Application Process

Part 1. Online application via Cal State Apply

You will submit the following: 

• $70 application fee
• Personal Statement. This can be the same as your personal statement submitted to DICAS. 
  • In 1000 words or less, answer the following: 
    • Why do you want to enter the nutrition profession? 
    • Discuss experiences that have helped to prepare you for graduate study and an accelerated program
    • What are your short-term (next 1-3 years in the program/after) and long-term career goals (5-10 years)?
    • What are your strengths and areas where you are actively working to grow?
    • Optional: Is there any information that may not be reflected in your application that you think is important to share?
    • Why do you think you're a good fit for the Graduate Program in Applied Nutrition and Dietetics at CSULB?
• Demonstration of Writing Proficiency. Students may demonstrate writing proficiency in one of two ways:
  • Option 1: Submit a writing sample demonstrating your analytical writing and critical thinking abilities. This can be a short essay for a nutrition or health-related course, a thesis project, a laboratory assignment, or anything that is at least 1,000 words and is completed entirely by you (no group work). Ideal writing samples should show critical thinking, such as an opinion piece or an essay about a topic that requires you to provide research sources. If you do not have a writing sample from a prior course that meets these criteria, you may prepare one related to a selected current controversy in nutrition. Writing samples must: 
    • Be at least 1000 words 
    • Double-spaced and 12-point font
    • Include a cover page that indicates 1) the context (course name/number if applies), 2) the date of the writing sample, 3) a statement that you attest that the writing sample was not created with assistance from artificial intelligence (AI) or any other collaborators and that you understand it will be reviewed for plagiarism or AI usage.  
  • Option 2: Submit a GRE analytical writing score of 4.0 or above. If you choose this option, upload an unofficial copy of your GRE scores to CalState Apply and send GRE scores using the CSULB institution code, 4389. 
• Resume/CV
• Name and emails of 3 references. Recommenders will be notified via email from calstateapply@liaisoncas.com to upload a letter of recommendation on the applicant’s behalf. These should come from:
  • One (1) reference from a professor or faculty member who knows you well from a class you excelled in, preferably where you had the opportunity to interact beyond attending lectures. In your letter, they should speak to your potential success as a graduate student in an accelerated program. 
  • One (1) reference from a supervisor. This could be a work supervisor, volunteer supervisor, or someone who has overseen your work in a professional setting. They should speak to your work ethic and interpersonal/professional skills. 
  • One (1) reference letter of applicant's choice: You may choose another professor, supervisor, or someone else who can provide a unique perspective on your qualifications. This could be a coach from a sports team or another leader or mentor who has guided you. The key is to choose someone who can speak to your strengths, potential, and experiences that complement the other two letters. 
  • Tip: Ask your recommenders early (at least 4 weeks), and remind them to check their spam or junk folders – as occasionally emails are filtered there. 
  • Letters must be submitted both to Cal State Apply and DICAS - notify your recommenders accordingly.
• Official transcripts from all institutions you've attended - including community college courses.

  • Note: Official transcripts to the DICAS portal are insufficient. Official transcripts must also be provided to the University. Most can now be sent electronically or can be mailed to: 

    Office of Enrollment Services/Graduate Admissions
    California State University, Long Beach
    1250 Bellflower Boulevard
    Long Beach, CA 90840

Helpful Cal State Apply Resources

While the application is pretty self-explanatory, there is a ton of great support at the Cal State Apply Applicant Help Center, including the Graduate Application guide, which offers screenshots and a simple walk-through of the application process.