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 nutrition, or other biological or health science degree, would provide many of the prerequisites for the program. Students lacking the appropriate undergraduate preparation will be required to complete all prerequisites before admission to the program. For applicants without a degree in nutrition, it is recommended that you also take at least 1 additional upper division nutrition course in addition to the minimum prerequisites
  • 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 capstone 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; Students who aspire to become an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) should plan to enroll in Applied Principles of Lactation Management (MCN 265Y) and Adult Education Counseling (MCN264A), both offered during Spring Quarter of the first year of the program. Completing these courses, along with completing the core course in Human Lactation and Infant Nutrition (MCN 261) meets the 95-hour lactation specific education requirement stipulated by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. Additional health science education and lactation specific clinical experience requirements vary by each student’s pathway to becoming an IBCLC. See https://ibclc-commission.org/ for more information on the three pathways to becoming an IBCLC. For students who reside in the greater Davis area and who plan to pursue IBCLC Pathway 3, we offer lactation specific clinical experience internships during the summer between years 1 and 2 of the MCN program (4 additional units of NUT 192 during summer sessions), with approval of the program director.  
  • 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. For additional resources needed to complete the requirements to sit for the exam, please visit www.Careers4RDN.com 
  • 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 (MCN@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?
  • Lectures are broadcast live, and not recorded. Students attend and participate in class remotely.

 

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 July to the email used in your application, including a link to the student handbook (aka ‘The MCN Degree Survival Guide.’)
  • Will there be orientation sometime during the summer?   
  • There will be a virtual meet and greet during the summer (in JULY), and an orientation before your first day of class. Usually, the information about the orientation is made available around the time of the meet and greet.
  • Will lectures be broadcasted through zoom?
  • Yes, classes are broadcast live. You will attend live sessions and interact with your classmates via Zoom from anywhere you choose, 2 nights a week. Keep in mind that courses are scheduled in the CA time zone, P.S.T.
  • Is it possible to complete the program at an accelerated pace or slower pace?
  • You are required to take, at a minimum, the 6 program units planned for each academic quarter. Summer enrollment is limited to clinical internship students. At this time, we do not have a formal track to complete the program at an accelerated pace, but students who meet additional requirements may be granted permission to dually enroll in year 1 and year 2 courses simultaneously, enabling completion of the program in 1 year. Note that the program fee is per unit, thus dual-enrollment students will pay tuition based on 12 units per quarter for three quarters rather than the standard tuition payment based on 6 units per quarter for six quarters. All students are welcome to take additional courses outside of the MCN program, with the understanding that you will pay the MCN per unit fee for any additional units.
  • Do I need to submit a FAFSA?
  • UC Davis Graduate Studies requests that all graduate students file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). As a self-supporting program, we do not qualify for state financial aid, but you may qualify for federal financial aid. You are also encouraged to inquire about tuition reimbursement programs through your workplace. If you have further questions, you can reach out through the UC Davis Financial Aid Office contact information page. https://financialaid.ucdavis.edu/contact