MPH in Public Health Nutrition

The Masters of Public Health in Public Health Nutrition provides interdisciplinary training in public health and nutritional sciences to prepare graduates for careers as public health nutritionists in public health practice, governmental agencies, academic institutions, health care systems and the private sector. Graduates of the MPH Nutrition program participate in policy analysis, program development and both the design and management of population-based community nutrition interventions. The degree requires coursework in nutritional sciences, epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health and health services. Successful completion of the MPH requires a practicum, and a research-based master’s thesis.

Learning Objectives: Upon satisfactory completion of a MPH in Nutritional Sciences, graduates will be able to:

1. Meet the competencies established by the School of Public Health for the MPH degree.
2. Meet the competencies established by the Nutritional Sciences Program for all Nutritional Sciences students. (See the Graduate Student Portfolio for more information).
3. Describe human nutrient requirements and their relationship to metabolic pathways and physiological function.
4. Assess the nutritional status of individuals and groups.
5. Describe how nutritional factors across the lifespan affect etiology, incidence, and prevalence of major diseases, quality of life, and productivity at work and school in the population.
6. Describe the process, rationale and issues related to establishing nutrient requirements and dietary guidance for the population.
7. Identify the political, economic, and social processes that influence the development, evaluation, implementation, financing, and advocacy for policies and programs that improve the public's nutritional health.
8. Describe the public health nutrition system in the United States.
9. Plan, manage and evaluate population-based nutrition interventions, programs and/or initiatives.
10. Apply appropriate research methodologies (critically evaluate literature, study design, statistical analysis) according to area of interest and career goals.
11. Apply conceptual models of evidence-based approaches to promoting nutritional health.

Please remember to visit your advisor at least once/quarter to make sure you are on track with your degree. Have the Graduate Program Assistant do a degree audit for you the quarter before you graduate to ensure that you have satisfied all degree requirements.

MPH Degree Requirements in Nutritional Sciences

NOTE: If you began the program prior to 2009, you may refer to your student handbook or see Carey for your particular degree requirements.

Useful MPH Links

Graduate School Home Page
Master's Degree Request
Link to Time Schedule
Academic Calendar
MPH Fieldwork Information
MPH Nutrition Practicum
School of Public Health
Proposal for Independent Study Registration (NUTR 537, 600, 700, 800) (aka "Goldenrod")
Grants and Funding Information Service
Washington State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Updated June 7, 2013