Academic Programs Catalog

College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition

Graduate Study
Human Nutrition - Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Human Nutrition is designed to prepare graduates for advanced careers that require demonstrated research skills, comprehensive knowledge of the discipline, and skills essential to the dissemination of that knowledge. Through their research and course work in advanced nutrition and related areas, the student will plan, conduct, manage, and publish independent, original research via the dissertation and peer-reviewed manuscripts. Students in the program must meet the requirements of the university and of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy degree program in Human Nutrition an applicant must:

  1. have completed a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree with courses in nutrition, including upper-level macro-and micronutrients, community or lifespan nutrition, general and organic chemistry, biology, physiology, biochemistry, and statistics;
  2. be proficient in written and spoken English;
  3. have a prior grade-point average of 3.0 or higher;
  4. submit a personal letter of intent, research experience, and letters of reference.

Collateral course work may be required to overcome deficiencies, but will not count towards the degree requirements.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Human Nutrition

The student must:

               
1. Complete all of the following courses (11 credits):
  HNF 820 Advanced Biochemical Nutrition 3
  HNF 821 Advanced Vitamins and Minerals 3
  HNF 823 Research Methods in Human Nutrition 3
  HNF 892 Nutrition Seminar 2
2. One of the following courses (3 credits):
HNF 840 Human Nutrition and Chronic Diseases 3
HNF 891 Topics in Human Nutrition 3
3. One of the following courses (1 or 3 credits):
HNF 824 Nutrition Policies and Programs 1
Alternative public health or community nutrition course approved by guidance committee 3
4. A 3-credit graduate-level statistics course chosen in consultation with advisor and guidance committee.
5. Complete a mentored teaching experience through one the following courses (1 or 2 credits):
HNF 894 Human Nutrition Practicum 1
ISE 870 Teaching College Science 2
6. Complete additional course work approved selected in consultation with the student’s guidance committee based on the student’s prior academic background in relation to the selected area of study and research.
7. Complete 24 credits of course work in HNF 999 Doctoral Dissertation Research.
8. Successfully complete a proposal defense and defend the oral and written dissertation.