Ph.D. & M.S. in Nutritional Sciences

Nutritional Sciences Graduate Program

biotech
M.S. & Ph.D.
program tracks

today
Fall
Entry Term

place
Tucson
Coursework Location

The Nutritional Sciences Graduate Programs (NSGP), offer M.S. and Ph.D. options designed to equip you with advanced knowledge and research skills in the field of nutritional sciences and wellness. With interdisciplinary opportunities in basic, clinical, epidemiological, and translational research, these research degrees prepare you to make significant contributions in the fields of health and wellness.

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About the Ph.D. and M.S. in Nutritional Sciences

The Nutritional Sciences Graduate Program (NSGP) in the School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness (NSW) is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a master's (M.S.) or doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in nutritional sciences research on the main campus of the University of Arizona in Tucson.

Both the M.S. and Ph.D. options offer rigorous and innovative interdisciplinary research opportunities designed to engage and challenge students.

In addition to the NSW signature research areas, NSGP faculty are connected to myriad disciplines across campus, including but not limited to animal sciences, cellular and molecular biology, genetics, immunology, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and public health.

The NSW research goal is to advance the science that provides foundational understanding of human nutrition and physical activity and its effects on health, disease, wellness, physiology, and human performance across the lifespan. To improve health and quality of life, there is no one-size-fits-all solution; faculty emphasize precision nutrition and wellness approaches to meet the specific needs of individuals and at-risk communities.

Funding overview (subject to change on a yearly basis)

Funding support changes yearly:

  • Year 1: typically funded at 20 hours/week as TAs (teaching assistants/associates)
  • Year 2: typically funded at 10 hours/week as TAs and by faculty advisor/mentor at 10 hours/week as RAs (research assistants/associates)
  • Year 3 & beyond: PhD students are usually funded/supported by their faculty advisor and focus on their research.
  • Students accepted into the program and who accept their Notice of Appointment are typically eligible for these benefits:
    • If a nonresident, a tuition reduction to the equivalent of base in-state graduate tuition;
    • 100% payment toward remaining base graduate tuition dependent on the tuition amount associated with the term of contract - note that mandatory registration fees and course fees are not covered (refer to the Costs & Fees website for tuition and mandatory registration fee details);
    • Payment of the individual student health premium (refer to the Campus Health website);
    • 10% ASUA bookstore discount on select items;
    • See also, GA benefits of appointment

More information

Contact NSW-NSGP@arizona.edu for more information.

  • Application: NGSP admits one fall cohort per year. Applications typically open in June and close mid-December of the year prior to admission. Application fee waivers are not available. All applicants are required to use the University's online application portal.
  • Academic Record: Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0/4.0 for the undergraduate and/or graduate degrees they have completed. The University's Graduate College will not admit students with GPAs below 3.0.
  • Research Interests: Prior to applying, prospective students should review the School's signature research areas to identify potential faculty whose research may align with their interests. Joint appointees affiliated with the NSGP are also active researchers. Applicants are not required to contact faculty prior to applying to the program.
  • Admissions Process: The program is very competitive and currently admits fewer than 7 applicants per year. After the application deadline, the NSGP admissions committee meets to rank the applicants and select a short list of potential candidates to interview via Zoom. First-round interviews typically occur in January.
  • English Language Proficiency: For applicants whose native language is not English, please refer to both of these websites for current requirements:

Curriculum

The curriculum guide lists the M.S. and Ph.D. course work requirements.

Student handbook

The NSGP student handbook provides details on NSGP learning outcomes, degree requirements, policies, procedures and various resources.