phd in nutrition science

Ph.D. in Nutrition

explore graduate studies in nutritional sciences

Earning a ph.d. in nutrition.

As Ph.D. candidate, you will be required to fulfill a minimum of six semesters of full-time study with courses in the field of nutrition and two additional graduate fields. You must pass the Admission to Candidacy examination within six semesters of matriculation and successfully defend your dissertation based on original research.

Your studies will be guided by a Special Committee that will include your research Chair and representatives of two additional graduate fields, plus an appointed representative of the field of nutrition. The committee will provide guidance in your course selections, determine your admission to doctoral candidacy and evaluate your dissertation.

Financial support is available on a competitive basis.

Learn more about admissions, special committee selection, financial support and more on the Graduate Studies homepage .

Contact us at [email protected]

As a candidate for the Ph.D. degree, you will concentrate in one of the following areas:

In this concentration, you will have the opportunity to study nutritional issues in communities, including their causes,implications, and solutions.

These issues range from obesity to food insecurity, with the unit of analysis ranging widely from families to neighborhoods to governments. Causes for inadequate nutrition are multiple and complex, resulting from biological, economic, social, cultural,and policy issues. Implications of community nutrition issues include poor health and disease.

The program seeks to influence community issues and behaviors by conducting rigorous community-based research; leading community outreach and engagement initiatives; and teaching and mentoring students.

Our faculty members are interested generally in the following areas:

• designing, implementing and evaluating nutrition interventions and policies, in particular for limited resource and under-served populations
• understanding people’s food choices and the contributions of social, cultural, policy, and food systems to those behaviors
• understanding the distribution and causes of nutritional disparities in populations using tools from epidemiology, social sciences, systems science,and policy analysis

Their research interests  cover a wide range of topics.

Graduate Study: Although the program is based within the Division of Nutritional Science, you may take courses across the university to meet your educational focus. To pursue this concentration, you will need a solid understanding of the biological as well as the social basis of human nutrition and health, along with the ability to apply social science theory and methods to work with groups and populations to address nutrition issues. You will also need substantive experience related to community research and/or engagement.

You will be expected to take courses that recognize the social, psychological, cultural, agricultural, economic, clinical, and public health policy determinants of nutrition and health as well as courses that provide you with expertise in the analytic and conceptual methods to address these issues.

Opportunities After Graduation: Doctoral graduates typically work for universities, government agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and applied research institutions. Students who earn a master’s degree often work for public health, Cooperative Extension, community agencies,and educational institutions.

In this concentration, you will study how variations in individuals’ nutritional status affect their health and functioning. Faculty members are focused primarily on developing safe and effective methods for improving the human condition. In general, they are interested in the following:

• maternal, infant and child nutrition
• control of food intake and regulation of body weight,as well as animal models of obesity
• factors that affect the absorption, metabolism and storage of Vitamin A, as well as the association between Vitamin A deficiency and disease
• effects of nutritional alterations —for example, iron deficiency folate alterations and PUFAs—on mortality, work capacity,and behavior and cognitive functioning
• lasting cognitive effects of early exposure to environmental toxins, such as lead and methylmercury, including exposure via breastmilk
• metabolism, bioavailability and biological effects of Vitamin E, including mechanisms of regulation of Vitamin E status

Our faculty’s research interests  cover a wide range of topics.

Graduate Study : Although the program is based within the Division of Nutritional Science, you may take courses across the university to meet your educational focus. To pursue this concentration, you will need a solid understanding of the biological basis of human biology, nutrition, health and disease,and statistics.

Opportunities After Graduation : Graduates of this program typically work in universities, such government agencies as the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the food and health industries.

In this concentration, you will explore malnutrition and hunger, which are widespread in many developing countries, as well as chronic disease resulting from poor nutrition.

The causes of inadequate nutrition can be complex, encompassing biological, economic, social and political issues. Program faculty members address nutritional problems through research, nutritional education and training; applied nutrition programs in the community, government, and international organizations; and institutional development.

Graduate Study : This concentration is dedicated to training committed professionals whose previous training and international experience provide a solid foundation for benefiting from Cornell's rigorous intellectual environment. Our faculty members have had experiences in many parts of the world, and their expertise covers the spectrum from basic biology to population-based interventions. You may take courses in political, economic, sociological, clinical and public health dimensions of nutrition. You will need a solid foundation in the biological aspects of nutrition and your academic background should include biochemistry, physiology and laboratory methods.

Opportunities: Students graduating from this program work for government ministries and other action agencies such as UNICEF and nongovernmental organizations; agencies that deliver technical assistance such as the U.S. Agency for International Development and the World Health Organization; and applied research institutions and universities. 

In this concentration, you will investigate the basic biological processes in nutrition and nutrition’s roles in health and disease. The concentration integrates a range of disciplines including chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, genetics, neurobiology, and developmental and reproductive biology. A flexible curriculum will enable you to tailor your academic programs to your academic background, research interests, and career plans.

The research opportunities, using such methodologies as classical biochemistry, transgenics and mass spectrometry, are extensive and diverse:

• Nutritional biochemistry studies the biochemical, metabolic, physiological and epigenetic functions and properties of nutrients and other dietary constituents. The discipline is used to examine the synergistic relationships among diet, health and disease susceptibility. Students take an integrative curriculum in nutritional biochemistry and may take foundation courses in the basic biological, chemical and physical sciences. Most students complete a minor in biochemistry or molecular biology.
• Nutrition genomics examines the role of nutrients and dietary components in regulating genome structure, expression and stability, as well as the role of genetic variation on individual nutrient requirements. Research in nutritional genomics relies on genetic technology and models. It includes developing and using transgenic mice, microarray technologies for expression profiling, and human population genetics. Most students complete a minor in genetics.
• Nutritional metabolomics studies the regulation of metabolic pathways and networks by nutrients and other food components, as well as the establishment of analytical methods that profile human serum and urinary metabolites to assess nutritional imbalances and disease risk. Most students complete a minor in biochemistry or molecular biology.
• Maternal nutrition/fetal development/epigenetics  looks at the molecular-level relationships between maternal nutrition and fetal development. Research topics include how maternal nutritional status regulates fetal gene expression (metabolic imprinting) and how to identify the consequences of such imprinting throughout the life of the offspring.

Opportunities after Graduation: Graduates of this program typically follow careers in research and academics. They may work in universities, private research institutions, government and private industry. 

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Nutritional Sciences Ph.D. Program

By earning a Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences from Penn State, you will distinguish yourself as one of the true leaders in the field of nutrition.

Focusing on leadership, nutrition research, multidisciplinary training, and marked by the integration of resources and expertise across departments and colleges, the Penn State Graduate Program in Nutritional Sciences (GPN) strives to address extremely complex and far-reaching issues that include:

Enhancing knowledge of requirements for nutrients necessary for optimal growth and well-being, including the interactions among nutrients, the environment, and disease

Advancing methods for assessing nutrient intake and nutritional status

Determining the impact of food, phytochemical, and nutrient intake, as well as dietary patterns on health promotion and disease prevention

Promoting knowledge of factors affecting food preferences, dietary intake patterns, and health habits, as well as developing various intervention strategies and evaluating their nutritional impact at the individual and population level

Developing techniques and behavioral strategies to guide consumers in selecting health-promoting foods and nutritionally adequate diets

Expanding knowledge of the mechanisms of metabolic regulation in humans and other animals, including cellular, molecular, and physiological aspects

Training the next generation of scientists and clinicians in childhood obesity prevention

The general requirements of this rigorous doctoral program include a candidacy examination, core requirements, courses in your chosen program of studies, a comprehensive examination, the proposal and production of your dissertation, and a final oral examination.  

We're still accepting applications for fall 2024!

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Nutritional Sciences: Doctoral Degree (PhD)

Faculty resources, expertise, and program coursework support three focus areas within the nutritional sciences doctoral program:

• Molecular and Biochemical Nutrition
• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Nutritional Interventions

Applicants should have a strong interest in science and health, an undergraduate degree in some field of basic or applied science, and, at a minimum, should have taken courses in biology, physiology, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, and calculus. 

Prerequisites for PhD program

• Calculus* or Statistics* 1 semester
• Inorganic/general chemistry* 1 semester, lab not required
• Organic chemistry 1 semester, lab not required
• Biochemistry 1 semester
• Human Physiology (1 semester) or Anatomy and Physiology (1 semester of each but must be human)

*AP high school courses are accepted based on AP final exam score

PhD Required Coursework

Doctoral students must complete the online Foundations of Public Health modules that will be available in Winter 2019.   

