{"id":24919,"date":"2012-12-07T10:30:35","date_gmt":"2012-12-07T15:30:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/?page_id=24919"},"modified":"2026-06-05T14:37:35","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T18:37:35","slug":"msfaq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/nutrition-metabolism\/masters\/msfaq\/","title":{"rendered":"MS: Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"

View the recording<\/a> of our grad fair session from the Spring 2024 Virtual Fair.<\/p>\n

Q: What is the deadline for applying to the program?<\/h4>

\nA: We offer rolling admissions for the master\u2019s degree program, and strongly recommend that applicants submit applications and supporting materials ASAP. The Fall 2026 application deadline is August 1, 2026, <\/strong>for international applicants, and\u00a0August 15, 2026,<\/strong> for domestic applicants. The Spring 2027 application deadline is November 14, 2026<\/strong>\u00a0for international applicants and\u00a0December 5 , 2026<\/strong>\u00a0for domestic applicants.
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Q: What is the minimum GPA for admission consideration?<\/h4>

\nA: We do not have a minimum GPA to be considered for admission. We look at the applicant\u2019s whole packet, including letters of recommendation, your personal statement, and research experience. However, your undergraduate grades do carry important weight. <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Q: What is the minimum TOEFL score for international students in order to be considered for admission?<\/h4>

\nA: We accept TOEFL (internet and paper-based tests), IELTS, and Duolingo scores. For the internet-based version of the TOEFL test, we generally look for a total score of about 95 or higher. A score of about 585 or higher is required on the paper-based test. The TOEFL Essentials test is not accepted by Boston University. The IELTS exam may be substituted for the TOEFL and a score of approximate 7.0 is generally needed for this test. The Duolingo test may be accepted as evidence of English proficiency if you are not able to take the TOEFL or IELTS. No English language exam is needed if you obtained a bachelor\u2019s or master\u2019s degree in the United States or in another country where all of your courses were taught in English.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Q: How many letters of recommendation do I need?<\/h4>

\nA:\u00a0 You should request three letters of recommendation, but you may request a fourth.
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Q: Who should write my letters of recommendation?<\/h4>

\nA: The best recommendations are those from faculty with whom you have had experience in both didactic coursework, laboratory or other research settings. Ideally, these should be the individuals who have seen your work in areas most closely related to your proposed graduate studies.
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Q: Do you require the GREs?<\/h4>

\nQ: Do you require the GREs?
\nA:\u00a0 No, we do not require the GREs
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Q: When do you start reviewing applications?<\/h4>

\nA:Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis for the master\u2019s program. You may inquire about the status of your application by contacting the program administrator (marikagr@bu.edu<\/a>) or Dr. Moore (llmoore@bu.edu).
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Q: How many students are in the program?<\/h4>

\nA:<\/p>\n

There are currently approximately 20 students in the program at different stages in their studies. Only about 7-10 new master\u2019s students are admitted each year.
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Q: What are the prerequisites for applying to the program?<\/h4>

\nA:We require the basic pre-med courses, but the specifics are as follows:<\/p>\n