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Admission Requirements and Process

The BYU combined master’s degree and dietetic internship program follows a holistic admissions process to make assessments that move beyond academic achievement alone. Using applications, references, and interviews, students will be evaluated on their commitment to dietetics, analytical skills, writing ability, adaptability, diversity of life experience, interpersonal interactions, leadership potential, and academics.

The Brigham Young University Dietetic Internship (DI) participates in the pre-select option to computer matching (the DI does not participate in computer matching.) The BYU DI has nine (9) openings per year. The internship is a combined internship with master's program. The application deadline is January 15 at 9:59 pm Mountain time (11:59 pm ET). Applicants will be notified on or before February 1 confirming their acceptance status in the program.

The program offers two master's degree options combined with the dietetic internship 1) Masters in Nutrition Science and Dietetics (MS/DI) and 2) Masters in Public Health (MPH/DI). Applicants may apply to either or both options.

If selected for the BYU DI, the applicant's name and email will be submitted by February 1 to D&D Digital Systems, Inc. to ensure that the applicant will not participate in the April computer match. If the applicant is not selected through the pre-select process, they may apply to any other DI. D&D Digital Systems may be contacted at (515) 292-0490 or dnd@sigler.com

Requirements and prerequisites

  • Applicants must have completed or be in the process of completing the Brigham Young University’s ACEND accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics with an original 'Verification Statement' or 'Intent to Complete' from the Didactic Program Director. A Verification Statement must be obtained before starting the program.
  • At least 500 hours of dietetics-related work and/or volunteer experience

Application Instructions

Application Process Overview

  • Applicants must submit two applications 1) an application through the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application System (DICAS) and 2) an application through BYU Graduate Studies for the appropriate graduate degree option: Masters in Nutrition Science and Dietetics (MS) or Masters of Public Health (MPH). Applicants may apply to either or both graduate degree options.
  • Applicants must complete an interview.

1. Complete a DICAS Application. Only one application is needed for either the MS or MPH options.

  • Complete an application in the DICAS Online Applicant Portal https://dicas.liaisoncas.com by January 15 at 9:59 pm Mountain Time (11:59 pm ET).
  • Upload an unofficial Brigham Young University transcript (e.g. Progress Report) in the DICAS system (Official still required)
    • This transcript upload is in addition to the official transcripts (from BYU and other schools) you will send to DICAS as part of the application process for all programs.
  • Upload a Personal Statement that addresses the following:
    • Why do you want to pursue dietetics?
    • What personal, unique, or meaningful experiences have you had with dietetics?
    • What are your goals and directions for the future and what vision do you have for the future of nutrition and dietetics?
    • What are your strengths and areas for improvement?
  • In the DICAS system list three references (see details below) and assure letters of recommendation are uploaded by Jan 15 at 9:59 pm Mountain Time (11:59 pm ET).
    • One faculty member from a dietetics related course
    • Two work or volunteer supervisors
    • References must be submitted by the Jan 15 deadline
  • Submit DICAS application fee ($65) to DICAS by January 15
    • If not accepted at BYU, you can then use the DICAS system to apply to other internship(s), with an additional program fee ($25)

2. Complete BYU Graduate Studies Application for Masters in Nutritional Science and Dietetics (MS), Masters of Public Health (MPH) or both.

Graduate Studies Application Instructions for the Masters in Nutritional Science and Dietetics

Applicants for the combined MS/DI Masters track must complete this application in addition to the DICAS application.

  • Complete an application through BYU Graduate Studies https://gradstudies.byu.edu/ by January 15 at 9:59 pm Mountain Time (11:59 pm ET).
  • Apply for the MS in Dietetics
  • Obtain and submit a NEW Ecclesiastical Endorsement
  • References are NOT required in the BYU MS Dietetics/DI graduate application. The DICAS references will be used. The recommendation section will appear in the graduate school application, but you can SKIP the recommendation section.
  • Under the preferred project area(s) and faculty enter "Dietetics and Pauline Williams." If selected for the MS/DI you will have the opportunity to discuss project options with NDFS faculty members, before being assigned a project and graduate advisor.
  • Pay all fees related to the Graduate Studies application

Graduate Studies Application Instructions for the Masters in Public Health

Applicants for the combined MPH/DI Masters track must complete this application in addition to the DICAS application.

  • Complete an application through BYU Graduate Studies http://gradstudies.byu.edu by January 15 at 9:59 pm Mountain Time (11:59 pm ET). Note this is an earlier deadline than the MPH general admissions of Feb 1.
  • Get detailed instructions for applying to the MPH/DI option here.

3. Sign-up for an Interview. Interviews are held Friday January 19, 2024 between 8 am to 12:30 pm MST (end time may be extended dependent on number of applicants). To sign up for an interview, visit or call the main NDFS office at S-221 ESC or 801-422-3912. Please sign up for interview times by 4:30 pm MT on the last business day before the January 15 deadline (i.e. if Jan 15 is a holiday or weekend you must signup before deadline). Interviews are held in the Eyring Science Center on the BYU campus. Report to the Hallway by S-221 ESC at scheduled interview day/time. If you are far from the Provo area, please sign-up for an interview time, then contact the Dietetic Internship Director at pauline_williams@byu.edu to set up a video or conference call.

Post Acceptance to MS/DI or MPH/DI Program

Interns must complete and provide documentation of the following:

  • Official transcript with bachelor's degree
  • Verification Statement from didactic program in dietetics
  • Criminal background check
  • Drug Screen
  • Immunization records including, but not limited to verification of receiving the following vaccinations and tests:
    • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, and Rubella
    • Varicella (Chickenpox)
    • Tdap
    • Current Flu
    • Hepatitis B
    • COVID-19
    • Tuberculosis screening
  • Basic Life Support Certificate
  • ServSave Certificate
  • Any other forms required by DI and/or supervised practice sites

Accreditation

Brigham Young University’s Didactic Program in Dietetics and Dietetic Internship are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. They can be contacted at:

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190,Chicago, IL 60606-6995,(312) 899-0040 ext 5400https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend