There has never been a more exciting time to be a part of nutrition-based initiatives and research. From school lunches and gardens to the molecular basis of nutrition in cancer, obesity, immune response and development, our department covers the gamut of nutrition interests. We welcome and encourage graduate students from diverse backgrounds and traditions to apply to our program.
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 the study of nutrition and disease, nutritional biochemistry, behavioral and child nutrition, nutrient requirements and intakes and health assessment, nutrition and cancer, obesity, aging, and immunity, and nutrition education. The master's degree program is designed to prepare individuals for teaching in community colleges, administration in public health programs, and technical positions at food, pharmaceutical, and chemical laboratories.
Nutritional science is the study of processes by which living organisms take in food for the maintenance of life and growth. The study of nutrition is relevant to everyone, and our department encourages inclusivity and diversity. The ultimate goal of nutrition education and research is to improve the quality of life for all individuals by minimizing disease and maximizing longevity through optimal nutrition. The Department includes a strong foundation in several primary areas of excellence in transdisciplinary nutrition research, including Nutrition and Cancer, Obesity and Metabolism, Maternal and Child Health, and Nutrigenomics/metabolomics. The Department has a unique niche on the UT campus as a bridging health science discipline, and the faculty includes scientists with expertise in a range of biomedical-related areas of study, including nutritional science, metabolism, immunology, molecular biology, genetics, epidemiology, clinical nutrition, and biochemistry.
The educational program in the Department includes two accredited professional training programs in dietetics and a research-based curriculum for both graduate and undergraduate students. In addition, we offer multiple opportunities for experiential learning (internships, outreach, the UT Nutrition Institution (UTNI). By collaborating across disciplines, building partnerships, and translating our expertise into modern, real world applications, the Department of Nutritional Sciences advances the University's vision for a healthier community, state, nation, and world.
