Admission Requirements

The first step in the process to be considered for the ISPP program is to submit the ISPP Evaluation Request Form (363k PDF) to isppcoordinator@sebs.rutgers.edu for evaluation by a faculty committee. You will be notified via email how to proceed in 15 business days or less on the next steps you need to take.

To be eligible for our ISPP Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. DPD/FDE Verification Statement
   An official copy of the verification statement will be required prior to final admission. This requirement is waived for doctoral degree holders.
2. Computer Matching Requirements
   A copy of your non-match from D&D Digital. This requirement is waived for doctoral degree holders.
3. Bachelors degree or higher
4. Academic Record and Test Scores
   1. GPA: minimum 3.2 (B average or above)
   2. TOEFL (International Students): 560 or above (paper-based test); 220 or above (computer-based test); 83 or above (internet-based test; minimum individual test scores: writing 22, speaking 23, reading 21, listening 17)
   3. GRE is optional
5. Three Letters of Recommendation (166k PDF)
6. Personal Statement (1000 words or less) addressing the following questions:
   • Describe what has led you to have an interest in a dietetics career?
   • Discuss research or work experiences that have contributed to prepare you for your career.
   • What are your short and long-term career goals?
   • What are your strengths and weaknesses or areas needing improvement?
   • Why do you want to be admitted to our ISPP program leading to the registered dietitian nutritionist credential?
7. Relevant Experience includes work, volunteer experience and honors and certifications as it relates to nutrition and dietetics or management
8. Resume or Curriculum Vita
9. Interview in-person or via video conference

Selection Process

The first step in the process to be considered for the ISPP program is to submit the ISPP Evaluation Request Form (363k PDF) to isppcoordinator@sebs.rutgers.edu for evaluation by a faculty committee. You will be notified via email how to proceed in 15 business days or less.

The Rutgers ISPP selection committee is comprised of the DPD Director, Dietetics Supervised Practice Director, ISPP Faculty, and Preceptor representative. Selection criteria evaluated include academic record with special emphasis on science and dietetics/nutrition coursework, work and volunteer experiences, awards, scholarship, service, oral and verbal communication skills, letters of recommendation, personal statement, interest in our ISPP program with a focus on how the program is a suitable match for your professional goals, professional potential, and interview. Student selection for admission is a competitive process and is the responsibility of the Rutgers University-New Brunswick Nutritional Sciences Graduate Program Admissions Committee, Dietetics Supervised Practice Director, and DPD Director.

If selected into the ISPP Program, admission is conditional and final approval will be dependent on the following:

• A signed DPD verification statement from an ACEND-accredited DPD program (not applicable to doctoral degree holders).
• An official transcript from an accredited institution indicating receipt of a baccalaureate degree (or receipt of a doctoral degree).
• Acceptance by the Rutgers School of Graduate Studies into the Nutritional Sciences Graduate Program.
• Criminal background check. The Dietetics Supervised Practice Director and/or ISPP Faculty will provide specific instructions for completing the background check.

Second Round Selection

The Rutgers University Dietetics ISPP Program accepts application for Second Round Selection.

• Applications are reviewed on the second-round match date as established by ACEND annually and accepted through DICAS portal.
• If the candidate is a strong fit with the program, the applicant will be contacted by phone or email by the Dietetics Supervised Practice Director and/or ISPP Faculty.
• A virtual interview will be requested and an evaluation by faculty committee will occur prior to offering acceptance into the program.
• No additional application fees during Second Round, only the DICAS Fee.
• Applicants should review the program website prior to applying to assure program fits the needs of student

Note: We are an in-person program and provide all coordination for your supervised practice sites.

Enrollment

The ISPP Program enrollment will be on-going.

Requirements for Graduation and Completion of the Program

For completion of the program, students must meet the following requirements within 36 months (150% of the program length):

1. Completion of all required graduate level ISPP coursework.
2. Completion of a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised practice (either solely in the ISPP or in a combination of prior learning and ISPP hours).
3. Obtain an average rating of "competent" on all supervised practice rotations and at least Grade B in all coursework.
4. Upon completion of steps a, b, and c above, students will receive a verification statement that enables them to take the registered dietitian/nutritionist exam.
5. To receive a MS-Dietetics degree, ISPP students also must satisfy all requirements of the Rutgers University School of Graduate Studies, including completion of 30-semester hours of graduate level coursework (including a maximum of 12 credits for prior learning at the graduate level); completion of thesis requirements; achievement of a grade B or better in all coursework; and compliance with Rutgers School of Graduate Studies policies on double counting of credits toward requirements for a graduate degree.