Before you apply….
Review the content of our webpage to determine if this is the right program for you. Our researchers focus on specific nutrition research questions. The research mentor match is extremely important.
HOW TO APPLY
Complete the online application at https://graduate.ua.edu/prospective-students/apply-now/ on the UA Graduate School website.
Pay the application fee. There is a $65 (domestic) and $80 (international) non-refundable application fee. Fee waivers are available for the following:
- Veterans and current members of the U.S. military (To qualify, you must submit your DD 214 or current assignment orders with your application.)
- Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program students
- Applicants previously enrolled in Graduate School at The University of Alabama
- UA undergraduates applying to the same program at the graduate level (To qualify, you must apply for the next available semester and have an overall GPA of at least 3.0.)
Please include the following documents in your application. Only the documents uploaded to the application system will be reviewed.
1. Statement of Purpose. Your statement of purpose is a 1-2 page, single spaced essay that should include:
- Intention and motivation toward the pursuit of a PhD in Human Nutrition with an emphasis in translational nutrition
- Research and/or professional qualifications
- Research interests and selection of a research mentor with a rationale for your selection
- Teaching experience and areas of expertise
- Career goals after the PhD
2. Current resume or curriculum vitae. Please include:
- education,
- work experience,
- research experience,
- a list of national or international conference presentations,
- and published papers. If you have published peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals, please include the DOI for each cited paper or a link to your Google Scholar page.
3. Recommendation Letters. Three (3) letters of recommendation from faculty or other health professionals capable of judging your ability to complete graduate work.
4. Transcripts. Transcripts from all academic institutions.
- You may provide unofficial transcripts during the application process. However, if admitted, you will need to submit official transcripts.
- If you upload a digital transcript obtained directly from your registrar’s office, make sure the file does not expire on a particular date.
- Please provide a key if your previous institution uses an unusual grading scheme (not the typical A, B, C, etc.) or a GPA scheme that differs from a four point scale.
- If your transcript is in a language other than English, please submit a translation in the application portal.
- Transcripts from The University of Alabama do not need to be submitted.
5. Test Scores, if Applicable. A minimum requirement for admission is a score of 300 or better on the GRE.
- If a student has a GPA ≥3.5 out of 4.0 in a completed or in-progress Master’s degree, their application will be considered without the need to submit a GRE.
- Students who have previously completed a Master’s degree prior to beginning the Doctoral program with a graduate GPA of < 3.5 out of 4.0 may be considered for admission providing they also have a GRE score of ≥300. Upon admission, these students would need to receive permission to continue after the successful completion of 12 graduate hours.
- Students with a Bachelor’s degree will need to submit GRE scores.
6. English-Language Proficiency
You must submit a copy of your English language proficiency score report at the time of application unless you meet at least one of the following criteria:
- You hold a degree from an institution in a recognized English-speaking country.
- You have been enrolled in coursework for at least two years in a recognized English-speaking country.
- You are a citizen or legal resident of a recognized English-speaking country.
Scores must be fewer than two years old at the time of application. Some programs have higher English language proficiency score requirements. Please refer to the program portal for your academic program’s specific requirements. The University of Alabama Graduate School does accept super-scores (such as a TOEFL MyBest™ score).
Official English language proficiency scores, which must be sent directly from the testing agency to The Graduate School, will not be required until after admission.
Minimum Scores for Regular Admission
- TOEFL ≥ 79.
- IELTS ≥ 6.5.
- PTE ≥ 59.
- Duolingo English Test ≥ 105.
Application Deadline. Application deadline for fall admission is February 1.
Application Review Procedures. The program admits one cohort of approximately 3-6 students per year. Admitted students start in the fall semester only. All components of the application will be reviewed and scored. Once the initial review is completed, research mentors will review all the materials from all of the applicants interested in their research lab. Lastly, the admissions committee will make recommendations for admission. Applicants will receive letters regarding admission decisions from the program director and graduate school in early March.
Assistantships. The department extends assistantships based on the needs of the department, and current external funding. Assistantships include tuition, a stipend to assist with living expenditures, and single coverage health insurance.
Please direct your questions to the Program Director, Dr. Linda Knol at lknol@ches.ua.edu.