^Students can take BIOSTAT 601 as alternative

^^Students can take BIOSTAT 650 as alternative

*NUTR 688 is a departmental seminar that spans the first two terms. It is expected that students will attend seminars throughout their doctoral program but do not have to officially register.

**NUTR 869 is a doctoral seminar that students register for until they have passed their Preliminary Exam. Prior to the Preliminary Exam, they will present a formal seminar in this class. It is expected that students will attend seminars throughout their doctoral program but do not have to officially register.

***NUTR 899 – students complete two separate rotations with different faculty for a minimum of 1 credit each rotation.

PhD Sample Schedules

• PhD Molecular and Biochemical Nutrition Sample Schedule
• PhD Nutritional Epidemiology Sample Schedule

PhD SubPlan Options

Current phd student profiles.

NOTE: We highly encourage students to review faculty research areas and identify potential mentors.

• How Do I Apply?

PhD applicants apply to our program through the University of Michigan  Rackham Graduate School .

Additional information for international applicants can be found here .

Funding for Doctoral Students

All students admitted to one of our doctoral programs are considered for financial support. There are four types of financial support that we offer our students: Graduate Student Instructor (GSI), Graduate Student Research Assistant (GSRA), Training Grants and Fellowships.

Graduate Student Instructor (GSI)

Graduate Student Instructors are appointed at 50% effort, which involves working approximately 20 hours per week. This appointment includes full payment of tuition, health insurance coverage, registration fees, and a monthly stipend. The duties of a GSI can include preparing materials for labs, teaching labs, holding office hours, grading homework and exams, and tutoring.

Graduate Student Research Assistant (GSRA)

Graduate Student Research Assistants are appointed at 50% effort, which involves working approximately 20 hours per week on a research project. This appointment includes full payment of tuition, health insurance coverage, registration fees, and a monthly stipend. GSRAs generally work closely with a faculty member who is a principal or co-investigator on the research project. The duties of the GSRA can involve analysis of biomedical research data or statistical research. Currently, GSRAs are working on projects involving statistical methods development and application to bioinformatics, cancer, clinical trials, dentistry, diabetes, environmental health, epidemiology, genetics, health education, kidney disease, and survival analysis.

Training Grants

Some students are supported through involvement in training grants which provide support similar to the GSRA or GSI appointments. Check with your department for specific training grants available.

Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards

Awards for tuition assistance are available and are granted without a work obligation. These awards are generally made on the basis of academic merit, expected contribution to the field, and to students with underrepresented backgrounds. Some examples of awards our students have received include:

• Harold and Vivian Shapiro/John Malik/Jean Forrest Awards
• Rackham Merit Fellowship Program
• Rackham Non-Traditional Fellowship

Other award/scholarship opportunities exist for continuing students. They include:

• Rackham One-Term Dissertation Fellowship
• Barbour Scholarship
• Pre-Doctoral Fellowship
• Susan Lipschutz, Margaret Ayers Host, and Anna Olcott Smith Awards for Rackham Graduate Students
• Rackham Conference Travel Grant

Financial Aid for Doctoral Students

Many of our students are offered funding as GSIs, GSRAs or graduate fellows. If you do not receive such an offer, you may apply for financial aid through the University of Michigan’s Office of Financial Aid . This office requires applicants for any and all types of financial aid to complete the Free Application for Federal Student AID (FAFSA) provided by the American College Testing Center (ACTC) .

A FAFSA will be sent to you directly if you indicate your interest in financial assistance on the admission application form. FAFSAs are available from most high school or college libraries and financial aid officers, as well as from the School of Public Health Office for Student Engagement and Practice.

More Information

For answers to any questions that you might have, please visit other pages on this website and/or contact:

Carole Durgy, Graduate Program Coordinator: [email protected]

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PhD in Nutritional Sciences

Description.

The doctoral program in Nutritional Sciences offers interdisciplinary training to prepare students to meet the needs for expanding the base of new knowledge in nutritional sciences and to apply this knowledge in public health and clinical health care settings. The PhD program is designed to assist students in gaining an advanced understanding of nutrition and metabolism, and of related biological, biochemical, molecular, and behavioral sciences, in acquiring skills in research methods, and in developing timely and original hypotheses in nutritional sciences. Students first undertake coursework covering the fundamental areas of study and the core knowledge areas. Students then develop their dissertation project, an original research endeavor focused on one primary and another secondary core knowledge area. A general and a final examination are required to complete the degree.

Applicants to the PhD program in Nutritional Sciences may also apply for the  Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics (GCPD)  to incorporate the coursework and supervised practice necessary to sit for the Registered Dietitian Exam while completing the PhD degree.

Likely Careers

The PhD program prepares students for careers in teaching and research in academia, industry, and government.

Evidence of experience related to the broad areas of nutrition, dietetics, public health, or research.

Application Deadline:   Dec. 1 for Autumn Quarter entry

Competencies

Upon satisfactory completion of a PhD in Nutritional Sciences, graduates will be able to:

• Meet the  competencies  established by the School of Public Health for all MS and PhD students;
• Apply knowledge of human nutrient requirements and their relationship to metabolic pathways and physiological function to the design of research, teaching, and policy proposals;
• Select appropriate methods to perform an in depth assessment of the nutritional status of individuals and groups as part of a planning process that takes into consideration the planned outcomes, uses of the assessment and resource limitations;
• Justify the importance of nutritional sciences in terms of how nutritional factors across the lifespan affect etiology, incidence, and prevalence of major diseases, quality of life, and productivity at work and school in the population;
• Critically examine the process, rationale and issues related to establishing nutrient requirements and dietary guidance for the population;
• Apply conceptual models of evidence-based approaches to promoting nutritional health;
• Construct testable hypotheses, develop appropriate study designs, and conduct research, which will significantly expand knowledge of nutritional sciences;
• Disseminate research findings through oral presentations and peer reviewed journals;
• Develop and prepare proposals for procuring research funding; and
• Develop and provide instruction in a higher education academic setting, demonstrating use of evidence-based pedagogical principals.

Graduate School

Nutritional sciences (ph.d.), nutritional sciences (ph.d.) | graduate.

Our program trains caring and competent dietitians, nutritionists, and health scholars who use evidence-based approaches to promote nutritional well-being and disease prevention among underserved communities, positively affecting health behaviors and reducing health disparities.

The Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences at the Graduate School is designed to prepare students for nutrition-related careers in research, industry, public health, clinical practice, academia, and senior-level health consulting roles. The Ph.D. program emphasizes evidence-based approaches to the promotion of nutritional well-being and disease prevention among underserved communities, both nationally and globally. You may choose from two distinct fields of specialization: community nutrition and experimental nutrition. You will have the opportunity to pursue original research tailored to your chosen program of study. Our graduate faculty is interested in the design, implementation, and evaluation of nutrition interventions and policies at the local and global levels. You will benefit from the close mentorship of graduate faculty notable for its wide-ranging research examining issues such as food systems and food insecurity; the sources of nutritional disparities in communities; the psychological, economic, social, cultural, and health policy determinants of nutrition and health; and the nutritional factors affecting the incidence and prevalence of chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Our graduates make meaningful contributions to the nutrition profession locally, nationally, and internationally. Program graduates go on to work as university faculty, dieticians and nutritionists, private consultants, media professionals, and researchers with private corporations and public agencies at the federal, state, and local levels.

Program Snapshot

      ❱  72 credit hours        ❱  Full-time       ❱  On-campus format       ❱  Degree: Ph.D. 

Application Deadlines

Spring 2024 entry:         ❱  Nov. 1, 2023  (final deadline)

Fall 2024 entry:         ❱  Dec. 1, 2023  (early deadline)       ❱  Feb. 15, 2024  (priority deadline)       ❱  Apr. 15, 2024  (final deadline)

Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible for earlier consideration of departmental funding opportunities. Applicants have until the final deadline to apply. However, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle. 

Transfer credits accepted (reviewed by program director)

Dr. Oyonumo Ntekim

Dr. katherine manuel, program details.

• Degree Classification: Graduate
• Related Degrees: Ph.D.

Admission Requirements

Application for admission.

• Online GradCAS application
• Statement of purpose/ Statement of academic interest ( 500-1,000 words )
• GRE scores not required
• Official transcripts sent to GradCAS
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Master’s degree from an accredited university  or the international equivalent
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Autobiographical statement ( 500-750 words )

GRE Required?

Gre preferred minimums.

