Prospective Interns

Dear Interested Future Dietetic Intern:

We are glad you are here and hope you learn about the wonderful opportunities available through the UTHealth Dietetic Internship and Master’s in Public Health Program. To help you along your journey:

1. Students must meet the following criteria to be admitted into the internship program:

   A.  Verification Statement showing completion of Didactic Program in Dietetics curriculum or Declaration of Intent to complete DPD (obtain from your DPD Director).  Verification statements must show recency of education within 5 years.
   B.  Official transcript showing degree granted
   C.  Grade point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale (Credit is not awarded for prior learning toward program requirements coursework and/or experiential)
   D.  Evidence of immunizations(see UTHealth Requirements)

   E. You must apply and be admitted to the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Public Health If you are appointed to the DI, but do not get admitted into UTHealth Houston Graduate School Program, your appointment will be forfeited at that time.

       

2. The application deadline is February 15 using www.SOPHAS.org, however to qualify for University Scholarships you must apply by December 1.
3. Any paid work or volunteer experience in an area of Dietetics Practice (Foodservice, Research, Community Health, Education, Clinical Dietetics, etc.), is desirable. However, all work experience is considered.
4. Visit our campus or meet with us virtually. You are welcome to make an appointment to visit the campus and learn more about the Dietetic Internship Program. Please contact us at [email protected].

Contact us if you have any questions at [email protected].

The due date for the first option for students applying for the MPH and eligible for scholarship money is December 1.  The applicants are reviewed and approved for the MPH/DI program and they can qualify for either of the following scholarships:

• ONS fund (Outstanding New Student) - the MPH student receives $1000 and has their out-of-state fees waived, if applicable. The student may be awarded a scholarship based on merit.  This allows out-of-state undergraduates the opportunity to receive a high quality education at in-state tuition rates.
• Health Promotion/ Behavioral Health Scholarship –same requirements as the ONS funds. (Note: All DI students are admitted to the Department of Health Promotion/ Behavioral Health)

DICAS Selection Process

UTHealth will continue to participate in the DICAS selection process for those students who do not meet the Pre-select criteria. Students may also be considered for the UTHealth Dietetic Internship by applying through DICAS.org

• The application for UTHealth School of Public Health MPH/DI aligns with the DICAS application time frame.
• SOPHAS  must be completed and submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time on February 1, 2024.
• DICAS must be completed and submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time on February 15, 2024.

General Application Directions

All applicants must apply to UTHealth Houston through SOPHAS.org regardless of which option is chosen.

All applications to UTHealth, regardless of the option chosen, is through SOPHAS.org (School of Public Health Application Services).  Please see the UTHealth Office of Student Affairs How to Apply website for application requirements.

Students seeking early admission must submit their application in full by December 1 via SOPHAS. All other students have until February 15 to submit their applications via SOPHAS and DICAS.

• Please select the MPH – Health Promotions & Health Education Houston Campus – Dietetic Internship – Fall
• The DICAS fee is $50.00 for the first application and $25.00 for each additional applications.
• Applicants to the UT Health Dietetic Internship must complete a 1000 word or less personal statement. The essay should address the following questions:        
  1. Why do you want to enter the dietetics profession?
  2. What experiences have helped you prepare for your career?
  3. What are both your short and long term goals?
  4. What are your strengths and weaknesses or areas needing improvement?
  5. Why are you interested in attending the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health?

• The UTHealth School of Public Health Dietetic Internship and MPH program requires a separate UTHealth School of Public Health Dietetic Internship Summary Experience form, writing sample, and fee of $25.00 by February 1st. A previously written writing sample related to nutrition or public health can be a publication, class report/project/presentation, or work related document you authored independently.
  • Submit the $25.00 fee here: https://go.uth.edu/di-registration
  • The first designation is $50 and $25 for each additional designation.
  • Submit your Summary Experience form and writing sample here: https://sph.uth.edu/research/centers/dell/forms/dietetic-internship-application.htm  

• The same essay may be submitted with your SOPHAS and DICAS application.

• Three letters of recommendation are required for both the SOPHAS and DICAS applications. The same letters of recommendation may be submitted for both applications.

• To prevent delays in your application process, e-mail us at [email protected] when you:
  • Complete the SOPHAS application
  • Complete the DICAS application
  • Complete the UTHealth School of Public Health Dietetic Internship Summary Experience form, submit both the UTHealth School of Public Health DI $25 fee and writing sample.
  • Have any questions or would like to visit us? Please contact us at [email protected]!

Program Costs:

• Application fee: $25.00 Dietetic Internship Program
• Dietetic Internship Fee: $7,000.00 Total ($3,500 per year)
• Housing $1,100 per month (estimated) located in the TMC
• Transportation $1.50 – $4.50 per ride depending on the zone (Metro rail) in the TMC - You must have reliable transportation as you will travel to different areas for your supervised rotations. (Rotations may be a one hour drive or within a 60 mile radius.)
• Parking $89/month or $300/semester (estimated)
• Lab Fees (Kitchen and Garden (estimated $75.00/class)

Tuition and fees, School of Public Health:

(Tuition is subject to change by the Texas Legislature; Fees are subject to the UTHSC-H determination.) More information on tuition and fees is available on the website. Visit Financial Assistance for information on scholarships and financial aid.

Information regarding Health Insurance and Housing are found on the School of Public Health Student Life and Resources link under UT Student Guide.

Additional Expenses:

The intern is responsible for any additional expenses required for supervised practice such as travel to and from rotation sites, reference books, liability insurance, uniforms, immunizations, background checks and drug screens. These expenses will vary depending upon assigned sites.

Visit Us!

Our campus is located at:
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) School of Public Health 
1200 Herman Pressler 
Houston, Texas 77030

If you would like to visit the campus, please contact us at [email protected]

Directions to the University of Texas School of Public Health at the Texas Medical Center and parking information are available.