Prepare for teaching, research, and leadership positions in nutrition and dietetics, working in academic, public health, government, industry, and other institutions. In this doctoral program, you’ll choose a specialized area of study, take foundation courses in nutrition and dietetics and research methods, and complete a dissertation.
Academic Plan Code: HOND
Degree: PHD
Credits: 54
Academic Load: Part-time or full-time
Application Deadlines
Spring: n/a
Summer: n/a
Fall: December 1
Program Information
Program Website | 212-998-5580
Selection Criteria
Review of applications by doctoral faculty begins in January when applications reach the department. Applicants who pass an initial screening will be invited to interview with specific faculty members and current doctoral students by web-based video chat or telephone. Admission is highly selective.
The Admissions Committee uses several criteria in assessing application materials, each of which has multiple measures: evidence of academic talent; suitability of the professional portfolio; and fit with the purposes and capabilities of our program and faculty.
Evidence that the applicant meets these criteria includes but is not limited to:
- Completion of undergraduate and master's degrees
- One prior degree in nutrition and dietetics
- Overall GPA > 3.5 in at least one prior academic degree program
- Prior professional work or research experience related to departmental programs
- Clear focus/goals expressed by applicants through the application and interview process
- Prior teaching experience in nutrition or related field
- Extra consideration will be given for scholarly work such as presentations at professional meetings, peer-reviewed research publications, and grant submissions
How to Apply
These instructions and requirements are for all applicants. If you are not a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States, please read the special instructions for international applicants.
1. Prepare Your Application
Your application will require the following items. The following are acceptable document types for uploads: .pdf, .jpeg, .jpg, .gif, .tiff, .png, .doc, .docx, and bitmap.
Résumé/CV
You are required to upload a copy of your most recent résumé or curriculum vitae as part of your application. This should include information about:
- Previous academic training in nutrition and dietetics at the undergraduate and master's level
- Previous work experience in nutrition and dietetics
- Previous research experience in nutrition and dietetics
- Potential to make a contribution to the profession
Statement of Purpose
You are required to upload a typed, double-spaced, two- to three-page statement explaining your purpose in undertaking graduate study in this particular program as part of your application. This is your opportunity to introduce yourself and to inform the admissions committee about your goals, interests, and career plans as they relate to your intended academic pursuits.
Letters of Recommendation
Submit three letters of recommendation. Be sure to request them well in advance of the deadline. Read detailed instructions.
Transcripts
Upload one official copy of transcripts from every postsecondary school you have attended or are attending. Make sure to request them in advance of the deadline.
If you completed or are completing a degree at an institution outside of the US or Canada, you are required to provide a WES or ECE evaluation. Please review our requirements for translation and a course-by-course evaluation of your transcripts.
GRE
Required. See testing requirements.
Proficiency in English
See testing requirements.
2. Apply
Application
After you fill in and upload the required information, you can submit your completed application. Your application must be completed, dated, electronically signed, and submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST of the stated deadline.
Application Fee
You will be prompted to pay a $75 application fee, payable by major credit card only. After submitting your payment, you will see your application status change from “saved” to “submitted.” Please print this screen for your records, as it confirms that your application has been successfully sent to our school. If you have problems submitting your payment, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions. Learn more about our fee waiver policy.
Mailing Additional Items
If any remaining application materials need to be mailed to our office, mail the materials together in a single mailing using this document cover sheet. Items received without the cover sheet take longer to process and match to your application. Please do not mail your materials in binders or folders. Any mailed materials must be received by, not postmarked by, the stated deadline. Only completed applications will be considered and reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt of mailed materials.
Application Policies
Application deadlines are "in-office" deadlines, not postmark deadlines. It is your responsibility to ensure that all materials are in the Office of Graduate Admissions by the appropriate deadline, and we reserve the right to return any application that arrives after the deadline. Only completed applications will be considered. Should a deadline fall on a weekend, the in-office deadline will be the next business day. We advise you to apply early.
Please check the online system to confirm that you have successfully submitted your application. Due to the volume of applications and related materials received, the Office of Graduate Admissions will only contact you if your application was successfully submitted and is deemed incomplete because of missing required materials. Otherwise, you will hear from us when the admissions committee has made its decision.
Deferral policy: NYU Steinhardt does not allow deferrals. Applicants who wish to be considered for a future semester must reapply by submitting a new application with all supporting materials, including letters of recommendation, by the application deadline.
3. Receive Your Admission Decision
Decision
You will be notified about your decision by email. Typically, decisions will start going out in late March or early April for fall enrollment. You may learn of your decision before or after this timeline.
Expectations of Doctoral Students
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Departmental participation including Fall and Spring doctoral seminar
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Engagement in research project development
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Teaching experience and curriculum development
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Candidacy examination and research proposal in the second year
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Work with a primary mentor