PhD

Doctoral Program 

The Department of Nutritional Sciences welcomes motivated Ph.D. students from around the world to explore their interests and develop skills to propel them into fulfilling careers, from academia to research and industry. 

Program Overview 

At UConn, the Department of Nutritional Sciences offers doctoral education that reflects the depth and diversity of faculty research expertise. Students pursuing the Ph.D. can specialize in areas such as: 

  • Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition  
  • Human Nutrition and Metabolism  
  • Community/Public Health Nutrition  
  • Food Science/Nanotechnology  

Ph.D. students work closely with a faculty advisor to design a personalized plan of study that integrates advanced coursework, original research, and professional development. The program prepares students to ask meaningful research questions, conduct independent scholarship, and contribute new knowledge to the field of nutritional science. 

Degree Requirements 

To earn a Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences, students must complete the following requirements.  

Courses 

UConn Requirements: For UConn requirements, visit the Registrar’s Steps to a Successful Graduation Website and UConn Catalog.  

Department Requirements: Students must complete at least 30 credits of advanced coursework beyond the baccalaureate degree, or at least 15 credits beyond a Master of Science, approved by their advisory committee.

General Ph.D. Examination  

UConn Requirements: For UConn requirements, visit the Registrar’s Steps to a Successful Graduation Website and UConn Catalog.  

Department Requirements: The General Preliminary Examination involves two stages. Students are required to take and pass a written examination at or near the end of the coursework program, followed by an oral exam. In addition to the successful completion of the predoctoral written and oral exams, a student is required to write a detailed proposal describing their research, the Dissertation Proposal, which is defended orally to the department. The dissertation proposal defense should be completed normally no later than the end of the third year of full-time Ph.D. study.

Dissertation and Oral Defense (Final Examination)  

UConn Requirements: For UConn dissertation information and requirements, visit the Registrar’s Steps to a Successful Graduation Website and the UConn Catalog.  

Department Requirements: When a student has passed both the written and oral component of the General Examination and passed their Dissertation Proposal Defense, they are admitted to Ph.D. candidacy. A Ph.D. candidate presents and defends their dissertation research before their Advisory Committee, Graduate Faculty, and peers. 

Example Timeline for Ph.D. Program

Year 1  

  • Start research project  
  • Enroll in coursework  
  • Choose Advisory Committee members  

Year 2  

  • Continue research project  
  • Submit Plan of Study to the Graduate School  
  • Complete coursework 
  • Start Ph.D. General Examination (written and oral) 
  • Start Dissertation Proposal  

Year 3  

  • Continue research project  
  • Pass Ph.D. General Examination  
  • Pass Dissertation Proposal Defense 
  • Complete coursework 
  • Present Departmental Seminar

Years 4-6  

  • Continue research project  
  • Complete Dissertation and the final Defense 

Preparing to Graduate  

Admissions

Applicants should refer to the Graduate School for deadlines. 

How to Apply

More Information 

Questions?

For more information about the MS or Ph.D. programs in Nutritional Sciences please contact Yangchao Luo yangchao.luo@uconn.edu