Are you interested in a public health career that enables you to make a difference through Nutrition? The MPH degree is the professional degree that prepares degree holders to solve public health issues and related health problems at home or abroad. A Master of Public Health MPH Nutrition will equip you with the skills needed to succeed in a variety of environments, including local, state or national public health agencies and domestic and global health organizations.
If you are interested in becoming more marketable in the growing field of Public Health Nutrition, check out these Top 10 Master of Public Health in Nutrition programs to find one that fits your career and educational goals. This list of the Top 10 MPH Nutrition programs can help guide you to the degree program that will help you get started in this exciting field. Nutritional Science students seeking this MPH Nutrition degree are not required to be a registered dietitian, but typically have a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Read on to find a program that meets your academic and career goals.
Methodology for Ranking the Top MPH in Nutrition Degrees
The public health nutrition programs in this list are taken out of an initial pool of 29 accredited Master of Public Health in Nutrition programs. Each program is a Nutrition concentration, and may be called something slightly different from one program to another, such as an MPH in Nutrition, Public Health Nutrition, Global Public Health, or Nutritional Sciences.
Rankings for the Top 10 MPH in Nutrition programs were developed using an initial pool of schools from the College Navigator website. The 29 schools in the initial pool were accredited by the CEPH (Council of Education for Public Health) and listed on the CEPH website. Schools were excluded if their MPH program was not accredited by the CEPH. Programs were ranked based on national recognition, unique program traits and tuition cost. Tuition costs posted here are from the College Navigator website and are used for comparison purposes. Official tuition costs should be confirmed by students with their school of interest. Information for program profiles was acquired from school websites.
- #1 University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
- #2 University of California, Berkely, CA
- #3 University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- #4 University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
- #5 University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- #6 Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
- #7 University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- #8 Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
- #9 George Washington University, Washington, DC
- #10 Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
#10. Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
MPH in Nutrition
Tuition $59,000
This Master of Public Health in Nutrition degree is a 45-credit MPH program that emphasizes the social and environmental health determinants of nutrition and food security. Public health nutritional science students graduate understanding how to address these issues through population nutritional status assessment, community nutrition action, health promotion programs, and food and nutrition policies. Graduates can expect to have the skills to participate professionally in health programs that address nutritional issues, and to have the tools needed to shape policies that address nutritional health and food security through nutritional programs. Students complete an Applied Practice Experience (APE), a supervised practicum experience to gain practical professional experience demonstrating attainment of public health core competencies. This program seeks to address Public Health Nutrition problems across a broad spectrum of contexts, and students learn to develop solutions that can be used in the realm of Public Health population health programs and policies.
#9. George Washington University, Washington, DC
MPH in Nutrition
Tuition $32,850
George Washington University’s Master of Public Health (MPH) Public Health Nutrition program is designed to train the next generation of public health professionals to integrate Nutrition into all areas of public health practice. GWU MPH Public Health Nutrition program helps public health professionals to evaluate and utilize best nutrition related interventions in the community setting. Students entering this robust MPH Public Health Nutrition program have prerequisite requirements in nutritional sciences for those without an undergraduate degree in Nutrition. This on-campus 45-credit program includes a Practicum and Culminating Experience to graduate. To help students fit graduate school into their busy life, there are some flexible course offerings and students may take up to 15 credits online. Students engage in the Practicum through a planned, supervised, and evaluated work experience in a public health organization. The Culminating Experience is a capstone project reflecting an area of interest of human nutrition in professional practice. This Culminating Experience is an opportunity for faculty to evaluate student mastery of knowledge, as well as for students to network within the profession.
#8. Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
MPH in Nutrition
In-State Tuition $10,294
Out-of-State Tuition $ 23,018
Kansas State University’s MPH in Nutrition is a 42 credit program that promises to prepare Public Health professionals to apply human nutrition principles in evidence-based interventions, promoting healthy eating in populations and focusing on interactions between health and nutrition. Topics include obesity prevention, nutritional epidemiology and impacting health through nutritional sciences. Courses are offered in a flexible format including online, in-class, or a hybrid classes, but the degree cannot be completed entirely online. This program is geared toward those currently employed in Public Health or students anticipating a career in the Public Health field. Master of Public Health (MPH) degree candidates are required to complete an Applied Practice Experience (APE) at a public health practice organization. The APE is designed to bridge the academic preparation and public health practice, allowing students to apply nutritional sciences skills learned under the guidance of an experienced preceptor.
