NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES STUDENT ASSOCIATION
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your Questions, Answered
Who/what is the NSSA?
We are a student-led group that aims to provide academic support to students enrolled in the Nutritional Sciences POSt, or students currently taking any Nutritional Sciences (NFS) courses at the University of Toronto.
How can I get involved?
Becoming a member of the NSSA is simple. First, sign up for our mailing list by emailing nssa1011@gmail.com to receive regular updates on our club events. You will be notified about all our news and upcoming events! You can also follow our Instagram account and join our Discord server for updates.
How do I become an exec member?
Visit our website regularly, particularly in the months of September and March when we announce our elections. We will let you know when a new exec position becomes available.
What is the DNS mentorship program?
The DNS (Department of Nutritional Sciences) Alumni-Student Mentorship Program offers students the opportunity to network and learn more about career opportunities in the field of nutrition. It involves being matched one-on-one with a DNS graduate who is enthusiastic about sharing their experiences and advice about steps after graduation. Check out the links below for more information about the program and application process.
What should I do if I am thinking about dietetics?
Some University of Toronto students decide that they wish to transfer to an accredited school for dietetics. These students are able to transfer a maximum of 10 full course equivalent credits but must check with the respective schools. Part of the transfer process involves collected class syllabi from courses you have taken. If you need help collecting some of these syllabi, send at email to us with the Subject Line: Applying to Dietetics, Syllabus Needed.” We’ll do our best to help you. Also, if you’d like to talk to someone in the association about transferring to dietetics, email us and schedule an appointment. Our email is nssa1011@gmail.com.
What should I do if I am thinking about graduate school?
Information with regards to getting into graduate school can be found at our department site. If you have any questions, please send them to Elena Comelli who is the Graduate Coordinator. You can either email: grad.nutrisci@utoronto.ca or graduate.information@utoronto.ca (general inquiries) or admissions.sgs@utoronto.ca (admissions inquiries).
What are the possible future paths I can take as a Nutritional Sciences Major?
Training Requirements of the Registered Dietitian
Details on the Dietitians of Canada website.
The University of Toronto does NOT have a Dietitians of Canada accredited undergraduate program. The BSc Nutritional Sciences does NOT lead to registration as a dietitian.
Accredited undergraduate programs in Ontario are offered by Western University - Brescia School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Toronto Metropolitan University, and Université d’Ottawa / University of Ottawa.
For accredited undergraduate programs in other provinces of Canada, visit the Educational Programs - Dietetics webpage on the Accreditation Canada website.
Graduate School at U of T
University of Toronto offers Master and Ph.D. programs, for more information, visit the Department of Nutritional Science website.
The School of Public Policy and Governance at U of T will be accepting applications for the Master of Public Policy (MPP) Fall 2027 program starting September 28, 2026. The final deadline for receiving completed applications (with all documents and components) is January 28, 2026. Visit the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy website for details regarding the MPP program and future deadline dates.
Institute of Medical Science
IMS provides a range of multidisciplinary opportunities in their doctoral, professional and collaborative (with the School of Graduate Studies) programs. For more information on specific program details please visit the Institute of Medical Science website.
The Michener Institute
The Michener Institute provides programs for various applied health sciences, from undergraduate to graduate degrees and certificates. This includes a Diabetes Educator Certificate Program. Please visit the Michener Institute for further information on programs and deadlines.
What research opportunities are offered by the Nutritional Sciences Department?
ROP299/399 – Research Opportunity Projects
ROP are research opportunities given to those students entering their 2nd year (first ROP; ROP299) or 3rd year (second ROP; ROP399) in the Faculty of Arts and Science. These projects may be completed during Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Fall/Winter 2026-27 and Winter 2027. Students can apply from February 17 to March 15, 2026 on the CSM system. For more information, project listings, and requirements visit here.
Research Projects
The Department of Nutritional Sciences offers research projects NFS394Y and NFS494Y to students in their 3rd and 4th year of study who have a strong academic background with at least a B+ in the 2nd/3rd year and an interest in research. For a list of active research areas and the investigators involved please visit here.
Summer Student Research Program
The summer student research program is divided into two programs: those with the NSERC student awards and those with UROP. For more information on the application process for both the Research Projects and Summer Student Research Program visit here. Application deadline usually takes place in February of each year.