Note: We will be pausing admissions to the MPH-65 in nutrition for one year as part of a planning review of our curriculum.
Acquire skills in nutrition practice, policy, and communication along with foundational knowledge in nutritional science, epidemiology, and public health.
The Harvard Chan School offers a Master of Public Health (MPH)-65 degree that explores the role nutrition plays in the health and well-being of the world’s populations from a variety of vantage points; recognizing the vast array of influences on diet, nutrition, and health—including environmental, socioeconomic, political, and cultural factors.
Core coursework (totaling 65 credits) emphasizes methodological strategies to develop, analyze, and evaluate interventions, programs, and policies typically used in public health nutrition and will be reinforced in unique practicum projects.
As a student in this program, you will:
Choose from a variety of electives tailored to your personal career goals. Focused areas of interest may include: nutrition policy, health disparities, nutrition epidemiology, global health, social and behavioral sciences, and environmental sustainability. You may also develop your own focused area of interest.
Complete a unique practicum experience to apply knowledge and skills obtained in the program to create a project that has real-world application.
Practicum topics cover a variety of interests, such as culinary nutrition, national school and feeding programs, community nutrition, and global health. Topics may also involve opportunities within Harvard-affiliated teaching hospitals.
Apply critical reading skills to enhance your ability to effectively communicate and translate nutrition information to the public, in the workplace, and in the media.
Watch below: Two Harvard Chan representatives answer questions about the MPH program.
Program Overview
Course Name
Course ID
Credit
Year 1 Fall
Core Principles of Biostatistics and Epidemiology for Public Health Practice
ID 201
7.5
Core Foundations for Public Health
ID 100
1.0
Core Short Course Sequence
MPH 101 – 105
5.25
Introduction to Nutrition Science
NUT 200
2.5
Introduction to Public Health and Nutrition
NUT 201
2.5
Nutrition Seminar, Part I
NUT 203
1.25
Year 1 Spring
Nutrition Seminar, Part II
NUT 206
1.25
The Biological Basis of Human Nutrition
NUT 202
5.0
Nutrition Translation and Behavior Changes (Spring I)
NUT 213
2.5
Practicum course, part 1 – Core sessions
NUT965s
1.25
Summer
Practicum
Year 2 Fall
Design. & Eval. Behav. Interv. Targeting Diet & PA
NUT 232
5.0
Practicum course, part 2 – Field of Study sessions (Fall I)
NUT965f
1.25
Additional Courses
Area of Interest (3 courses)
Various
7.5 – 15
Electives
Various
13.75 – 21.25
Total Credits
65
The course schedule for the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is accessible through my.harvard Course Search. To view courses, select the “Harvard Chan School” button under browse courses, or use the search bar and filters.
Additional Information About Required Courses
Core program required courses (13.75 credits)
ID 201 Introduction to Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Fall 1st year (7.5)
ID 100 Foundations for Public Health, Summer – Fall 1 1st year (1.0)
MPH 101-105 Core Course Sequence, varies (5.25)
MPH Practicum course and Integrative Learning Experience (7.5 credits)
NUT 965s Practicum course, Part I, Spring 1st year (1.25)
Practicum, Summer after 1st year
NUT 965f Practicum course, part II, Fall of 2nd year (1.25)
NUT232 Designing and Eval. Behavioral Interventions Targeting Diet & Physical Activity – Integrative Learning Experience (ILE), Fall of 2nd year (5.0)
Nutrition required courses (17.5 credits)
NUT 200 Introduction to Nutrition Science, Fall 1st year (2.5)
NUT 201 Introduction to Public Health and Nutrition, Fall 1st year (2.5)
NUT 202 The Biological Basis of Human Nutrition, Spring 1st year (5.0)
NUT 203 Nutrition Seminar Part I, Fall 1st year (2.5)
NUT 206 Nutrition Seminar Part II, Spring 1st year (2.5)
NUT 213 Nutrition Translation and Behavior Changes, Spring 1st year (2.5)
Area of Interest, 3 courses of shared interest (7.5 – 15 credits)
Examples of topics and courses are available (or students can create their own). A total of 3 courses are required to meet the Area of Interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should apply to this program?
The MPH-65 program in Nutrition is suitable for those both early in their careers or established in their careers, who wish to develop or further their expertise in nutrition. Prospective students will need to meet the following criteria:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Most successful applicants will have achieved a grade point average of 3.0 and above (out of a 4.0 requirement)
At least two years of post-baccalaureate work
Previous coursework in the biological sciences is preferred but not required
What kind of careers could students pursue after graduation?
The MPH-65 program in Nutrition prepares those early in their careers for positions across a broad spectrum, ranging from state and local agencies to federal and international public health agencies; non-governmental organizations; non-profit and charitable organizations or donor-aid agencies; the health care industry; the food industry; as well as entrepreneurship or research coordination.
Sample Employers for MPH Nutrition Graduates May Include:
State and Local Agencies (ie. WIC)
Federal Public Health Agencies (USDA, FDA, CDC, NIH, etc)
International Public Health Agencies (WHO, USAID)
Non-Government Agencies
Non-Profit Organizations
Charitable Organizations
Health Care Industry
Academia/Research (study coordinator role)
Food Industry
Entrepreneurship
Sample Job Titles for MPH Nutrition Graduates May Include:
SNAP-Ed Educator
WIC Nutritionist or Director
Community Health Nutritionist
Extension Specialist
Farm to School Coordinator
Food Policy Director
Nutrition Epidemiologist
Nutrition Educator
Nutrition Communications Specialist
Nutrition Specialist
Nutrition Officer
Program Manager
Technical Advisor
Project Manager
Program Manager
Health Promotion Disease Prevention Coordinator
Study Coordinator
Food Labeling Specialist
Worksite Wellness Director
Health Improvement Project Manager
Program Coordinator
Food and Nutrition Consultant
Food and Nutrition Journalist/Author
Study Manager
Policy Director
Nutrition Policy Advocate
Food and Nutrition Analyst
Nutrition Scientist
Manager of Nutrition Services
Community Health Nutritionist
Food and Nutrition Advisor
Public Health Nutritionist
Director of Health and Nutrition
Childhood Obesity Prevention Fellow
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tufts University, University of Minnesota, George Washington University
How long will the program take to complete?
The program is typically full-time, and runs for 1.5 years (3 semesters), starting in September, and concluding in December of the following year. Students will complete their practicum during the summer.
Will I have an academic advisor?
Yes, upon entry to the program, each student will be paired with a Harvard-affiliated advisor who will provide academic guidance and assist them with course selection. Students may also be able to work with other faculty based on their interests.
What funding is available for master’s degree students?
