Application Process

Application Deadline: September 1, 2024

UPDATE: DICAS portal opens on August 5, 2024 and Cal State Apply opens on August 1, 2024

Our program is unique in that it is both an ACEND-accredited program and a graduate program at ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú. As a result, applicants must complete two separate applications, each tailored to their specific requirements:

  • Part 1. Online application via

    Students admitted to the GP@ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú must comply with University requirements for admission to graduate studies as outlined in the university catalog. 

  • Part 2. Online application via

    Note: We do not participate in computer matching. You may apply and be admitted to as many ACEND programs as you'd like on DICAS. 

Candidates missing any required components will not be considered. Please carefully review all details below. 

 

Part 1. Online application via

You will submit the following: 

  • $70 application fee
  • Personal Statement. This can be the same as your personal statement submitted to DICAS. 
    • In 1000 words or less, answer the following: 
      • Why do you want to enter the nutrition profession? 
      • Discuss experiences that have helped to prepare you for graduate study and an accelerated program
      • What are your short-term (next 1-3 years in the program/after) and long-term career goals (5-10 years)?
      • What are your strengths and areas where you are actively working to grow?
      • Optional: Is there any information that may not be reflected in your application that you think is important to share?
      • Why do you think you're a good fit for the Graduate Program in Applied Nutrition and Dietetics at ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú?
  • Demonstration of Writing Proficiency. Students may demonstrate writing proficiency in one of two ways:
    • Option 1: Submit a writing sample demonstrating your analytical writing and critical thinking abilities. This can be a short essay for a nutrition or health-related course, a thesis project, a laboratory assignment, or anything that is at least 1,000 words and is completed entirely by you (no group work). Ideal writing samples should show critical thinking, such as an opinion piece or an essay about a topic that requires you to provide research sources. If you do not have a writing sample from a prior course that meets these criteria, you may prepare one related to a selected current controversy in nutrition. Writing samples must: 
      • Be at least 1000 words 
      • Double-spaced and 12-point font
      • Include a cover page that indicates 1) the context (course name/number if applies), 2) the date of the writing sample, 3) a statement that you attest that the writing sample was not created with assistance from artificial intelligence (AI) or any other collaborators and that you understand it will be reviewed for plagiarism or AI usage.  
    • Option 2: Submit a GRE analytical writing score of 4.0 or above. If you choose this option, upload an unofficial copy of your GRE scores to CalState Apply and send GRE scores using the ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú institution code, 4389. 
  • Resume/CV
  • Name and emails of 3 references. Recommenders will be notified via email from calstateapply@liaisoncas.com to upload a letter of recommendation on the applicant’s behalf. These should come from:
    • One (1) reference from a professor or faculty member who knows you well from a class you excelled in, preferably where you had the opportunity to interact beyond attending lectures. In your letter, they should speak to your potential success as a graduate student in an accelerated program. 
    • One (1) reference from a supervisor. This could be a work supervisor, volunteer supervisor, or someone who has overseen your work in a professional setting. They should speak to your work ethic and interpersonal/professional skills. 
    • One (1) reference letter of applicant's choice: You may choose another professor, supervisor, or someone else who can provide a unique perspective on your qualifications. This could be a coach from a sports team or another leader or mentor who has guided you. The key is to choose someone who can speak to your strengths, potential, and experiences that complement the other two letters. 
    • Tip: Ask your recommenders early (at least 4 weeks), and remind them to check their spam or junk folders – as occasionally emails are filtered there. 
    • Letters must be submitted both to Cal State Apply and DICAS - notify your recommenders accordingly.
  • Official transcripts from all institutions you've attended - including community college courses.
    • Note: Official transcripts to the DICAS portal are insufficient. Official transcripts must also be provided to the University. Most can now be sent electronically or can be mailed to: 

      Office of Enrollment Services/Graduate Admissions
      California State University, Long Beach
      1250 Bellflower Boulevard
      Long Beach, CA 90840

Helpful Cal State Apply Resources

While the application is pretty self-explanatory, there is a ton of great support at the , including the Graduate Application guide, which offers screenshots and a simple walk-through of the application process. 

