Frequently Asked Questions

Does the University of Washington offer an undergraduate degree in Nutrition?
No, the UW does not.  If you are interested in pursuing an undergrad in the Seattle area Bastyr University not only offers a degree in Nutrition, but also an Exercise and Wellness degree. Seattle Pacific University also offers a Food and Nutritional Sciences (Dietetics, Sports and Exercise) degree and an Exercise Science degree.

Is the program competitive? How many students are accepted?

Each year the program receives approximately 80 - 120 applications. On average, we accept approximately 30%, and about 15 students wind up entering the program. We do not currently have admissions statistics for the GCPD as this is our first year offering it at this institution. There are 12 positions available, some of which will be filled by current students. History suggests that competition for the GCPD will be high.

What are the average GRE and GPAs of the applicants to your program?

We don't average our applicants' scores. The minimimum GPA accepted is 3.0; the minimum GRE must be at or above the 50th percentile for both the verbal and quantitative sections. Applications are reviewed on the basis of the whole package; one student might have a lower GPA and have a really strong overall application and be accepted, one might have a high GPA but have other weaknesses that preclude acceptance.

What degrees do you offer?
The Interdisciplinary Program in Nutritional Sciences offers a Master's of Science Program (MS), a Master's in Public Health Nutrition Program (MPH), and a Doctorate Program (PhD).  Additionally, training in the application of nutritional sciences to dietetic practice is provided through didactic, clinical, and community experiences. The program offers a which provides the coursework and supervised practice that is required to become a Registered Dietitian® (RD).

What courses are offered in this program?
The curriculum is based on strong foundations in biological sciences, clinical nutrition, nutrition education, and nutrition research. Students receive a broad exposure to classroom, clinical, and research settings and benefit from the University's interdisciplinary approach. Please check our Course Listings page for a specific list program courses.

What will it cost to attend the University of Washington's Interdisciplinary Program in Nutritional Science?
Tuition fees are established by the University of Washington; Graduate school tuition fees apply. For the 2009-20010 academic year the fees for 3 quarters of full-time enrollment for the MS and PhD are $10,160 for an in-state resident and $23,500 for a non-resident. For Masters in Public Health students, the tuition is $10,660 for residents and $24000 for non-residents.

Information on residency classification may be obtained on the University of Washington Residency web site. Though financial assistance through the Program office is limited, students who have already been accepted to the program may be eligible for scholarships or other financial assistance. International students, however, must show proof of financial ability before the University of Washington Graduate Admissions office will accept their application.  

What kind of jobs are available for Nutritional Sciences graduates?
Students pursue jobs in nutrition research; clinical dietetics (neonatal, pediatrics, adult); local, state, and U.S. government funded nutrition programs; home health care; food and supplement industry, consulting practice (business, private); corporate wellness, and sports performance. Median annual earnings of dietitians and nutritionists were $46,980 in 1998. Visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook Online for more information about a career in Nutrition and Dietetics.

How do I apply?
Those applying to the Graduate School on the Web pay an application fee of $65.  Note that in order to use the Web application, you must pay the fee online using a MasterCard or Visa card (both credit and debit cards are accepted), or electronic personal check (for those with U.S. bank accounts). https://www.grad.washington.edu/application/

You must also submit a separate departmental application for admission directly to:

UW Nutritional Sciences
Graduate Program Assistant
305 Raitt Hall, Box 353410
Seattle, WA 98195-3410

The application deadline for Fall Quarter 2010 is February 1, 2010.

The international student application deadline for Fall Quarter 2010 is February 1, 2010.

Please state which program you are applying to (MPH, MS, PhD, GCPD) along with:

• a copy of the Graduate School Application
• your personal statement
• three letters of recommendation
• transcripts
• GRE test scores
• TOEFL exam scores (if applicable)

All materials must be received by the Graduate Program Assistant by the application deadline noted above. There are no specific forms or set format for letters of recommendation. They should, however, come from current or former instructors or supervisors who are qualified to provide information about your ability to do graduate level academic work; your motivation for graduate school; your communication, organization and critical thinking skills; and your potential to make important contributions as a nutrition professional. We prefer that you submit all materials in one packet, with the exception, perhaps, of transcripts. Late applications will not be accepted.

International applicants must complete the Preliminary Evaluation Process to determine if they are eligible to apply to the University of Washington.  An international student is anyone who IS NOT a U.S. citizen and does not hold a U.S. Permanent Resident Visa (i.e., "Green Card" or "Immigrant").  This definition also includes students who hold U.S. visas, such as F-1 students, exchange visitors, or any other non-immigrant classifications.  The exception to this is that international applicants with U.S. degrees do not need to complete the Preliminary Evaluation Process.

I have all my application materials ready, but my GRE's aren't scheduled until next month. What should I do?
You may submit your completed application without your GRE's. The GRE scores will come directly to our department approximately 2 to 3 weeks after you have taken your exam, so please plan your exam date so that we can get them by the application deadline. You can find information about the GREs on www.gre.org.

Will credits from my current school transfer to your program?
A student working toward a master's degree may petition the Dean of the Graduate School for permission to transfer to the University of Washington the equivalent of a maximum of 6 quarter credits of graduate level course work taken at another recognized academic institution. These credits may not have been used to satisfy requirements for another degree. The petition must include a written recommendation for the graduate program coordinator and an official transcript indicating completion of the course work.  Transfer credits are not entered on the UW transcript.

Why do I need to pay $275 for required immunizations?
The SPHCM requires all of its students to be fully immunized. A $275 Immunization Fee will be added to all incoming students' autumn quarter student account. This fee covers a verification report of your immunization status, any required immunizations a student may be lacking, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, post-exposure prophylaxis treatment. If you have any questions about this policy or fee, please contact the main office.

Who can I contact with a question?
You should refer all initial questions to our Graduate Program Assistant, who can assist with general questions about the program, the application process, and will direct you to an advisor if more specific information about transcripts or prerequisites is desired.