Florida International University

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework in clinical nutrition and metabolism with rigorous research training and a sustained dissertation project. Students study the physiological and biochemical bases of nutritional care alongside applied topics in clinical practice and health services.

• Core research methods: advanced biostatistics, epidemiology, study design, qualitative methods and grant-writing for clinical research.
• Clinical nutrition and medical therapy: advanced medical nutrition therapy across disease states (cardiometabolic disease, renal disease, oncology, critical care), enteral and parenteral nutrition, and nutrition support team management.
• Metabolism and physiology: macronutrient and micronutrient metabolism, metabolic regulation, and translational approaches linking basic science to clinical practice.
• Population and public health nutrition: nutrition surveillance, programme evaluation, and the role of clinical nutrition in population health strategies.
• Specialist topics: paediatric and geriatric clinical nutrition, behavioural nutrition interventions, nutrition informatics and quality improvement in nutrition services.
• Practical training: supervised practicum or clinical rotations in hospital and outpatient settings, plus opportunities to collaborate with multidisciplinary clinical teams.
• Dissertation: an original, publishable research project under faculty supervision, including proposal development, data collection/analysis and defence.

The typical structure includes advanced coursework, qualifying examinations or dissertation proposal defence, and full-time research towards the doctoral dissertation. Students are expected to present at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals as part of their training.

Entry requirements

• Master's degree in nutrition, dietetics, public health, biomedical sciences or a closely related field from a recognised institution; exceptional applicants with a strong relevant professional background may be considered.
• Professional credentials such as Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) or equivalent are preferred for applicants intending to focus on clinical practice and leadership.
• Demonstrated research experience, for example a master's thesis, published work, or evidence of participation in clinical research projects.
• Academic transcripts showing a competitive record in undergraduate and graduate coursework.
• A research statement or proposal outlining intended doctoral research interests and fit with faculty expertise.
• Letters of recommendation (typically two to three) from academic or clinical supervisors familiar with the applicant's research and clinical potential.
• A current CV and a personal statement describing career goals; proof of English proficiency if the applicant's prior instruction was not in English.

Applicants may be invited to interview with faculty. Admission is competitive and research alignment with faculty interests is a key selection factor.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for leadership roles that bridge clinical practice, research and policy. Typical career paths include:

• Academic positions: tenure-track faculty in nutrition, dietetics, public health or medical schools, leading teaching and research programmes.
• Clinical leadership: directors of nutrition and dietetic services, clinical nutrition managers, or leaders of multidisciplinary nutrition support teams in hospitals and health systems.
• Research roles: principal investigator or research scientist in clinical trials, translational nutrition research, and healthcare outcomes research.
• Public health and policy: senior roles in government agencies, non-profit organisations or health systems developing nutrition policy and programmes.
• Industry and consultancy: leadership or scientific roles in healthcare companies, medical nutrition manufacturers, and consultancy services focusing on evidence-based clinical nutrition.

Why study at Florida International University

Florida International University offers access to a diverse patient population and a regional healthcare environment that supports clinical research and translational projects. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across public health, biomedical and clinical departments, and close partnerships with local hospitals and health systems for practicum and clinical studies.

The university emphasises mentorship and research productivity, with faculty active in clinical trials, translational science and health services research. Doctoral students have opportunities to present at conferences, contribute to peer-reviewed publications and compete for internal and external funding to support their dissertation work.

For clinicians and researchers seeking to advance evidence-based nutrition care, the programme provides the methodological skills, clinical depth and leadership training needed to impact patient care, health services and policy in clinical nutrition.