Program Admission Requirements

Lower Level

Requirements for admission to the lower level are consistent with those of the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences. First-time entering freshmen considered for admission to the Department of Nutritional Sciences must submit an application to the Howard University Office of Undergraduate Admissions and present proof of having met the following criteria:

Graduation from high school or a G.E.D. certificate.
A minimum score of 500 mathematics and 500 verbal on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), or an equivalent score on the American College Test (ACT).
All students admitted as freshman must have completed the following high school units with a grade of “C” or better: English, mathematics, biology, chemistry.

Upper Level

Students who wish to apply to the Coordinated Program in Dietetics (Upper Level) must:

1. Complete and submit an application package to the Department of Nutritional Sciences, between November 30 and May 1 of the sophomore year. Download an application form from the CP website at:

https://cnahs.howard.edu/departments/nutritional-sciences/coordinated-program-dietetics-cp. Prospective students who must first apply to the University for acceptance, must apply to the CP by May 1, for fall acceptance, and November 1 for spring acceptance (verification students only). The application package must contain an essay stating goals and reasons for interest in dietetics, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts (non-HU students) and the application form.

2. Complete all prerequisite courses or equivalent required by the Coordinated Program in Dietetics: Medical Nutrition Therapy Focus in Health Disparities. Have a grade point average of a minimum of 3.0 (on a 4.0-point scale);

3. Have a minimal letter grade of “B” in nutritional sciences courses, and not more than a single “C” in a science course;

4. Complete a minimum of 60 semester hours of prerequisites as prescribed in the curriculum for the program.

5. Provide evidence of volunteer opportunities (minimum of 80 hours) in the area of community, hospital/nursing homes and food service programs, or complete at least two summers of volunteer experience during their tenure in the program. Applicants with prior work experience in either of these areas who wish to be considered for a waiver of these hours may submit a formal request to the CP Director.

6. Participate in an interview with the CP Admissions Committee.

Transfer Students

Students who hold a degree or wish to transfer credits from a US accredited college or university into the program must apply as transfer students. Transfer credits will be assessed by the Program Director or designated academic advisor. Transfer students will follow all applicable admission procedures related to Howard University and the CP.

International Students

International students desirous of admission to the CP must first be admitted to Howard University, and proceed as above for admission to the “Upper Level.” An academic evaluation by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member is required from all international students who have studied outside of the United States. Detailed admission requirements for international students can be found here: https://www2.howard.edu/admission/undergraduate/international