• GRE Verbal Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Quantitative Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Analytical Writing: N/A

GPA Required Minimums

• Overall GPA minimum: 3.0
• Undergrad GPA minimum: 3.0

Prerequisite Courses (Required)

The following course prerequisites are required (Students deemed qualified but not having appropriate recommended training may be admitted provisionally).   No expiration date for recommended prerequisites. Applicants must  receive a grade of at least a B in each course. 

• Biochemistry (one college-level lecture and lab, 4 semester credit hrs)
• General Chemistry (two college-level lectures and labs, 8 semester credit hrs)
• Organic Chemistry (two college-level lectures and one lab, 7-8 semester credit hrs)
• Nutrition (two college-level lectures, 6 semester credit hrs)

Reference Requirements

Evaluator type accepted:

• Professor (Required)
• Supervisor/Manager

Evaluator type not accepted:

• Family Member

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Nutrition Science PhD

School of public health and health professions, program description.

Designed for students with previous master's level education in nutrition, the PhD in Nutrition Science provides a combination of didactic learning and research experience. This program emphasizes foundational courses in biochemistry, physiology, and nutrition as well as a variety of opportunities for conducting high-quality research in both laboratory and clinical settings. Program faculty study a wide range of topics, using a combination of animal and human models to answer both applied and mechanistic questions. This program will prepare students to excel in research and to become leaders in academia, industry and government.

Kristen Braunscheidel 206 Kimball Tower Buffalo, NY 14214 Email:  [email protected] Phone: 716-829-5713

Instruction Method

• In Person   (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options

Credits required, time-to-degree, application fee, special requirements.

Applicants to the PhD program are expected to have an MS degree in nutrition or a related field from an accredited college or university.

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.

Public Health Nutrition

Combine principles and practices from nutrition and social and behavioral science to develop, implement, and evaluate programs and policies that promote optimal nutrition and population health and well-being..

The Public Health Nutrition (PHN) specialization combines principles and practices from nutrition and social and behavioral science to develop, implement and evaluation of programs and policies that promote optimal nutrition and population health and well-being. This area of specialization is offered for the PhD in Population Health Sciences program. Doctoral students who concentrate in PHN will be skilled in quantitative and qualitative methods, program development and evaluation, health disparities, health behavior change, and health policy. The program includes the following components: formal coursework; seminars; qualifying exams; and a dissertation.

As a doctoral student specializing in Public Health Nutrition, you will gain comprehensive academic and applied knowledge in five core skill areas:

• Nutrition science and principles
• Translation of science into practice
• Analytic skills and research methods
• Policy and leadership
• Cultural competency

Program Overview

Formal coursework.

Nutrition Major Requirements (credits) NUT200 : Introduction to Nutrition Science (2) NUT201 : Introduction to Nutrition in Public Health (2) BPH222 : The Biological Basis of Human Nutrition (4) NUT203 : Nutrition Seminar Part I (1) EPI205 : Practice of Epidemiology (2) NUT206 : Nutrition Seminar Part II (1) NUT209 : Seminars in Food and Technology (2) ID214 : Nutritional Epidemiology (2)

Concentration-Specific Requirements NUT232: Designing and Evaluating Behavioral Interventions Targeting Diet and. Physical Activity (4) SBS245: Social and Behavioral Research Methods (4) SBS522: Multi-Level Theoretical Approaches to Population Health and Health-Related Behavior Change (2) SBS514: Reducing Socioeconomic & Racial/Ethnic Inequalities in Health: Concepts, Models, Effective Strategies (2)   HPM502: Federal Public Policy and Population Health (2) SBS Methods Courses – Students have flexibility in choosing courses to fulfill requirement (4 credits total)

Seminars.  Seminars focus on applied areas of Nutrition, work-in-progress presentations, or presentations by invited speakers.

Qualifying Exams.  Students will take two qualifying exams. The first tests knowledge gained during coursework; the second is a dissertation proposal.

Dissertation. 

Program Administration

• Erica Kenney,  ScD, MPH – Program Director [email protected]
• Stefanie Dean, MPH, RD, LDN – Academic Administrator [email protected]

Selection of advisors.   Students will initially be assigned a faculty advisor from among the faculty in the PHN specialization. Advisors will meet with students on a regular basis and give progress reports each term to the faculty. When a thesis topic is identified, a new advisor knowledgeable about the research area may be assigned if agreed upon by both the student and faculty member.

Financial Aid

Tuition, health fees, and stipend support  will be provided for a maximum of four years. It is expected that students will apply for outside funding within the first two years of the program.  The department will not assume responsibility for payment of tuition for courses taken during the summer.

Fellowship awards are subject to the following restrictions:

a.  The awarding of tuition and stipend will follow the contingencies specified in the official letter of acceptance from the PhD in Population Health Sciences program. b.  Fellowship support will be forfeited if funds are received from another source. c.  Students must be full-time in the department and maintain good academic standing. d.  Students must demonstrate satisfactory performance in research.

Frequently Asked Questions

For frequently asked questions, please visit the PhD in Population Health Sciences FAQ page .

Have another question? Please contact Stefanie Dean, Academic Coordinator: [email protected] .

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Human Nutrition

OFFERED BY:  DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL HEALTH

Onsite | Full-Time | 4 years

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About the PhD in Human Nutrition Program

The doctoral program in Human Nutrition is designed to train professionals to identify, understand and solve, through scientific methods, problems of public health importance in human nutrition. Graduates are expected to assume leadership roles in academia, government, industry and other private sector enterprises.

This is a  STEM designated program . Eligible F-1 visa students can receive an additional 24 months of work authorization, beyond the initial 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).

PhD in Human Nutrition Program Highlights

Graduates will be prepared to advance knowledge in human nutrition through research and advocate the application of such knowledge through public health policies and programs.

GLOBAL NETWORK

Research opportunities in the U.S. and around the world

HEALTH EQUITY

Learn what influences food choices, diet quality, and diet-related health outcomes

CHRONIC DISEASE

Study nutrition-related chronic diseases and obesity

STEM DESIGNATED

Eligibility for a 24-month STEM OPT extension

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree In Human Nutrition?

Human Nutrition graduates enjoy careers in academia, government and nongovernment sectors, and industry. Alumni hold faculty appointments at leading universities and ministries of health on five continents and positions at major global health organization

• Associate Professor, UC Davis
• Senior epidemiologist, CDC
• Nutrition Specialist, The World Bank
• Evaluation Specialist, Mercy First
• Scientist, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
• Director, GWU

Curriculum for the PhD in Human Nutrition

Students develop the professional skills necessary to work effectively in leading roles at academic, research, programmatic and policy-setting institutions.

Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU  Academic Catalogue , explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School  Course Directory , and find many more details in the program's  Academic Guides .

• Recent dissertations
• Student timeline

Courses Available in the Following Areas:

• Micronutrients
• Maternal and Child Health
• Newborn Health
• Adolescent health
• Epidemiology

Admissions Requirements

For general admissions requirements, please visit the  How to Apply  page. This specific program also requires:

Prior Graduate Degree

A minimum of 1 year of postbaccalaureate education or experience such as a master's degree, a dietetic internship, medical training, or other relevant work experience

Prior Work Experience

Not required but highly desirable

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores (GRE) are  optional  for this program. The admissions committee will make no assumptions if a standardized test score is omitted from an application, but will require evidence of quantitative/analytical ability through other application components such as academic transcripts and/or supplemental questions.  Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all application components.

Program Faculty Spotlight

Yeeli Mui, PhD '17, MPH, examines structural interventions to address food system issues and advance health equity through the lens of urban policy and planning.

Mika Matsuzaki

Mika Matsuzaki, PhD, MPH, MS, is a life-course epidemiologist studying how policies, built environments, and equity affect nutrition-related chronic diseases and obesity.

Julia Wolfson

Julia Wolfson, PhD '16, MPP, studies individual, structural, and policy factors that influence food choices, diet quality, and diet-related health outcomes.

Parul Christian

Parul Christian, DrPH '96, MSc, studies how to improve maternal and child nutrition and prevent micronutrient deficiencies with effective solutions in low-income settings.

All full-time PhD students will receive the following support for the first four years of the program either through endowments, grants, or research projects: full tuition, individual health insurance, University Health Services clinic fee, vision insurance, and dental insurance.

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU  starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a $1500 need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU.   These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.  View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help.

Elisabeth Simmons, MEd Academic Program Administrator [email protected]

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Message from the director.

A welcome message from Sabrina Diano, PhD, Director, Institute of Human Nutrition.

IHN alumni are advancing nutrition around the world through work in the health care industry, clinical research, medical education, and more.

