Nutrition Ph.D. (Ithaca)

Field of Study

Nutrition

Program Description

Students may obtain training in many aspects of nutrition and in the biological or social sciences related to nutrition. For those preparing for laboratory experimentation in nutrition, minors in biochemistry, molecular biology or genetics usually are recommended, although other minors may be chosen. Students interested in community and international nutrition have access to active programs that provide opportunity for field experience in the United States or abroad.

Candidates for the Ph.D. degree select two minor concentrations, one of which is within the field. All degree programs require a thesis or dissertation; the specific requirements are determined by each candidate's Special Committee. Graduate students are generally required to assist in teaching as part of their training.

Faculty members in various colleges and divisions of the university who have interests in nutrition constitute the faculty in this field. Graduate students may study with faculty members in the Division of Nutritional Sciences, the Field of Comparative Biomedical Sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Fields of Animal Science and Food Science and Technology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Contact Information

B36 Kinzelberg
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY  14853

Concentrations by Subject

• community nutrition
• human nutrition
• international nutrition
• molecular nutrition

Tuition

Visit the Graduate School's Tuition Rates page.

Application Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadlines:

Fall: December 1

No spring admissions

Requirements Summary:

General chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry are required for admission of all graduate students in nutritional sciences. Additional training in nutrition, physiology, and biology are also recommended. For study relating to community aspects of nutrition, courses in the social sciences are also recommended.

• all Graduate School Requirements, including the English Language Proficiency Requirement for all applicants
• two recommendations
• academic statement of purpose
• personal statement
• prior courses in general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate advanced knowledge in the field of study

• Identifies and understands relevant literature and gaps in knowledge
• Thinks originally and independently to develop concepts and/or methodologies

Demonstrate advanced research skills

• Makes an original and substantial contribution to the field
• Analyzes and critically evaluates one’s own findings and those of others

Demonstrate effective oral communication skills

• Presents clear and compelling oral arguments with evidence-based point-of-view relative to the research conducted and existing literature
• Listens, gives and receives feedback effectively

Demonstrate effective written communication skill

• Compose and publish a written work that coherently presents research findings
• Publish scientific research report(s) in a peer-reviewed publication

Demonstrate commitment to ethics and advancing the values of scholarship

• Shows commitment to professional development through engagement in professional societies and other knowledge transfer modes
• Shows commitment to creating an environment that supports learning – through teaching, collaboration and mentoring
• Shows commitment to ethical standards in research and scholarship