The Ph.D. in Food Science and Nutrition, Nutrition Specialization includes coursework in advanced nutrition sciences and nutrient metabolism, and depending on the research area will include supporting basic and applied sciences, and the communication of nutrition principles in the community. Ultimately, this area focuses on the relationship between nutrition and health, at the cellular, organismic, or community level, depending on the research opportunities provided by the faculty advisor(s).

Most students entering this Ph.D. program will bring in 30 credits from a master’s program in a related field. The curriculum represents a total of 42 credits beyond the master’s level. If a prospective student has fewer than 30 credits toward the program, an individualized curriculum plan is developed by working with a primary advisor to cover possible deficiencies.

Learn more about the Ph.D. in Food Science and Nutrition, Nutrition Specialization on the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition website.

Effective Fall 2021

Required Courses
FSHN 550Advanced Nutritional Science I3
FSHN 551Advanced Nutritional Science II3
FSHN 600Responsible Conduct of Research1
or GRAD 544 Ethical Conduct of Research
FSHN 640Selected Topics in Nutritional Epidemiology2
FSHN 692Seminar2
Select one course from the following:2
Recent Developments in Human Nutrition: Protein, Vitamins, and Minerals
Recent Developments in Human Nutrition: Carbohydrates, Lipids, and Energy
Recent Developments in Human Nutrition: Genomic, Proteomics, and Metabolomics
Statistics/Research Methods – Select two courses from the following:6-8
Introduction to Research Methods (OR)
Principles: Quantitative Data Analysis
Qualitative Research
Qualitative Data Analysis
Methods of Research in Psychology I
Methods of Research in Psychology II
Design and Data Analysis for Researchers I
Design and Data Analysis for Researchers II
Dissertation (minimum 10 credits)
FSHN 799Dissertation-Nutrition10
Electives11-13
Select a minimum of 11 credits not taken elsewhere in the program in consultation with the graduate committee (see example Elective Courses list below)
Master's Degree Credit (a maximum of 30 credits may be accepted from a master's degree)30

Example Elective Courses

BC 401Comprehensive Biochemistry I3
BC 403Comprehensive Biochemistry II3
BC 465Molecular Regulation of Cell Function3
BC 517Metabolism2
BC 565Molecular Regulation of Cell Function4
BC 663Gene Expression2
BIOM 526/ECE 526Biological Physics3
BMS 430Endocrinology3
BMS 500Mammalian Physiology I4
BMS 501Mammalian Physiology II4
BMS 505/NB 505Neuronal Circuits, Systems and Behavior3
BMS 610AManaging a Career in Science: Survival Skills for Coursework (M.S.)1
BMS 631Mechanisms of Hormone Action2
BMS 632Metabolic Endocrinology2
BZ 455Human Heredity and Birth Defects3
EDRM 600Introduction to Research Methods3
EDRM 606Principles: Quantitative Data Analysis3
EDRM 704Qualitative Research3
EDRM 705Qualitative Data Analysis3
ERHS 542Biostatistical Methods for Qualitative Data3
ERHS 544/STAT 544Biostatistical Methods for Quantitative Data3
ERHS 567Cell and Molecular Toxicology Techniques3
ERHS 611Cancer Genetics2
FSHN 445/HDFS 445Early Childhood Health, Safety, and Nutrition3
FSHN 496AGroup Study in Dietetics and Nutrition: Energy, Weight Management1
FSHN 496BGroup Study in Dietetics and Nutrition: Sustainable Food Issues1
FSHN 496CGroup Study in Dietetics and Nutrition: Nutrition and Chronic Disease1
FSHN 496DGroup Study in Dietetics and Nutrition: Nutrition for Athletes1
FSHN 496EGroup Study in Dietetics and Nutrition: Food Safety1
FSHN 496FGroup Study in Dietetics and Nutrition: Service Marketing1
FSHN 496GGroup Study in Dietetics and Nutrition: Food and Consumer Issues1
FSHN 496HGroup Study in Dietetics and Nutrition: Public Health and Policy1
FSHN 496IGroup Study in Dietetics and Nutrition: Special Topics1
FSHN 500Food Systems, Nutrition, and Food Security2
FSHN 520Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy3
FSHN 525Nutrition Education Theories and Practice2
FSHN 540Nutrigenomics and Advanced Lipid Metabolism3
FSHN 561International Nutrition Studies2
FSHN 620Community Nutrition Planning and Evaluation3
FSHN 628Advanced Nutrition Counseling Techniques2
FSHN 630/HES 630Integrative Exercise and Nutrition Metabolism3
FSHN 650ARecent Developments in Human Nutrition: Protein, Vitamins, and Minerals2
FSHN 650BRecent Developments in Human Nutrition: Carbohydrates, Lipids, and Energy2
FSHN 650CRecent Developments in Human Nutrition: Genomic, Proteomics, and Metabolomics2
FSHN 660Women's Issues in Lifecycle Nutrition2
FSHN 686APracticum: Counseling1-3
FSHN 686BPracticum: Nutrition1-3
FSHN 695BIndependent Study: Nutrition1-3
FSHN 700Cellular Nutrition2
FSHN 750Nutritional Basis of Chronic Disease2
FSHN 792Seminar-Research Topics in Nutrition1
FSHN 795Independent Study1-4
FTEC 570Food Product Development2
FTEC 578/HORT 578Phytochemicals and Probiotics for Health3
GRAD 792Seminar on College Teaching2
HDFS 608Program Planning and Implementation3
HES 603Advanced Topics in Exercise Physiology3
HES 610Exercise Bioenergetics3
JTC 614Public Communication Campaigns3
JTC 630Health Communication3
JTC 661Information Design3
JTC 662Communicating Science and Technology3
MIP 540Biosafety in Research Laboratories2
MIP 555Principles and Mechanisms of Disease3
MIP 612Applied Immunology3
MIP 614Medical Microbiology3
PSY 652Methods of Research in Psychology I4
PSY 653Methods of Research in Psychology II4
STAR 511Design and Data Analysis for Researchers I4
STAR 512Design and Data Analysis for Researchers II4
VS 562Applied Data Analysis3

Most students entering this Ph.D. program will bring in 30 credits from a Master's program in a related field. The above curriculum represents a total of 42 credits beyond the Master's level. If a prospective student has less than 30 credits toward the program, an individualized curriculum plan will be developed by working with a primary advisor to cover possible deficiencies.

For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.

Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees

NOTE:  Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.

Forms are available online.

Step Due Date
1. Application for admission (online) Six months before first registration
2. Diagnostic examination when required Before first registration
3. Appointment of advisor Before first registration
4. Selection of graduate committee Before the time of fourth regular semester registration
5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) Before the time of fourth regular semester registration
6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) Two terms prior to final examination
7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) Within two working days after results are known
8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) When change is made
9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website
9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying
10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee
11. Final examination Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website
12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website
13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website.
14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website
15. Graduation Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website