How to Apply

Find out how to apply to the MND/DI program at Cox College.

  • Admission to the ND programs requires concurrent admission to the Cox College Graduate Department. Applicants must complete two different online application forms, one for the internship (DICAS system – see below) and one for the Cox College Graduate Department.
  • In addition, before beginning a program, all students must provide official transcripts showing completion of at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and also a signed verification statement from an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics.
  • The programs utilize the online DICAS application system and D&D Digital computer matching application process.
  • The programs utilize the online centralized internship application, DICAS, e-mail DICASinfo@DICAS.org. The online application must be completed for the Cox College program by 11:59 pm Central Time on February 15. The fee to use DICAS is $40 for the first application submitted and $20 for each additional application.
  • Official Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be sent to: DICAS – Transcript Dept., PO Box 9118, Watertown, MA, 02472.
  • When completing the application form, applicants must include the name and contact information (specifically an e-mail address) for each reference. This will trigger an e-mail message requesting the completion of a reference form. The form will be completed online. Students submitting more than one application will need to use the same individuals as references for each application.
  • Applicants must also register online with D&D Digital for computer matching and select dietetic internship priority choices by 11:59 pm Central Time on February 15. There is a $50 computer matching fee. The matching code for Cox College is 173. For more information on the computer matching process go to www.dnddigital.com, or contact them at:
    • D&D Digital Systems, Inc.
      304 Main Street, Suite 301
      Ames, IA 50010
      Phone: 515-292-0490

Applicant Requirements

  • Provide an AND Verification Statement or Declaration of Intent to Complete a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) – submitted with the DICAS online application.
  • Provide official transcripts showing completion of at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (bachelor’s degree must be completed before beginning program in August) – submitted with the DICAS online application.
  • Request three (3) letters of recommendation – submitted with the DICAS online application.
    • DPD Director
    • Food, Nutrition or Dietetics Professor/Instructor
    • Work supervisor – preferably in food, dietetics area
  • Provide a resume or curriculum vita – submitted with the DICAS online application
  • Provide a 1-2 page personal statement addressing the following – submitted with the DICAS online application.
    • Describe the significant professional responsibilities you have held.
    • State your professional goals and reasons for desiring to enroll in this MND program.
    • Describe the strengths that will help you succeed in the program and in reaching your professional goals.
    • Indicate your personal practice interests as specifically as possible, including any previous practice experience you may have acquired.
    • Demonstration of good communication skills, professionalism, self-direction, flexibility, potential to complete the entire curriculum, and motivation to work in a fast-paced academic program and site environment.
    • Describe weaknesses and/or opportunities for improvement
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Exceptions will be made on a case by case basis.
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in the sciences is strongly recommended.
  • Completion of statistics course for admission into the Graduate Department.
  • Graduate Records Exam (GRE) is not required.
  • Apply online for admission into the Cox College Graduate Department, ND via the AND DICAS system by February 15th.

Selection Procedure

Selection of the successful applicants is made by a committee composed of the MND Chair, college faculty and internship preceptors who are RDs. Selection of the successful applicants is based on the committee’s assessment of the individual’s potential in the program and potential as a practicing dietitian. The committee will use grade point average (overall, science, MND/nutrition core courses), the personal statement, past work experience (employment in nutrition/dietetics in the past three (3) years is emphasized), and letters of recommendation as well as face to face or video conferencing interviews (conducted for students who are greater than 250 miles from Springfield) to make this assessment. Additional screening/evaluation pieces may be required and have associated fees. This selection process also follows the rules governing the computer matching process used by AND in cooperation with D&D Digital Systems.

  • Note: Admission to the graduate program in the College does not grant a student admission to the program. ND program applications are reviewed by a selection committee after admission to the graduate program. Program appointments are awarded on a competitive basis through the computer matching process used by AND in co-operation with D&D Digital Systems, Ames, IA. Following a computer matching appointment, students must pass a criminal background check and drug screen.