Degree: Master of Science (MS)
Field of Study: Public Health Nutrition

Program Overview

The primary goal of this program is to prepare students for employment in public health or community agencies where you will work to promote health and reduce the risk of chronic disease and advance the nutritional health of our population. Coursework includes training in public health theory, program development and evaluation, nutritional epidemiology, human nutrition and life cycle specific nutritional needs and concerns. A minimum of 31 credit hours of academic coursework is required to earn the degree.  Note: students who have not previously earned an undergraduate degree in nutrition must complete an introductory nutrition course before beginning graduate coursework. Options will be provided for students to whom this applies.

In addition to the general public health nutrition curriculum, students may elect to complete a certificate in Maternal and Child Nutrition or Nutrition for Healthcare Professionals, which may require completion of additional coursework.

Graduate Policies

For graduate policies and procedures, please review the School of Graduate Studies section of the General Bulletin.

Program Requirements

The primary goal of this 16-month program is to prepare students for employment in public health or community agencies where you will work to promote health and reduce the risk of chronic disease and advance the nutritional health of our population. Coursework includes training in public health theory, program development and evaluation, nutritional epidemiology, human nutrition and life-cycle specific nutritional needs and concerns. A minimum of 31 semester hours of academic coursework is required to earn the degree.  Note: students who have not previously earned an undergraduate degree in nutrition must complete NTRN 401 before beginning this program.

In addition to the general public health nutrition curriculum, students may elect to complete a certificate in Maternal and Child Nutrition. Specialty certificates may require completion of additional coursework. 

Dietetic Internship Program

The primary goal of this program is to prepare Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) for employment in public health or community agencies. A minimum of 30 semester hours of combined academic work and supervised practice is required to earn the degree. Supervised practice is concurrent with coursework utilizing local agencies for translation of theory and science into practice. The program includes a ten-twelve week experience in an out of town public health agency that has a strong nutrition program.

In addition to the public health nutrition curriculum, students may elect to complete a certificate in Maternal and Child Nutrition. Specialty certificates may require completion of additional coursework. If a certificate program is selected, supervised practice will be geared toward the specific population group.

Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) exam. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). This program is a non-thesis program of study.

Sample Plan of Study

Fall Start

Spring Start

Dietetic Internship Program

Note: Students must take either NTRN 436 or  NTRN 440. 

¹

Excluding NTRN 401.