Graduate Admissions

View of Gampel Pavilion

Applications: All applications are online to the Graduate School.

Recommended Course Preparation: Physiology, Biochemistry, and Nutrition.

Requirements for Applications: Official transcripts, TOEFL scores (where required), three letters of recommendation and a personal statement.

TOEFL exam: You may be required to submit evidence of your proficiency in the English language if you are not a native speaker by taking the TOEFL. The minimum scores for acceptance are 1) a score of 79 (electronic test) 2) a score of 6.5 on the IELTS test or 3) a score of 53 on the PTE test. Under certain circumstances, the TOEFL can be waived.

Deadline for Applications: All applications for fall admission will be reviewed by February 15th by the Graduate Committee and faculty. January 15th is the deadline if applicants wish to be considered for internal or external fellowships. For the spring semester, applications must be received by the Graduate School no later than October 1st.

Procedures:

    1. After all requirements for an application have been received, applicant files will be reviewed by all Graduate Faculty members to match an applicant with a prospective advisor for acceptance into the graduate program. When a Graduate Faculty member is interested in an applicant, all of his/her credentials will be reviewed by the departmental Graduate Committee for approval.
    2. Those students meeting entrance requirements will be admitted to the Graduate Program in Nutritional Sciences. Financial assistance is available in the form of Research Assistantships, named Fellowships, and University Scholarships. Financial aid forms must be completed before aid can be considered (see the Graduate Bulletin and application materials)

Additional questions: Please refer to the Graduate Catalog of Nutritional Sciences or contact the graduate program director Dr. Yangchao Luo.

The Graduate School’s Fellowship Awards

In order for an applicant to be considered for one of the following fellowships, the applicant must select that they wish to be considered in the SLATE application system. Recipients of these fellowships will be the most academically promising members of the entering class of graduate students at the University of Connecticut. The criteria used to select recipients include the following:

    • Evidence of scholarly or creative achievement highlighted by the department or program in their nomination and evidence that the department or program provides the environment necessary for success in the areas of interest highlighted by the applicant.
    • Evidence of any prior scholarly or creative achievement by the nominee, e.g., publications, presentations, exhibits, performances.
    • Evidence that the nominee has been successful at previous academic institutions, e.g., letters of recommendation.
    • Quantitative evidence of academic accomplishment, e.g., undergraduate grade point average, GRE/GMAT (when available).

The Jorgensen Fellowship (JF) is available to outstanding young scholars applying to doctoral programs. The award consists of a service-free fellowship providing a $20,000 annual stipend for five years.

 

In addition, to be eligible for either the fellowships below, applicants must demonstrate a commitment to enhancing diversity in higher education and/or a commitment to enhancing diversity in their field of study.

    • The Harriott Fellowship (HF) is available to outstanding young scholars applying to doctoral programs. The award consists of a service-free fellowship providing a $20,000 annual stipend for five years.
    • The Crandall Fellowship (CF) is available to outstanding young scholars applying to master’s programs. The award consists of a service-free fellowship providing a $20,000 annual stipend for two years (MFA is for three years).

 

For HF and CF fellowships, students must submit a diversity statement through the SLATE application system. Students can demonstrate a commitment to enhancing diversity in higher education through participation in organizations or activities that (a) directly relate to increasing access to higher education and retention in higher education of individuals, regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, gender, nationality, cultural background, religion, or beliefs or (b) that help to ensure that individuals are welcomed and included in higher education environments regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, gender, nationality, cultural background, religion, or beliefs. Such organization and activities might include participation/affiliation with TRIO programs, cultural/affinity organizations/centers, volunteer experiences, and college or university committees focused on these goals. Students provide evidence of this commitment through research and educational experience reflected on their CV/resume (articles, presentations, internship, and research experience), in their personal statement, or in letters of recommendations. Click here for more information.