PhD in Allied Health Sciences with Specialization in Nutritional Sciences

The Doctor of Philosophy degree program in Allied Health Sciences is designed to promote knowledge across disciplines and informed collaboration among disciplines while promoting research in an area of specialization. At this time, specialization is available in Nutritional Sciences, with emphases in obesity, diabetes, or cancer. 

An internationally prominent faculty, state-of-the-art facilities and new technology combine to make the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center a leader in education, research and patient care. One of only four comprehensive academic health centers in the nation with seven professional schools, the OU Health Sciences Center serves approximately 4,000 students on the Oklahoma City and Tulsa campuses.

The OU Health Sciences Center serves as the state's training facility for physicians, biomedical scientists, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and a wide range of allied health and public health professionals. Located one mile south of the State Capitol, the OU Health Sciences Center is the cornerstone of the 300-acre Oklahoma Health Center, a complex of 30 public and private health care institutions.

If after reviewing the below qualifications for this program you are unsure of whether you meet them, please contact ahinfo@ouhsc.edu.  We are here to help and support you as you pursue a career in the health sciences.

Faculty and students work closely together in the PhD program; therefore, prior to submission of an on-line application, a prospective student must identify a faculty member whose expertise is in the applicant's area of interest, has authority to chair a PhD committee, and agrees to serve as the student’s advisor if admitted.  

Please contact the Office of Academic and Student Affairs at ahinfo@ouhsc.edu to determine compatibility of educational goals with the college and program and discuss available faculty.

To be considered for admission to the PhD program an applicant must meet the following requirements:

1. Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in graded graduate coursework. The College of Allied Health does not recognize academic forgiveness nor reprieve policies. All attempts of a course are included in the calculation of GPAs;
2. Completion of 34 credit hours of graduate coursework is preferred;
3. A master's degree is preferred. The master's degree need not be in Nutritional Sciences. Each student's Advisory Committee reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of any graduate work previously completed by a student and may limit transfer credit. A maximum of 34 hours of master's degree work may be applied to the 90 hours required for the Ph.D. degree;
4. Submit official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended. Previous coursework from colleges or universities outside of the US must first be processed by World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE);
5. Submit a career goal statement, which includes a description of how the applicant expects the program to assist in meeting career goals. The admissions committee will consider the quality of the statement, and the compatibility of the applicant’s career goals with those of the program;
6. Provide contact information for three (3) individuals who will submit letters of recommendation on your behalf.  Instructions are provided in the online application;
7. If English is a second language, take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum requirements are a score of 570 (paper-based) or 88 (internet-based) within two years prior to application. The OUHSC institution code for the TOEFL is 6902;
8. Submit a completed on-line application. Application deadlines are June 1 for fall, October 1 for spring, and March 1st for summer.

Allied Health Sciences PHD Student Handbook

Complete list of Nutritional Sciences Student Handbooks

Students may expect additional costs that include, but are not limited to, a personal computer, textbooks, lab fees, insurance, and supplies. Students are required to assume financial responsibilities for expenses associated with clinical requirements. For financial aid information, contact the Financial Aid Office at (405) 271-2118.

Additional cost information:
Bursar's Office Tuition and Fees
Student Financial Aid

College of Allied Health Faculty

Students will conduct original research under the guidance and supervision of Allied Health faculty. The doctoral dissertation is required.

Curriculum Requirements for the PhD degree in Allied Health Sciences
Total number of hours of post-baccalaureate hours for graduation = 90

• Number of hours in Allied Health Sciences core (including 4 hours seminar) = 10
• Number of hours in specialized program (at least 6 from NS) = 11
• Number of hours in research methodology and statistics (including 3 hr practicum) = 15
• Number of hours in dissertation research = 20
• Number of transferable graduate hours =  34 maximum

The courses a particular student will take will be determined in consultation with the student’s Academic Advisory Committee.

Interdisciplinary Core Courses Offered in AHS

Specialization Courses Offered in Nutritional Sciences

Example Program of Study for Nutritionl Sciences Specialization

Course Descriptions

Office of Academic and Student Affairs
Phone:  (405) 271-6588
Email: ahinfo@ouhsc.edu

Click here to schedule a virtual, phone, or in-person prospective student appointment with one of our Advisors.

Click here to schedule a virtual or in-person recruitment event or presentation for your class, club, career fair, etc.

Department of Nutritional Sciences
College of Allied Health
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
1200 N Stonewall Avenue, Room 3057
Oklahoma City, OK  73117-1215

Prospective students are encouraged to visit the prospective student's page to utilize resources such as the transfer equivalency tables, admission statistics, job shadowing, gpa calculation, tuition cost, scholarships, student life, campus resources, etc.