Admissions Requirements

Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Services (DICAS)

DICAS is a web-based application service used by applicants to apply to multiple programs by completing a single online application. DICAS simplifies and streamlines the application process for applicants looking to apply to dietetics-supervised practice programs.

Application Process

• Visit the DICAS Platform to search for supervised practice programs (DI, CP, GP and ISPPs) of interest.
• If the program you are interested in does not appear in the DICAS, check the program's website for directions on how to apply or contact the program director.

Rolling Admission Dates – Applications can be submitted anytime after the program is opened for applications.

First Round:

• Oct. 15: Application due date
• Nov. 1: Applicant notification date
• Nov. 15: Applicant decision date

Second Round:

• Feb. 15: Application due date
• March 1: Applicant notification date
• March 15: Applicant decision date

Contact Information

• If you need assistance with the centralized application, please contact DICAS customer support at 617/612-2855.
• If you have any general questions about applying to dietetics programs, contact ACEND.
• For more information regarding Ouachita Baptist University’s MS/DI program, please contact Holly Kyzer, MS/DI Director at [email protected] or 870-245-5546.

Ouachita General Graduate Admissions Requirements:

• Conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution
• 2.5 minimum GPA on a 4.0 scale (individual programs will delineate more specifics)
• Completed application, which includes a statement of purpose
• Three references
• Minimum English proficiency requirements for international students are as follows:
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
    At least 79 on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT)
    At least 550 on the paper-based TOEFL
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS):
    At least a 6.5 on the IELTS exam

Ouachita MS/DI Program Admissions Requirements:

• Baccalaureate degree in nutrition or related field from an accredited university. All official transcripts must be provided.
• Verification Statement from an ACEND-accredited Nutrition and Dietetics Didactic Program (DPD) or Foreign Dietitian Education program (FDE) obtained from the DPD director within the last five years. If the Verification Statement is greater than five years old, the student will be required to take a minimum of three hours of course credit in Clinical Dietetics and three hours of course credit in Administrative Dietetics.
• Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all nutrition and dietetic courses
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale in all science courses
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on any graduate course work previously taken at another accredited institution.
• Possess dietetics-related and/or food service work experience, volunteer or paid.
• Three letters of recommendation discussing the individual's potential for success in graduate study.

Exceptions to any admissions requirements will be considered on an individual basis.

International applicants or American citizens who learned English as a second language must score at least 550 (paper) or 79 (Internet) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language or at least 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System.

Regular Status - Regular graduate student admissions status may be granted to applicants who meet general graduate admissions requirements and program-specific admissions requirements.

Provisional Status - Applicants may be granted Provisional admission status if they meet graduate and program-specific admissions requirements but have not yet submitted all required documents. Provisional status will be changed to Regular status once the applicant submits satisfactory documentation.

Conditional Status - Conditional graduate admission status may be granted to applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree but otherwise fail to meet fully the general and specific degree admission requirements. Students admitted conditionally are on probation and must complete satisfactory course work to demonstrate that they are able to succeed in graduate study. A student on conditional admission may meet the requirements for regular graduate status by successfully completing nine semester hours of graduate study with a minimum GPA of 3.000. Students admitted conditionally must attain regular graduate status by the time they have completed 12 hours. Credits earned as a conditionally admitted student may apply toward the degree sought.

Special Status - Special graduate admission status may be assigned to a student who does not plan to meet requirements for a degree but wishes to earn additional credits.

Up to twelve hours of completed relevant coursework may be transferred in, at the discretion of the program director. Specific program requirements vary. Courses must have been completed within the last five years with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on any graduate course work previously taken at another accredited institution. Dietetic Internship – No transfer credits will be accepted for the Dietetic Internship.

Students who have completed an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship program and passed the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Exam in the last five years may receive up to 18 hours of graduate credit toward the 36 required hours (subject to approval by program director, must provide current CDR ID card).

The Ouachita MS/DI participates in the pre-select option for students receiving a Verification Statement from the Ouachita DPD. Up to nine intern slots will be available for the pre-select option. The pre-select deadline is Jan. 15. It is open to all students who receive a Verification Statement or a Declaration of Intent to Complete from the Ouachita DPD. OBU’s $40 graduate application fee applies. Consideration for pre-selection does not require application to the Dietetic Inclusive Centralized Application Services (DICAS). The applicant will be notified confirming his/her acceptance status in the program prior to Feb. 1. If the applicant is not selected through the pre-select process, he/she may apply to any program including the Ouachita MS/DI through the computer matching process.