Q. How long is your program?
A. The MS program is a one year program. The Fall term runs from September through December. The Spring term runs from January through May, and the Summer term, from May until successful completion of the masters thesis (on average most students complete their thesis work prior to August).
Q. What are the prerequisites for the program?
A. In order to apply, applicants must have completed at least 2 years of chemistry, one year of biology
and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). An elementary course in biochemistry is recommended. General information on students admitted to the MS in Human Nutrition is provided below, but please note that we consider a range of criteria when selecting applicants. Otherwise outstanding applicants who may have GPAs or MCATs somewhat below the average are encouraged to apply.
Average GPA of MS class is about 3.4 (on a 4 pt scale).
Average GRE of MS class is 534-Verbal, 674-Quantitative, 4.5-Analytical
Average MCAT - 30 (at a minimum we recommend a score of 27, with sub-scores of 9)
Average DAT – 18
We also require three letters of recommendation. Medical School committee recommendation
packets are acceptable.
For further details about prerequisites please click here
Q. If I complete the Master of Science Program in Nutrition, will that guarantee me a slot / interview in the Columbia Medical School program?
A. Completion of the MS Program in Nutrition can not guarantee admissions interviews for any other program, at Columbia University or other institutions. The Institute of Human Nutrition’s Admissions Office and procedures are independent of other degree programs at Columbia University.
Q. When and where are nutrition courses held?
A. Courses meet Monday through Friday, usually between 9 am – 6 pm. They are held at the Medical School campus of Columbia University (168th Street) between Broadway and St. Nicholas Avenue.
Q. What is the cost of study?
A. The tuition cost for the program (full time Fall, Spring and 3 credits for the Summer) for the
2007/2008 year is $36,672.00
Q. What is the cost for on-campus / off campus housing?
A. On-campus housing for all students at Columbia University Medical Center is limited. Prices range according to the type of accommodation (apartment or dorm style). Applications are available to incoming students upon notification of acceptance, and should be submitted as soon as possible. The Institute can provide incoming students with a list of off-campus housing resources used by
students previously enrolled in the program. Off-campus apartments in the neighborhood range from $600 for shared apartments to $1,200 for single one-bedroom apartment (prices vary). For more information about housing please visit http://housing.hs.columbia.edu/
Q. What are my funding options? Is financial aid available for the Master of Science Program?
A. The Institute of Human Nutrition works with the Columbia University Office of Student Financial Aid to provide MS students with information on loans. At this time, the course load does not afford time for work study programs. There are no scholarships available at the Institute of Human Nutrition at this time.
Q. Is financial aid available for international students?
A. Yes, for Canadian students, the CanHELP Graduate Loan is available. Please refer to the Canadian Higher Education Loan Program at (888) 286-IEFC or at the following web site: www.IEFC.com or (888) 296-4332 (US & Canada) or (781) 843-5334 (International)
A. International students may contact the International Students Loan Program (ISLP) for Graduate students at the following web site: www.IEFC.com or (888) 296-4332 (US & Canada) or (781) 843-5334 (International).
NOTE: All international students MUST apply for ISLP loans with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident cosigner
Q. Can I send in my application without materials such as test scores and letters of recommendation?
A. Yes, please mail your application with the application fee, personal statement and two photographs. Test scores, transcripts and letters of recommendation can be received when available.
Q. What do students generally do after completion of the MS program? What can I do with an MS degree in Nutrition from your program?
A. Click on the following link for possible Career Paths.
Q. How competitive is the MS Program in Nutrition, how many students do you admit into the program, how many apply?
A. The program is competitive and attracts students with a strong background in biological sciences. For 2007, we expect to admit between 60-70 students to the MS Program.
Q. Is the Columbia University Medical Center / New York City safe?
A. As with any major metropolitan area, students are advised to be aware of their surroundings and exercise caution when walking or using public transportation late at night. The Columbia University Department of Public Safety works around the clock to maintain a secure and open environment for the entire Columbia University community, and to balance the safety of all with the rights of the individual.
For more information please visit the Columbia public safety web site at:
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/publicsafety/
Q. What are the Institute’s GRE codes?
A. School code: 2173
Department Code: 0214
Q. How can I submit my MCAT scores?
A. MCAT SCORE SUBMISSION:
The Institute of Human Nutrition is not included on the dropdown list of schools to where you can send your test scores. Therefore, we suggest:
1. Download a copy of you MCAT scores through the THx system on the AMCAS website. This will have a verification code listed.
Print your scores and mail them directly to our office at:
Columbia University
630 West 168th Street
Presbyterian Hospital 15th Floor East – Suite 1512
New York, NY 10032
Q. What is expected of me during the Columbia University MS Program in Human Nutrition?
A. In order to maintain a high academic standard, students should be prepared to dedicate a minimum of one hour per credit IN CLASS, and about 3 hours per credit outside of class. Most students take 15 credits per semester; this would translate to about 60 hours per week of in, and out of, class time. In addition, you will be expected to spend about 10 hours/week in the Fall, and 15-20 hours/week in the Spring on your thesis project. You are also expected to devote a minimum of 10 weeks full-time from May – August to the thesis project.
All students are expected to attend classes (and to be on time).
The IHN MS Program is a rigorous 1 year program. Students are expected to work hard, and in return will be exposed to many different ideas in a complex field to which health professionals and policy-makers around the world have committed considerable energies, attention, and resources.
Q. Can students work either full or part-time while in the nutrition program as a full time student?
A. Students are strongly encouraged to work no more than 10 hours per week as full-time students. Even this amount would depend on your ability to organize, study, and integrate significant amounts of information. We suggest you do not seek employment until a few weeks after you begin the program so that you can gauge the workload first.
