Application and Admissions

Continued Admission Requirements

Given the placement in professional training facilities, students will need to comply with all facility requirements. At a minimum, facility requirements include the following:

• Evidence of a clear criminal background 

• Clear 10 Panel drug screen 

• Proof of health insurance 

• Proof of required immunizations through titers & a physical with medical clearance to train

• Basic Life Support Certification (American Heart Association approved)

• ServSafe Manager Certification

• Professional liability insurance

More detailed information about these requirements can be found in the handbook.

Preparing for Admission

A course in advanced or upper division nutrient metabolism and the specific course Metabolic Basis of Human Health and Disease (NST 160) are prerequisite courses for the MNSD. 

While students may find equivalent courses at another university, these courses are not usually offered at a community college. Given the unique nature of these courses, students have one of the following options to complete these courses:

• Identify a similar course at another university. This is likely possible for the nutrient metabolism course, however, unlikely for the Metabolic Basis of Human Health and Disease course.

• Complete the courses the year prior to the start of the program through the UC Berkeley Extension concurrent enrollment program.

• Complete the courses in addition to the MNSD curriculum during year one. This will result in increased program fees and a higher course load (16-19 units per semester rather than the planned 12-15 units.)

More detailed information about these requirements can be found in the handbook.

How to Apply

The Admissions Committee of the Master of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics strives to admit students who will be successful both in the academic program and in the practice of dietetics. Our goal each year is to bring in a class of approximately 20 students. We welcome your application!

There are two steps required to apply :

1. Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service (DICAS) - complete the application, upload all materials to this portal, and pay the DICAS fee. DICAS charges $50 for the first program one applies to and $25 for each additional program. 

2. Supplemental fee: once you submit your DICAS application, you will receive an email with instructions to create a login for the mandatory supplemental UC Berkeley Graduate Application portal. You will receive a temporary pin number and your login is your email. This email will not be sent until after you submit your DICAS application. Register and pay the supplemental application fee of $110 for US citizens or current permanent residents ($130 for all others or apply for a fee waiver - review the fee waiver eligibility). Completion of this step is required in order for your application to be complete and reviewed.

Deadline to apply: December 15, 2025 

There is no computer matching for this program.

Application Directions

Review these directions to learn more about the application requirements.

Application Review Process

The admissions committee will apply a holistic review of applicants that includes an examination of undergraduate coursework, science coursework, recency of coursework, employment, volunteer or research experience, letters of recommendation, the personal statement, and an interview.  Complete applications will be reviewed, which include those that complete all of the required pages on the application, including the Program Page. 

Invitation to Interview

Selected applicants will be invited for an interview. The program director and at least one other individual will conduct brief 20-minute interviews with eligible applicants. Invitations to the interview will be sent via email. The program director will provide the applicant with available dates to participate in the interview process. Applicants will have one week from the date of interview notification to accept the invitation to interview.

Accepting the Offer of Admission

Students who have been admitted into an entering class are required to take certain steps to secure their admission into the program. The deadline to complete these steps will be provided by the program director following their completed application and interview.

Please see the UC Berkeley Applying to Graduate Admissions page for additional information.

Questions? Contact dietetics@berkeley.edu.