Graduate Field
Nutrition
Program Description
Students may obtain training in many aspects of nutrition and in the biological or social sciences related to nutrition. For those preparing for laboratory experimentation in nutrition, minors in biochemistry, molecular biology or genetics usually are frequently taken, although other minors may be chosen. Students interested in community and international nutrition have access to active programs that provide opportunity for field experience in the United States or abroad.
Candidates for the Ph.D. degree select two minor concentrations, one of which is external to the field. All degree programs require a thesis or dissertation; the specific requirements are determined by each candidate's Special Committee. Graduate students are generally required to assist in teaching as part of their training.
Faculty members in various colleges and divisions of the university who have interests in nutrition constitute the faculty in this field. Graduate students in Nutritional Sciences may select a Chair of their committee from among the faculty in the field of nutrition. These faculty members include faculty in the Division of Nutritional Sciences, the Field of Comparative Biomedical Sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Fields of Animal Science, Food Science and Technology , and Communication in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Field of Psychological Sciences and Human Development in the College of Human Ecology among others.
Concentrations
- Metabolic health
- Precision health
- Maternal and child health
- Public health and health equity
Program Information
- Instruction Mode: In Person
- Location: Ithaca, NY
Program Requirements
- Minimum Semesters for Degree: 8
Graduate School Milestones
- Responsible Conduct of Research Training: Required
- Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID): Required
- Student Progress Reviews (SPR) begin: First Year
- Examination for admission to candidacy (A Exam): Recommended second year, required by end of third year
- Defense of Dissertation (B Exam): Typically fifth or sixth year
Field Specific Milestones
- Field Progress Review conducted first year
- One semester of teaching assistantship required
Course Requirements
Additional course requirements may be set by the student’s Special Committee. Program specific requirements that apply to all students are included below.
Year 1 (Fall)
- NS 6000 Special Problems for Graduate Students
- NS 7030 Seminar in Nutritional Sciences
University Graduation Requirements
Requirements for All Students
In order to receive a Cornell degree, a student must satisfy academic and non-academic requirements.
Academic Requirements
A student’s college determines degree requirements such as residency, number of credits, distribution of credits, and grade averages. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the specific major, degree, distribution, college, and graduation requirements for completing their chosen program of study. See the individual requirements listed by each college or school or contact the college registrar’s office for more information.
Non-academic Requirements
Conduct Matters. Students must satisfy any outstanding sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed or agreed to under the Student Code of Conduct (Code) or Policy 6.4. Where a formal complaint under the Code or Policy 6.4 is pending, the University will withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the adjudication process set forth in those procedures is complete, including the satisfaction of any sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed.
Financial Obligations. Outstanding financial obligations will not impact the awarding of a degree otherwise earned or a student’s ability to access their official transcript. However, the University may withhold issuing a diploma until any outstanding financial obligations owing to the University are satisfied.
Additional Requirements for Undergraduate Students
The University has two requirements for graduation that must be fulfilled by all undergraduate students: the swim requirement, and completion of two physical education courses. For additional information about fulfilling University Graduation Requirements, see the Physical Education website.
Physical Education
All incoming undergraduate students are required to take two credits (two courses) of Physical Education prior to graduation. It is recommended they complete the two courses during their first year at Cornell. Credit in Physical Education may be earned by participating in courses offered by the Department of Athletics and Physical Education and Cornell Outdoor Education, by being a registered participant on a varsity athletic team, or performing in the marching band.
Students with medical concerns should contact the Office of Student Disability Services.
Swim Requirement
The Faculty Advisory Committee on Athletics and Physical Education has established a basic swimming and water safety competency requirement for all undergraduate students. Normally, the requirement is taken during the Fall Orientation process at Helen Newman Hall or Teagle Hall pools. The requirement consists of the following: jump or step feet-first into the deep end of the pool, float or tread for one minute, turn around in a full circle, swim 25 yards using any stroke(s) of choice without touching the bottom or holding on to the sides (there is no time limit) and exit from the water. Students who do not complete the swim requirement during their first year, during a PE swim class or during orientation subsequent years, will have to pay a $100 fee. Any student who cannot meet this requirement must register for PE 1100 Beginning Swimming as their physical education course before electives can be chosen.
If a student does not pass the swim requirement in their first Beginning Swimming PE class, then the student must take a second Beginning Swimming PE class (PE 1100 or PE 1101). Successful completion of two Beginning Swimming classes (based on attendance requirements) with the instructor's recommendation will fulfill the University's swim requirement.
Students unable to meet the swim requirement because of medical reasons should contact the Office of Student Disability Services. When a waiver is granted by the Faculty Committee on Physical Education, an alternate requirement is imposed. The alternate requirement substitute is set by the Director of Physical Education.
