Nutrition Science, PhD

Note:

Currently, The Nutrition Science P.H.D. Program Is Not Accepting New Students.

The Ph.D. program provides an opportunity for systematic study of various aspects of human nutrition and methods for evaluation and dissemination of nutrition information. Individual programs are planned to include supporting courses in other fields that provide the basis for understanding the complex physiological, environmental, psychosocial, economic, and cultural factors that influence human nutritional needs as well as the means and methods of studying them.

This program prepares professional nutritionists for college teaching and administrative positions that require understanding or application of advanced knowledge of nutrition and communication with professionals in related fields.

Program Requirements

Completion of the degree requires 78 credits, including a minimum of 30 credits in nutrition, 15 to 30 credits in supporting areas, and 18 dissertation credits. The student’s program of study must be approved by the department.

All students must pass a written qualifying examination, which covers a broad basic area of knowledge of nutrition and foods. The exam can be taken after one year of graduate study in the department, but must be taken before the completion of more than 36 credits. Formal acceptance into the Ph.D. program is contingent upon successful completion of the exam.

Research Tools

Competence must be achieved in at least two tools of research, including statistics (two appropriate courses or equivalent knowledge). The second tool may be chosen from those areas most appropriate to the student’s proposed doctoral research, including research methods, computer use, or foreign languages.

Comprehensive Examination

A comprehensive examination, which includes both written and oral components, is taken after the student has completed the minimum course requirement of 60 credits.

Dissertation

A dissertation proposal should be submitted to the department no later than one year prior to the expected date of completion of the program. The dissertation and its defense must be completed in accordance with the requirements of the Graduate School and the department.