#7. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
MPH in Nutrition
In-State Tuition $24,902
Out-of-State Tuition $50,136
University of Michigan’s Master of Public Health (MPH) in Nutritional Sciences will be sure to boost your knowledge and skills, opening opportunities in the exciting field of human nutrition. Applicants to this program should express a robust interest in science and health, with an undergraduate degree in basic or applied science with course work in biology, physiology, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, and calculus. Students with a non-science undergraduate degree may apply but must complete required prerequisites. There are two focus areas available within this MPH in Nutritional Sciences: Sustainable Food Systems and Maternal and Child Nutrition. A summer internship requirement provides students with the opportunity to apply theory and public health principles while developing and expanding professional skills and competencies. Through the internship experience, students explore areas of interest, becoming acquainted with organizations engaged in Nutritional Sciences-related work.
#6. Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
MPH in Nutrition
In-State tuition $18,180
Out-of State tuition $30,900
This 45 credit Master of Public Health (MPH) in Public Health Nutrition promises to prepare students to improve nutrition and health in local and global health populations. With dietary risk factors making a major contribution to the worldwide burden of disease, diet contributes to undernutrition, overweight, obesity, and diet related diseases. This innovative MPH in Public Health Nutrition trains nutritional science students to become professionals with skills to assess nutritional and dietary needs of communities and design and evaluate programs and policies to address those needs. Students are required to complete a practicum, providing students with the opportunity to develop communication skills, project management and problem-solving skills utilizing public health methods, principles and techniques. This hands-on experience promotes career exploration and networking within the Public Health field. The Capstone requirement provides opportunity for the MPH candidate to demonstrate competency in the field of Public Health. This program is offered in partnership with the Department of Clinical and Preventative Nutrition Sciences at the Rutgers School of Health Professionals.
#5. University of Washington, Seattle, WA
MPH in Nutrition
In-State Tuition $16,605
Out-of-State Tuition $29,763
University of Washington MPH in Nutritional Science graduates are recognized as strong candidates for positions in community nutrition settings with state and local public health agencies, USDA Extension programs, and anti-hunger organizations, as well as wellness programs in a variety of settings including global health. The MPH coursework and fieldwork and practicum experiences provide hands-on experience to develop in foundational competencies that include evidence-based approaches to public health, planning and management to promote health, policy, leadership, and systems thinking. MPH graduates are prepared to design and manage population-based nutrition in the community programs and services in a variety of settings. Students are required to complete a Capstone Project or a thesis for graduation. Graduates of this top MPH in Nutritional Sciences program are able to translate knowledge and skills from their program to evidence-based public health nutrition practice in the workplace.
#4. University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
MPH in Nutrition
In-State tuition $14,014
Out-of-state tuition $30,572
This online Master of Public Health (MPH) in Nutrition is a 44-credit degree program that provides a flexible full time or part time format. This program aims to provide nutrition, public health, and health care professionals the opportunity to complete this valuable degree without leaving their responsibilities of work or home. With no on campus requirements, this top program may be the program to help advance your career while fitting in to your busy life. Courses are asynchronous, making it possible to log in when it’s convenient for you. Students may take one course per semester or as many as three, allowing to take time off if needed. Students complete core courses in public health as well as nutrition, complete a 200 hour practicum, and a 6 credit Independent Study Project to enhance and develop skills and network for professional development. If flexibility is what you need, this may be your ticket to further your career.
#3. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
MPH in Nutrition
In-State Tuition $17,844
Out-of-State Tuition $27,612
A MPH degree in Public Health Nutrition from University of Minnesota’s nationally recognized Public Health program will be sure to equip students with the skills needed in this growing field. This degree program is designed for students with an interest and commitment to health promotion and disease prevention through nutrition. This curriculum has a strong emphasis on nutrition policy, food access, community nutrition interventions and program planning, health disparities, health behavior change, nutrition assessment and healthy eating throughout the lifespan. Located in the University’s Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, this division houses Epidemiology, Public Health Nutrition, Maternal and Child Health, and Community Health. This interdisciplinary program approach and structure provides students with access to courses and faculty across disciplines, giving students the opportunity to specialize their training to meet individual interests and career aspirations. This MPH in Public Health Nutrition is available to students with or without a nutrition background, and requires 42 credits.
#2. University of California, Berkely, CA
MPH in Nutrition
In-State tuition $11,442
Out-of-State tuition $26,544
The UC Berkeley Public Health Nutrition Program trains MPH students with a concentration in Public Health Nutrition to be leaders in food and nutrition research, nutrition policy and practice, with the skills needed to identify both challenges and solutions in current and emerging public health nutrition. This 48 credit two-year, full-time MPH program from UC Berkeley can be completed over 4 academic semesters and one summer. The 12 week summer semester public health practice experience can be completed in a wide range of public health organizations and research institutions at home or abroad that promises to give students practical professional experience and direction. This Master of Public Health program provides students with the skills used to contribute to public health nutrition challenges, identify and advocate food policies, and lead the way to improve population nutrition and health. Unique to this program is UC Berkeley’s strong partnerships that provide opportunities to enhance academic coursework in hands-on experiences through jobs, internships, workshops, talks, and events. Partnerships with Berkeley Food Institute (BFI), Nutrition Policy Institute (NPI), Center for Global Public Health (CGPH), and Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Nutrition Training Programs, among others, provides a wealth of opportunity to help students develop skills and network for future employment possibilities.
