Dietetics Specialization Admission Requirements

With the Dietetics Specialization Program degree, you can go on to practice as a Registered Dietitian (RD). In this program you will gain both the knowledge and practical skills needed to practice as a Registered Dietitian or Registered Nutritionist.

Admission Requirements

  1. Pre-Professional Course Requirements
    To be considered for admission, students must complete ALL of the following courses by the end of Winter semester immediately prior to admission:
    BIOL 107 - Introduction to Cell Biology
    CHEM 101 - Introductory University Chemistry I
    CHEM 102 - Introductory University Chemistry II
    CHEM 164 OR CHEM 261 - Organic Chemistry I
    *6 units in ENGL OR 3 units in ENGL and 3 units in WRS 
    NUTR 100 - Nutrition and Well-being
    STAT 151 - Introduction to Applied Statistics I
    Note: If students are granted transfer credit from a previous study, it will NOT accelerate the student's degree progress. For detailed information on these pre-professional courses, please refer to the current calendar.
  2. Competitive Admission GPA
    Minimum Admission GPA is 3.0.
    Admission to the program is highly competitive and largely, but not solely, based on GPA. Alberta students who present an admission GPA of 3 or greater (4-point scale) are best placed for competitive admission. Admission GPA is calculated on all coursework completed in the two most recent terms of study (Fall/Winter) provided they contain a minimum of 24 credits. If those two terms contain less than 24 credits, then all work in the term(s) prior will be included in the calculation until the minimum total of 24 credits has been reached.
    *For admission, grades from the previous Fall year will be used to calculate each student’s initial admission average. This average will contribute to a student’s application package score and will be considered for offering interview invitations. Spring/Summer grades from the current year will also be included in this calculation if they are available. A minimum of ★ 24 credits will be used to calculate admission average for this program. Students who have not completed at least *24 in the Fall term, may have previous graded coursework assessed.
    After winter term grades are available, students’ admission averages will be recalculated to ensure they still meet the 3.0  admission GPA needed for this program.
  3. Spoken English Proficiency
  4. Full-Time Study Requirement
    Your academic history must demonstrate that you can reasonably handle a full-time academic program. The Admission Committee will be looking for academic success in a full-time course load in a minimum of two consecutive semesters.
  5. Letter of Intent
    This will be included in your application portal once you apply. The letter of intent provides an opportunity for you to convey career goals, knowledge of the profession, employment or volunteer experience, and other personal attributes.
  6. Two Letters of Professional Reference 
    Professional references only, e.g. former employers, supervisors, professors, advisors etc. No references from family or friends. Applicants will have the opportunity to include the contact information for references when applying to the program. Applicant's references will be given access to the reference form, which will need to be submitted by the March 1 deadline.  
  7. Interview
    Students competitive in all other admission requirements will be invited to complete the interview stage.
    The interview will take the format of a  Multiple Mini Interview.

Ready to apply?

Out of Province Students

Up to 30% (15 out 50) places in the Dietetics Specialization program may be available to competitive out of province applicants/residents. Please note: all admission requirements will remain in effect including pre-requisite courses and multiple-mini interview.

Recommended Path for Admission

*Please note: Any transfer credit relevant will be assessed at the time of admission to the Dietetics Specialization program. Given that the program is cohort-based if a student receives transfer credit, they would not be able to advance more quickly than their cohort.

Admission Application Formula

Applicants are ranked on their academic achievement in the following:

  • Prerequisite courses
  • Overall academic achievement (emphasizing recent academic performance)
  • The content and format of their Letter of Intent
  • The strength of their Letters of Reference 
  • Performance in the Multiple Mini Interview process

Applications will be reviewed by the Admission Committee based on the following:

  • Letter of Intent: 20%
  • Letters of Reference: 10%
  • GPA: 70%

Applicants will be invited to complete a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) and successful applicants will be selected based on:

  • Multiple Mini Interview: 50%
  • Aggregate Score (GPA/Letter of Intent/Letters of Reference): 50%