Oct 04, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

Nutritional Sciences Major, PhD


Study in Nutrition Science at the doctoral level leads to the Doctor of Philosophy degree and must be completed in one of the two concentrations: Biomedical Nutrition Science (formerly Cellular and Molecular Nutrition) or Implementation Science in Community Nutrition.

Campus Code


Knoxville Campus

Admissions Standards/Procedures


  • A complete file for review includes:
    • Graduate Application for Admission.
    • Completed departmental application form.
    • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores for the general section - GRE scores are encouraged, especially for PhD students, but are not required. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to the Director of their program of interest with any questions. Contact information can be found on the Department of Nutrition page of this catalog.
    • Three Graduate Rating Forms completed by individuals who can attest to the applicant’s potential for graduate education.
  • More information is provided on the Department of Nutrition page of this catalog.
  • For those lacking only the introductory nutrition prerequisite, the student will be required to complete this or a similar class upon admission to our program.

Biomedical Nutrition Science Concentration


A graduate student works closely with a faculty advisor and his or her graduate committee on an original, independent research project and completed dissertation. Doctoral study in Biomedical Nutrition Science (formerly Cellular and Molecular Nutrition) concentration prepares the student for research and/or teaching positions in institutions of higher education, government, or industry.

Credit Hours Required


A minimum of 72 graduate credit hours beyond the Bachelor’s degree or a minimum of 48 graduate credit hours beyond the Master’s. If courses below were not taken at the Master’s level, they must be taken at the Doctorate level. If the courses below were taken at the Master’s level, other courses will be required to satisfy the credit hour requirements. See the department website and graduate handbook for more details.

Required Courses


Additional Course Requirements


  • At least 9 credit hours taken to fulfill requirements must be at the 600-level (exclusive of dissertation NUTR 600 ).
  • 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.

Non-Course Requirements


  • Completion of an independent research project is required.
  • An open proposal hearing is required prior to beginning the research project.
  • An oral comprehensive examination is required upon completion of the dissertation.

Implementation Science in Community Nutrition Concentration


A graduate student works closely with a faculty advisor and his or her graduate committee on an original, independent research project and completed dissertation. Doctoral study in the Implementation Science in 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.

Credit Hours Required


A minimum of 72 graduate credit hours beyond the Bachelor’s degree or a minimum of 48 graduate credit hours beyond the Master’s. If courses below were not taken at the Master’s level, they must be taken at the Doctorate level. If the courses below were taken at the Master’s level, other courses will be required to satisfy the credit hour requirements. See the department website and graduate handbook for more details.

Required Courses


Additional Course Requirements


  • 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.

Non-Course Requirements


  • Completion of an independent research project is required.
  • An open proposal hearing is required prior to beginning the research project.
  • An oral comprehensive examination is required upon completion of the dissertation.