The Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences welcomes applications from students who have begun their college coursework elsewhere and wish to complete their undergraduate studies at Messiah University. However, it is important to recognize that enrollment in the Nutrition and Dietetics major is limited and that a minimum GPA in basic science and nutrition courses is required for progression into upper level courses. The major courses which need to be completed before the second and third years of the Nutrition and Dietetics major are listed in the table below:
| Major | Complete before the start of second year Messiah Courses | Complete before the start of the third year Messiah Courses |
| Nutrition and Dietetics |
CHEM 105: Gen Chem I CHEM 106: Gen Chem II* NUTR 121: Food and Food Sci.* |
BIOL 185: A&P I* BIOL 186: A&P II CHEM 204: Intro to Organic* NUTR 222: Nutrition Theory STAT 269: Intro to Stat. BUSA 120: Principles of Management |
*To progress into the upper level courses in this major, these courses must be completed with grades of no less than a C- as well as an average GPA in them of at least 2.500 (2.750 if more than one is transferred to Messiah).
The scheduling of upper level courses can be determined using the Course Scheduling Guidelines, which are organized by the anticipated year of graduation.
If you want to know how a particular course you have taken will transfer, check the database of transfer course equivalencies. This database contains courses which have already been approved as the equivalent of specific Messiah courses. You can also obtain an unofficial transcript evaluation from the transfer student coordinator, when you come for a campus visit.
If you are interested in transferring to Messiah University, use the Admissions web page to connect with the transfer admissions counselor, schedule a visit, and apply. After you have applied and been accepted to Messiah University, an official transcript evaluation will be done by the Registrar’s Office. Once you have received this transcript evaluation, contact Kay Witt, Director, Didactic Program in Dietetics, for advice about planning your course schedule. To ensure a smooth transition, you should apply to Messiah University at least 5 – 6 months before you plan to enroll in classes. Unfortunately, students who attempt to transfer in at a late date may find that they are missing needed prerequisites, or that classes they need are filled with continuing students.
In addition, please be aware that academic rigor and work expectations vary considerably from one college to another. Students at Messiah University are expected to spend approximately 3 hours per week for each course credit they are taking on their schoolwork – i.e. 36 hours per week for a 12 credit course load. Due to the academic workload, most Messiah students find it difficult to work more than 10 – 12 hours per week while they are taking classes. If you need to work much more than this, you should consider being a part-time student.