Graduate Programs

Dear Prospective Student:

The Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) is the first medical school in the nation to grant the Master of Arts (MA), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), and MD-PhD degrees in Medical Nutrition Sciences. The programs are located in the Department of Family Medicine where there is a strong clinical and research focus on all stages of the lifecycle (including pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric medicine) as well as preventive specialties such as sports medicine and complementary and alternative medicine. Our interdisciplinary programs bring together the Boston University Schools of Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Public Health into a full collaboration on advanced degree training in nutritional sciences. They also draw upon the extraordinary clinical and research faculty, facilities and resources of our outstanding medical center. We are encouraging strong candidates to apply for the 2008-2009 academic year.

As we enter our fifth year of operation in this innovative multidisciplinary model, the Graduate Programs in Medical Nutrition Sciences are pleased to announce the initiation of a new Master’s Fellowship Award Program. MA students who are selected for fellowships will receive a $5,000 award toward their graduate studies. The fellowships will be awarded to students with the most outstanding academic records and whose research and professional interests closely align with the domains selected by faculty for special focus in the coming year (See attached descriptions.). Up to one fellowship per research area will be awarded. Students are eligible to apply for consideration of more than one fellowship. Only one fellowship per student will be awarded.

The BUSM Programs in Medical Nutrition Sciences are based on a unique and broad curriculum. Graduates of the programs are prepared for wide-ranging career opportunities that include basic, epidemiological and clinical nutrition research; advanced clinical nutrition practice; nutrition and public health promotion at the individual and population levels; nutrition policy and program planning; or nutrition and health communications. Our graduates are qualified to work in a wide variety of professional positions within academic institutions and major teaching hospitals, the food and pharmaceutical industries, public and private research organizations, health maintenance systems, the federal, state and local government, or in print or electronic media and public relations firms.

The Master of Arts (MA) program provides an excellent educational framework for those interested in pursuing wide-ranging nutrition careers in diverse settings. The MA program is also designed for students who desire a sound background in nutrition and preventive medicine prior to entering medical school or doctoral training. Applicants with undergraduate science degrees and/or degrees in nutrition and/or premed are particularly encouraged to apply. The MA program requires 32 graduate credits including thesis research, and can be completed in one year of full-time study. Many classes are offered in the late afternoon to accommodate students who wish to consider or continue employment.

The PhD program is research-oriented and offers students many, unique opportunities for conducting basic, clinical or applied investigations within our collaborating medical, dental, and public health schools. Boston Medical Center includes two major teaching hospitals that provide state-of-the-art health care to the underserved populations of the city as well as nearby suburban communities. The PhD program requires 32 credits beyond the Master’s degree, including dissertation research. Students with a Bachelor degree are advised to complete the MA in Medical Nutrition; upon completion of the MA in good standing, students may petition for admission to the PhD program. A separate application is not required if the MA is completed at Boston University School of Medicine.

MD-PhD students complete dual-degree requirements including the PhD program curriculum and dissertation research.

The Boston University Medical Campus has over 3,000 faculty, 600 funded research programs, 1,000 active clinical trials, and hundreds of courses offerings in the basic sciences, traditional and complementary clinical practice, diverse research methods, health counseling, and public health concentration areas. This exceptional environment provides an ideal setting for students interested in advanced education and practice and facilitates exposures to research in nutrition epidemiology, clinical and health services, disease prevention and health promotion, and basic nutritional science. Currently, 3,300 medical, dental and graduate students are enrolled in programs at the Boston University Medical Campus, and they represent a full range of geographic, cultural, ethnic and educational diversity.

The Graduate Programs in Medical Nutrition Sciences reviews applications on a rolling admissions basis throughout the year. It is recommended that MA applicants apply no later than February 1, 2008, particularly those who are interested in one of the 2008-2009 Master’s Fellowship Awards. Those interested in doctoral study are advised to submit applications by January 1, 2008. Please apply on-line at www.bumc.bu.edu/gms and direct questions about admissions to Michelle Hall, Associate Director of Admissions. Her telephone contact number is: 617-638-5121 or email (natashah@bu.edu).

I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely yours,

Signature

Barbara E. Millen, DPH, RD, FADA
Professor of Family Medicine
Chair, Graduate Programs in Medical Nutrition Sciences
Director of Nutrition Research, The Framingham Study
Boston University School of Medicine
Department of Family Medicine
One Boston Medical Center Plaza, Dowling 5
Boston, Massachusetts 02118
617-638-4472