PhD in Nutrition

Introduction

The PhD in Nutrition program at TWU is one of the largest doctoral programs in nutrition in the country. It offers students the choice of focusing on Nutrition or incorporating an emphasis in Institutional Administration or Food Science. Goals of the program are to advance student knowledge and expertise in a specific field of study, provide opportunities for research and assist students in developing leadership skills.

Doctoral Student Handbook

 

PhD in Nutrition

TWU doctoral students who major in nutrition take graduate level courses in nutrition and human metabolism, clinical nutrition, and applied nutrition or nutrition in the life cycle. They also complete other nutrition-related courses plus graduate level courses in chemistry and biology. Students complete a dissertation. The mission of this degree program is to prepare an individual to function as a critical, independent scientist. Students graduating with this degree are prepared for careers as university educators, research scientists or specialized professionals within the field of nutrition.

 

PhD in Nutrition: Emphasis in Institutional Administration

TWU doctoral students who major in Nutrition with emphasis in Institutional Administration take graduate level courses in nutrition, management of financial and labor resources, leadership development, computer applications, statistics, and related business topics. They choose to take courses in either business or health care administration and complete a practicum experience in an institutional foodservice setting. Students complete a dissertation. Students with this degree are prepared for careers as university educators in dietetics or hospitality management programs or as directors of foodservice/nutrition departments in institutional or business organizations.

 

PhD in Nutrition: Emphasis in Food Science

TWU doctoral students who major in Nutrition with emphasis in Food Science take courses in nutrition, food chemistry, sensory evaluation, food analysis, product development, and food processing. Students complete a dissertation. Students receiving this degree are prepared for careers as university educators in food science or for leadership positions in the food industry.  

Doctoral Admission

For unconditional admission, applicants must present:

• Official transcripts that show evidence of prerequisite courses and at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 undergraduate hours and all post-baccalaureate and graduate hours.
• Evidence of completing the Graduate Record Examination with a preferred minimum score of 150 (450 original) on the verbal portion and 146 (550 original) on the quantitative portion.
• Two letters of reference
• A statement of purpose (1-2 pages) that includes reasons for undertaking graduate work, explanation of study and research interests, work experience, and professional goals.

Applicants who meet the above criteria with exception of GPA may qualify for provisional admission if they have at least a 3.0 GPA (4.0 scale) on the last 60 undergraduate hours and all post-baccalaureate and graduate hours.