This doctorate is designed for senior nutrition and health program leaders — public health nutrition directors, wellness program administrators, and population health executives — who want to apply advanced research to improving nutrition-focused health programs rather than pursue an academic research career. Coursework focuses on population nutrition strategy, program leadership, and evidence-based health promotion design.
Instead of a research-only dissertation, the program culminates in an applied capstone project built around your own nutrition or wellness program: you'll use doctoral research methods to diagnose a program-design or outcomes challenge and deliver a reform plan ready for real implementation. Graduates go on to serve as public health nutrition directors, wellness program administrators, or population health executives.
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Thesis Courses
3 Courses
PHD 910Qualitative and Quantitative Research
Introduces the core research methods used in doctoral-level study.
- Quantitative data analysis basics
- Qualitative research design
- Choosing the right research approach
PHD 911Preparing a Thesis
Structuring and drafting the components of a doctoral thesis before formal proposal.
- Organizing a thesis into coherent, defensible chapters
- Framing a research problem and articulating its significance
- Developing a working thesis statement and chapter outline
PHD 912Econometrics
Application of econometric modeling techniques to test hypotheses and analyze relationships within social science data.
- Building and interpreting regression-based econometric models
- Diagnosing and correcting for bias, endogeneity, and model misspecification
- Applying econometric software tools to real-world datasets
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Research Courses
5 Courses
ST 913Preparatory Thesis I
Framing the initial research proposal and identifying a viable dissertation topic.
- Narrowing a broad interest into a researchable problem statement
- Drafting preliminary research questions and objectives
- Presenting an initial proposal for committee feedback
ST 914Preparatory Thesis II
Second stage of thesis preparation, developing the conceptual framework and research design.
- Constructing a conceptual or theoretical framework
- Selecting an appropriate research design
- Justifying sampling and data-collection strategy
ST 915Preparatory Thesis III
Third stage of thesis preparation, centered on instrument development and pilot testing.
- Developing and refining data-collection instruments
- Piloting instruments and revising based on results
- Addressing reliability, validity, and ethical review
ST 916Preparatory Thesis IV
Planning the practical logistics of collecting and managing dissertation data.
- Developing data collection protocols and timelines
- Coordinating access to research sites, records, or participants
- Preparing data management and analysis workflows
ST 917Preparatory Thesis V
Preparing collected data and findings for formal committee review.
- Data analysis preparation
- Summarizing preliminary findings
- Preparing for committee defense
3
Dissertation Courses
1 Courses
T 918Dissertation
Independent, faculty-supervised research culminating in a dissertation that makes an original contribution to the field.
- Conducting original research under committee supervision
- Writing and revising the complete dissertation manuscript
- Successfully completing the final oral defense
$84,000
Total Program Cost
Fees are billed per term and are subject to change. Financial aid, scholarships, and flexible payment plans are available to students who qualify.
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Admission requires Master's Degree.
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Submit Your Application
Complete the online application with your basic and academic details.
An admissions advisor reviews your application and any transfer credit.
Receive your decision, complete enrollment, and start your first term.
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