PhD: Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Can a PhD applicant apply directly to the Nutrition and Metabolism program?
A: No, you must apply through the PiBS admissions process. Although you are not required to do so at the time of admission, if you declare that your research interests lie in nutrition and metabolism, you will be assigned an advisor who can guide you to appropriate coursework to develop your interests in this field before making a final decision about what mentor and department or program to join in the second year of your studies. Visit
PiBS Admissions for more information and look for “Apply Here”.
Q: What is the minimum GPA for admission consideration?
A: We do not have a minimum GPA to be considered for admission. We look at each application holistically, including letters of recommendation, and research experience. However, the GPA does carry significant weight. Grades of at least a B in upper level science courses are usually needed.
Q: What is the minimum TOEFL score for international students in order to be considered for admission?
A:A minimum score of 97 on TOEFL, a minimum score of 105 for DuoLingo and a minimum IELTS band score of 7.0 is what GMS looks for. Applicants may upload their copy of score report or personalized URL for Duolingo scores as a supplemental document with their application. A department can choose to waive the TOEFL/IELTS score if they skype with the candidate and find them to be proficient in English. The department will need to issue a letter on a department letterhead saying it waives the TOEFL/IELTS score if the score is low but the candidate is proficient enough to be admitted.
- NOTE
- The home edition of TOEFL is scored the same as TOEFL iBT taken in a test center. Both are acceptable.
- TOEFL Essentials is scored differently and is not accepted by BU.
Applicants can request for paper copy of IELTS score to be mailed to
Graduate Medical Sciences
ATTN: Admissions
72 East Concord St, Suite L-317
Boston, MA 02118
If a contact person and phone number is requested by courier service, please provide the name of GMS Admissions and phone 617-358-9518
For 2023, GMS will continue to accept Duolingo if applicants are unable to take TOEFL or IELTS. NOTE: Duolingo is not accepted by the PiBS and PA programs.
Q: How many letters of recommendation do I need?
A: Three letters are required.
Q: Who should write my letters of recommendation?
A: The best recommendations are those from faculty with whom you have had experience in both didactic, laboratory or other research settings. These would be the individuals who have seen your work in areas most closely related to your proposed graduate studies.
Q: What is the institution code for submitting TOEFL scores? And how long are my scores valid?
A: The institution code is 3087. Our program accepts scores as old as 5 years.
Q: WHEN DO YOU START REVIEWING APPLICATIONS?
A: The Program begins accepting applications in September. Prospective applicants will create an account with the
Boston University Centralized Application System (BU-GMS CAS) completing all personal, academic and supporting document sections. Applicants will be able to select the graduate program(s) of choice within GMS, and will be prompted to complete corresponding program materials in order to submit.
The Admissions Committee will select competitive applicants to interview in late January or February. Decisions are made following the last interview day, and applicants will be alerted by email. Due to privacy regulations, we cannot give decisions over the phone.
Q: How long does it normally take to complete a PhD degree?
A: PiBS students typically take five and a half years to complete their degrees, on average.
Q: Does the program provide financial aid, scholarships and fellowships?
A: Students receive full tuition coverage, fees, health insurance options, and a $40,000 stipend per year.
Q: What type of careers are typical for PhD graduates from this program?
A: 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, medical centers or small colleges
- coordinators of childhood obesity prevention programs
- executives at biotech companies
- medical writers
Q: Is this program suited for getting my Registered Dietician (RD) credential?
A: This program does not offer the didactic courses or internships that are required for attaining the RD credential.
Boston University’s Sargent College does have programs designed to lead to the RD credential.
Q: What are class sizes like?
A: Class sizes range from 6 to 30 students. For first year, a few basic science courses may be much larger.
Q: Can the PhD be done on a part time basis?
A: No. Our PhD program is only available on a full time basis.