#1. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
MPH in Nutrition
In-State tuition $10,552
Out-of-state tuition $28,844
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill’s top-rated Master of Public Health degree program offers a Nutrition concentration that promises to be rewarding. This MPH program with a concentration in Nutrition is a 42 credit program that provides students with the knowledge and skills to improve the health of individuals and communities at home and abroad. This program focuses on behavior change, communication, counseling and the effect of food culture on individuals and communities in addition to the science of nutrition. MPH candidates in the Nutrition concentration will graduate with the skills to understand and assess scientific evidence for nutrition guidelines, communicate nutrition information to the public, evaluate social, cultural and environmental factors on nutrition related outcomes, and practice within federal and state regulations. Students will become proficient in writing evidence based nutrition related consumer communications in multiple media platforms. This program begins in the fall and is offered in a residential format that typically takes 2 years full-time to complete. Students are required to complete a practicum to further solidify interests and career direction.
FAQ on MPH in Nutrition Degree Programs
Why get an MPH in Nutrition?
People with the MPH in Public Health Nutrition are prepared to investigate community nutritional needs. The Public Health Nutritionist uses nutritional assessments and interventions to improve community health while taking into consideration cultural factors. Many work for private or governmental agencies. A MPH prepares students with foundational knowledge to work with a variety of population groups to make a difference in things like food policy, improving food intake in population groups, increasing physical activity, and even improve behavioral health.
Where can someone with a MPH in Nutrition work?
Professionals with an MPH in Nutrition may work in nutrition programs in local or state government agencies, non-profit health organizations, or other policy development, or research organizations dealing with program design, implementation, and program evaluation. Public health nutritionists have a background in health sciences, nutritional science, environmental health, behavioral science and health, biological sciences, food science, nutrition epidemiology, and more, making them good candidates for using leadership skills and developing food policy, nutritional guidelines and many other things.
Is there a professional organization for Public Health Nutritionists?
The American Public Health Association (APHA) is the professional organization for Public Health professionals. You can find them at www.apha.org. This professional organization provides important information about the profession as well as professional development opportunities.
Can a Public Health Nutritionist also be a Registered Dietitian?
They may or may not be. Dietitians must have a designation as a Licensed Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN). The programs listed do not lead to the licensing with the RDN designation, and dietetic registration is not required.
Are there some MPH in Nutrition programs that do lead to the RDN license?
There are very specific requirements that lead to licensure of RDN’s. There are some school of public health programs that combine the MPH with the RDN didactic program and internship, including: University of North Carolina, University of Minnesota, University of South Florida, Loma Linda University, NYU, University of Massachusetts and University of Washington. These programs meet requirements of an accreditation council. Check out www.eatright.org to investigate your options to become a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist. Nutritional sciences students who earn their designation as a registered dietitian may find some interesting job opportunities.
What if these MPH in Nutrition schools are too far for me to commute to?
Investigate school of public health programs offering remote study options. Speak to your school of interest about graduate student housing, scholarship opportunities and how to meet your academic goals. Focus on your goals and look for ways to accomplish them. Exhaust the possibilities to find a way to make your MPH in Nutrition a reality.
What is an entry-level payscale for a professional with a MPH in Nutrition?
There is a wide range of salaries that you can expect to earn in the field of public health nutrition. There are many factors determining payscale including geographical location, place of employment, and previous experience. Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics at BLS.Gov can help give you more information regarding payscale in your area of interest.
How can I finance my MPH in Nutrition degree?
Graduate school is very often financed through a variety of methods that may include loans, scholarships, savings, employer financing, research fellowships or teaching assistantships. Talk to your school of public health of interest about your goals and financial needs to determine your financial aid package. Some financial aid may be for full time students only.
Will an MPH in Nutrition really make a difference in the world’s health today?
In the last 100 years, public health initiatives have added 25 years to the life expectancy of people in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control, public health’s greatest health improvements in the last century include: Workplace safety, infectious disease control, food safety, mother-baby health, decline in death from heart disease and stroke, motor vehicle safety, immunizations, family planning, fluoridated drinking water, and the health dangers of tobacco use. What health initiatives will make this next century a healthier one in the US and abroad? What role will you play once you complete your Master of Public Health in Nutrition? Public Health nutrition students can expect to make a difference with their public health master degree, and people who study nutrition will always be needed.
This concludes our ranking of the Top 10 MPH in Nutrition Degree Programs.
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By Carol Dolan BS RN BSN CDE
Updated January 2023
Carol graduated with her BS in Nutrition from Montclair State University and her BSN in Nursing from Rowan University. She is a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) currently working with adults and children living with diabetes in both outpatient and inpatient settings.