Early Decision Admission Option

How it works

Apply during your senior year and receive direct admission into the program upon final acceptance and completion of the nutrition and dietetics major and degree requirements.

Students applying to the early decision admission option will commit to attending Missouri State's Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (MSND) or Dietetic Internship (DI) program the year following undergraduate completion.

Note: Applying for early decision admission does not guarantee admission into either program (MSND or DI).

Early decision admission requirements

If you're admitted to the Missouri State Nutrition and Dietetics major and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher over the last 60 hours of academic work taken, you're eligible to apply for early decision admission during your senior year.

For international applicants, submission of proof of English proficiency is required. Refer to both Graduate College and International Services websites.

Early decision application process

1. Interested applicants must schedule an appointment with the Nutrition and Dietetics Graduate Program Director to discuss the application process.
2. Interested, qualified applicants will apply through Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service (DICAS). This application is due 5:00 p.m. (central time) on December 1 for early decision admission into the MSND or DI for the following year.
3. Applicant must submit a completed application that includes the following:
   1. Evidence of meeting the minimum academic requirements from an ACEND-approved Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) by a "Declaration of Intent to Complete Degree.”
   2. Personal philosophy statement that addresses the applicant’s strengths, areas of improvement, professional career goals, and how the MSND or DI will aid in accomplishing career goals.
   3. One recommendation letter from an applicant's supervisor or manager at a work, volunteer, or club experience.
   4. Resume which includes work and/or volunteer experience and involvement in college and/or community activities
   5. Declaration of intent to complete degree form (completed by DPD program director)
   6. Applications are to be submitted on DICAS by 5:00 p.m. (central time) on December 1. 

 Early decision selection process

1. The MSND/DI Applicant Review Committee will review applications. 
2. Qualified applicants will have an on-campus interview.
3. Applicants will receive notification via email from the Dietetics and Nutrition Graduate Program Director of acceptance or rejection into the Early Decision MSND/DI Admission Option by December 20 each academic year. 
4. Selection criteria includes participation in professional or community organizations, extracurricular activities, honors and awards, on-campus interview, academic performance, and the applicant review committee’s assessment of the individual’s ability to successfully complete the MSND or DI.  Meeting minimum requirements for the Early Decision MSND/DI Admission Option does not guarantee acceptance into Missouri State's MSND or DI programs.
5. The maximum number of early decision admission positions is 12 annually.
6. Students are accepted into the Missouri State University MSND or DI for the year immediately following completion of their undergraduate requirements.
7. Admittance in Missouri State's MSND or DI is contingent on the student completing the DPD's degree requirements.

 Early decision applicant notification

1. Applicants will receive notification via email from the Graduate Program Director of acceptance or rejection into the Early Decision MSND/DI Admission Option by December 20 each academic year. 
2. Written confirmation via email to the Graduate Program Director of acceptance or rejection of the position is required by the first day of spring classes.
3. Students admitted into the MSND or DI program must pay a placeholder fee of $500.00 known as the confirmation deposit.
4. Students admitted into the MSND or DI program will have the Graduate College Application fee waived.
5. Additional program requirements.