PhD in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology
The PhD in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology is a distinctive interdisciplinary program that combines advanced training in nutrition and exercise science with a research emphasis on chronic disease. Graduates are equipped for impactful careers in academia, industry, and public service.
Degree Requirements
The PhD in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology has two emphasis areas, Exercise Physiology and Nutrition. A student must choose an emphasis area.
The Exercise Physiology PhD Emphasis Area is designed to provide advanced training in both the basic and applied aspects of exercise, physical activity and physical inactivity. The curriculum has a scientific basis with core courses in exercise physiology, nutrition, biochemistry, and physiology. Currently, the research focus is to examine the mechanisms by which physical activity levels and/or exercise modulate risk and development of obesity, type 2 diabetes, as well as metabolic and cardiovascular diseases using both animal models and human subjects, and to be able to translate the findings into the clinical or applied setting.
The Nutrition PhD Emphasis Area provides training in the distinct core nutrition knowledge described by the Graduate Nutrition Education Committee of the American Society for Nutrition: general research skills; structure and biochemical and metabolic functions of nutrients and other dietary constituents; food, diets, and supplements; nutritional status assessment; nutrition and disease; nutrition interventions and policies; and, analytical skills. Basic, translation and clinical research focuses on obesity and associated conditions such as fatty liver disease, diabetes and bone fragility.
Graduate students receive comprehensive training in laboratory research, seminar development, scientific writing, problem‑solving, and grant writing. Graduate study in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology offers a strong interdisciplinary research environment supported by numerous collaborations across the University of Missouri.
Students have access to specialized research facilities within the Division of Food, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences, including the MU Nutritional Center for Health (MUNCH), which supports controlled meal preparation and feeding studies, and the MU Physical Activity and Wellness Lab (MU‑PAW), a state‑of‑the‑art human clinical research facility for assessing physiological and behavioral health outcomes using minimally invasive and noninvasive methods.
The Exercise Physiology and Nutrition research programs also collaborate extensively with other campus units, including the Department of Biomedical Sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Departments of Internal Medicine and Medical Pharmacology and Physiology in the School of Medicine, as well as interdisciplinary research centers such as the Botanical Center and the Life Sciences Center.
Teaching and research assistantships are available on a competitive basis.
Admissions
At this time, admission to the doctoral program is limited to applicants who hold a master’s degree. Students who do not have a master’s degree and wish to pursue doctoral study must first apply to the master’s program. After completion of the first year of graduate study, students in the master’s program may apply to transfer to the doctoral program. Transfer is contingent upon meeting specified criteria and approval by the Graduate Admissions Committee. Prospective students should contact the Division or NEP Director of Graduate Studies for additional information.