Doctor of Philosophy in Nutrition
Auburn University’s Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nutrition program is designed for students who are ready to advance knowledge and lead innovation in nutrition science. This rigorous program provides a strong foundation in nutrition science, while offering the flexibility to tailor your academic experience to your research interests.
Two Distinct Research Options
Students can choose between a Basic Nutrition Science or an Applied Nutrition Science, allowing you to focus on the areas that inspire you most. Whether you are passionate about molecular mechanisms of nutrition, chronic disease prevention, community health or food systems, the Department of Nutritional Sciences gives you the tools and mentorship to make an impact.Customized Learning Through Electives
In addition to core courses, you’ll have the opportunity to plan electives that complement your research goals. These electives can deepen your expertise in areas such as nutritional genomics, physiology, biochemistry, food systems and access, leadership, global nutrition, and advanced diet therapy—ensuring your coursework aligns with your scholarly ambitions. As a Ph.D. student, you’ll work closely with these experts, gaining hands-on experience in laboratory and applied settings while contributing to projects that improve health outcomes locally and globally.Why Auburn?
Program Overview
Our mission is to prepare outstanding students for a professional career in the rapidly evolving nutrition field. The student learning outcomes are:
- Students will be able to apply key nutritional biochemistry concepts as related to human physiology and pathophysiology
- Students will be able to identify mechanisms that contribute to nutrient intake, diet patterns, and human health and wellness in individuals and populations/communities.
- Students will be able to produce effective written communication based on best practice modalities to convey ideas and arguments related to nutrition.
- Students will be able to exhibit professional level oral communication skills to disseminate nutrition findings to peer and non-technical audiences
- Students will be able to critically evaluate and integrate nutrition information and scientific research findings related to human health and well-being for dissemination to lay and scientific audiences:
- Appraise historical and current literature to construct original research questions and conclusions
- Implement and defend nutrition research methodologies
- Analyze and evaluate evidence-based sources of scientific data
- Contribute to the field of nutrition through peer-reviewed quality research
- Students will be able to employ emerging technologies in nutrition science and practice ethical decision-making
Outcomes data are available upon request.
Applicants are best prepared if they have taken courses to equip them for advanced courses in nutrition science and the application of nutrition in a variety of settings. The following pre-requisites are required:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.0
- Completion of the following courses at the undergraduate level:
- Two semesters of inorganic/general chemistry (with labs)
- One semester of organic chemistry (lab not required)
- One semester of biochemistry
- One semester of general biology or higher (with lab)
- One semester of a general nutrition course
- General Human Nutrition or higher* (1 semester, lab not required)
* Can be obtained by being a teaching assistant for NTRI 2000: Nutrition in Health
Students can tailor their experience by choosing between a Basic Science Track and an Applied Nutrition Track. Each track offers specialized coursework and electives to support your unique research interests—whether you’re passionate about molecular nutrition, chronic disease prevention, global nutrition, health communication or policy and advocacy.
Program Highlights:
- Core Courses: Advanced macronutrient and micronutrient metabolism, research seminars, and foundational statistics/research methods.
- Research Experience: Engage in non-dissertation research, dissertation work, journal clubs, and present at national or regional conferences.
- Electives: Select from a wide range of graduate courses in areas such as metabolic regulation, cell and molecular biology, immunology, cancer biology, social determinants of health, intervention design, global nutrition and hunger, nutritional genomics, advanced diet therapy, sports nutrition, and leadership in nutritional sciences.
- Tracks:
- Basic Science Track: Focus on laboratory-based research and advanced biomedical sciences.
- Applied Nutrition Track: Emphasize public health, policy, food systems, and community-based interventions.
Mentorship and Professional Development
You’ll work closely with expert faculty, participate in research seminars, and develop your skills through qualifying exams, proposal defenses, and conference presentations. The curriculum is designed to help you discover and pursue your research passion, preparing you for impactful careers in academia, research, industry, public health, and beyond.
Earning a Ph.D. in Nutrition opens doors to leadership roles in research, education, and industry. Graduates from Auburn University’s program are prepared for careers such as:
- University Faculty and Academic Researcher: Teach at the college level and lead research programs in nutrition science.
- Principal Investigator in Government or Private Research Institutions: Conduct advanced studies in areas like metabolic diseases, obesity, nutritional genomics, and public health.
- Clinical Nutrition Researcher: Develop and evaluate evidence-based interventions for hospitals, healthcare systems, and clinical trials.
- Public Health Nutrition Specialist: Design and implement nutrition policies and programs for government agencies or NGOs.
- Food Systems and Sustainability Expert: Work on improving food access, security, and sustainability through research and policy development.
- Industry Scientist or Research Director: Lead product development and innovation in food, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology companies.
- Extension and Outreach Leader: Translate research into practice through community-based programs and statewide initiatives.
- Global Nutrition Consultant: Advise international organizations on strategies to combat hunger and malnutrition.
- Nutrition Policy Analyst: Shape public health and nutrition policy at local, national, or global levels.
- Scientific Writer or Research Communications Specialist: Communicate complex nutrition science to diverse audiences through publications and media.
Start your journey today! Auburn’s Ph.D. in Nutrition program offers flexibility, faculty expertise, and opportunities for research, outreach, and professional development.
Additional Information
Graduate Assistantship Opportunities for students enrolled in the Ph.D. in Nutrition program.
Graduate Assistantship Opportunities for students enrolled in the PhD in Nutrition Students enrolled in the Ph.D. program are eligible to apply for an on-campus graduate assistantship. These positions provide valuable professional experience, allow for participation in research with a mentor, and help to support the academic unit.
Types of Assistantships Available:
- Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA): Assist with teaching responsibilities and program administration efforts within the department.
- Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA): Work alongside faculty members on research projects in a wide variety of areas, including clinical nutrition, community nutrition, sports nutrition, and nutrition science.
Benefits and Details:
- Assistantships offer hands-on experience that enhances your skills and prepares you for future career opportunities.
- Some assistantships may include a tuition waiver, but please note that a tuition waiver is not guaranteed for students in the Ph.D. program.
A graduate assistantship is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience, contribute to impactful projects, and become an integral part of Auburn’s nutrition community. More information about graduate assistantships can be found in the Graduate Student Handbook. All graduate assistants are required to attend an orientation/introductory meeting the week before classes start.
Interested? Contact the Graduate Program Officer as well as individual faculty members to find out more information on available positions and application procedures.
Information regarding financial aid can be found on the website of Financial Aid at Auburn University. Auburn University and the Department of Nutritional Sciences also offer multiple scholarships. Information on these scholarships can be found on the University Scholarships website.
While the Ph.D. in Nutrition at Auburn University is an on-campus program, some of the courses in the program are offered in an online format or utilize an online course supplement to disseminate information and course assessments (assignments, exams, etc.). The College of Human Sciences requires all students have a laptop computer and outlines minimum computer specifications. Auburn University also uses Canvas as the learning management system to deliver its online courses. Find out more about Computer Specifications for Canvas.
To succeed in the program, students should have:
- A reliable computer (desktop or laptop) with a current operating system.
- High-speed internet connection capable of supporting video streaming and live class sessions.
- A webcam, microphone, and speakers/headset for virtual meetings and presentations.
- Access to productivity and course-related software. Auburn students receive free access to Microsoft Office 365 and many other licensed programs.
- Ability to access and use Auburn’s learning management system (Canvas).
Support and Resources:
- Auburn University provides students with access to technical support, the online learning platform, and digital library resources.
- Training and orientation to online systems are included at the start of the program.