Research Laboratories

Learn more about the Institute for Human Nutrition's research.

In the Community

Local initiatives.

IHN is a proud supporter of local organizations and activities here in Washington Heights and the surrounding communities.

PhD in Nutritional and Metabolic Biology

The Nutritional and Metabolic Biology (NMB) PhD training program prepares students to work at the frontiers of biomedical research in nutritional and metabolic sciences, exploring the role of nutrition in maintaining optimal human health.  The objective of the training program is to prepare individuals who will conduct original basic science research, teach in medical schools and universities, and hold positions of leadership in community and international nutrition.

Housed within the Institute of Human Nutrition (IHN) at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC), this inter-disciplinary and multi-departmental training program is highly structured and comprises both coursework and basic research. The NMB program is one of the few pre-doctoral training programs in nutrition in the United States that is located within a medical school and is unique among the other PhD programs at CUMC with an equal number of MDs and PhDs as faculty mentors (including ten MD/PhDs). The location of the NMB training program in a medical school offers trainees a wide array of research opportunities in laboratories headed by established senior scientists as well as NIH-funded younger independent investigators, all focused on the role of nutrition and metabolism in health and disease.

nmb_phd_program_faculty_-_life_at_columbia

nmb_phd_program_students_-_life_at_columbia

For information on NMB faculty, please visit the Faculty page on the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) site .

Lori Zeltser, PhD

• Co-director

Anthony Ferrante Jr., MD, PhD

Course Catalog

Nutritional sciences, phd.

for the Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Sciences

The Division of Nutritional Sciences is the interdisciplinary program for graduate education in nutrition at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. More than 60 faculty, representing 15 different departments in seven colleges on the Urbana and Chicago campuses, are members of the Division. The Division is a comprehensive program of study leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, alone or in combination with either the M.D. or M.P.H. degrees or the registration in dietetics (R.D.). Flexible graduate programs of study enable students to individualize their coursework and professional training. In addition, extensive research opportunities are available that address the spectrum from research at the level of the genome and proteome to clinical and population-based intervention studies. Specialties are classified into six broad theme areas in which our faculty and students are most active (see Research Interests ). These themes best reflect the areas of nutrition research for which the Division is recognized both nationally and internationally.

Admission Applicants are expected to have an admission grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) for the last two years of coursework and basic courses in chemistry, biology and mathematics. Deficiencies in these subjects must be removed during the first year of graduate study. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required. Applicants whose native language is not English must achieve a minimum paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550, 213 on the computer-based test or 79 on the iBT TOEFL. Admission in the fall, spring or summer will be considered.

Internship in Dietetics Students in the Division of Nutritional Sciences can participate in an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) accredited graduate dietetic internship program administered through the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. The program includes defined graduate course requirements and a six-month dietetic clinical internship. In order to be eligible for the graduate internship program, students must complete all undergraduate course competencies required by the AND for the Registration in Dietetics (R.D.). Students are accepted into the internship by computer matching through the standard dietetic internship application process. More information on the graduate dietetic internship program can be obtained from the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition (260 Bevier Hall; (217)-244-4498 ) or online .

Graduate Teaching Experience Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, experience in teaching is considered an important part of the graduate experience in this program.

Faculty Research Interests The Division is composed of faculty whose research interests cover many disciplines within nutrition. Descriptions of faculty research interests and a listing of recent publications are available at the Division website. Six broad theme areas are:

• Animal Nutrition
• Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition
• Community Nutrition, Nutrition Education and Consumer Acceptance
• Dietary Bioactive Components
• Food Safety and Toxicology
• Human and Clinical Nutrition

Facilities and Resources The Division office is located in room 240 Edward R. Madigan Laboratory. Office and research laboratory facilities utilized by graduate students in Nutritional Sciences are administered by the home department of the student's adviser.

Financial Aid Financial assistance is available in the form of assistantships, scholarships and fellowships. Applicants seeking fall admission and expecting to be considered for financial assistance should file their applications before the preceding December 15th. Later applications may be considered, depending on the space and support available.

In addition to maintaining a 3.0 average in formal coursework, Ph.D. students are required to take a qualifying examination, an oral preliminary examination and a final thesis examination. There is no foreign language requirement, but students whose native language is not English are required to demonstrate competence in English.

For additional details and requirements refer to the department's  Graduate Programs information  and the  Graduate College Handbook .  

Other Requirements

• Doctoral students in the Division of Nutritional Sciences will integrate scientific reasoning and advanced knowledge of the principles of nutritional sciences to effectively explain key concepts of nutrition and metabolism and discuss a broad range of nutritional sciences issues.
• Doctoral students in the Division of Nutritional Sciences will develop expert level knowledge and training in a signature interdisciplinary research area that will equip them to identify and solve the complex issues facing the highly interdisciplinary field of nutritional sciences.
• Doctoral students in the Division of Nutritional Sciences will be able to analyze and interpret data from research and scientific literature and apply experimental results to improve health and well-being at the local, national and international levels.
• Doctoral students in the Division of Nutritional Sciences will develop an understanding of professional and scientific ethics and the impact of nutritional sciences research methods and outcomes in a societal and global context.
• Doctoral students in the Division of Nutritional Sciences will develop outstanding oral and written communication skills to facilitate effective dissemination of scientific knowledge or interdisciplinary research findings to technical and non-technical audiences. 
• Doctoral students in the Division of Nutritional Sciences will combine interdisciplinary research with robust professional development and leadership training, distinguishing themselves from other students with a nutritional sciences degree and facilitating a highly successful transition to a career as a leader in academia, industry or policy.

Graduate Degree Programs in Nutritional Sciences

• Nutritional Science, MS
• Nutritional Science, PhD
• Nutritional Science, PhD and Master of Public Health, MPH

Nutritional Science Director of the Division and Graduate Studies: Elvira de Mejia Correspondance & Admissions Information: Ashley Negangard Nutritional Science website 240 Edward R Madigan Laboratory, 1201 W. Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801 (217) 333-4177 Nutritional Science email

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2023-2024 Catalog (PDF)

A copy of the full 2023-2024 catalog.

Ph.D. in Nutrition and Food Science

Wayne State's Ph.D. in Nutrition and Food Science program empowers scholars with the skills and knowledge needed to address complex challenges at the intersection of food, health and sustainability. Students will dive into groundbreaking research opportunities spanning nutritional biochemistry, food microbiology and the exploration of innovative dietary interventions. As a Ph.D. candidate, you'll have the chance to contribute to the scientific discourse, shape policy and drive advancements in nutritional science and global health.

Whether your interests lie in clinical nutrition, food technology or public health, our doctoral program cultivates a diverse range of expertise, preparing you to be a thought leader in the ever-evolving landscape of nutrition and food science. Join Wayne State's community of scholars dedicated to unraveling the complexities of food and health, and make a lasting impact on the well-being of individuals and communities worldwide.

Research areas

Our distinguished faculty, renowned in their respective fields, guide students in pushing the boundaries of knowledge, fostering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment.

Learn more about our  faculty research interests in nutrition and food science .

Ph.D. in Nutrition and Food Science requirements and curriculum

Successful completion of the Ph.D. program requires 90 credits, distributed as follows. Students select a minor field from relevant areas in the university. Original laboratory-based research is conducted by students in this program under the guidance of a faculty member .

The Ph.D. program requires a minimum of 90 graduate credits distributed in the following manner:

• A total of 60 credits in coursework
• At least 30 credits in nutrition and food science ; 22 of these credits are required of all students and eight credits are selected to fill student needs and interests
• Additional courses from other departments including at least one 7000-level course in biochemistry and one graduate-level course in statistics must be completed. If a minor area is designated, at least eight credits must be taken in the minor department
• At least 30 credits of coursework must be at the graduate only level , e.g., courses numbered 7000 and above

Electives will be selected in consultation with the advisor. Transcripts of the applicant's master's degree will be evaluated to determine which courses meet the Ph.D. course requirement (a maximum of 22 credits allowed).

*Plus active participation as long as a student is in the graduate program.

For a list of graduate courses, please visit the Graduate Bulletin .

For general information on Ph.D. requirements as stipulated by Graduate School as well as necessary forms, see Wayne Ph.D. students .

Dissertation research

Students completing the degree requirements will receive a Ph.D. with a major in nutrition and food science and a specialization in nutrition or food science. There is a seven-year time limit to complete all the requirements for the Ph.D. degree.

For general information on Ph.D. requirements as stipulated by the Graduate School as well as necessary forms, see Wayne Ph.D. students .

