Summary
The Nutrition (NUT) field of study strives to improve human health through better nutrition and lifestyle. Students in the NUT field of study use research to increase understanding of how diet influences health at the molecular and population levels. Nutrition at the Harvard Chan School prepares researchers and practitioners to develop nutritional strategies, inform public policy, and disseminate nutrition information to health professionals and the public.
Department overview
The Department of Nutrition was established in 1942 as the first nutritional department of its kind in any medical or health center worldwide. The NUT Department contributes towards an understanding of biological mechanisms underlying the effects of nutrition metabolism and health.
Degree programs
Student interests
Students who choose Nutrition (NUT) are passionate about strategies to develop, analyze, evaluate, and translate data from interventions, programs, and policies typically used in public health nutrition.
NUT students are interested in incorporating the roles of diet and lifestyle, how they interact with genetic factors, and the cause or prevention of public obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, reproductive disorders, and other health conditions.
Career outcomes
Students who choose the Master of Public Health (MPH) in Nutrition (NUT) participate in the summer practicum experience, which often opens up career opportunities with local organizations.
Graduates of the MPH program have found employment as:
- Research analysts at consulting firms
- Program coordinators at community-based organizations
- Project directors at city, state, and federal health commissions
- Leadership positions at non-profit organizations
Graduates of the PhD programs have found employment in:
- Postdoctoral positions
- Tenure-track faculty positions
- Management/research positions at government agencies