Admissions are conducted centrally through Rutgers University Graduate Admissions.
Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
56 College Avenue,
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8541
848-932-7711
732-932-8231
Admission Criteria
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college showing potential for achievement in scholarly activities. The following are prerequisites for admission:
- General chemistry with lab (1 year recommended)
- 1 year organic chemistry or 1 semester organic chemistry plus 1 semester of biochemistry
- At least 12 additional credits in advanced (300-400 level) sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, calculus, nutrition, or food science)
- If English is a second language, regardless of whether prior education was completed at an English-speaking higher education institution: TOEFL a minimum of 550 (paper-based test); a minimum of 213 (computer-based test); a minimum of 100 (internet-based test; with no individual test score falling below these cut offs: writing 22, speaking 23, reading 21, listening 17); IELTS minimum score of bandwidth 7; or Duolingo minimum score of 130. Admitted international students also must complete additional testing in English at Rutgers and may be required to take remedial English coursework before being considered for funding as teaching assistants.
- GPA: B average or above
- Three letters of recommendation from former university professors and/or research supervisors/advisors who can describe your preparation for graduate study in nutritional sciences and likelihood of success.
- A personal statement describing your academic achievements, research experience, leadership skills, commitment to graduate school, examples illustrating your resilience and adaptability during your education, and how have you contributed to or supported intellectual and/or cultural diversity in higher education and science. Please also identify at least three faculty whose research you are interested in for your graduate training.
- GRE is not required
- The Master's Dietetics option has additional admission requirements. For details, visit our Dietetics page.
Prospective students may apply for admission at any time.
Scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships are highly competetive.
For best consideration apply by these dates Doctoral students are advised to apply by January 1 if seeking financial assistance and no later than February 15 for fall admission.
MS students in the biochem/physiology or community/applied options are advised to apply no later than February 15.
Applications submitted at dates beyond February 15 will be considered at the discretion of the program and may be deferred to the following year.