Admissions FAQ
1. What is the deadline for applying to the program?
Although we offer rolling admissions, we strongly recommend that applicants submit applications and supporting materials by November 1st for Spring (January) admission; and by April 1st for Fall (September) admission. PhD candidates who wish to be considered for Fellowship awards or MA candidates seeking scholarship awards are encouraged to complete their applications by February 1st.
2. What is the minimum GPA for admission consideration?
We do not have a minimum GPA to be considered for admission. We look at the applicant’s whole packet, including letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and research experience. However, the GPA does carry significant weight. Grades of at least a B in upper level courses are usually needed.
3. What is the minimum TOEFL score for international students in order to be considered for admission?
The minimum score for the paper-based exam is 550, for the computer-based it is 213 and for the internet-based exam it is 84. No TOEFL exam is needed if you obtained a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the United States or if it was obtained in another country where the courses were taught in English.
4. How many letters of recommendation do I need?
Three letters are required, however we are willing to review more if you wish.
5. Who should write my letters of recommendation?
The best recommendations are those from faculty with whom you have had experience in both didactic and laboratory settings. These would be the individuals who have seen your work in the areas most closely related to your proposed graduate studies in nutrition.
6. What is the institution code for submitting GRE scores?
The institution code is 3251.
NOTE: If you have submitted your GRE scores to institution code 3087 your scores are being held at the main campus at BU. In order to have the scores submitted to the Graduate Office of Medical Sciences (GMS) you’ll need to send an email to the main campus admissions office at grs@bu.edu. Please ask them to forward your scores by regular mail to either Natasha Hall (tashah@bu.edu) or Michelle Hall (natashah@bu.edu) the GMS admissions.
7. What is the institution code for submitting TOEFL scores?
The institution code for TOEFL scores is 3251.
8. How long are my GRE scores valid?
Our program will accept scores as old as 5 years.
9. When do you start reviewing applications?
Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. Applications submitted before March will be decided upon no later than April.
10. How many students matriculate into the program?
There are currently approximately 20 students in the program. Eight of them entered in the past year.
11. What is the mailing address for the GMS Division Admissions Office?
Boston University School of Medicine
72 E. Concord St.
Division Office of Graduate Medical Sciences
Admissions Office, Room L-315
Boston, MA 02118
12. What are the prerequisites for applying to the program?
We require the basic premed courses but the specifics are as follows:
Two undergraduate semesters of biology
Two undergraduate semesters of chemistry
At least one semester of undergraduate organic chemistry plus one semester of biochemistry OR 2 semesters of organic chemistry
Undergraduate biochemistry, physiology, cell biology, statistics and/or genetics are desirable, but not required.
13. How long does it normally take to complete a Ph.D./MA degrees?
The master’s program can be finished in one calendar year and you must enroll in four semesters: Fall, Spring, Summer I, and Summer II).
If you enter the Ph.D. program with a master’s degree, completing the degree in 4 years is achievable. If you enter with a bachelors degree, the PhD usually takes 5 years. Of course, it takes some students longer to finish (up to 6 years).
14. Does BU provide campus housing and/or assist with finding housing?
There is limited on-campus housing available. To assist you with this and other options the school maintains the following web site: http://www.bumc.bu.edu/ohr/
15. Does the program provide financial aid, scholarships and fellowships?
Full fellowships, with stipend, tuition and health insurance are available to PhD students on a competitive basis.
Some scholarships to offset the cost of tuition are available to Master’s students. The Financial Aid Office can assist with loan applications. To see if you may be eligible for loan funding and what the possibilities may be, you can call them at 617-638-5216.
16. What type of careers are typical for Ph.D. or MA graduates from this program?
Although our program is new, graduates of similar doctoral nutritional sciences programs typically go on to such careers as: research scientists or clinical associates in pharmaceutical or biotechnology developing compounds to treat obesity and diabetes, academic positions in major universities or small colleges, coordinators of childhood obesity prevention programs, vice president of small biotech companies, medical writers. Master’s degree students go on to medical, dental and osteopathy studies, program coordinators for clinical and epidemiologic research projects, lab coordinators in academic or industry settings (pharma and food companies).
17. Is this program suited for getting my Registered Dietician (RD) credential?
This program doesn’t offer the didactic courses or internships that are required for attaining the RD credential. Boston University’s Sargent School does have programs designed to lead the R.D. credential.
18. What are class-sizes like?
Class sizes can range 6 to 20 in our program specific courses. For first year basic science courses at the master’s level, class sizes may be up to 100. Virtually all doctoral courses have less than 30 students.
19. Is there a process for accepting graduate transfer credit and how does this work?
Requests for transfer credit would be made to the program’s curriculum committee. They may decide to accept the course(s) for transfer or do a waiver based on your academic work. If a course(s) is waived the course need not be taken again, however you may need to take another one suggested by the committee.
20. Can the Ph.D. and MA programs be started in the spring or summer?
They may be started in either term. Since the academic calendar year starts in the fall, you will receive additional guidance in selecting your courses that takes into account that you started at another time.
21. Can either the MA degree or Ph.D. be done on a part time basis?
Yes. You will need to work out a plan with your advisor.
22. Can I take courses as a non-degree student?
Courses may be taken with the permission of the director of the program and the instructor of the course. Non-degree students can take a maximum 8 credits.
