalog.

What are the requirements for admissions to the graduate program?
Selection to the graduate program is competitive and based upon several factors including: grade point average (3.0 in all college-level course work), extracurricular and leadership activities, maturity, and the ability to express oneself adequately in written communication (based on the statement of professional goals). Students must have also completed prerequisite courses including anatomy and physiology, inorganic and organic chemistry, and Principles of Nutrition (exclusive to Georgia State University*). All courses must have been completed within 10 years prior to beginning the graduate program. No online laboratory classes will be accepted.  All students must submit a resume and two letters of recommendation (one from previous employer and one from professor).

*If you have taken an introductory nutrition course within the last 10 years, you may submit the syllabus for review. If the course is deemed comparable, you will be granted permission to exempt the Principles of Nutrition requirement.