Doctor of Philosophy
Ph.D. candidates are required to complete a total of 64 credits (26 course credits and amaximum of 38 as research credits). Post-master’s Ph.D. students need to complete 32 credits including a minimum of 18 credits of formal coursework. M.D./Ph.D. students must fulfill the requirements for both the M.D. and the Ph.D. degrees. Please consult with the medical school for information on the curriculum for the M.D. degree (medical school curriculum). For the Ph.D. component, students need to complete 32 credits including a minimum of 18 credits of formal coursework.
A qualifying exam is required within 1.5 y ears of study, but usually is taken at the end of the first year of coursework. Upon passing the qualifying examination, the student officially is admitted to Ph.D. candidacy. The thesis proposal is defended at the end of the second year of graduate study. A doctoral committee (4 members of the nutrition graduate program, 1 outside expert) is formed. Students report on their progress to this committee this year, and defend their written thesis after a public presentation and an oral defense.
The Boston University Medical Campus has over 3,000 faculty, 600 funded research programs, 1,000 active clinical trials, and hundreds of courses offerings in the basic sciences, traditional and complementary clinical practice, diverse research methods, health counseling, and public health concentration areas. This exceptional environment provides an ideal setting for students interested in advanced education and practice and facilitates exposures to research in nutrition epidemiology, clinical and health services, disease prevention and health promotion, and basic nutritional science. Currently, 3,300 medical, dental and graduate students are enrolled in programs at the Boston University Medical Campus, and they represent a full range of geographic, cultural, ethnic and educational diversity.
The Graduate Program in Medical Nutrition Sciences reviews applications on a rolling admissions basis throughout the year. It is recommended that MA applicants apply no later than February 1, 2009, particularly those who are interested in one of the 2009-2010 Master’s Fellowship Awards. Those interested in doctoral study and fellowships for Ph.D. work are advised to submit applications by January 1, 2009. Please apply on-line and direct questions about admissions to Michelle Hall, Associate Director of Admissions. Her telephone contact number is: 617-638-5121.
