Nutrition Science PhD

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.

Curriculum

Required Core (29 credits)

CHB 550LEC - Pub Hlth Popultn Wellbng Credits: 3
CHB 620LEC - Special Topics Credits: 1 - 3 or equivalent
ES 589TUT - Directed Readings Credits: 1 - 3 or equivalent
ES 620LEC - Scientific Grant Writing Credits: 2
NTR 500LEC - Nutrient Metabolism in Health and Disease Credits: 3
NTR 501LEC - Micronutrients Credits: 3
NTR 600LEC - Path of Nutr Disease Credits: 3
NTR 630SEM - Nutr Seminar Credits: 2 (must complete two semesters)
STA 527LEC - Statistical Analysis I Credits: 3 and
STA 527REC - Statistical Analysis I Credits: 1
STA 528LR - Statistical Analysis II Credits: 4

Elective Courses (13-21 credits)

In addition to the core requirements, you will select a set of meaningful electives in consultation with your research advisor. Some of these electives may be oriented toward specialty training or certification, and may be necessary to participate in certain research studies. PhD students will consult with their major advisor each semester to make appropriate elective course choices. Eligible students may be able to transfer in prior graduate-level credits toward the elective requirement.

Culminating Experience (22-30 credits)

NTR 702TUT - Dissertation Guidance Credits: 1 - 6

Total Credit Hours: 72

3.0 Degree GPA required

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

1) Develop and test hypotheses related to the relationship between diet and nutrition and health, performance or physiology.

2) Evaluate research findings related to the regulation of nutrient metabolism, nutritional needs, and changes in these processes across the lifespan.

3) Design and execute research, including developing hypotheses, designing research studies, obtaining regulatory approval, collecting data, entering and analyzing data, and writing a manuscript.

4) Demonstrate proficiency in critical evaluation of the literature in the field of nutrition and public health by articulating evidence of and for causality, evaluating the appropriateness of experimental models and statistical methodology, comprehending principles of ethics, laboratory safety, issues in individual and community trials.

5) Use information systems to conduct efficient searches of scientific literature and grant funding and write a grant proposal; develop a budget for a grant proposal; Review and analyze grant proposals on the basis of their intrinsic strengths and weaknesses.

6) Give presentations and scientific meetings and participate in career development offered by the University and relevant professional societies.

SED Statement

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