Application Instructions

Create an account in the DICAS Portal

• Applicants will be prompted to designate their DPD Standing during account creation.
  • If you are in a DPD or have graduated from a DPD, you will answer "yes." You will then be asked to "select the document required from your DPD Director." If you are currently enrolled in a DPD you will select "Declaration of Intent," and if you have already graduated, you will select "Verification Statement."
  • For applicants who are not a in a DPD, you will answer "no" and complete the MDA Prerequisite Courses Worksheet as described in Step 4 below. Students interested in this option must speak with the MDA Program Director prior to starting their application.
• Under "Add Programs" select Utah State University Master of Dietetics Administration. 
• https://dicas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login 

Personal Information

• Biographic information
• Contact information
• Race & ethnicity
• Citizenship information
• Other information
• Release statement

Academic History

• Colleges attended:
  • Include all colleges you've attended prior to completing your DPD.
  • Request official transcripts to be sent directly to DICAS.
• Coursework entry:
  • Refer to the DPD Course List you received from your DPD Director.
• DPD Confirmation
• Standardized test - the USU MDA does not require the GRE. Some students may be required to submit TOEFL scores through the USU School of Graduate Studies. Students will be informed of this separately but contact the USU MDA if you have questions. 

Supporting Information

• Achievements
• Experiences
  • Approximately 400 work/volunteer hours are required for the USU MDA. Refer to the Work and Volunteer Experience document for guidelines.
  • Describe your work and volunteer experiences in detail. If it isn't on your application, it will not be considered toward the required hours during application review.
• Memberships
• Licenses and Certifications
• Documents
  • Upload a copy of your resume.
  • Upload a copy of your DPD Course List from your DPD Director.
  • If you are not completing a DPD program, you will need to complete the MDA Prerequisite Courses Worksheet and upload it in the Program Materials section. Students interested in this option must speak with the MDA Program Director prior to starting their application. 
• DPD Documents (for students enrolled in or who have completed a DPD program)
  
  • Request Declaration of Intent or Verification Statement from your DPD Director. If this option is not available, you will need to change your DPD Standing under the drop-down menu next to your name.  
    • Students who have not finished their DPD will request a Declaration of Intent from their DPD Director.
    • Students who have finished their DPD will request the Verification Statement from their DPD Director.  

Program Materials

Questions

• How did your hear about the USU MDA?
• Have you asked your preceptors complete the Preceptor Paperwork form?
• Provide any additional information that you weren't able to include elsewhere in your application.

Documents

• Upload your Personal Statement
• Your personal statement should address the following prompts in essay format:
  • Why do you want to enter the dietetics profession?
  • Discuss experiences that have helped to prepare you for a career in dietetics.
  • What are your short-term and long-term goals?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses or areas needing improvement?
  • What other information do you consider important for the selection process?
  • The USU MDA is specifically looking for: Why do you want to complete your masters degree through Utah State University?
• Your personal statement should be about 1000 words in length. 
• Ask for feedback on your personal statement from your DPD Director or another trusted mentor prior to submitting. 
• Upload your Rotation Summary Form.
  • Students from USU and BYU will rank their preferences for Utah, hybrid, and outside-Utah. Training in Utah is only available to graduates from USU and BYU.

Recommendations

• Enter the contact information for your three (3) references.
• You will need the following types of references:
  • A professor who is familiar with your academic work.
  • An employer from a time when you worked in a dietetics related job. It does not have to be your current employer.
  • Your preference.
• Choose references who know your commitment to dietetics and who can refer to your skills, education, and performance in the field. The USU MDA may call references for clarification of comments and may also contact your DPD Director. It is appropriate to ask a reference if they feel they can give you a good recommendation. If they can't give you a good recommendation, you should seek a recommendation from someone who can.

Submit Application

• Verify that you have added Utah State University Master of Dietetics Administration to your programs
• Pay the application fee
• Submit your application!