Nutritional Sciences Major, PhD

Requirements

Study in Nutrition Science at the doctoral level leads to the Doctor of Philosophy degree and is completed in one of either two concentrations: cellular and molecular nutrition or community nutrition. Doctoral study in the cellular and molecular nutrition concentration prepares the student for research and/or teaching positions in institutions of higher education, government or industry. Doctoral study in the community nutrition concentration prepares the student for research, teaching, and/or advanced-level practice in institutions of higher education, government, or the public and private sectors.

A minimum of 24 credit hours of graduate coursework beyond the Master’s degree is required. A minimum of 12 of these 24 credit hours must be graded A-F. Exceptionally well-prepared students with demonstrated superior achievement may enter upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, in which case a minimum of 48 credit hours of graduate coursework beyond  the baccalaureate degree is required. A minimum of 30 of these 48 credit hours must be graded A-F. In either case, an original nutrition research project with 24 credit hours of dissertation work is required. 

Coursework (Minimum)

Cellular and Molecular Nutrition concentration

• NUTR 511 , NUTR 512 , NUTR 543 , NUTR 626 , NUTR 645 .
• BCMB 440 , LFSC 520 , and an additional 3 credit graduate course (graded A-F) outside the NUTR department, as identified by faculty advisor and approved by the Departmental Director of Graduate Studies. Appropriate substitutions for LFSC 520  or BCMB 440 , if required, must be approved by the Departmental Director of Graduate Studies.
• 6 credit hours of graduate-level statistics.
• Additional courses at the graduate level, exclusive of dissertation, to make up any credit hour deficiencies.
• At least 9 credit hours must be at the 600-level (exclusive of dissertation NUTR 600 ).
• A minimum of 24 credit hours of dissertation (NUTR 600 ).

Community Nutrition concentration

• NUTR 511 , NUTR 512 , NUTR 522 , NUTR 543 , NUTR 624 , NUTR 626 , NUTR 645 .
• PUBH 640 .
• 6 credit hours of graduate-level statistics.
• Additional courses at the graduate level, exclusive of dissertation, to make up any credit hour deficiencies.
• A minimum of 24 credit hours of dissertation (NUTR 600 ).