{"id":48410,"date":"2016-02-12T14:56:34","date_gmt":"2016-02-12T19:56:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/?page_id=48410"},"modified":"2024-04-12T12:34:38","modified_gmt":"2024-04-12T16:34:38","slug":"phdfaq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/nutrition-metabolism\/phd\/phdfaq\/","title":{"rendered":"PhD: Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[\/collapsible]<br \/>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Q: Can a PhD applicant apply directly to the Nutrition and Metabolism program?<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nA: 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/pibs\/admissions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">PiBS<span>\u00a0A<\/span>dmissions<\/a>\u00a0for more information and look for \u201cApply Here\u201d.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<br \/>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Q: What is the minimum GPA for admission consideration?<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nA: 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.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<br \/>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Q: What is the minimum TOEFL score for international students in order to be considered for admission?<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nA: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.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>NOTE\n<ul>\n<li>The home edition of TOEFL is scored the same as TOEFL iBT taken in a test center. Both are acceptable.<\/li>\n<li>TOEFL Essentials is scored differently and is<span>\u00a0<\/span><em>not<\/em><span>\u00a0<\/span>accepted by BU.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Applicants can request for paper copy of IELTS score to be mailed to<\/p>\n<p>Graduate Medical Sciences<br \/>\nATTN: Admissions<br \/>\n72 East Concord St, Suite L-317<br \/>\nBoston, MA 02118<\/p>\n<p>If a contact person and phone number is requested by courier service, please provide the name of GMS Admissions and phone 617-358-9518<\/p>\n<p>For 2023, GMS will continue to accept Duolingo if applicants are unable to take TOEFL or IELTS.\u00a0<span>\u00a0<\/span><em><strong>NOTE:\u00a0 Duolingo is not accepted by the PiBS and PA programs.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<br \/>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Q: How many letters of recommendation do I need?<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nA: Three letters are required.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<br \/>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Q: Who should write my letters of recommendation?<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nA: 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.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<br \/>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Q: What is the institution code for submitting TOEFL scores? And how long are my scores valid?<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nA: The institution code is 3087. Our program accepts scores as old as 5 years.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<br \/>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Q: <strong> WHEN DO YOU START REVIEWING APPLICATIONS?<\/strong><\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nA: The Program begins accepting applications in September. Prospective applicants will create an account with the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/bu-gms.liaisoncas.com\/applicant-ux\/#\/login\">Boston University Centralized Application System<\/a>\u00a0(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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<br style=\"clear: both;\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<br \/>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Q: How long does it normally take to complete a PhD degree?<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nA: <span>PiBS students typically take five and a half years to complete their degrees, on average.<\/span><br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<br \/>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Q: Does the program provide financial aid, scholarships and fellowships?<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nA: Students receive full tuition coverage, fees, health insurance options, and a $40,000 stipend per year.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<br \/>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Q: What type of careers are typical for PhD graduates from this program?<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nA: Although our program is new, graduates of similar doctoral nutritional sciences programs typically go on to such careers as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>research scientists or clinical associates in pharmaceutical or biotechnology developing compounds to treat obesity and diabetes<\/li>\n<li>academic positions in major universities, medical centers or small colleges<\/li>\n<li>coordinators of childhood obesity prevention programs<\/li>\n<li>executives at biotech companies<\/li>\n<li>medical writers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<br \/>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Q: Is this program suited for getting my Registered Dietician (RD) credential?<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nA: This program does not offer the didactic courses or internships that are required for attaining the RD credential.<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sargent\/academics\/programs\/?department%5b%5d=programs-in-nutrition&amp;search=true&amp;noaux=true&amp;browse=true#program-browse\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Boston University\u2019s Sargent College<\/a><span>\u00a0<\/span>does have programs designed to lead to the RD credential.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<br \/>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Q: What are class sizes like?<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nA: Class sizes range from 6 to 30 students. For first year, a few basic science courses may be much larger.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<br \/>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Q: Can the PhD be done on a part time basis?<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nA: No. Our PhD program is only available on a full time basis.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[\/collapsible]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6105,"featured_media":0,"parent":24921,"menu_order":5,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/48410"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6105"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=48410"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/48410\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":97966,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/48410\/revisions\/97966"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24921"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48410"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}