Students entering the doctoral program in NFS are advised to meet regularly with the departmental graduate officer who acts as a temporary advisor to discuss plan of work, course selection, laboratory experience, and interaction with potential research advisors. To be allowed to continue in the program, students must identify a permanent graduate advisor, develop a plan of work and identify a suitable research project within one year after admission.

A plan of work should be submitted to the Graduate School before the student has completed 40 graduate credits . Within a semester of approval of the plan of work, students, in consultation with the advisor, will establish a permanent advisory committee composed of the graduate advisor and at least three faculty; at least two of these will be members of the NFS faculty representing the areas of nutrition and food science. Up to two outside faculty may sit on the committee.

Additional requirements

Performance will be evaluated at the end of each year. Students will make a presentation of their research activities (NFS 7996, Research) in the graduate seminar (NFS 7850) after completing the preliminary research. Meetings with the advisory committee and the student will be held as needed, but at least once a year.

At such times, the progress of the student will be assessed and a progress report form submitted to the NFS graduate officer. The graduate faculty will evaluate proficiency in laboratory skills as one component of a student's progress. Should inadequate proficiency in the lab be determined, the department is under no obligation to retain the student in the doctoral program.

All new Ph.D. students who wish to obtain a Ph.D. degree must pass a screening exam. If unsuccessful, the student will have two weeks to be re-examined. If still unsuccessful, the student will not be eligible to pursue the Ph.D. program within the department.

The exam will be a written paper (maximum four hours of time allowed) consisting of questions designed to test the student's broad and all-around understanding of nutrition and food science as well as their problem-solving skills. The format will be multiple-choice and/or short answers and/or essays.

The exam will be based solely on material from the following two textbooks:

• "Advanced Nutrition and Metabolism 6 th edition" (2012). Authors: Sareen S. Gropper, Jack L. Smith and James L. Groff, Thomson Wadsworth
• "Food Chemistry, 4 th edition" (2007). Author: Owen R. Fennema, Marcel Dekker Inc.

Please check with the graduate officer for the current texts to be used.

For successful completion of the exam, the student's performance must satisfy the graduate faculty members of the department. If you have any questions please consult with the departmental graduate officer.

For all students who have not yet achieved candidacy status.

• Student must discuss with their advisor and inform the Graduate Committee at least two months in advance
• Student must have a Ph.D. committee in place, including an external committee member
• Exams may be scheduled in December or April

Day 1: Exam 1 (40% of final weighting), six hours max

This written exam is based on the core, required NFS courses and will be evaluated by NFS faculty.

Day 2: Exam 2 (40% of final weighting), six hours max

Questions will be provided by and evaluated by the student's Ph.D. committee. The questions will be designed to reflect the research in which the student will pursue their Ph.D. As such, this part of the exam will consist of questions that will:

• Relate to specialization/interests of the Advisor's work (each committee member will provide at least one question)
• Review a specific topic based on current literature
• Relate to experimental design (not related to the dissertation topic) that should include information on data and statistical analysis, potential problems and alternative methods

Day 3: Oral exam (20% of final weighting), 90 minutes max

Satisfactory performance on the qualifying examination:.

If a student has performed satisfactorily on both exams one and two (passed with > 70% score), the oral exam will be scheduled within 46 weeks following successful completion of the written exams. This part of the exam will be the student's proposal defense and will be presented to the committee.

Unsatisfactory performance on the qualifying examination:

If performance is unsatisfactory for one exam (less than 70% on either exam one or exam two) re-examination of the failed exam must be scheduled within 2 weeks of the student being notified. If satisfactory, the student can then proceed to the oral exam. In this situation, this will be an oral examination of the student's knowledge by the committee. The student can then schedule a proposal defense with their committee, within 46 weeks of passing the oral exam.

If performance is unsatisfactory for both exams (less than 70% on both exam one and exam two), no re-examination or oral exam is scheduled. In this situation, the student may retake the qualifying exam four to 12 months after notification of failing.

If performance is still unsatisfactory after two attempts, the student is required to leave the program.

Please see the graduate director for the latest and current information.

The dissertation research (30 credits including NFS 9991, 9992, 9993 and 9994) provides the student with an opportunity to integrate and apply the theory and methodologies of NFS and related areas to a problem focusing on either nutrition or food science. The research will be conducted in the department laboratories after approval by the student's doctoral committee. Under special circumstances, research will be conducted in another Wayne State laboratory after approval of the NFS Graduate Committee.

Students will have to repeat a required NFS course with a grade below C. No more than two courses may be repeated during the student's doctoral program. Students will not receive financial aid for repeated courses. If a student's average falls below B (Honor Point of 3.0), a "hold" will be placed on future registration.

To be removed from this status, the student must give evidence that scholarship has been brought to a satisfactory level. No more than one grade of "C" is allowed. All academic holds will be reviewed by the Graduate Committee prior to being removed. Decisions of whether or not to remove the hold will be based on the likelihood of improved academic performance and will be granted one time only. Withdrawals from courses are discouraged and no more than once per calendar year will be allowed.

Academic work submitted by a graduate student for graduate credit is assumed to be of his/her own creation, and if found not to be so, will constitute cause for the student's dismissal from the program.

Graduate teaching assistantships

Application for graduate teaching assistantships (GTAs) in the department should be addressed to the departmental graduate officer. Requests for fall term appointments should be received no later than March 1 . Applications for winter term appointments should be received no later than Oct. 30 .

Assistantships are awarded to applicants having high scholarship and communication skills and show great potential for professional achievement. Each assistantship carries a stipend for nine months plus benefits, and tuition (up to 10 credits/fall and winter semesters) is waived. Graduate teaching assistants give an average of 20 hours per week of service to the instructional program of the department.

Research assistantships

A limited number of graduate research assistantships (GRAs) are available on a competitive basis. Information on application procedures can be obtained in the NFS office.

Fellowships and tuition stipends

The Wayne State Graduate School offers a limited number of fellowships (Rumble) and tuition stipends. Selection is made on a competitive basis, and interested students should check with the Graduate School regarding application procedures and deadlines.

External support

Students are strongly encouraged to investigate outside sources of fellowships for support of their graduate studies. The Wayne State Graduate School (313-577-8053) assists in identifying and applying for these funds.

Career insights

This tool provides a broad overview of how major selection can lead to careers and is provided without any implied promise of employment. Some careers will require further education, skills, or competencies. Actual salaries may vary significantly between similar employers and could change by graduation, as could employment opportunities and job titles.

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• Nutrition and Metabolism, Ph.D.

The student experience

Modern nutrition is a multidisciplinary, integrative science, and the Nutrition and Metabolism graduate program has been developed to meet this diversity in approach and objective. It is the program's goal to provide graduate students interested in nutrition with an opportunity to obtain specialized training in a specific research area and also to obtain a general background in the science and practice of nutrition. The program is sufficiently flexible to allow students with a wide variety of undergraduate degrees to meet the background prerequisites. The program draws on the strengths of faculty in a number of the university's colleges and academic departments to enhance the instructional and research experience.

Learn through your research

The training objectives of the Nutrition and Metabolism graduate program are to provide students with an understanding of basic nutritional principles as they apply to humans, animals, and molecular models, to provide them with current knowledge in each area of emphasis, to make them aware of the integrative and multidisciplinary nature of nutrition research, and to direct them toward a successful career through the thesis and publications.

Throughout their graduate career, Nutrition and Metabolism students partner with a faculty mentor for in-depth research and career guidance. New PhD students rotate in three different labs during their first semester to find the best research and mentorship fit. 

Build Community and networks

The Nutrition and Metabolism graduate program offers opportunities to work with over 50 faculty members from 19 different departments at UW-Madison. The graduate faculty have well-developed, competitively-funded research programs and have been nationally recognized for their activities. They are active in national and international nutrition activities, and serve on editorial boards, as society officers, and as participants in numerous workshops and on advisory committees.

Network within your field(s) by attending international and national conferences and scientific meetings with professional development funds provided to accepted students.

Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online .

Students are only directly admitted to begin in the Spring term if they have a mentor pre-arranged. Contact the program with questions.

Candidates for graduate study in nutrition and metabolism should have a strong background in mathematics, chemistry, biological sciences, medical sciences or social sciences.

Specific prerequisites for the graduate program include the following:

• 2 semesters of General Chemistry
• 2 semesters of Biological Sciences
• 1 semester of Organic Chemistry
• Biochemistry with an Organic Chemistry prerequisite
• 1 semester of Calculus or Statistics
• 1 semester of Physiology

 Students who have not completed all the requirements may be admitted, but deficiencies should be made up during the first year of graduate study.

