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Is it possible to get financial assistance?

Graduate Assistantships include a full tuition waiver for the first three semesters and monthly stipend for the first two semesters. Tuition waivers are also periodically granted by the department for the second year of the internship.
Part-time assistantships are available for ALL eligible interns.
Stipend: $3150.00
The Financial Aid Office is available to assist students with loans and deferments. Student loans may be deferred during the internship experiences and graduate studies.
Students are responsible for their own tuition for the final two semesters of the program. Assistantships are not available for the last two semesters of the internship. However, out of state residents can establish residency during their part-time assistantship and claim in-state tuition for the last two semesters.

Can I work?

Yes. It is recommended that interns work the first year of the program and build up savings to supplement income for the second year of the program when they will be doing their site rotations.

Do I need a car for travel purposes during the internship?

A reliable car is absolutely necessary. There are several practicum sites located out of town (the maximum distance from ISU is 50 miles one way). The state of Illinois requires all licensed drivers to carry liability insurance. Illinois State University is not responsible for any damage to an intern's car which may occur traveling to or from a rotation site or while at that site.

How long does it take to complete the program?

Our program is 22 months.

Are there any breaks during the program?

During the first year of the program the breaks follow the University calendar.

What is the climate of the town the University is located in?

Illinois State University is located in Normal, Il which is a mid-size city that has a population of about 100,000 with a student population of approximately 20,000. We are a Midwestern town with a vibrant cultural life and conveniently located 2 hours from both Chicago and St. Louis on either side.

If I have a special area of interest in dietetics, will the program allow me to explore those ideas?

Yes, we have several rotation sites and we try to match you with something that interests you.

Where will the internship rotation sites be?

A list of our rotation sites for the clinical, community, and foodservice portions can be found at our website under the link Rotation Sites.

Do I have to write a thesis?

No. Our program offers both thesis and non-thesis options for completing the Master’s program.

Will I still be competitive in the job market if I receive a Masters in Family and Consumer Sciences and not Nutrition?

Yes. Our Internship/Master's program is accredited by the American Dietetics Association, and a Master's degree can help you to be a more competitive candidate no matter what area of dietetics you want to pursue.

What is this program’s emphasis?

Our program offers a general emphasis with equal attention given to the three areas of community, clinical, and foodservice.

Can I get accepted to the internship and not grad school?

No. We are a dual internship/Master's program. Acceptance into the internship automatically qualifies you for acceptance into the Master's program.

Does everyone get a Graduate Assistant position?

Yes as long as you have had a 3.0 in the last 60 hrs of your major courses or score a 1000 on the GRE.

How important is it to get the GRE scores you recommend?

I would encourage you to apply to the program even if you don't reach the recommended score. It is only one component of many we look at when reviewing applications.

Applying to the Internship/Master's program

The application materials required include the following:

Letter of Application - Include in your letter what attracted you to the internship at Illinois State University. In addition, briefly describe individual traits and how they might compliment this internship. Lastly, characterize a situation where you experienced a conflict with a fellow student/employee/other and how you handled it.
American Dietetics Association Dietetic Internship Application Form (including GRE scores).
Three letters of recommendation - as a part of the DI Application - from individuals who have knowledge of your ability to succeed. One recommendation must be written by a faculty member at the institution where you completed your DPD program and one should be from an employer/supervise. Using the ADA DI Recommendation Form.

Current resume

Original transcripts - from all colleges and/or universities attended

Verification of Completion of Program or Declaration of Intent to Complete Degree form

The Graduate Assistantship Application - that was stated earlier is no longer needed with this packet. Those applicants who are matched to the program will complete an online form in April.

Please contact Julie Raeder Schumacher if you have any questions.
· Submission fee:Check or money order payable to Illinois State University for $35.00