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Nutrition and Public Health /
Nutrition
  • About
  • Undergraduate
    • BS In Nutrition and Food Science
    • BS in Nutrition and Wellness
    • Accelerated BSMS (leads to RDN)
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    • MS - Integrated Program (IPND)
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Admissions Information

Admission Requirements

  • Admission is Fall semester only.
  • Undergraduate degree from an accredited university with GPA of at least 3.0 preferred (overall and major).
  • Completion of all prerequisites (minimum 34 credits) by the end of July preceding the Fall semester of expected entry. A 3.3 GPA in all required prerequisite coursework with a minimum grade of "B" for Introductory Nutrition and Food Science, and a minimum grade of "C" for all other courses.
    Prerequisites may be taken at a two- or four-year accredited institution, either in a traditional setting or online.
  • TOEFL exam if undergraduate degree is from a country where English is not the official language.
    • Minimum score: 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), or 100 (internet-based).

Application Requirements

  •  Online DICAS (Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service) application
  • Electronic official transcript(s) from all institutions of higher learning attended
  • Statement of interest (500 words maximum)
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • Resume
  • GRE* scores (Hunter ETS GRE code =2301) and TOEFL scores, if applicable.  *GRE is not a requirement for application or admission to the MS Programs.
  • Hunter College Graduate Admissions Application once accepted into the program

Application Deadline: February 15

  • Non US-institution: Applicants who have completed all or part of their university studies in a non-US institution and/or require student visas must submit their applications by January 15.
  • Completed applications submitted by the application deadline, and demonstrated compliance with all application requirements, will be reviewed by the admissions committee. The Program Director will notify applicants who meet admissions requirements on or before March 1, 2025. Candidates must notify the Program Director of their acceptance decision no later than March 15, 2025.

Prerequisites

As a science-based didactic program, the IPND requires a strong foundation in chemistry and the biological sciences. Appropriate science/lab classes are a single semester and often denoted as appropriate for health professions. It is preferred that the two Nutrition (NFS) prerequisite courses be completed at Hunter College or by our Challenge Exam (see below) although this is not required. Please note that you do not need prerequisite courses to be approved in advance. To help as a guide in prerequisite selection, see this course equivalency link showing select institutions previous applicants have attended.

TOTAL Minimum Credits 34 Credits
Prerequisite Courses Minimum Credits
General Chemistry (with lab) 4 (1 semester)
Organic Chemistry (with lab) 4 (1 semester)
Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II (both with lab)** 8 (2 semesters)
Microbiology (with lab) 3
Biochemistry (should require an organic chemistry prerequisite) 3
*Intro to Nutrition (or via Challenge Exam) 3
*Intro to Food Science (or via Challenge Exam) 3
Statistics 3
Psychology or Sociology or Anthropology or Economics 3

*Introduction to Nutrition (NFS 14100) and Introduction to Food Science I (NFS 13100) can also be taken on a self-study basis, with the "Challenge Exam" option (guidelines below.) NFS 14100 and NFS 13100 are also available at Hunter as online courses. Please see the Hunter College Schedule of Classes.

**A 1 (one) semester course in Anatomy with lab (4 credits) plus a 1 (one) semester course in Physiology with lab (4 credits) can be substituted for classes A&P 1 & 2.

For Prospective Master's Students Only

A Challenge Exam may be taken in lieu of the Introduction to Nutrition and/or the Food Science prerequisite coursework requirement for the Integrated Program in Nutrition and Dietetics.

Challenge Exam Dates

  • May 5, 2025
  • August 19, 2025
  • December 10, 2025

Time: 11am - 1pm, In-person

To sign up for a future challenge exam complete our ONLINE REQUEST FORM
For additional information contact: nutrition@hunter.cuny.edu

Note that only one exam can be taken on any exam date.  Prior to the exam date, an email will be sent to students who register for the exam detailing the procedures for accessing the Silberman building and taking the exam.

The cost of each exam is $125.00.

Please bring a check for $125.00 made payable to "Hunter College Nutrition & Food Science." Please also bring a #2 pencil and calculator with you.

Materials for the Exam: On the day of the exam, please bring a check for $125.00 made payable to "Hunter College Nutrition & Food Science"), a #2 pencil, and a calculator.

Challenge Exam Textbooks:
Books can be purchased online, from the Hunter College Bookstore and at Barnes & Noble.

  • Nutrition I / Intro to Nutrition (NFS 14100)

    • Whitney, E.N., and Rolfes, S.R. Understanding Nutrition, 13th Edition, 2013 (12th edition is also acceptable)
      • Study chapters 1-13 and be prepared for some mathematical calculation questions (you are allowed to use a calculator)
  • Intro to Food Science (NFS 13100)
    • McWilliams, M. Food Fundamentals, 10th Edition, Pearson Publishing Co., 2012 (9th edition, 2009 is also acceptable).
      • Study chapters 1-19 and be prepared for some mathematical calculation questions (you are allowed to use a calculator)

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