Program Description
The PhD in Nutrition program provides rigorous scientific training designed to develop advanced expertise in human nutrition and population health as they relate to diet and disease, with a special focus on plant-based diets and their role in the health of the individual, population, and planet. The program emphasizes the development of strong research skills, analytical thinking, and scholarly independence. Students receive comprehensive preparation for careers that require high-level investigative and conceptual capabilities—including academic research, university teaching, scientific consultation, and leadership in research-intensive organizations.
Central to the PhD program is the development, execution, and dissemination of original research. Through close mentorship and research experiences, doctoral students gain the competencies necessary to generate new knowledge and advance the scientific foundation of plant-based nutrition.
Research within the School of Public Health Nutrition discipline has traditionally focused on understanding how plant-based dietary patterns and bioactive food components influence metabolic health, chronic disease risk, cognition, immune function, and overall well-being. PhD students have the opportunity to contribute to this evolving body of knowledge while pursuing their own specialized research questions.
Program Length
3 to 5 years (12 to 20 quarters)
Possible Careers
- Academia and Research
- Public Health Nutrition Director
- Research Scientist
- Science Communicator
Admissions Requirements
- Master's degree in nutrition preferred; or an M.S. or M.P.H. degree with completion of all prerequisite courses; or a health professional degree at the master's level or higher (M.D. or equivalent)
- Transcripts from all universities attended
- Three letters of reference
- GRE scores are not required. However, to strengthen the application especially when some of the admissions criteria are not met, an official GRE scores (scores in the 40th percentile and above in each of the three test sections) is considered competitive.
- GPA of 3.5 or higher
Prerequisites
- Anatomy and physiology
- Microbiology
- Advanced biochemistry (may be taken concurrently with the program)
- General chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
Expected Cost of Attendance
The following estimated cost of attendance is based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. Estimated amounts may vary based on a number of factors. Students may use these estimates when applying for financial aid.
Required Program Costs
Academic Year 2025-2026
Other Educational Costs
Non-required costs that can be funded with scholarships/loans.
Notes
- Estimated amounts are for the academic year specified only. Amounts are based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on these amounts.
- Amounts are expected to increase each year consistent with inflation in the professional education sector.
- To qualify for financial aid, most students must be enrolled at least half time in an aid eligible program and be taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.