Master of Public Health in Nutrition
Acquire in-depth training in the areas of nutrition, dietetics and public health with the Master of Public Health (MPH) in Nutrition in Temple’s College of Public Health. Through this 48-credit, 21-month graduate program, students will become eligible to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) exam. The curriculum includes a combination of coursework focused primarily in clinical, food service and community nutrition, and hands-on, professional learning in the field.
The Nutrition MPH program provides a unique public health lens for improving the nutrition of individuals and communities, particularly in urban settings and populations affected by health disparities. Nutrition is a major component of public health and an important field of study for chronic disease prevention efforts. The Nutrition MPH’s unique curriculum also allows students to develop knowledge and understanding of
- food science as it pertains to food and nutrition product development and when making modifications to food;
- food in the development and management of disease;
- microbiology and food safety;
- nutrient metabolism and the environmental, social and psychological aspects of eating and food;
- pathophysiology and nutritional biochemistry in relation to physiology, health and disease;
- the impact of complementary and integrative nutrition on drugs, disease, health and wellness; and
- the principles of cultural competence within a professional’s own practice and when directing services.
You’ll form a deep understanding of the factors that shape and impact population health through courses that explore topics such as cultural and community nutrition, issues in public health, and the political and economic aspects of health, as well as biostatistics and epidemiology. Graduates will be prepared for positions working in community organizations, hospitals and international nutrition programs, as well as local, state and federal government health departments.
What sets apart the Nutrition MPH?
- A unique curriculum. The program’s innovative curriculum focuses on public health training through experiential learning in the classroom and at sites such as community-based organizations, schools, government organizations and nonprofits.
- Emphasis on outcomes. The curriculum is specifically tailored so that students who earn the MPH are eligible to sit for the RD exam. Graduates will meet a pressing need for trained public health professionals who can deliver comprehensive nutrition care. Graduates are also prepared to design and evaluate programs that address public health disparities.
- Distinguished faculty. All courses are led by faculty with expertise in public health and nutrition. Fieldwork placements are coordinated through the College of Public Health’s Office of Clinical Practice and Field Education, which has existing relationships with clinical and community organizations and expertise in developing and cultivating these relationships.
Why choose a Nutrition MPH?
Registered dietitians are uniquely qualified to work in clinical, food service and public health settings. Within the context of disease prevention and treatment, registered dietitians are the only healthcare professionals who receive standardized training in evidence-informed nutrition. Graduates will be prepared for positions that
- assess the nutritional needs of various community populations;
- oversee government-funded food and nutrition programs in places such as the American Psychological Association Office on Aging or School Food Service;
- oversee retail nutrition programs;
- provide nutritional support for hospital patients;
- provide nutrition education in health professional programs, such as nursing;
- provide nutrition information for government-funded programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education; and
- provide outpatient nutrition counseling.
Program Format & Curriculum
The Nutrition MPH program is available in person on Temple’s Main Campus. Students may take up to three academic years to complete the program.
The curriculum comprises 18 courses and 1000 hours of supervised experiential learning in the field. It includes core MPH courses that are required for all MPH students, as well as eight nutrition courses. Students must have completed two semesters of chemistry, two semesters of biology, one semester of organic chemistry, one semester of biochemistry, one semester of anatomy and physiology, and one nutrition course before the start of the program.
To provide greater flexibility for students, the program offers a select number of online courses during the summer semester. As students complete their supervised experiential learning in off-campus sites throughout the greater Philadelphia area, summer courses may be offered in an online format to reduce the burden of travel. Students are expected to attend all synchronous, online class sessions and participate in class discussions and activities.
Sample core courses you are likely to take as part of the Nutrition MPH curriculum include the following.
- Cultural and Community Nutrition
- Medical Nutrition Therapy
- Nutrition Through the Lifecycle
Learn more about required courses within the Nutrition MPH curriculum.
To find more information about the requirements and process for becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist, program expenses (e.g., books), credit for prior learning, required clearances, graduation requirements, the program schedule and additional program policies, view the Nutrition MPH student handbook (PDF).