Admissions Requirements
As you prepare your application to Vanderbilt University School of Nursing for the Master's of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, we would like to share a few important details with you. On these web pages you will find the information and forms you need to apply to our MS program. We look forward to receiving your application. We are here to answers your questions and to support you through the process. Just let us know how we can help.
Applicants are encouraged to schedule an appointment with an Admissions Counselor for assistance with the application process.
There are at least 5 requirements for admission to Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. These requirements vary somewhat depending upon your educational background and whether you are already a dietician.
- All applicants must submit an official application for admission, a Statement of Career Goals, and a $50 application fee. The Application supplies basic information (name, address, etc.). The Goal Statement is your opportunity to tell us (as specifically as you can at this time) what you plan to do with your career after you finish your master's degree. This is a statement which helps the faculty determine your fit with the specialties offered as well as plan for your specific needs for clinical experiences and professional networking.
Students are offered admission to their selected specialty; it is not possible to enter the program undecided about your specialty area. If you indicate more than one specialty on your application, please clearly indicate which specialty is your first choice. Your Goal Statement and Interview Survey responses should address your first choice of specialty.
Should you desire to change your specialty, you will need to submit a revised Goal Statement to reflect the new specialty.
Students will be reviewed for admission to the new specialty and must be accepted by the new specialty. Students will be allowed to transfer to the new specialty on a space available basis.
- All applicants must submit official transcripts of all post high school studies. Students admitted to Vanderbilt University School of Nursing have earned an undergraduate grade point average of a "B" or a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- All applicants must take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). A minimum combined score of 1000 on the verbal and quantitative sections and a 4.5 on the analytic section of the GRE is required. (Note: The GRE is waived for students who have earned a master's or doctoral degree from a college or university in the United States.)
- All applicants must provide two letters of professional reference. References should be from faculty members, professional colleagues, or work supervisors who can evaluate your potential for success in a graduate program. Recommendations from friends, other students or co-workers are usually not appropriate.
- All applicants must complete the interview survey. Both the writing style (i.e. grammar, punctuation, spelling, word use) and content of your responses will be used in the overall evaluation of your application to the program. In addition to the written interview survey, applicants are required to have a personal, or telephone, interview with a faculty member. Once your application is received you will be contacted to schedule the interview.
- Applicants who are not a native speaker of English are required to submit a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Test) score.
The provisions in these Web pages do not constitute a contract, express or implied, between any applicant, student or faculty member and Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. The School of Nursing reserves the right to withdraw courses at any time, change fees, calendar, curriculum, graduation procedures, and any other requirement affecting students. Changes will become effective whenever the proper authorities so determine and will apply to both prospective students and those already enrolled.
In compliance with federal law, including the provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Vanderbilt University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, handicap, or military service in its administration of education policies, programs, or activities; its admission policies; scholarship and loan programs; or employment. Inquires or complaints should be directed to the Opportunity Development Officer, Building E, West Side Row, P.O. Box 1809, Station B, Nashville, Tennessee 37235. Telephone (615) 322.4705.
