Nutritional Sciences

Program Overview

Quick Facts

Master of Science

Program Description

The aim of the MSc program is to develop the student's abilities to conceptualize research problems in the area of human nutrition, synthesize ideas and approaches in the research problem, analyze and interpret data, transmit his or her findings to peers, and expand his or her knowledge in, and perspective of, the field of human nutrition. Thus, major emphasis is placed on the research project and thesis.

The MSc program can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. A limited number of students are admitted to the program on a part-time basis.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Students with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Nutritional Sciences' additional admission requirements stated below.

• A- standing in the final two years of a bachelor's degree program or evidence of strong potential as a researcher.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • participation in NFS1204Y Master's Seminars in Nutritional Sciences (1.0 FCE) throughout their period of full-time registration and

  • a minimum of two half courses (1.0 FCE).

• For students with undergraduate training in nutritional sciences, at least one of these courses must be taken in the department. Students with undergraduate training in disciplines other than nutritional sciences must take at least two half courses from the department.

• A course in statistical methods or research design and analysis is required if not completed previously.

• Thesis on an approved research area and its defence at an oral examination.

Program Length

3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S);
6 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

The aim of the PhD program is to develop the student's abilities to conceptualize research problems in the area of human nutrition, synthesize ideas and approaches in the research problem, analyze and interpret data, transmit their findings to peers, and expand their knowledge in, and perspective of, the field of human nutrition. Thus, major emphasis is placed on the research project and thesis.

Applicants may enter the PhD program via one of three routes: 1) following completion of an MSc degree; 2) transfer from the University of Toronto MSc program; or 3) direct entry following completion a bachelor’s degree.

PhD Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies.

• Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Nutritional Sciences' additional admission requirements stated below.

• Applicants may enter the PhD program with an appropriate MSc degree with at least an A– standing or evidence of strong potential as a researcher. Exceptional students may be allowed to reclassify (transfer) into the PhD program after one year without completing the MSc on the recommendation of an advisory committee and successful completion of a reclassification examination.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • NFS1304Y Doctoral Seminars in Nutritional Sciences

  • a minimum of four half courses (2.0 FCEs)

• The courses will be chosen by each student to provide an appropriate background for their area of investigation. It is expected that all students will have an adequate knowledge of research design and statistics through coursework in their past or the current graduate program. The choice of courses will be made in consultation with the supervisor and the student's advisory committee and is subject to the approval of the department.

• Successful completion of a PhD qualifying examination in nutritional sciences is required by the end of Year 1. The examination is designed to ensure that students have developed a rigorous and comprehensive research proposal in a timely fashion. The oral examination is approximately two hours long, is graded as pass/fail, and takes place approximately nine months following initial registration. The examination will be conducted by the PhD Qualifying Examination Committee consisting of two faculty members appointed by the department and two faculty members chosen by the student. A student who fails the first attempt at the exam will be permitted one more attempt. Failure of the second attempt will result in a recommendation for program termination.

• Thesis.

• Student must pass the departmental examination before proceeding to the Doctoral Final Oral Examination.

• The residence requirement is two years, whereby students must be on campus full-time and consequently in geographical proximity to be able to participate fully in the University activities associated with the program.

• It is expected that students can complete their PhD in a period of four years of full-time study, research, and thesis preparation; however, some students may require longer.

Program Length

4 years full-time; 5 years transfer-from-master's

Time Limit

6 years full-time; 7 years transfer-from-master's

PhD Program (Direct-Entry)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies.

• Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Nutritional Sciences' additional admission requirements stated below.

• Applicants may enter the PhD program directly from a bachelor's degree if their background is deemed appropriate and they have an A– or better average in their final two years.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete 4.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • NFS1304Y Doctoral Seminars in Nutritional Sciences (1.0 FCE)

  • a minimum of six half courses (3.0 FCEs)

• The courses will be chosen by each student to provide an appropriate background for their area of investigation. It is expected that all students will have an adequate knowledge of research design and statistics through coursework in their past or the current graduate program. The choice of courses will be made in consultation with the supervisor and the student's advisory committee and is subject to the approval of the department.

• Successful completion of a PhD qualifying examination in nutritional sciences is required by the end of Year 1. The examination is designed to ensure that students have developed a rigorous and comprehensive research proposal in a timely fashion. The oral examination is approximately two hours long, is graded as pass/fail, and takes place approximately nine months following initial registration. The examination will be conducted by the PhD Qualifying Examination Committee consisting of two faculty members appointed by the department and two faculty members chosen by the student. A student who fails the first attempt at the exam will be permitted one more attempt. Failure of the second attempt will result in a recommendation for program termination.

• Thesis.

• Student must pass the departmental examination before proceeding to the Doctoral Final Oral Examination.

• The residence requirement is three years, whereby students must be on campus full-time and consequently in geographical proximity to be able to participate fully in the University activities associated with the program.

• It is expected that students can complete their PhD in a period of five years of full-time study, research, and thesis preparation; however, some students may require longer.

Program Length

5 years

Time Limit

7 years