FAQ

General FAQ

  • Do I need to take the GRE or another graduate entrance examination before applying to this program?
  • No, a graduate entrance examination is not required for acceptance to the Master of Advanced Study in Maternal and Child Nutrition Program.
  • Do I need to have a degree in science to be eligible for the program?
  • An undergraduate degree in either nutrition, biological or medical science would provide many of the prerequisites for the program but is not absolutely required. Students lacking the appropriate undergraduate preparation will be required to complete all prerequisites before admission to the program.
  • When are the application and supporting materials due?
  • - Priority Deadline: February 15
    - General Deadline: April 15
    - Space as available: June 1
  • Will I have to take a final written or oral examination upon completion of the degree?
  • No, this program does not have a culminating exam. However, in addition to the coursework, a student project and report must be completed and approved to earn the Master of Advanced Study degree.
  • Can this program assist me in becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)?
  • Yes, the program coordinators are working with the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners and our clinical partners to provide graduates with both the education and clinical training needed to sit for the IBCLC exam.
    While the program offers all of the lactation-related classes and communication training you may need, there may be other required classes. You can see the requirements at the IBCLC Certification page.
  • I am a registered dietitian. Can this program assist me in becoming a Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition?
  • Yes, the program can provide much of the educational foundation that will assist you to achieve this dietetic specialty. Although additional clinical hours and skills will be needed upon graduation, the program coordinators will assist interested students to identify the resources needed to complete the requirements to sit for the exam.
  • Is financial assistance available for this program?
  • Students enrolled in at least six units per quarter or more may be eligible for some financial aid programs. Application deadlines and requirements vary. For detailed information, contact the Financial Aid Office at (530) 752-2390 or http://financialaid.ucdavis.edu. Students enrolled in less than six (6) units per quarter are not eligible for any campus financial aid. There is limited availability of financial aid for MAS students. Because this is a self-supporting program, state-funded aid sources are not available. There are some federally-funded sources and private lender sources available through the Financial Aid Office.
  • What are the issues facing international students?
  • Immigration and Naturalization Service has strict requirements, and our program is not eligible for any international students needing an F-1 or J-1 status visa. International students must carry a minimum of 12 units of study as certified by the Dean of Graduate Studies. Because the Maternal and Child Nutrition Graduate Program is a part-time degree program (6 units per quarter), students in F-1 or J-1 status will not be in compliance with visa regulations.
  • What if I am unsure if I have met the course prerequisites?
  • Email your unofficial transcripts to us (lactation@ucdavis.edu) and we will check for you.
  • Do I need to move to Davis, California to take the courses in person or can I participate remotely?
  • For those who cannot regularly come to campus, lecture broadcasting is available. Students can opt to attend and participate in class via live broadcast.

 

Newly admitted FAQ

  • When would we receive more information about program details, including class registration and which classes to enroll in?
  • We will send out more program information in early June (email) and a pdf survival guide.  
  • Will there be orientation sometime during the summer?  
  • There will be a meet and greet during the summer (date TBA), and an orientation on the first day of school. Usually, the information about the orientation is made available around the time of the meet and greet.
  • Will lectures be broadcasted through zoom? Would there be any difference in quality of learning between in-person classes and online live-classes?
  • Yes, classes are broadcasted. To your second question, many of our students choose to attend virtually, participate in discussions, and do well. The limiting factor is usually the student and how well they handle this style of attendance. The course content will be the same either way.
  • Are we allowed to take more than one class per quarter?
  • Not sure what you are specifically asking. You are required to take the 6 units planned for you each quarter. You will be told what to register for and when. You are not able to double up on classes to finish the program early, if that is what you are asking. You can take any additional classes you wish to; you just have to pay for the additional units as well.  
  • Is a FAFSA necessary to be submitted? I am a dependent entering this graduate program, but FAFSA automatically makes a masters student an independent. I don't plan on becoming an independent this upcoming school year so I was wondering if I need to submit a FAFSA.
  • The FAFSA question will have to be directed to the financial aid department. On their website, it does say “Graduate Studies requests that all graduate students file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).” If you have further questions, you can reach out through their contact information page.