Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Sciences (On-Campus)
On-Campus Ph.D. in
Nutritional Sciences
A research-driven PhD in Nutritional Sciences centered on obesity, metabolism, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic disease prevention, and community and public health nutrition. Through individualized mentorship and collaborative scholarship, students prepare for careers in academia, government, and scientific leadership.
Supporting Your Academic Success and Career Development
The Ph.D. program offers you opportunities to:
- Gain recognition for your work. Our faculty and Ph.D. students have an excellent track record of publications, with recent papers appearing in journals related to clinical nutrition, gerontology, sports medicine, applied physiology, and biology.
- Work with nationally prominent researchers in nutritional sciences. Our faculty have conducted high-profile studies that have been covered by major news networks and national newspapers such as The Washington Post and New York Times.
- Collaborate on multidisciplinary projects. You will have excellent opportunities to integrate nutritional science research with scholarship in other College of Health & Human Sciences specialties, including obesity, addiction, human development, and education.
- Serve in a clinical role. The College of Health & Human Sciences’ community-service mission has led to strong partnerships with community agencies and nonprofit organizations. You will have the opportunity to work directly with children, adults, and families as an advocate for better nutrition.
Career Benefits
Our Ph.D. in nutritional sciences caters to students who seek a faculty position with primary responsibilities of teaching and research.
In addition, a broad range of agencies and organizations seek leaders with advanced expertise in nutritional sciences. You will find opportunities in many sectors, including health care, education, public policy, food services, and sports.
Practice-Based Environment
Our Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences provides you with an exceptionally collaborative, interdisciplinary setting. You will enjoy opportunities to collaborate with renowned scholars from a wide range of specialties, while working in outstanding research programs such as the Nutrigenomics, Inflammation and Obesity Research Lab.
Students and faculty in our nutritional sciences master’s degree program have conducted research on:
Specialized Tracks
Community Nutrition
Prepares students to improve population health through nutrition education, behavior change, and community-based programs. Coursework focuses on advanced community nutrition, health promotion strategies, and lifecycle nutrition, while building skills in research, program evaluation, and effective communication to support impactful interventions in diverse communities.
Nutritional Biochemistry and Physiology
Focuses on the biological mechanisms underlying nutrition and health. Students explore nutrient metabolism, molecular biology, and physiological processes, with coursework in areas such as macronutrients, micronutrients, genetics, and disease-related pathways. This track prepares graduates to conduct advanced research that advances scientific understanding of how nutrition influences human function and chronic disease.
Clinical Nutrition
Prepares students to apply advanced nutrition science in clinical and healthcare settings. Coursework emphasizes disease prevention and management, including obesity, diabetes, and food security, alongside training in research methods and data analysis. Graduates are equipped to translate evidence-based nutrition into practice and conduct research that improves patient outcomes and informs clinical care.
Additional Requirements for Students with BS or Non-thesis MS, Applying for PhD Program
Students admitted to the Nutritional Sciences Ph.D. program with limited or no research experience may be required to complete additional preparatory coursework and submit a publication to a PubMed Indexed Journal before initiating their doctoral project. This process — completed within the first two semesters (18 hours) alongside a faculty mentor and three-member advisory committee — is designed to build foundational research skills and ensure students are well-prepared for doctoral-level work. Learn more about admission and research experience requirements.
Application Deadlines
Fall Start: January 15
Spring Start: June 15
General Graduate School Fellowship Application (deadline 2/3)
Nutritional Sciences
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Address
Texas Tech University, P.O. Box 41270, Lubbock, TX 79409-1270 -
Phone
806.742.5270 -
Email
hs.webmaster@ttu.edu