Doctor of Clinical Nutrition

• Scientific Research: Ability to design, implement, and publish original research that contributes to global clinical nutrition knowledge.
• Clinical Mastery: Developing in-depth, evidence-based expertise in managing complex nutritional cases and disease prevention.
• Strategic Leadership: Preparing for roles as senior consultants, policy-makers, or faculty members within governmental and private sectors.
• Interprofessional Collaboration: Mastering the skills to lead multidisciplinary health teams in hospital and community settings.

1-The applicant should have a bachelor’s degree in clinical nutrition , which is regular and on campus, obtained from King Saud University or any recognized equivalent university degree in which the formal. The language of teaching is English, with a grade of “very good” and a GPA of at least 3.75/5 or equivalent.

2-The applicant should have a master’s degree in clinical nutrition , which is regular and on campus, obtained from King Saud University or any recognized equivalent university degree in which the formal language of teaching is English with a grade of “very good” if the university provides it.

3-The applicant must be registered and licensed at least as a specialist in clinical nutrition from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.

4-A minimum TOFEL-IBT score of (61 ) or equivalent.

5-The applicant must pass the written exam prepared by the department.

Program Structure

The program follows a “Thesis with Coursework” model, where students first master advanced theoretical and research foundations before starting independent research.

• Coursework: 18 Credit Hours
  Covers advanced clinical nutrition, research methodology, and leadership.

• Comprehensive Exam: Required
  Written and oral qualifying exam taken after completing coursework.

• PhD Thesis: 24 Credit Hours
  Independent, original research culminating in a defended dissertation.

Total Credit Hours: 42 Units

First Year – First Semester :

CN501 – Advanced Research Methods – 3 Credit Hours
Focus: Biostatistics and sophisticated experimental designs for clinical trials.

CN502 – Clinical Biochemistry & Metabolism I – 3 Credit Hours
Focus: Cellular metabolism, hormonal regulation, and biochemical markers of disease.

CN503 – Leadership & Policy in Clinical Nutrition – 3 Credit Hours
Focus: Evaluating nutrition programs and developing health promotion strategies.

Total: 9 Credit Hours

First Year – Second Semester :

CN504 – Clinical Biochemistry & Metabolism II – 3 Credit Hours
Advanced study of disease-related metabolic pathways and clinical markers.

CN505 – Advanced Nutrition Therapy – 3 Credit Hours
Specialized management of complex disease states (e.g., metabolic disorders, oncology, critical care).

CN506 – Seminars in Clinical Nutrition – 3 Credit Hours
Regular journal clubs and presentations to critique the latest global research.

Total: 9 Credit Hours

Second Year – First Semester :

Comprehensive Exam – Required
Written and oral qualifying exam covering all coursework.

PhD Thesis Research I – 12 Credit Hours
Start of independent research leading to dissertation.

Total: 12 Credit Hours

Second Year – Second Semester :

PhD Thesis Research II – 12 Credit Hours
Continuation and completion of independent research, culminating in dissertation defense.

Total: 12 Credit Hours