Dietetics

McGill's School of Human Nutrition is Canada's longest established teaching and research institution in the field of human nutrition. Our driving mission is to improve human health by understanding nutrients, health, environment and society. We train future leaders in areas like dietetics, nutrition, food function, food security, global nutrition, and nutritional biochemistry in health.

The Dietetics Major is a 3.5 year (115 credit) accredited, professional program that leads to qualification to become licensed as a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist. You will gain hands-on experience through 40 weeks of supervised internships (stages) in various domains including clinical, community nutrition and food service systems management. 

This program is accredited by the Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice (PDEP) and is based on the Integrated Competencies for Dietetic Education and practice (ICDEP) and the requirements of the provincial regulatory body, the Ordre professionnel des diététistes du Québec (OPDQ).

Upon completion, graduates are eligible to become registered with the Ordre professionnel des diététistes du Québec (OPDQ) and/or another provincial regulatory body in Canada.  Note that in order to become a member of OPDQ, there is a French language requirement. Regulatory bodies in other provinces (except Quebec) require successful completion of a national exam (CDRE) for new graduates who wish to register for the first time.

• Canadian citizenship or Canadian permanent residency
• 23 years of age or older by the start of classes (21 years of age for the Faculties of Management and Music)
• No high school, college or university level studies within the last five years that would constitute a basis for admission
• Two letters of reference
• Mature Student Statements:
  • Letter of Intent, including description of all educational experiences
  • Complete resume of employment and other activities, highlighting points relevant to the application
• In some cases, an interview may be required
• Demonstrate academic potential by successfully completing a minimum number of specific courses (see 'Minimum grades & prerequisites' below) within the three-year period prior to admission and no later than May 15th of the year of application for the intended program (May 1 for some programs). These courses, which may be completed at CEGEP or university, will also fulfill prerequisites for the intended program. 

The Dietetics Major leads to many career opportunities in food and nutrition. A dietitian is a licensed health professional who can work in a variety of settings.  You could pursue a career in: 

• Private practice 
• Agri-food industries  
• Clinical nutrition in hospitals, medical clinics and long-term care centres 
• Community agencies related to food and nutrition 
• Food service management 
• Grocery chains, health and fitness centres 
• Nutrition and health promotion agencies 
• Nutrition communication agencies and the media

1. Know your deadlines.

   Mark your calendar with these important dates regarding your application. 

2. Decide what to study.

   Use the program finder tool to explore over 300 undergraduate programs and find your best match. 

3. Make sure you're eligible.

   Admission to most programs is based on grades only. In this step, you'll find:
   • How your academic record is reviewed
   • The grades that gained entrance to your program in previous years
   • The prerequisites for your program

4. Get ready to apply.

   As of October 1, you can apply. Complete each step of the pre-application to-do list, including:

   • Understand the deadlines that apply to you
   • Prepare your academic documents
   • Identify supporting documents you'll need to provide

5. Submit your application.

   Review our tips on how to apply and see what the application fees will be. Remember that you can apply to two programs.

6. Apply for an entrance scholarship.

   Look into entrance scholarships early! The deadline is usually a week after your application deadline. This page provides information about entrance scholarships, bursaries, and other funding opportunities.

7. Submit documents and keep in touch.

   We'll connect with you by email to let you know when to upload supporting documents, if required. In this step, you'll see:
   • How to follow your applications status
   • Supporting documents you may need to prepare
   • How to submit supporting documents, including self-reporting your grades