Generally, doctoral programs in this field look for completed coursework in nutrition or dietetics, so consider these as potential majors for your bachelor’s degree. Some programs will consider people with a wide variety of educational backgrounds. Consult the academic advisor for the programs in which you are interested in enrolling. A bachelor’s degree is normally the minimum educational requirement for doctoral programs. You will not be admitted unless you have one. Your graduate program will often require you to have at least a 3. 00 GPA for admission. Focus on programs known for their strength in nutrition. Top programs include Boston University, Drexel University, and Hunter College at the City University of New York.
Like with your bachelor’s degree, a masters in nutrition or dietetics is a good choice. Some programs will offer you the ability to enroll in a master’s/PhD program. This means that you can enroll as a master’s student and then move right into the PhD program. These programs are contingent on your academic success and the recommendation of your advisors. When enrolling in a master’s program, consider the quality of the program. If you want to enroll in a top program for your PhD, you should make sure that your master’s degree is competitive for placement into top programs. A master’s usually takes 2 to 3 years to complete.
Highly competitive nutrition programs typically require strong GRE scores on both the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE. Very good programs in nutrition and health sciences require scores higher than 1200 (in total). However, there are a number of programs that will take lower scores. Enroll in a GRE prep course, if necessary, to strengthen your ability to answer timed test questions. Schedule your test for as early in the year as you can. Testing slots book up very early, especially as spring university graduation approaches.
An Internet search using “PhD in nutrition” or “doctorate in nutrition” will lead you to a long list of universities. Consult popular magazines that list the top programs at different universities around the country. If you prefer to stay in a specific geographic area, make a list of the universities in your region and visit their websites to find out if they offer a program that fits your needs. Read the program descriptions. Some programs are focused strictly on nutrition, whereas others offer specializations or combine the topic with other areas like exercise physiology or public health.
Consider the cost of enrollment as well as any potential monetary assistance from the university. The average cost of tuition per year is between $20,000 and $25,000. Consider the physical location and the region of the program. Consider job placement rates from graduates of the program. Job placement often corresponds with a given program’s ranking. Top ranking programs that offer a PhD in nutrition include the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Tufts University, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Consider the faculty and the advisor you may be working with when narrowing down programs. Focus on at least 3 to 5 programs. [1] X Research source
A bachelor’s or master’s degree. High scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). A resume. A personal statement. Letters of recommendation. Note the the application deadline due date for enrolling in the next school year or semester.
You will have to provide specific personal information such as your social security number, date of birth, and other identifying information. You will have to provide all relevant academic information such as dates of graduation, grade point averages, and more. You will probably have to write in your GRE and/or SAT scores, so have those handy. Write legibly, in black ink. If you can, fill out the application on your computer. This will make sure that academic advisor assessing your application will be able to read your application. [2] X Research source
Include a professional summary at the top of your C. V. Your professional summary should give an idea of your focus in the field of nutrition as well as your experience. Outline your professional experience in the field of nutrition. This can range from internships to full-time jobs. List your educational background. This should include all degrees awarded and should show relevant coursework in the field of nutrition. Show any publications you might have. Publications in journals like Current Developments in Nutrition or The Journal of Nutrition will demonstrate your commitment and leadership in the field. [3] X Research source
Address your interest and dedication to the field of nutrition. If you have an interest in a certain aspect of the field, like nutrition in developing countries, state it. If you already know what your research and dissertation work will focus on, explain it. In addition, if you know your research question, pose it. For instance, “What are the long-term health implications of vitamin C deficiency in East Africa?”
Be prepared to provide at least three letters of recommendation from academics or professionals familiar with your work or merit. Request such letters from employers, professors and colleagues who are closely familiar with your capabilities, performance and significant accomplishments. Personal references from family members or friends are sometimes permitted, depending on the program. [4] X Research source
A PhD program in nutrition usually requires completion of courses in vitamins and minerals, fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Other courses focus on research methods, nutritional epidemiology and nutritional assessments. Consult the program guide for specifics concerning required and elective courses. Graduate coursework for your Ph. D. will take between 2 and 4 years to complete. [5] X Research source
Qualifying exams vary from program to program. Talk to the program advisor before enrolling. Your qualifying exams will most likely be scored on a pass or fail basis. Qualifying exams are extremely involved and usually take place over a week or longer. Depending on the program, you might test for 6 or 8 hours a day for 6 to 8 days. [6] X Research source
Your topic and/or research question should be original and should make a new addition to the profession. Your research topic should also be feasible given your time and financial capabilities. Your research problem can be on a wide variety of topics, including human health and nutrition, animal nutrition, and even the economics and politics of food consumption. Very often, you’ll narrow down research questions and specific topics with the help of your academic advisor – a faculty member who serves as a mentor. [7] X Research source
Depending on your focus, subfield, and research question, you may be required to conduct a study and work with people on a nutrition-related problem that you have picked. Potential studies could include looking at what people from different socio-economic or regional groups consume, the impact of popular foods on human health, or more. Depending on your focus, you may compile statistics and work with previously-existing studies. The research phase of your program may take up to two years. [8] X Research source
The length of dissertations vary, depending on program. Most often, though, dissertations will be from 150 pages to 250 pages. Typically, you will be required to defend your dissertation before a panel of faculty. The amount of time needed to write your dissertation will vary. It could take between 1 and 3 years, depending on your research. [9] X Research source
