Catherine Coccia

The Ph.D. in Dietetics & Nutrition at Florida International University (FIU) Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work is now accepting applications for Fall 2026. This doctoral program is designed for motivated scholars and Registered Dietitians seeking advanced training in nutrition, health, and research. The program emphasizes close faculty mentorship, interdisciplinary public health education, and applied research addressing critical issues such as nutrition and infectious disease, community-based nutrition education, chronic kidney disease, lifestyle factors, gut health, chronic disease prevention, adolescent nutrition, bariatric surgery outcomes, mental health, nutrigenomics, diabetes, trace elements, maternal and childhood nutrition, obesity prevention, and technology-based health interventions. Located in Miami, FIU offers a vibrant, diverse environment for community-engaged and translational research. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research, policy, and leadership. The curriculum includes a 15-credit Research and Methods Core, individualized advanced coursework, and a minimum of 15 dissertation credits. Students work closely with faculty mentors, participate in seminars, and present research at professional conferences. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent (preferably in Nutrition, Dietetics, Biology, Chemistry, or related fields) with a minimum 3.0 GPA (last 60 credits). Application materials include an online application, official transcripts, proof of degree, resume/CV, three recommendation letters, and a personal statement detailing background, research interests, career goals, and rationale for selecting FIU and potential faculty mentors. International applicants must provide English proficiency scores (TOEFL 80 iBT or IELTS 6.5), financial documents, and translations as required. Early application is encouraged for consideration for fellowships, scholarships, or assistantships. The application deadline is February 15, 2026. For more information, applicants can contact Dr. Catherine Coccia, Associate Professor and PhD Director, at [email protected], or visit the program website.