Every transfer student’s path is unique — and our goal is to help you navigate yours with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re shifting careers, finishing a nutrition degree you started elsewhere, or building on previous academic work, we’ll work with you to evaluate your coursework, outline next steps, and connect you with resources that make the transition seamless. We do our best to make the process straightforward and personalized.
Begin by exploring our overview on “How to Become a Registered Dietitian” to understand all education and supervised practice requirements beyond a bachelor’s degree. Not sure if RDN is your path? Learn about career opportunities in the field of nutrition (PDF - 180KB) to find the best fit for your passion and interests.
If you’ve started coursework in nutrition elsewhere, we’ll review your transcripts to determine which classes can transfer into our program and which requirements you’ll still need to meet.
If you hold a degree in another field but are now ready to pursue a career in nutrition — whether your background is in biology, psychology, public health, business, or any other area — we’ll help you map out how your existing credits and skills can apply toward your new path.
Eitehr way, you will need to request a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) evaluation to see how your coursework aligns with RDN prerequisites. If you have questions first, you can schedule an advising session with Dr. Hope Lima to plan your personalized path.
Hands-on research isn’t just for graduate students — at Winthrop, undergraduate transfer students are encouraged to dive into meaningful projects early in their program. Our faculty mentor students through independent studies, senior capstone projects, and collaborative research in areas like maternal-child nutrition, chronic disease prevention, sports nutrition, and food insecurity.
You’ll also have the opportunity to work alongside faculty through prestigious, externally funded research programs:
SC-INBRE (South Carolina IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence) – Join faculty-led biomedical and public health research teams that provide advanced training, conference presentation opportunities, and a competitive edge for graduate school applications or dietetic internships.
Winthrop McNair Scholars Program – For eligible first-generation and underrepresented students, this program offers paid research experiences, intensive mentoring, graduate school preparation, and opportunities to present at regional and national conferences.
By engaging in research through these programs, you’ll build a strong professional network, strengthen your graduate school or internship applications, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that set you apart in the nutrition field.
If you're transferring from another major—or already hold a bachelor’s degree in a related or even unrelated field like biology, chemistry, public health, food service, or exercise science—you’re not just welcome here, you're exactly who we're looking for. Our 100% online MS in Human Nutrition is designed to bridge your current skillset with the science and practice needed for advanced careers in nutrition therapy, chronic disease prevention, public health, and food service management. We even offer a combined MS/DPD option for those who are local to Rock Hill so you can accelerate your pathway to becoming an RD.
What Makes This Path So Easy?
Flexible academic entry: You only need a bachelor’s degree and some foundational prerequisites—such as Anatomy & Physiology I & II, General Chemistry I & II, Biochemistry, Intro to Nutrition, and Statistics. If you're local to the Charlotte area, you can even complete these prerequisites on campus.
Accessible standards: A minimum GPA of 3.0 is expected. If you don't meet the GPA requirement, though, GRE test scores can be submitted to strengthen your application.
Tailored support: The MS program is fully online, offering individualized instruction and strong faculty mentorship to keep you connected, engaged, and empowered—no matter your background.
Forward‑thinking outcomes: The MS aligns with new CDR requirements and prepares you to be successful if you choose to pursue a Dietetic Internship —a must if you're aiming to become an RDN in 2024 and beyond
Whether you’re ready to transfer into our undergraduate program or step into graduate study, we’re here to guide you from first questions to your first day of class.
Apply Now – Submit your application to Winthrop University and indicate Human Nutrition as your intended major.
Get a Transfer Credit Evaluation – Have your transcripts reviewed so we can map out your personalized plan.
For MS in Human Nutrition Applicants:
Explore Graduate Admissions Requirements – Review prerequisites, deadlines, and application materials for our MS program.
Start Your Application – Apply through the Winthrop Graduate School portal.
Want to Talk It Through First?
Schedule a Q&A Call – Meet with a faculty advisor or admissions representative to discuss your goals, credit transfer, prerequisites, and career options. We’ll answer your questions and help you decide the best path forward.