All applicants must have a minimum grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) as well as three references and a personal statement. Acceptance requires approval by the Department of Nutritional Sciences and the Graduate School.

*A MS is not required for entry into the Nutrition and Metabolism PhD degree. Applicants interested in the Nutrition and Metabolism PhD degree should apply directly through the Nutrition and Metabolism PhD app, and not submit an application for the Nutrition and Metabolism MS. 

Applicants interested solely in the MS degree are highly recommended to apply for the Fall deadline. MS students who submit an application for the Fall deadline will be required to submit 4-5 trainers in which they are interested in working with. After the Fall deadline passes, the program will share the applications with the trainers to see if a direct offer of admission can be made. 

Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.  Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

Program Resources

Nutrition and Metabolism students receive a 5-year funding guarantee 1 in addition to tuition remission.

The application for the Nutrition and Metabolism program is also the application for funding. If incoming students are qualified for additional fellowships/funding, the Graduate Program Manager will assist the accepted student with the application  process. 

The stipend appointment may take the form of traineeship, assistantships, or fellowships and are guaranteed for all Nutrition and Metabolism Ph.D. candidates in good standing.

1 Contingent upon satisfactory academic progress. 

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

Major requirements.

Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements , in addition to the program requirements listed below.

MODE OF INSTRUCTION

Mode of instruction definitions.

Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.

Evening/Weekend: ​Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules.  Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.

Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.

Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats.  Contact the program for more specific information.

Online: These programs are offered 100% online.  Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.

CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS

Required courses.

Student should enroll each semester, unless there is a course conflict. 

Requirement may be waived. Please contact Graduate Program Coordinator.

After enrolling in other coursework, students enroll in enough credits of  NUTR SCI 991  to reach a total of 12 credits per fall and spring semesters.

Graduate School Policies

The  Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures  provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.

Major-Specific Policies

Prior coursework, graduate work from other institutions.

With approval of the certification committee, students are allowed to count up to 19 credits of graduate coursework from other institutions. Coursework earned ten years or more prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.

UW–Madison Undergraduate

With approval of the certification committee, students are allowed to count up to 7 credits from a UW–Madison undergraduate degree, numbered 400 and above, toward the Ph.D. degree, provided the course satisfies a requirement within the student’s core curriculum or emphasis group. Coursework earned ten years or more prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.

UW–Madison University Special

With program approval, students are allowed to count no more than 15 credits of coursework taken as a UW–Madison Special student, provided the course satisfies a requirement within the student’s core curriculum or emphasis group. Coursework earned ten years or more prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.

The program requires a cumulative 3.0 GPA for all courses taken in the UW Graduate School. Grades in research ( NUTR SCI 991 ) are not included in the calculation of the GPA. A student who does not maintain a 3.0 GPA can continue on probationary status for two semesters at the recommendation of the major professor. If, at that time, the student does not achieve a cumulative 3.0 GPA, they will be dropped from the program.

This program follows the Graduate School's Probation policy.

ADVISOR / COMMITTEE

Every graduate student is required to have an advisor and a committee.  PhD students must have a committee of at least four members.  Students have time in their first year of study to build their committees.  An advisor is a faculty member from the major department responsible for providing advice regarding graduate studies. An advisor generally serves as the thesis advisor. Students can be suspended from the Graduate School if they do not have an advisor. The Director of Graduate Studies will be assigned as a student's advisor for the duration of their laboratory rotations.

To ensure that students are making satisfactory progress toward a degree, the Graduate School expects them to meet with their advisor and committee on a regular basis.

CREDITS PER TERM ALLOWED

12 credits: fall and spring semesters 2 credits: per eight-week summer session

Time limits

Doctoral degree students who have been absent for ten or more consecutive years lose all credits that they have earned before their absence. Individual programs may count the coursework students completed prior to their absence for meeting program requirements; that coursework may not count toward Graduate School credit requirements.

A candidate for a Doctoral degree who fails to take the final oral examination and deposit the dissertation within five years after passing the preliminary examination may be required to take another preliminary examination and to be admitted to candidacy a second time.

A student’s program may appeal these time limits through a written request to the Graduate School Office of Academic Services.

Grievances and Appeals

These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:

• Bias or Hate Reporting  
• Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
• Office of the Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs
• Dean of Students Office (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
• Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
• Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
• Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
• Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for employed graduate students and post-docs, as well as faculty and staff)
• Title IX (for concerns about discrimination)

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences: Grievance Policy  

In the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), any student who feels unfairly treated by a member of the CALS faculty or staff has the right to complain about the treatment and to receive a prompt hearing. Some complaints may arise from misunderstandings or communication breakdowns and be easily resolved; others may require formal action. Complaints may concern any matter of perceived unfairness.

To ensure a prompt and fair hearing of any complaint, and to protect the rights of both the person complaining and the person at whom the complaint is directed, the following procedures are used in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Any student, undergraduate or graduate, may use these procedures, except employees whose complaints are covered under other campus policies.

• The student should first talk with the person at whom the complaint is directed. Most issues can be settled at this level. Others may be resolved by established departmental procedures.
• If the complaint involves an academic department in CALS the student should proceed in accordance with item 3 below.
• If the grievance involves a unit in CALS that is not an academic department, the student should proceed in accordance with item 4 below.
• If informal mediation fails, the student can submit the grievance in writing to the grievance advisor within 10 working days of the date the student is informed of the failure of the mediation attempt by the grievance advisor. The grievance advisor will provide a copy to the person at whom the grievance is directed.
• The grievance advisor will refer the complaint to a department committee that will obtain a written response from the person at whom the complaint is directed, providing a copy to the student. Either party may request a hearing before the committee. The grievance advisor will provide both parties a written decision within 20 working days from the date of receipt of the written complaint.
• If the grievance involves the department chairperson, the grievance advisor or a member of the grievance committee, these persons may not participate in the review.
• If not satisfied with departmental action, either party has 10 working days from the date of notification of the departmental committee action to file a written appeal to the CALS Equity and Diversity Committee. A subcommittee of this committee will make a preliminary judgement as to whether the case merits further investigation and review. If the subcommittee unanimously determines that the case does not merit further investigation and review, its decision is final. If one or more members of the subcommittee determine that the case does merit further investigation and review, the subcommittee will investigate and seek to resolve the dispute through mediation. If this mediation attempt fails, the subcommittee will bring the case to the full committee. The committee may seek additional information from the parties or hold a hearing. The committee will present a written recommendation to the dean who will provide a final decision within 20 working days of receipt of the committee recommendation.
• If the alleged unfair treatment occurs in a CALS unit that is not an academic department, the student should, within 120 calendar days of the alleged incident, take his/her grievance directly to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. The dean will attempt to resolve the problem informally within 10 working days of receiving the complaint. If this mediation attempt does not succeed the student may file a written complaint with the dean who will refer it to the CALS Equity and Diversity Committee. The committee will seek a written response from the person at whom the complaint is directed, subsequently following other steps delineated in item 3d above.

Take advantage of the Graduate School's  professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career. 

• Articulates research problems, potentials, and limits with respect to theory, knowledge, and practice in nutrition and metabolism. Specific knowledge areas of focus include intermediary metabolism, functions and metabolism of vitamins and minerals, nutrition-related diseases such as obesity and diabetes, and fundamental principles of epidemiology and nutrition policy.
• Formulates ideas, concepts, designs, and/or techniques beyond the current boundaries of knowledge in nutrition and metabolism.
• Creates original research and scholarship that makes a substantive contribution to nutrition and metabolism.
• Demonstrates breadth of knowledge of nutrition and metabolism.
• Advances contributions of the field of nutrition and metabolism to society.
• Communicates complex ideas in a clear and understandable manner through both written and oral presentations.
• Fosters and practices ethical and professional conduct.

See the program website for a list of faculty trainers.

• Requirements
• Professional Development
• Learning Outcomes

Contact Information

Nutritional Sciences College of Agricultural and Life Sciences nutrisci.wisc.edu

Caitlin Seifert Irland, Nutritional Sciences Graduate Program Coordinator [email protected] 608-890-1792 278 Nutritional Sciences Building

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Nutritional Sciences

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Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences

Establish strong research credentials in our Nutritional Sciences Ph.D. program.

Nutritional science has emerged as a significant research topic in health sciences, social services, and public policy. The Texas Tech University Nutritional Sciences Ph.D. program integrates these multiple disciplines effectively.

