Program Overview
The Ph.D. program in Nutritional Sciences at the University of New Hampshire equips students with advanced knowledge and research expertise in various areas of nutrition. The program emphasizes research-oriented understanding, enabling graduates to address nutritional challenges and advance knowledge through independent research. Students design their study plans with guidance from their committee, selecting courses and a research project that align with their interests. The program culminates in a dissertation that demonstrates the student's ability to conduct original research and defend their findings.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Ph.D. program in Nutritional Sciences at the University of New Hampshire provides advanced knowledge and develops research expertise in areas of nutritional epidemiology, gut microbiome-host interactions, nutritional assessment, behavioral nutrition, and community nutrition as related to chronic disease risk (such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and cognitive function) and food access, dietary patterns, and policy.
Objective:
The program’s overarching objective is to produce nutritional scientists equipped with a comprehensive and research-oriented understanding of the field, capable of addressing nutritional challenges and advancing knowledge through independent research endeavors.
Program Structure:
Core Course Requirements: • ANFS 901: Introduction to Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems Graduate Studies • ANFS 997: Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems Seminar • ANFS 999: Doctoral Dissertation Research • NUTR 960 & NUTR 961: Research Methods in Nutritional Science I and II (48 credits) • NUTR Electives (5 credits) Competency Requirements: Students design their study plan in consultation with their guidance committee, incorporating academic courses and a scientific research project. Electives: Students, in consultation with their graduate committee, choose their areas of specialization and select additional courses that align with their interests.
Research:
Doctoral research culminates in a dissertation reporting original research findings. Upon completion of the research, the dissertation is presented at a public seminar followed by an oral defense conducted by the Doctoral Dissertation Committee.
Assessment:
The assessment of student progress employs multiple methods: • Coursework: Students must maintain a satisfactory academic record, typically a GPA of 3.0 or higher. • Qualifying Examination: After completing coursework, students advance to candidacy by passing a qualifying examination assessing their foundational knowledge and research project-related topics. • Dissertation: The research must be original, demonstrating the student's ability to independently design and conduct a project and defend their findings.
