The Nutritional Sciences Graduate Program (NSGP) is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a master's (MS) or doctoral (PhD) degree in nutritional sciences on the main campus of the University of Arizona in Tucson.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Both the MS and PhD options offer students interdisciplinary opportunities in several fields of research, including basic, clinical, epidemiological, and translational research, among others. Students admitted to the program are required to complete a minimum of two lab rotations during their first semester to help them identify a faculty advisor/mentor who will support them for their MS thesis research or PhD dissertation research. Graduates of this program are prepared for a variety of work environments, including academia, government agencies, industry, nonprofit organizations, and research enterprises, among others.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
MS and PhD admissions requirements are outlined here.
- Application: The NSGP admits one fall cohort per year. Applications close December 15 of the year prior to admission (example: Fall 2024 applications close Dec. 15, 2023). Application fee waivers are not available. All applicants are required to use the University's online application portal. Please view the instructions on the Applying for Admission website.
- Academic Record: Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0/4.0 for the undergraduate and/or graduate degrees they have completed. The University's Graduate College will not admit students with GPAs below 3.0.
- Research Interests: Prior to applying, prospective students are encouraged to review the School's signature research areas to identify potential faculty whose research may align with their interests. Joint appointees affiliated with the NSGP are also active researchers. Applicants are not required to contact faculty prior to applying to the program.
- Admissions process: The program is very competitive and currently admits fewer than 7 applicants per year. After the application deadline, the NSGP admissions committee meets to rank the applicants and select a short list of potential candidates to interview via Zoom. First-round interviews typically occur in January.
- English Language Proficiency: For applicants whose native language is not English, please refer to both of these websites for current requirements:
Note: Funding amounts change yearly and are dependent upon availability of unit funds.
Nearly all admitted students receive some funding via Graduate Assistantships/Associateships:
- Year 1 students: Typically funded by the unit at 20 hours/week as TAs (teaching assistants/associates)
- Year 2 students: Typically funded by the unit at 10 hours/week as TAs and by faculty advisor/mentor at 10 hours/week as RAs (research assistants/associates)
- Years 3 and beyond: PhD students are usually funded/supported by their faculty advisor and focus on their research.
- Students accepted into the program and who accept their Notice of Appointment are typically eligible for these benefits:
- If a nonresident, a tuition reduction to the equivalent of base in-state graduate tuition;
- 100% payment toward remaining base graduate tuition dependent on the tuition amount associated with the term of contract - note that mandatory registration fees and course fees are not covered (refer to the Costs & Fees website for tuition and mandatory registration fee details);
- Payment of the individual student health premium (refer to the Campus Health website);
- 10% ASUA bookstore discount on select items;
- See also, GA benefits of appointment
Laboratories and offices for graduate study are located within the Shantz Building as well as throughout the UA campus. The University of Arizona provides graduate student access to a wide variety of research tools to support animal, basic, clinical, molecular, and translational research.
Coming soon!
- Admissions Information (including international)
- Application Process (general information)
- Graduate Assistantships/Associateships
- Graduate Funding
- Graduate Programs information
- International Students - FAQs
- International Students - STEM and OPT information
- International Students (general information)
- International Students (application process)
- International Students (graduate programs)
- Transcripts Information
- Tuition Calculator and Tuition/Fees
For questions regarding the NSGP, contact:
Peggy Rupert, MA, MPH, RD
NSGP Graduate Coordinator
Email: NSW-NSGP@arizona.edu
Due to the number of inquiries, please allow several business days for response.