Our Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences provides you with an exceptionally collaborative, interdisciplinary setting. You will enjoy opportunities to collaborate with renowned scholars from a wide range of specialties, while working in outstanding research programs such as the Behavioral Medicine & Translational Research Lab ,  Nutrigenomics, Inflammation and Obesity Research Lab .

Texas Tech supports an impressive breadth of nutritional sciences research, in areas such as:

• Community nutrition
• International nutrition
• Food insecurity
• Nanomedicine
• Cardiovascular disease
• Nutritional biochemistry
• Drug development
• Behavioral influences on nutrition and diet

Our broad range of research specialties ensures that you can focus your doctoral work in an area that supports your academic and career objectives.

Our Nutritional Sciences Ph.D. Program Supports Your Academic Success and Career Development

As a nutritional sciences Ph.D. candidate at Texas Tech, you will enjoy support to develop your career. The Ph.D. program offers you opportunities to:

• Gain recognition for your work. Our faculty and Ph.D. students have an excellent track record of publications, with recent papers appearing in journals related to clinical nutrition, gerontology, sports medicine, applied physiology, and biology.
• Work with nationally prominent researchers in nutritional sciences. Our faculty have conducted high-profile studies that have been covered by major news networks and national newspapers such as The Washington Post and New York Times.
• Collaborate on multidisciplinary projects. You will have excellent opportunities to integrate nutritional science research with scholarship in other College of Human Sciences specialties, including obesity, addiction, human development, and education.
• Serve in a clinical role. The College of Human Sciences' community-service mission has led to strong partnerships with community agencies and nonprofit organizations. You will have the opportunity to work directly with children, adults, and families as an advocate for better nutrition.

Feeding the Public Interest: Nutritional Sciences at Texas Tech

50 Nutrition Faculty Members Hold 50 U.S. and International Patents

Nutrition & Metabolic Health Initiative Serves Lubbock Community

Career benefits of a nutritional sciences ph.d..

Our Ph.D. in nutritional sciences caters to students who seek a faculty position, with primary responsibilities of teaching and research.

In addition, a broad range of agencies and organizations seek leaders with advanced expertise in nutritional sciences. You will find opportunities in many sectors, including health care, education, public policy, food services, and sports.

For more information about the Nutritional Sciences Ph.D. program

Request information online, contact the graduate advisor.

• Name:  Dr. Wilna Oldewage-Theron
• Phone: (806) 834-0567
• Email: [email protected]

Contact TTU

Doctor of Philosophy

A Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Sciences prepares you to conduct independent research in diverse areas of nutrition science, and apply this knowledge in public health, clinical health care settings, and research in experimental, clinical and public health nutrition.

Students gain an advanced understanding of nutrition and metabolism and related biological and behavioral sciences, and investigate the relationships between diet and disease, acquiring skills in research methods.

Note: We are accepting applications to our PhD program only from students currently enrolled in our master’s programs. Suspending admissions to outside applicants allows us the opportunity to review and revise our curriculum and improve student opportunities.

The program seeks to meet the substantial state, regional and national need for doctorally prepared faculty in schools or departments of nutrition and the health sciences and for leadership positions in agencies in which PhD-level nutrition researchers study the relationships between nutrition and health.

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Recent PhD Student Work

• The Impact of Low-Fat and Full-Fat Dairy Consumption on Metabolic Health: A Randomized Dietary Intervention Trial
• The Impact of Low-­fat and Full-­fat Dairy Consumption on Glucose Homeostasis
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PhD in Nutrition

Advance your career in this fast-growing field with a nutrition doctorate program..

Go deep in one area of nutrition, such as how economic and other factors affect food access. Develop your research, teaching, and management skills. And make a meaningful impact on solving nutrition-related health problems with UMass Amherst’s PhD in nutrition.

You’ll apply our pioneering use of multimodality methods in your research, from digital storytelling to participatory action research.

PhD in nutrition course requirements (46 credits):

• Seven advanced core courses (21 credits)
• One public health course (3 credits)
• One nutrition elective or independent study course (3 credits)
• Three graduate seminars (3 credits)
• PhD dissertation (18-credits) 

Students may elect to pursue a minor in other areas (e.g., biostatistics or epidemiology), and 12 credits are required for claiming a minor.

Note: Introductory Biostatistics (BIOSTATS 540) may be part of the 24 credits in the major concentration or the 12 credits in minor concentration for BIOS. Principles of Epidemiology (EPI 630) may serve the same purpose for the major concentration and the minor concentration for EPI.

Benefits list

Support for Your Education

Doctoral students have priority in teaching positions and tend to support themselves with these offerings during the first three years. Faculty assist students in applying for federal or foundation funding to support independent research projects. Currently, all UMass doctoral students are funded.

CEPH Accreditation

Every program in the nutrition department, like every other department within the School of Public Health and Health Sciences, is fully accredited by the  Council of Education for Public Health , a key benefit of attending UMass.

Research Centers and Institutes

You’ll find a wealth of opportunities in our two primary research centers. The Institute for Global Health promotes healthy living in developing nations. The Center for Research and Education in Women's Health seeks to better understand health factors that affect women from birth through old age.

Featured class

This course provides the molecular basis on how dietary factors regulate the pathogenic progression of chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, and other nutrition-associated metabolic disorders.

Featured faculty

Soonkyu chung.

Focus on obesity, brown adipocytes, adipose inflammation, dietary polyphenols, epigenetics.

Megan Patton-Lopez

Focus on community nutrition, implementation science, child and adolescent health, healthy eating and active living, health equity.

Focus on nutritional epidemiology; cancer epidemiology; genetic and tissue-based biomarkers; multi-omics data; neurodegeneration

Application information & deadlines

Prospective students apply through the UMass Graduate School .

Spring Application Deadline

October 1, 2023.

Applications for spring admission are due by Oct. 1.

Fall Application Deadline

February 1, 2024.

Applications for fall admission are due by Feb. 1.

Offering an interdisciplinary approach to the study and application of the relationship between diet, foods, and health. 

• Graduate Admissions in Nutrition
• DI: Application and Admissions Requirements
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Ph.D. in Nutrition Science

Developing creativity in nutrition research.

NC State’s interdepartmental graduate nutrition program is comprised of faculty and staff from various departments, including: 

• Agricultural and Human Sciences
• Animal Science
• Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences
• Horticultural Science
• Molecular and Structural Biochemistry
• Prestage Department of Poultry Science
• University Catalog Complete List of Nutrition Faculty

You may complete thesis work with faculty in any of these departments.

Student Spotlight

Matthew Warren found research success in his dissertation studies by examining the vitamin D metabolism in the chicken model to potentially translate those findings to medicine for humans. But he claims his “most significant” experience at NC State was discovering the importance of peer mentoring.

Degree Requirements

Our research-intensive Ph.D. program culminates in a dissertation. Written and oral preliminary examinations occur between the end of the second year of graduate study and one semester before the final oral examination. The advisory committee administers exams for admission to candidacy.

Typical requirements include:

• A minimum of 72 credit hours of courses and research, including credits transferred from a masters degree
• At least 20 credits in specified nutrition and biochemistry courses
• Advanced coursework in related departments

Students are expected to have a strong background in math and chemistry. Additional graduate courses in biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, microbiology, and physiology are available to enhance the primary science support areas. We also encourage students to pursue a minor in another program or department. The student and their faculty advisory committee will agree on the final course selection for a plan of work.

Preparing the Professoriate

Preparing the Professoriate is a nationally recognized program designed to give exceptional doctoral students and postdoctoral scholars an immersive mentoring, teaching, and future faculty preparation experience.

Learn more 

Fellowships and Grants

Fellowship, traineeships, and grants are awards that require no service in return. They may be based on merit and/or financial need. Often they provide the cost of tuition and fees plus a stipend to cover living expenses.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

PhD Admissions

Admission requirements.

Applications to the PhD program in Nutrition and Metabolism must be made through the PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS), which begins accepting applications in September of each year. Applications generally end around the first of December each year. Applicants to PiBS will need to create an account with the Boston University Centralized Application System (BU-GMS CAS), and then complete or upload all personal, academic and supporting documentation. During the application process you will select “PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences” as your program of choice (you are applying through the centralized PiBS admissions, rather than directly to Nutrition & Metabolism). The Admissions Committee will select competitive applicants to attend one of two interview days sometime in late January-February. You will be notified of the committee’s decision via email following the last interview day.

