HOW TO NAVIGATE THE NUTRITION & FOOD SCIENCE USDA –NIFA GRANT Graduate Program

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 CLINICAL DIETETIAN CERTIFIED LACTATION EDUCATION OR IBCLC CERTIFIED LACTATION EDUCATION OR IBCLC FOOD AND NUTRITION MANAGEMENT PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION EDUCATION AND RESEARCH M.D., P.A., TEACHING COLLEGE RELATED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS (E.G. BUSINESS, INDUSTRY AND MEDIA RELATED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS (E.G. 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: 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!!!!

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

SCHOLARSHIPS

GRE ● 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

GRE STIPEND $400 USDA GRANT -Stipend can be used to pay for GRE exam or GRE Prep course (cost of course: $ ) -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 : For more information contact: Dr. Claudia Fajardo-Lira

Emotional support during the process

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

Emotional Support 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

Student & PROFESSIONAL Organizations

Student & Professional Organizations Joining a student or professional organization can: Help you network Find volunteer or job opportunities Develop your skills

Student Organizations at CSUN 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)

Professional Organizations: Food Science Pathway Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Southern California Institute of Food Technologists Section (SCIFTS)

Professional Organizations: Nutrition & Dietetics Pathway The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) California Dietetic Association (CDA) Los Angeles District of the California Dietetic Association (LAD)