Nutrition with coordinated program in dietetics — M.P.H.

Program director
Celine Heskey

The Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree curriculum in nutrition and dietetics enables students to meet the didactic and supervised practice requirements for registration eligibility in nutrition and dietetics. The purpose of registration is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public by encouraging high standards of performance by persons practicing in nutrition and dietetics.

Students in the M.P.H. degree curriculum may establish eligibility to write the registration examination to become registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN) by completing this program. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend.

Program learning outcomes

The curriculum integrates the requirements of the M.P.H. degree in nutrition with the competency requirements, foundation, knowledge, and skills to practice dietetics, as defined by ACEND. By the end of the program, graduates should be able to:

• Describe the integration of biological mechanisms underlying the effect of food and nutrients on individual and population health outcomes.
• Function independently and collaboratively as a leader or member of a team to plan, manage, and evaluate public health nutrition interventions.
• Critically analyze studies and nutrition and dietetics evidence-based guidelines for public health prevention, nutrition interventions, and research.
• Evaluate public policies and processes related to food and nutrition, and explore their impact on health outcomes.
• Examine the role of vegetarian dietary practices on human health, the environment, and ecology.
• Apply the nutritional care process consistent with competencies defined by the ACEND. 

Educational effectiveness indicators

Program learner outcomes are evidenced by:

• Signature assignments linked to course and non-course requirements.
• Field practicum report.
• Integrative learning experience.

Prerequisites

• General chemistry
• Organic chemistry
• Microbiology
• Anatomy and physiology
• Human nutrition or equivalent

Individuals who may benefit from the program

Graduates with bachelor's degrees or higher who seek credentialing as RDNs.

Field experience

¹

Fulfills service learning requirement

Integrative learning experience

In addition to the standard integrative learning experience requirements,  students are expected to complete a comprehensive exam, field practicum report, and E-portfolio (including 100 hours of community service).

Normal time to complete the program

2.33 years (nine [9] academic quarters) — based on full-time enrollment; part time permitted