PhD in Nutrition
Nutrition graduate program
Pursue nutrition research focused on improving human health
Advance nutrition science and improve community health with a PhD in Nutrition from Oregon State
Oregon State University’s PhD in Nutrition is a research-focused, on-campus program that prepares you for leadership in nutrition science, whether you pursue a career in academia, public health, government or industry.
You’ll study human nutrition with an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention, while conducting original research alongside nationally recognized faculty.
This on-campus doctoral program offers rigorous, research-focused training and mentorship from world-class faculty. You’ll design original studies, contribute to cutting-edge discoveries, and become a leader in the field of nutrition and health sciences.
Nutrition research at Oregon State
As a PhD student, you’ll collaborate with faculty on research that spans molecular biology, clinical nutrition and public health. Your work will contribute to advancing nutrition science in the lab and beyond.
Projects explore topics such as:
- Human milk biology
- Cancer prevention
- Metabolic disease
- Food security
- School and community nutrition education
- Nutrition epidemiology
Detailed descriptions of the nutrition research being conducted at Oregon State can be found on each lab’s webpage.
Why pursue a PhD in Nutrition at Oregon State?
- Engage in cutting-edge research across molecular biology, metabolomics, food security, community nutrition and more
- Collaborate with faculty across research centers like the Linus Pauling Institute and Hallie E. Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families
- Be part of the only nutrition doctoral program in Oregon — and one of the Pacific Northwest’s leading graduate programs in the field
What it's like to be a PhD student in Nutrition at OSU
Funmi Amoda
PhD candidate
“The program has been amazing. I’ve had access to great mentorship, funding, resources, and opportunities to collaborate. I’ve grown so much as a student and researcher, and I’m really grateful to be part of it.”
Nutrition graduate student handbook
Find detailed information about degree requirements and coursework in the 2025-26 nutrition graduate student handbook (pdf).
Tuition and funding
Graduate assistantships are available in teaching and research to highly qualified candidates.
Annual support ranges from $9,595-$22,176 based on assignment, and also includes a waiver of graduate tuition.
More information about how to apply for funding and deadlines:
Estimated costs
The Nutrition PhD program is a 108-credit program that can be completed within 4-5 years on a full-time credit load (except for summer).
The estimated costs for the program are broken down as follows:
Resident costs for years 1-3
$16,563 per year
Resident Tuition ($13,986)
+ Fees ($2,577)
Each additional year after 3
$7,185 per year
Resident Tuition ($4,482)
+ Fees ($2,523)
Based on 3 credits per term.
Non-resident costs for years 1-3
$35,085 per year
Non-resident Tuition ($32,508)
+ Fees ($2,577)
Each additional year after 3
$13,359 per year
Non-resident Tuition ($10,836)
+ Fees ($2,523)
Based on 3 credits per term.
Tuition and fees estimates were calculated using the 25-26 academic year tuition and fees tables in combination with the tuition calculator. Please note, tuition and fees can change for the 26-27 academic year.
Please Note Cost of Attendance figures are used for budgeting purposes only and represent an estimate of projected costs for the academic year before any financial aid. Actual costs may vary based on personal circumstances.
Careers in nutrition
After completing the Doctor of Philosophy in nutrition, you will be able to synthesize and communicate knowledge in your field of study; identify central issues, problems and research priorities in your field of study; and design, conduct, interpret and communicate original research.
Graduates find employment as researchers and teachers at universities, researchers and leaders in federal and state agencies (NIH, USDA, FDA) or companies in the nutrition and food space.
We’re here to help
We’re happy to connect with you by email, phone or virtual meetings.
For questions about the application process and requirements, contact COH graduate admissions.
To talk about curriculum and life as a doctoral student, contact our Graduate Program Manager.
For academic or professional information specific to the nutrition doctoral program, please contact the Program Director Yumie Takata, PhD
Get your nutrition doctorate at Oregon State
Prepare for a research-driven career in academia, public health or industry. Work with world-class faculty, contribute to groundbreaking discoveries and advance human health through science.
Your path to a PhD in Nutrition starts here.
Faculty advisors
Not sure how to find a PhD advisor or how to start a conversation with a potential advisor?