Part 2. Online application via

We do not require "DPD Documents" (e.g. DPD Course List, DPD Verification Statement). You may apply and be admitted to as many ACEND programs as you'd like on DICAS, as the computer matching program closed in 2024. 

In addition to completing the required DICAS application components (Personal Information, Academic History, Supporting Documentation), you will submit the following: 

  • $50 DICAS Application Fee
  • Name and emails of (3) references. Recommenders will be notified via email from dicasinfo@dicas.org to upload a letter of recommendation on the applicant’s behalf. 
    • One (1) reference from a professor or faculty member who knows you well from a class you excelled in, preferably where you had the opportunity to interact beyond attending lectures. In your letter, they should speak to your potential success as a graduate student in an accelerated program. 
    • One (1) reference from a supervisor. This could be a work supervisor, volunteer supervisor, or someone who has overseen your work in a professional setting. They should speak to your work ethic and interpersonal/professional skills. 
    • One (1) reference letter of applicant's choice: You may choose another professor, supervisor, or someone else who can provide a unique perspective on your qualifications. This could be a coach from a sports team or another leader or mentor who has guided you. The key is to choose someone who can speak to your strengths, potential, and experiences that complement the other two letters. 
    • Tip: Ask your recommenders early (at least 4 weeks), and remind them to check their spam or junk folders – as occasionally emails are filtered there. 
    • Letters must be submitted both to Cal State Apply and DICAS - notify your recommenders accordingly.
  • Personal Statement. This can be the same as your personal statement submitted to Cal State Apply (see instructions above). 
  • Resume/CV
  • Short answers (100 words or 5-7 sentences) to prompts within the DICAS. These answers also prepare applicants for similar discussion topics covered in the Zoom interview. 
    • Describe a problem you faced that wasn't directly related to academics or work. How did you solve it?
    • Is there a specific cause or issue you're passionate about? Why?
    • How do you see your background and experiences contributing to the kind of registered dietitian nutritionist you will become?
    • Explain what you have done to make your community a better place to live. Give examples of specific things in which you have been involved over time. This may include neighborhood, community, religious, or any other activities.
    • In your background, is there a tradition, skill, or experience that has shaped your work ethic?
    • Imagine some challenges you might face while in the GP. How would you approach them?
  • Official transcripts from all institutions you've attended - including community college courses.See  for details. 
    • Note:Official transcripts must be submitted to DICAS and Cal State Apply   

Helpful DICAS Resources

  • The  webpage includes an Applicant Information Handout (FAQ) and DICAS Cycle Applicant Tips Page.
  • An applicant DICAS Training Video can be found here: 

EventDate
 DICAS Applications Open for GP@ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúAugust 5, 2024

Cal State Apply Application portal opens

 

August 1, 2024
Application Deadline for Cal State Apply and DICASSeptember 1, 2024
Applications reviewed by ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú AdmissionsMonth of September 
ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú Admissions reviews applications and recommends the final pool of candidates to the GP Admissions CommitteeOctober 7, 2024
GP Admissions Committee reviews the final pool of applicants, and Zoom interviews will occurMonth of October
Applicants are notified of their admission statusOctober 31, 2024
Applicants must accept/decline the admissions offerNovember 15, 2024
Required on-campus orientation activities for GP studentsJanuary 13-16, 2024
First day of classes January 21, 2024

Info Sessions

Throughout the year, we will hold virtual info sessions about the GP and application process. You can also register to receive the recording if you cannot attend. The next info session will be on: 

 
  • Mon, August 12, 2024, from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm PST

to get the Zoom room information. 

Can't attend? Register anyway, and we will email a session recording within a few days of the closest event. 

If you'd like a past recording of a recent info session, email Dr. Dustin Moore at dustin.moore@csulb.edu, and he can provide you with the video link. A .pdf of the slides for the July 2024 info session can be found here.