Requirements:

• one year of biology and chemistry
• one or two semesters of organic chemistry
• advanced coursework such as biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, physiology and/or genetics
• Research Experience: a strong research background will be very beneficial to your application. Please describe your research.
• Three letters of recommendation
• No minimum GPA is required, but the most competitive applicants will have a science GPA above 3.5.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS results must be submitted for applicants who received their degrees in a non-English-speaking country. This requirement is waived only if you have received, or expect to receive, an undergraduate or graduate degree from a college or university in any of the following countries prior to enrollment in GMS: the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland.

For answers to questions about admission to the PhD program, visit the PhD Frequently Asked Questions page.

Students in the PiBS program receive full funding for tuition and fee s as well as a $ 41,200 stipend per year. In addition to the stipend for living expenses, students will be provided with health insurance options.

PhD Admissions Portal

You will need to apply through the PiBS Admissions portal .  The PiBS application deadline for Fall 2024 admission was December 1, 2023 . The application for Fall 2025 admission will open on September 1, 2024. To check if you qualify for an application fee waiver, visit the waiver request page before submitting your application.

Doctoral Programs

Animal Comparative Biomedical Science

Pursue extensive formal classroom and research training within your field of choice as you perform state-of-the-art research and present your findings at national and international meetings. Students may apply to the ACBS PhD training program without an MS. 

Biosystems Analytics & Technology

Prepare for careers in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is the intersection of science, technology and analytics.  This program focuses on biological systems and water-related issues, such as irrigation and water quality, and biosystems applications like computer modeling, sensors and controls, and systems design.

Biosystems Engineering

Biosystems engineers use engineering, math and life science to design systems to manage soil and water resources, produce food, develop biological products, and manage and analyze large data sets. Work on projects involving wise use of energy, materials, biochemicals and recyclable wastes.

Entomology & Insect Sciences GIDP

Take on interdisciplinary doctoral training in the biology of insects. This program is flexible in its requirements, allowing students to design, in collaboration with faculty, programs of study tailored to individual interests and needs.

Environmental Science

Our distinguished faculty are experts in soil, air and water, and solutions-oriented in their research of today's most pressing environmental issues, from water quality and food safety to mining remediation and environmental justice.

Human Development & Family Science

This five-year doctoral program is designed to enrich knowledge in developmental, interpersonal and family theories while developing research skills and in-depth knowledge within a specialized content area chosen by the student.

Microbiology

Gain a postgraduate education in the basic science disciplines, including microbiology, immunology and food safety, while embracing an integrative approach to science. You will develop a broad academic foundation with a concentration in at least one science discipline.

Nutritional Sciences

This program leads in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research that advances the discovery and translation of nutritional science and health. Explore outstanding opportunities that lead to an MS and a PhD in nutritional sciences while working directly with research faculty.

Natural Resources

This program gives you five emphasis areas to choose from: Ecology, Management and Restoration of Rangelands; Fisheries Conservation and Management; Natural Resource Studies; Watershed Management and Ecohydrology; and Wildlife Conservation and Management.

Plant Pathology

Prepare for careers in research and academia focused on microbes, particularly fungi and plant-associated bacteria and viruses, both beneficial and pathogenic.

Plant Science

Prepare for careers in research and academia focused on all aspects of plants, including interactions with abiotic and biotic factors.

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Master of Science in Nutrition

Program Overview

The Nutrition program focuses on promoting the nutritional well-being of individuals and populations through teaching, research, and service. The program is dedicated to providing the highest quality education in nutrition, food science, and public health nutrition.

Students must obtain a total of 36 credits to complete the MS in Nutrition degree.

Students must obtain a total of 30 credits to complete the The External Dietetic Internship program.

Focused Study Track

This 36-credit program (1.5 years/3 semesters) is for credentialed RDs/RDNs with an undergraduate degree, or students with degrees in physical or social sciences (who meet the pre-requisites) with research interests in the area of Nutrition.

Academic Dietetic Internship Track

This 36-credit (1.5 years/3 semesters) program is for students who have completed an undergraduate Didactic Program (DP) in Nutrition & Dietetics, and wish to complete a master’s degree in Nutrition concurrent with their enrollment in a credit bearing, ACEND Supervised Practice program at an academic institution.

External Dietetic Internship

This 30-credit (1.5 years/3 semesters) program is for students who have completed an undergraduate Didactic Program (DP) in Nutrition & Dietetics and have been accepted into an external (non-credit bearing) Supervised Practice Program, and also wish to complete a master’s degree in Nutrition.

You must meet the following minimum requirements in order to be considered for admission. Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance to the program.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges
• Statement of Purpose
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Non-refundable $75 application fee. If you are currently a Hunter student and plan to apply to the program the following semester, your application fee may be waived.

Additional criteria may be required depending on the specific MSW degree program for which you seek admission. Please review the Admission Requirements listed on the department's website.

Providing an exceptional academic value is what we do best. See how Hunter's annual tuition compares against other top MS programs in the area.

Career Paths

The career paths for individuals with a MS in Nutrition can vary widely, and salaries can be influenced by factors such as experience, expertise, location, and the specific field. Here are ten potential career paths and salary ranges for MS in Nutrition graduates.

Assess and manage nutritional needs of patients with various medical conditions, provide dietary counseling, educate patients and families.

Salary Range: $72,000 - $114,000

Develop and manage healthy menus, educate kitchen staff and consumers on nutritional aspects of food, create recipes and cooking demonstrations.

Salary Range: $55,000 - $90,000

Analyze trends in food consumption, conduct research on food ingredients and nutrition, provide recommendations for product development and marketing.

Salary range: $58,000 - $95,000

Develop and deliver educational programs on nutrition and health, promote healthy lifestyles in communities, collaborate with other healthcare professionals.

Salary Range: $42,000 - $78,000

Oversee food service operations, ensure compliance with dietary regulations, manage staff and budgets, develop nutritional policies and procedures.

Salary Range: $78,000 - $125,000

Write and edit content related to nutrition and health, conduct research, interview experts, create engaging and informative material for various audiences.

Salary Range: $45,000 - $90,000

Develop and implement public health programs to address nutrition-related issues, collaborate with policymakers, evaluate program effectiveness, advocate for healthy food policies.

Salary Range: $50,000 - $100,000

Conduct research on various aspects of nutrition and health, analyze data, publish findings in scientific journals, contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field.

Salary Range: $55,000 - $120,000

Develop personalized nutrition plans for athletes, provide pre-competition, during-competition, and post-competition nutritional guidance, educate athletes on the importance of nutrition for optimal performance.

Salary Range: $48,000 - $100,000

Develop and implement wellness programs promoting healthy eating and lifestyle habits, provide nutritional counseling to employees or community members, track program participation and outcomes.

Salary Range: $50,000 - $85,000

Application Deadline

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Hunter College may consider late applications on a rolling basis pending space is still available in the program.

Applicants who have completed all or part of their university studies in a non-US institution and/or require student visas must submit their applications no later than February 1 to be considered for fall admission.

Some programs may extend their application deadlines beyond those listed above. Please contact Graduate Admissions for specific information. For information on how to apply, click the link below.

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• CORRESPONDENCE
• 02 April 2024

How can we make PhD training fit for the modern world? Broaden its philosophical foundations

• Ganesh Alagarasan 0

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Tirupati, India.

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

You have highlighted how PhD training assessment has stagnated, despite evolving educational methodologies (see Nature 613 , 414 (2023) and Nature 627 , 244; 2024 ). In particular, you note the mismatch between the current PhD journey and the multifaceted demands of modern research and societal challenges.

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Nature 628 , 36 (2024)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-00969-x

Competing Interests

The author declares no competing interests.

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Bridging Theory and Practice for our students – Collaboration of Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition with local food industries

• In Students
• 15:48, 12 Apr 2024

Students of the Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition have just completed their placements in local food industries or relevant entities as part of their course, providing them with invaluable exposure and learning opportunities.

For this past year, final year students of the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in the Applied Food and Nutritional Sciences had secured their placement across a variety of industries such as Foster Clark Products Ltd., The Food Factory, Malta Dairy Products, Federated Mills and Water Services Corporation. The placement included spending a full working day at the respective industry, once weekly during both semesters.

Placements are a vital component in the educational journey of the undergraduate students, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience. They enable students to explore different roles within their fields, in an attempt to refine their career goals and preferences.

Furthermore, placements offer students the chance of building their own professional networks, connecting with experts in the field and ultimately, give students a competitive edge.

The Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, welcomes such student-centered opportunities, which can enrich students’ academic experiences and aid the preparation of successful professionals in the fields of Food Science, Nutrition and Dietetics.

The Department cordially thanks all the food industries and entities offering a placement to the undergraduate students and commits itself to further collaborations in the future.

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