Nutritional Sciences

The University of Texas at Austin offers a M.A. in Nutrition and a Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences that focuses on nutrient function, and the role of nutrients in pathophysiologies such as cancer, diabetes and obesity. The program is designed to prepare individuals for research and teaching in academia, government, and industry. The graduate program in Nutritional Sciences offers a Master of Arts with thesis, a Master of Arts with report (new: effective Fall 2000 semester) and a Ph.D. with thesis.
The graduate program has biochemical, molecular-biological, and clinical components and includes study in the following areas:

Molecular and cellular aspects of nutrient function
Molecular and cellular approaches to study of nutrition and diseases
Nutritional biochemistry
Nutrient requirements
Nutrient intakes and health assessment
Nutrition education
Obesity
Aging Nutrition and Immunology
Cancer and Retinoids

The Master's Degree course of study includes:

27 hours in nutrition
6-9 hours of supporting course work outside the department
Course work taken at other institutions is not credited.

The Master's Degree Program in Nutrition is designed to prepare professionals for teaching in junior colleges; administration in public health programs; technical positions at food, pharmaceutical, and chemical laboratories; and, for those who are registered dietitians, advanced practitioner and teaching positions in clinical dietetics. The Master's degree program typically requires four semesters of full-time study. Course work taken at other institutions will not be counted.

The Ph.D. program typically involves:

18 credit hours of required formal course work in nutrition
6 or more hours in a minor
3 or more years of dissertation research successful completion of a preliminary exam, usually administered after the second year of study successful defense of the research dissertation.

The Ph.D. Program in Nutritional Sciences is designed to prepare students for research, teaching, and administrative positions in colleges, universities, government, and industry. Evidence of such preparation includes the submission of a thesis/ dissertation, which should be a major contribution to knowledge indicating not only that the individual has a thorough knowledge of a particular field but also that the individual can design and execute original research. Competence in subject matter related to nutritional sciences is emphasized, and supporting work is selected from areas such as biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, immunology, and kinesiology. Competence in related fields is emphasized and supporting work is selected from areas such as biochemistry, molecular biology, computer sciences, genetics, immunology, physiology, microbiology, kinesiology, psychology, or health promotion. The doctoral program requires 60 hours of post-baccalaureate credit, and generally a minimum of five years of full-time study to complete.

Kathryn McWilliams
Graduate Coordinator -
Nutritional Sciences
PAI 5.56/A2700
512-471-0337
University of Texas at Austin
Department of Human Ecology
One University Station
Austin, Texas 78712
USA

Faculty Advisor - Graduate Program in Nutritional Sciences
Dr. Margaret Briley
Office: GEA 308
Office Phone: 512-471-7632
Fax: 512-471-5630

Admission and Application
Scholarship Information
Research and Facilities
Course Descriptions
ITA English Proficency Website for International Students

Graduate Programs and Coordinators University-wide

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