U S D A – N I F A G R A N T

WHO WE ARE
• Outreach Ambassadors
• USDA-NIFA Grant to increase diversity and recruitment into
Graduate programs at CSUN

WHY WE’RE HERE
• Objectives of presentation:
• Overview of benefits of M.S. program
• How to apply
• Opportunities through the USDA-NIFA Grant
• Challenges and how to overcome them

BENEFITS OF A MASTER DEGREE
•
Greater and varied Job opportunities
•
Higher salary
•
Increased subject knowledge
•
Preparation for continued studies in the medical field or various Ph.D. programs

JOB OPPORTUNITIES
•
CLINICAL DIETETIAN
•
CERTIFIED LACTATION EDUCATION OR
•
RELATED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS (E.G.
IBCLC
•
FOOD AND NUTRITION MANAGEMENT
•
PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION
•
EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
•
M.D., P.A., TEACHING COLLEGE
BUSINESS, INDUSTRY AND MEDIA
•
INTERNATIONAL FOOD ORGANIZATIONS
•
PUBLIC POLICY/GOVERNMENT
•
CONSULTANT AND PRIVATE PRACTICE

YOU CAN ACHIEVE
•
Increase Subject Knowledge
•
Enhance Job Skills
•
Portfolio Building
•
Community Involvement
•
Internships & Professional Development
•
Thesis Projects

FCS GRADUATE PROGRAM:
HOW TO APPLY
On-line application: www.csumentor.edu
Deadlines for submission of applications for M.S. Nutrition & Food Science :
•
Spring 2015 : October 1, 2014
•
Fall 2015: March 1, 2014
GPA Undergraduate
: at least 2.5
Must have a Bachelor’s from an accredited institution
GRE
:
Required
3 Letters of Recommendation:
1 should be from Undergraduate Instructor (preferably science discipline)
Statement of Purpose:
1000 Words or Less, Why are you interested in pursuing the Master’s? Indicate you are pursuing Master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics, Include Involvement and Experiences that Qualify YOU!!!!
http://www.csun.edu/health-human-development/family-consumer-sciences/graduate-programs-fcs

GRADUATE COST
• Tuition and other fees: $3,893.00
• Non-CA residents: add 372 per unit
Spring 2013-2014. Fee subject to change.
• Remember, you can get financial aid from:
• Scholarships, loans, stipends..
• GRE stipend

SCHOLARSHIPS http://www.csun.edu/financialaid/home.php
http://www.fastweb.com/ http://www.scholarshipmonkey.com/ https://www.scholarships.com/about-us/ http://collegenet.com/elect/app/app https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search

● Test required for a majority of Graduate school programs
Why take the GRE? GRE scores are used by Admissions to supplement your undergraduate records, letters of recommendation, and overall application.
Fees
-
Revised General Test is $185
Deadlines: Test can be taken once every 21 days, up to 5 times in a year.
CSUN: Scores older than 5 yrs won’t be accepted http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/register/centers_dates/

GRE STIPEND $400
USDA GRANT
Stipend can be used to pay for GRE exam or GRE Prep course (cost of course: $400-
1000)
See separate GRE Stipend application
Looks at : Involvement, GPA, and Financial Need
- Requirements Must apply to Master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Application Deadline DUE: April 30, 2014
SUBMIT to : lactation.education@csun.edu
For more information contact:
Dr. Claudia Fajardo-Lira
Claudia.fajardo@csun.edu

Emotional support during the process

“Until we have equality in education, we won’t have an equal society.”
Sonia Sotomayor, Supreme Court Justice

Helps us fulfill our needs to become lifelong learners, challenge ourselves, and develop our minds
Gives us a sense of accomplishment by:
• personal satisfaction
• overcomes our doubts and uncertainty about being overwhelmed by an advanced degree
• builds character

Joining a student or professional organization can:
• Help you network
• Find volunteer or job opportunities
• Develop your skills

• Student Dietetic and Food Science Association (SDFSA)
• The Student Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (SAFCS)
• Joint Advocates of Disordered Eating (JADE)
• Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society (KON)
• Food Science Association (FSA)

• Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)
• Southern California Institute of Food Technologists Section
(SCIFTS)

• The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)
• California Dietetic Association (CDA)
• Los Angeles District of the California Dietetic Association
(LAD)