PhD in Nutrition

The Ph.D. in Nutrition Program at UNCG is a research degree that provides students with expertise in the fundamental principles of nutrition science. Students are trained for teaching and research positions in the academic, government, and private sectors. Students have the opportunity to conduct dissertation research that will contribute to the body of knowledge in nutrition.

Ph.D. in Nutrition Program Distinctions

The P.D. in Nutrition Program at UNCG is one of only three in N.C. Students will be taught by faculty with a wide range of research interests. This varies from cellular to population level, related to nutrition and health and involves use of diverse methodological approaches. Students in the program will use state-of-the-art laboratories. Research laboratories contain modern equipment for the study of:

• Cellular and molecular nutrition
• Nutritional and clinical biochemistry
• Physical fitness and body composition
• Dietary intake.

UNCG Nutrition students also frequently receive national awards and funding for their research, or other opportunities. This includes:

• The Emerging Leader in Nutrition Science and Obesity Research Interest Section Award in the American Society of Nutrition (ASN) Poster Competition
• Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior (SNEB) Foundation Scholarship
• UNCG School of Health and Human Sciences Scholarships.

The Ph.D. Student Experience in Nutrition

Faculty and students conduct basic or applied research to complete dissertation research. There is a limited core curriculum by all students to ensure the students’ career goals get maximum consideration in their individual program of study. Students will have opportunities to:

• Work alongside faculty members, clinicians, and community partners inside and outside of the classroom.
• Be selected for a graduate student assistantship, which involve teaching and research-related responsibilities.
• Be involved in the Nutrition Graduate Student Association or the UNCG Graduate Student Association.
• Present at professional conferences.

After Graduating with a Ph.D. in Nutrition

Upon graduation, careers may include:

• Nutritional research
• Academia
• Consulting
• Nutrition management.

APPLY TO the Ph.D. in Nutrition Program

To apply to the Ph.D. in Nutrition program:

• All students entering the doctoral degree program must have background-supporting courses in basic nutrition, general and organic chemistry, general biology, biochemistry, and human physiology. At UNCG these course numbers are: NTR 213, CHE 103, CHE 104, CHE 110L, CHE 205, CHE 206, NTR 531, BIO 111, BIO 277. (see Transfer Credits)
• GRE is not required
• Applications for admission must be submitted on-line by the following dates:
  • February 1 for assistantship consideration for fall semester admission,
  • May 1 for fall semester admission without assistantship consideration, and
  • Nov. 15 for spring semester admission.

The following are required for evaluation by the Graduate School:

1. A completed on-line application form and payment of the application fee.
2. Three letters of recommendation.
3. A letter of intent that includes research and professional goals and  indicates the applicant’s general area of research interest  (indicate basic or applied research or no preference).
4. Official transcripts of all previous college course work.

Additionally, foreign students are required to:

1. Submit TOEFL or IELTS scores and
2. Detailed NACES (course-by-course) evaluations of transcripts.

All application materials must be sent to the Graduate School. Completed application materials are then forwarded to the Department of Nutrition for review.