The Nutrition, PhD degree program will provide the advanced knowledge, skills, and competencies required to meet the increasing needs of public health nutrition in the areas of program management, leadership, and research. The program offers training for a career where advanced analytical and conceptual capabilities are required - teaching, research, consultation, and top-level administration. Student research and the dissertation are key components in developing critical thinking related to public health nutrition. Traditionally, research in the Department of Nutrition has focused on the roles plant-based dietary practices play in the health and disease status of individuals.