Overview
Florida International admitted its first class in 1972 and is one of the newest institutions in the state. However, it is the largest institution of higher learning in south Florida and the fourth-largest in the state. FIU is a metropolitan university that provides a rich cultural diversity on campus as well as in the community. Art, cultural, and social activities are plentiful.

The Community
The Department of Dietetics and Nutrition is on the 340-acre University Park campus, the largest of the three campuses, located in the suburbs of west Miami.

FIU has a total enrollment of more than 30,500 students on three campuses, including about 4,200 graduate students in 109 M.S. and thirty-one Ph.D. programs. The student body in dietetics and nutrition is comprised of students from diverse cultural backgrounds. In 2001, 174 M.S. students and 30 Ph.D. students were pursuing degrees in dietetics and nutrition.

Programs of study and degree requirements
The Department of Dietetics and Nutrition at Florida International University (FIU) offers graduate programs leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. The M.S. degree requires 37 credits beyond the B.S. degree; the Ph.D. requires 56 credits beyond the M.S. degree. A Dietetic Internship Program is available to degree-seeking students. Both degree programs require original research and the presentation of a thesis (M.S.) or dissertation (Ph.D.). Graduate students are guided by a major professor and a faculty advisory committee.

The graduate programs in dietetics and nutrition offer exceptional nutrition research opportunities, including an ethnically diverse population with recent immigrant groups from the Caribbean and Central and South America. Housed within the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition is the National Policy and Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging. The Center focuses on the burgeoning population of older adults ranging from innovative community-based demonstration projects to nationwide policy development.

Numerous affiliated community agencies and institutions work collaboratively with FIU's nationally recognized faculty members to establish research funding and quality education for students. Experienced dietitians and nutritionists find the program, its faculty members, and the setting particularly relevant to their career advancement. Cooperative research with faculty members in the Departments of Public Health and Biological Sciences, the National Policy and Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging, the Southeast Florida Center on Aging, Baptist Hospital, and the Miami Children's Hospital broaden the scope of research opportunities available to students in the graduate programs.

Facilities & Resources
The department has three research laboratories that are all equipped with basic research equipment, including a new AA and HPLC. Animal research laboratories are also available at the University.

A new library, pictured above, the largest in the state of Florida, has recently been completed. A state-of-the-art computer system has been installed in the library and in school offices. Computer access to the University VAX, VMS, and SOLIX systems is possible from offices and labs.

FIU has met Carnegie classification criteria as a Research I public university with a continually growing student body and faculty.

Expenses and Aid
Registration fees for Florida residents were $192 per graduate credit hour; fees for nonresident students were $630 per graduate credit hour.

Financial Aid: Teaching assistantships (TAs) for instruction and related duties, with stipends for M.S. students who work 10 hours per week ($5000 per year) and Ph.D. students who work 20 hours per week ($9270–$14,000 per year), are available on a limited and competitive basis. Research assistantships (RAs) are available, with stipend amounts comparable to those for TAs. RAs are awarded to students by individual faculty members to work on their research programs. Interested applicants should correspond directly with faculty members regarding the availability of funding. Resident and nonresident matriculation waivers generally accompany the awarding of assistantships. The Financial Aid Office handles federal- and state-sponsored student loans and the Federal Work-Study Program awards.

Housing/Living Expenses: The cost of living in Miami is less than that in most U.S. cities of comparable size—about $9500 per year for a single student. Campus housing for single and married students is available on a limited basis. Off-campus housing is available at a similar or lower price. Those interested in on-campus housing should contact the housing office. Medical insurance (recommended coverage of $576 for a single student) is required for all international students.

How to Apply
Admission to the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition for the M.S. degree requires a 3.0 GPA or a score of 1000 (verbal and quantitative) on the General Test of the GRE. The Ph.D. admission requires an M.S. degree in a related field with a 3.0 GPA, a score of 1000 on the GRE, three letters of reference, and a statement of goals. International applicants need a TOEFL score of 550.

Burton D. Dunlop, Director of Research; Ph.D. (sociology), Illinois. Research and evaluation of issues and programs in aging; health and social services and long-term care.

Marta B. Pelaez, Associate Director and Director of Education and Training; Ph.D. (philosophy), Tulane. World health; gerontology; philosophy.

Max Rothman, Executive Director; J.D., Michigan. Policy, needs assessment, and evaluations of public programs concerning elders; long-term care in Florida; public policy and aging.

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