Doctoral Programs

The nutrition program prepares professionals to serve the public as teachers, researchers, and health professionals. The curricula in nutrition qualify graduates for teaching and/or research positions in colleges, universities, government, and industry. Other graduates serve as nutrition consultants in national, state, and local public health agencies.

Nutrition is the systematic study of the science of nutrition from the cellular level to the application of nutrition principles by human beings in changing environments. Nutritionists need to have a strong background in chemistry, biology, and other natural sciences. Those in applied areas also must have a fundamental knowledge of the social and behavioral sciences and educational philosophy and practice. Prerequisites for entry into the graduate program in Nutrition are described in the Graduate Handbook.

A nutrition student interested in graduate study and research attains depth in nutrition science and uses electives to build strength in nutrition and related fields. Advanced courses typically include research methodology, statistics or biostatistics, biochemistry, and physiology. Those interested in community and public health nutrition emphasize public health and social/behavioral sciences and education.

The Ph.D. requires a minimum of 24 hours of dissertation work beyond the requirements for the Master’s degree. They also undergo a written comprehensive exam on their coursework. Ph.D. students perform original research under the direction of their faculty advisor and their doctoral committee. The Ph.D. candidate documents their research findings in a dissertation. The specific requirements for the doctoral degree are detailed in the Graduate Handbook.

Contact the Department of Nutrition

1215 W. Cumberland Ave.
229 Jessie Harris Building
Knoxville, TN 37996-1920

Brenda Hart
bhart57@utk.edu

Phone: (865) 974-5445
Fax: (865) 974-3491