Under accreditation procedures, Friedman School students must apply formally to the Simmons University Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Certificate Program for which Simmons University will waive the application fee. Friedman School students must follow application procedures set forth by the College of Natural, Behavioral, and Health Sciences. Tufts students seeking to qualify for dietetic internship programs by taking coursework at Simmons must agree, at the time of initial enrollment, to take a minimum of seven (7) nutrition undergraduate courses at Simmons. A comparison of current course offerings at Friedman School and Simmons University is included via the "Curriculum" tab. Only the Simmons University nutrition courses for which there are no Friedman School equivalent course, as shown in the tables featured in the "Curriculum" tab are eligible for the discounted tuition rate arranged with Simmons University. Additionally, all Friedman students accepted to Simmons University for the Didactive Program in Dietetics (DPD) certificate program must adhere to Simmons University's policies and procedures and grading (Simmons University requires students to earn a minimum grade of C for its undergraduate science courses, and minimum grade of B- for its nutrition and statistics undergraduate courses), which are detailed in the Simmons University's Nutrition Student Guide. Please note the Friedman School has a higher grading minimum requirement (B minus) for any required Friedman School courses for degree programs.
Steps to complete and submit an admissions application to the Office of Admissions at Simmons University:
- Students should apply and be accepted to an eligible degree program at the Friedman School. After payment of the Friedman School nonrefundable tuition deposit, students may apply to the Simmons University DPD Certificate through the Simmons University application designating themselves as a Tufts affiliate. To facilitate sharing your credentials that you submitted with your Friedman School admissions application such as your official transcript and letters of recommendation, etc., with Simmons University you need to complete this online authorization form: https://engage.simmons.edu/register/authtosrinfo.
- At any time after committing to the Tufts program, complete the Simmons University Application to the DPD. Be sure to identify yourself as a Tufts affiliate on the application.
- Deadline for consideration of September admission is July 1st at 4:30 PM (EST)
- Deadline for consideration of January admission is November 1st at 4:30 PM (EST)
- You will be provided with a discount code to enter in the application to waive the application fee.
- Please direct questions to:
- The Simmons University Nutrition Department (617-521-2718) if they are about the DPD courses or the Certificate
- The Simmons University Office of Admissions (617-521-2605) if they are about the application process
- Deadline for consideration of September admission is July 1st at 4:30 PM (EST)
- The following materials must be submitted with your Simmons University application:
- You will need to submit a personal statement in the online application. In 500 words or less, please explain why you wish to obtain the Certificate and why you have chosen Simmons University to do so. Also submitted online is a current resume with the most recent information on academics, employment, health care and observational experiences, and any additional experiences that demonstrate community involvement.
- Three letters of recommendation (each in sealed, signed envelopes) from individuals able to comment on the student’s academic ability, work experience, and leadership potential are required. Two letters should be from faculty and one from a current employer. All recommendations should be written on preprinted, official letterhead stationary with original inked signatures; NO emails, faxes, or photocopies are accepted.
- All official transcripts from colleges and universities previously attended. Transcripts must be received by Simmons University the 4:30 p.m. admissions deadline to be considered on time. If you attended a university abroad, Simmons University will need sealed/stamped copies of academic records, in the native language and an official English translation. While you have submitted these credentials to Tufts, unfortunately, Simmons University cannot accept photocopies or “copies issued to student” as they must have the official transcripts on file for both University and ADA accreditation purposes. If you have already taken Simmons University courses, Simmons University will obtain that transcript.
- TOEFL is required for all non-native speakers of English who did not graduate from a regionally accredited college or university.
- TOEFFL is required for all non-native speakers of English who did not graduate from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university.
- Please submit all paper materials to:
The College of Natural, Behavioral, and Health Sciences Admissions Office
Simmons University
300 The Fenway
Boston, MA 02115
All application materials must be received by the above admissions deadline dates and time for consideration for designated entry dates.
Once you have been accepted to the Simmons University DPD program, please email Dr. Lynne Ausman (lynne.ausman@tufts.edu) and Friedman School’s Registrar (nutritionregistrar@tufts.edu) to self-identify and indicate the semester and year that you were admitted to Simmons University. You will then be added to the Friedman School’s Simmons University DPD Program eList until you graduate from the Friedman School.
Simmons University will submit a consolidated bill to Tufts each semester for all Friedman School students enrolled, and Tufts agrees to pay the consolidated invoice within thirty (30) days of receipt. Tufts will be solely responsible for seeking payment from its graduate students while they are matriculated at the Friedman School.
Friedman School students taking Simmons University courses will be subject to all of Simmons University policies and procedures, including but not limited to those policies regarding deadlines (e.g., drop/add dates and course withdrawal rules), grievances regarding grading, and honor code violations (i.e., academic dishonesty). Tuition refund for dropping courses will be structured according to Simmons University's policy.
Simmons University will provide reasonable accommodation for disabled Friedman School students, provided such students notify Simmons University in writing of their needs at the time of enrollment. Such requests should be directed to Disability Services at 617-521-2474.
Contact information is listed below for the Friedman School and for Simmons University:
Friedman School Contact Persons
Lynne M. Ausman, DSc, RD
Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry
617-636-3712
Marny Lyn Mitchell, MLA
Associate Director of Admissions
Friedman School, Tufts University
617-636-0864
Simmons University Contact Persons
Kathrina Prelack, PhD, RD
Assistant Professor of Nutrition
617-521-2709
Kathrina.Prelack@Simmons.edu
Simmons University Office of Admissions
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
617-521-2605
SNHS@Simmons.edu