Master of Public Health in Nutrition

Mission Statement

The MPH program in nutrition emphasizes community nutrition, health promotion/disease prevention and food and nutrition policy. The mission of the program is to train future public health professionals to have the knowledge and skills to manage or participate in programs and/or shape policies that improve the health of populations by improving their nutrition.

Program Description

This section provides students with the skills to improve the nutritional health of individuals, households, and communities by addressing the social and environmental causes of nutrition problems. Students work with faculty members in the Department of Community Health Sciences and in other departments who have interests and expertise in nutrition. We have close ties to many agencies in New Orelans working to promote nutrition, providing plenty of opportunities for practical field work.

Program Competencies

It is expected that students will acquire the core public health competencies through successful completion of the school core courses. The expected terminal knowledge and skills provided by the program and expected of the student in Community Health Sciences will vary by student because of the self-direction inherent in this program.  It is expected, however, with the guidance by an advisor, that students will be well-versed in planning and evaluating community programs (CHSC 611 and CHSC 612), have the knowledge and skills required for community-based work, and obtain hands-on experience in community-based work by completing a community-based practicum.

Upon completion of the program, the graduate should be able to:

• Apply the concepts and principles of public health practice to the development of programs and policies in nutrition;
  Courses -- CHSC Courses:6100,6610,6770
• Identify the major types of nutrition problems in both developed and developing country contexts and the factors that cause them;
  Courses -- CHSC6750
  
• Apply various methods for the nutritional status assessment of populations, including anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, dietary, and ecological methods;
  Courses -- CHSC6750
  
• Organize nutrition assessment data using computer software, interpret the results of analysis of these data, and communicate findings from this analysis in written form;
  Courses -- CHSC6750
  
• Apply the concepts and principles of public health practice to the development of
  programs in nutrition;
  Courses -- CHSC6100
  
• Develop innovative approaches to solving nutrition problems, plan and evaluate nutrition programs in the U.S. and overseas, and serve as consultants;
  Courses -- CHSC Courses: 6120,6220,6610
  
• Monitor and evaluate food systems from the perspectives of both management and
  nutrition;
  Courses -- CHSC Courses: 6610,6770
  
• Describe the major stages of the policy cycle, including the manner in which public policies affecting the food supply and nutritional status of the U.S. population are formulated and implemented;
  Courses -- CHSC6770
  
• Explain current U.S. policy efforts in the areas of dietary guidance, food labeling, food safety, food assistance, food access, food production, and food marketing;
  Courses -- CHSC6770
  

Admissions Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements of the school, the applicant’s career goals must be consonant with the educational objectives of the program, namely public health work centered in community programs.

Program Requirements

To meet the graduation requirements, the student will complete no less than 45 academic credits. The program requires the satisfactory completion of the school's core courses and the courses required by the Department of Community Health Sciences.

SPHTM Core Requirements (18 credits)

CHS Department Requirements (9 credits)

MPH in Nutrition Requirements (11 credits)

One of these two courses:

All of the following courses:

Nutrition Electives (at least 5 credits from any of the following):

Sample Course Schedule

Click here to see a sample course schedule

Practicum

A 300-hour advanced field experience (practicum) that allows students to develop competencies in advanced practice skills, under the direction of a qualified preceptor in the practice setting, is required. This practicum should focus on developing advanced leadership skills in public health disciplines. The advisor works with each student to develop measurable learning objectives prior to their practicum experience. Self assessment and reflection as well as assessment of teams, peers and supervisors are important skills in future public health leaders.

Culminating Experience (info about, options, and examples)

Students in the Department of Community Health Sciences can choose one of two options for their culminating experience:

1. Public Health Analysis
2. Comprehensive Examination

Public Health Analysis

The Public Health Analysis is an in-depth written report that considers a topic of relevance to public health practice. It involves a thorough review of the literature, discussion, and recommendations for public health policy and practice. The content and format of the report are described in school and departmental guideline documents.

Comprehensive Examination

The Comprehensive Examination consists of two parts: Part A – a school-wide examination based on core competencies, as well as cross-cutting competencies, established by the American Schools of Public Health; and Part B – a departmental-specific examination based on principles and concepts of Community Health Sciences, as covered in the required departmental core courses.

Additional Information

Graduation will also be contingent upon successfully completing a two-part comprehensive exam:  Part I to be administered by SPHTM and based on competencies acquired through the school core; Part II to be administered by CHS and based on competencies acquired through the required departmental core.

School of Public Health Handbooks and Guides

Additional Information for all CHS MPH Programs

For more information, contact: Zarie Riley, 504-988-6596, lhodges@tulane.edu.