Nutritional Sciences, PhD
A PhD in Nutritional Sciences prepares scholars to advance our understanding of how diet, nutrients, and food systems shape human health. Through coursework and research, students develop expertise in areas such as metabolism, chronic disease prevention, public health nutrition, and food policy.
Program overview
The Nutritional Sciences PhD program offers two distinct concentrations designed to prepare scholars for impactful careers across diverse sectors. The Biomedical Nutrition Science concentration equips graduates with advanced knowledge and skills that open doors to excellent opportunities in applied, industrial, research, and academic health settings. The Community Nutrition concentration takes a population-focused approach, preparing students for research, teaching, and advanced-level practice across institutions of higher education, government, and the public and private sectors.
Both pathways combine coursework with independent research to develop the expertise needed to address today’s most pressing nutrition challenges, from understanding how nutrients influence disease at the cellular level to translating evidence-based interventions into real-world community health solutions. Graduates leave the program as well-rounded scholars and practitioners ready to drive meaningful change wherever their careers take them.
Concentrations
- Biomedical Nutrition Science
- Community Nutrition
Why study Nutritional Sciences?
Nutrition sits at the intersection of science, public health, and human well-being, making it one of the most relevant and dynamic fields of our time. Chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are deeply tied to diet, yet significant gaps remain in our understanding of how nutrients interact with the body and communities at scale.
The demand for credentialed nutrition scientists continues to grow across academia, government agencies, healthcare systems, and the food industry. By pursuing doctoral study in Nutritional Sciences, you join a field where your work has the potential to shape dietary guidelines, improve population health, and ultimately save lives.
What can you do with a PhD in Nutritional Sciences after graduation?
Policy Advisor
Analyzes and shapes legislation or organizational policy on nutrition and public health issues. Researches evidence, drafts recommendations, and advises government agencies, nonprofits, or companies on regulatory strategy, often influencing food labeling, school meal standards, or health program funding decisions.
Product Development Specialist
Creates and refines food or nutrition products, from concept through formulation and testing. Works with food scientists and marketing teams in the food industry to ensure products meet nutritional standards, taste expectations, regulatory requirements, and consumer market demands.
Public Health Nutritionist
Designs and evaluates population-level nutrition programs addressing issues like food insecurity, obesity, or maternal health. Works within government agencies or nonprofits, using epidemiological data to shape interventions, policies, and community initiatives that improve nutrition outcomes across large populations.
Clinical Nutrition Researcher
Conducts scientific studies examining how diet affects disease prevention, treatment, and health outcomes. Typically based in academic or hospital settings, designing trials, analyzing data, and publishing findings that advance evidence-based nutrition practice and inform clinical guidelines.
Featured Courses
Current Trends in Nutrition
Presentations on current nutrition topics and trends by students, faculty, and outside speakers.
Applied Human Nutrition
Overview of nutrient functions in fundamental biological processes.
Vitamins and Minerals in Human Health
Requirements, utilization, metabolism, and physiological impact of micronutrients with an emphasis on vitamins and minerals in the context of human nutrition and health.
Public Health Nutrition Systems, Programs and Services
An in-depth examination of food and nutrition-related public health systems, programs, and services.
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