The accelerated B.S./M.S. pathway is designed for qualified undergraduate students at Harding University. This 5-year accelerated pathway overlaps the fourth year of the bachelor’s degree with the first year of the master’s degree resulting in three years of undergraduate-level study and two years of graduate-level study in the program. Students will earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Applied Dietetics Practice through this pathway.
Students will declare the Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition and can apply for contingent admission into the B.S./M.S once they meet the following requirements. Upon successful completion of their undergraduate courses and liberal arts requirements, students will be moved to the B.S./M.S. pathway and complete the same curriculum as the Master of Science in Applied Dietetics Practice. Note: Harding students are not guaranteed admission into the accelerated B.S./M.S. pathway.
Contingent Admission Requirements
- Completion of 60 or more credit hours
- Completion of all liberal arts and undergraduate coursework (or will complete prior to starting graduate courses in the following fall semester)
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Admission is contingent on completion and a grade of C or higher in major courses and the following prerequisites:
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification (Available during FCS 4350/4350L )
- It is the responsibility of the student to acquire ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification prior to orientation for the program. Applications will still be considered if an applicant is currently or planning on taking the course. If you are currently taking the course or planning on taking it, please upload proof of course/exam registration (e.g., confirmation email, screenshot of ServSafe confirmation, etc.) or a statement that you will complete the course in FCS 4350/4350L .
- No GRE required
Most undergraduate students will be eligible to apply in the fall of their third year (junior year). Students may not apply while on academic warning status or academic suspension.
Students who receive contingent admission into the program are required to maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA, complete their remaining undergraduate and liberal arts courses, and earn a grade of C or higher in their major courses. Upon successful completion of their undergraduate courses and liberal arts requirements, students will be moved to the B.S./M.S. in Applied Dietetics Practice pathway.
Students who receive an academic warning or academic suspension or violate the University Code of Conduct or Academic Integrity Policy will not be moved to the B.S./M.S. in Applied Dietetics Practice pathway.
Once students are accepted into the B.S./M.S. pathway, they must maintain a 3.0 GPA while completing the first year of graduate-level courses and earn a grade of C or higher in all graduate-level courses in order to move to the second year. Failure to meet these requirements will result in remediation and possibly delay the students’ progression. Depending on the circumstance, the program director may recommend that the students complete the B.S. in Applied Dietetics Practice degree only.
Students who are not admitted into the accelerated pathway will be advised to continue with the B.S. in Food and Nutrition major and can either reapply in the future or finish the B.S. in Food and Nutrition major only.
Application Instructions
- Complete the DICAS Online Application
- Pay an application fee ($50) to Harding University through DICAS.
- Request official transcripts from all colleges attended and have them sent to DICAS.
- To expedite a review of your application, you may upload unofficial transcripts.
- Note: An alumnus or current student of Harding University does not need to request an HU transcript; records are on file. You can bypass this requirement in the Academic History quadrant.
- Provide evidence of successful completion of the aforementioned prerequisites.
- Applicants can denote if a course is “in progress” on the application.
- Submit a personal statement (1,000 words). Questions will be given within DICAS.
- Submit a resume. Volunteer or work experience related to food, nutrition, dietetics, and/or the healthcare field is strongly desired.
- Submit ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification.
- It is the responsibility of the student to acquire ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification prior to orientation for the program. Applications will still be considered if an applicant is currently or planning on taking the course. If you are currently taking the course or planning on taking it, please upload proof of course/exam registration (e.g., confirmation email, screenshot of ServSafe confirmation, etc.) or a statement that you will complete the course in FCS 4350/4350L .
- Submit three references (A form will be sent via email to the references through DICAS)
- One professional reference
- Two faculty references (No more than one FCS faculty member)
Applicant Interviews and Final Decision
Top candidates will be invited to a virtual group interview with program faculty. After the interviews, applicants will be accepted to the program on an ongoing basis until the cohort is full. The number of local students accepted into the program may be limited based on local preceptor and site availability and at the discretion of the program director.
Other Requirements
The program does not require a background check prior to admission. Students will complete their initial background check once admitted into the program. If a student does not successfully pass the initial background check, the program director will discuss how the information could potentially affect their progress in the program.
In addition, students are responsible for submitting immunization records and proof of health insurance at their own expense prior to beginning the program. If a student does not successfully submit these documents, this may delay them from securing supervised experiential learning rotations and potentially affect their progress in the program.
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