Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Nutrition Science

The doctoral program in medical nutrition science is designed for students with a bachelor's or master's degree in nutrition (or with a degree in biological sciences that included course work in nutrition) to have the opportunity to pursue research at a world-class academic health center renowned for its research facilities. This program emphasizes course work in the core science of nutrition (integration of nutrition with biochemistry and physiology), biostatistics, and research using advanced research methodology. The program is offered by the KU Department of Dietetics and Nutrition.

Graduates are prepared for research and leadership roles in academia, industry, government, clinical departments of academic medical centers and centers of advanced clinical practice. Program faculty conduct human nutrition research and registered dietitians are encouraged to apply; however, students enrolled in this program are not eligible to become RDs unless they have met all prerequisites of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and have completed a dietetic internship. More information.

The program is offered on the KU Medical Center campus of the University of Kansas which along with The University of Kansas Hospital forms the region's top academic health center. The mission of this alliance among health care professions is to create a modern environment for instruction, research, and service, and to provide these services across multiple constituencies at local, regional and national levels.

The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching institution serving as a center for learning, scholarship and creative endeavor. A major strength of KU's medical nutrition science program is the opportunity for clinical and translational research.

Academic Objectives of Program

  • To graduate students capable of conducting research using appropriate research methods, ethical procedures and statistical analysis.
  • To graduate students with advanced knowledge in the nutritional sciences who will contribute to the growing body of knowledge in the medical nutrition science arena.
  • To graduate students who demonstrate professional attributes such as advocacy, critical thinking, flexibility, time management, and work ethic within various organization cultures.
  • To enrich the scholarly and collegial culture of the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition at KU Medical Center.