Admission to the program requires a bachelor's (or equivalent degree) and evidence of intellectual achievement and potential for successful graduate study. Applicants must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 (A=4.0) for the last 2 years of coursework (undergraduate and graduate courses).

COVID-19 impact

Due to the COVID-19 impact on testing centers, DNS will temporarily waive the department GRE requirement for all 2022-2023 applicants.

Also, The Graduate College will temporarily accept Duolingo English Test examination results for tests taken between February 1, 2020 and August 1, 2023. The Duolingo English Test will be accepted as an alternative to TOEFL and IELTS for proof of English proficiency for impacted applicants. Please visit https://grad.illinois.edu/admissions/instructions/04c for more information.

What are the Undergraduate Prerequisites for Admission?

The following undergraduate courses (or their equivalents) are required for admission into the Nutritional Sciences graduate program. Descriptions of these courses are in the Course Explorer.

  • General Chemistry: CHEM 102 and 103, and CHEM 104 and 105
  • Organic Chemistry: CHEM 232 and CHEM 233
  • Physiology or Biology: MCB 244

The following courses are highly recommended; however, deficiencies in these areas can be made up during the first two semesters of study.

  • Biochemistry: MCB 450
  • Principles of Nutrition: FSHN 220
  • Statistics: STAT 100

When should I apply?

Although most graduate students enter into the program in the fall, students may begin their graduate programs during the fall (August), spring (January) or summer (June) semesters. For candidates who wish to apply for fellowships, completed application materials should be received by December 15th for full consideration for the following fall semester. Application deadlines are as follows: February 15th for summer, April 1st for fall, and October 1st for spring.

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