UMA Graduate Bulletin 2019-2020 Program Descriptions, Faculty and Courses Nutrition Program Overview Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Health - Nutrition Option
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Health - Nutrition OptionThe doctoral program prepares individuals for teaching and research in academic institutions and for positions of professional leadership in health and health-related agencies where research is an important function. Doctoral applicants should have earned the Bachelor's degree and have demonstrated basic research competency through a required thesis (M.S. thesis or equivalent research experience). It is expected that an applicant has satisfied the criteria for admission to the M.S. degree. Otherwise, any deficiency must be completed before a student is allowed to take the comprehensive examination for the Ph.D. degree. Program's Minimum RequirementsA total of 57 credits including the following:
Note: Beginning fall 2016:
Comprehensive ExaminationUpon completion of the 39 credits of course work, the student must pass a comprehensive examination (see below) as specified in the Graduate School Regulations. Only students who have passed the comprehensive examination are considered candidates for the Ph.D. degree. The examination consists of two parts: Written ExaminationEach Ph.D. student is required to take the examination in Nutrition (major area). This exam focuses on 3 competency-based areas:
Oral ExaminationThe oral examination will be held within 1-month after passing the written portion. It is a continuation of the written examination with added emphasis on the student's area of research interests and the minor area declared by the student. Additional guidelines are available from the Graduate Program Director. Comprehensive exams (written and oral) will be scheduled in the fall and the spring. No summer comprehensive exams will be scheduled unless there is a specific exception or consideration. A student may be allowed a second chance to pass any portion of the comprehensive exam. Two failures of any portion are grounds for dismissal from the program. Dissertation Proposal and Oral DefenseUpon successful completion of the comprehensive examinations, students prepare a disseertation proposal that must be approved by the student's dissertation committee before being submitted to the Graduate School. A copy of the dissertation must be in the Department Main Office for review by the faculty 10 business days before the scheduled oral defense. The Ph.D. program can be completed in 3 years for students who have completed a master's degree in nutrition or closely related field. The actual length of time depends on background and the student's ability to complete the Dissertation Proposal and subsequent dissertation research. |