MPH with Nutrition Emphasis/Concentration

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Master of Public Health (MPH) in Nutrition at Northern Arizona University (NAU) prepares students for professional practice in public health and applied research settings, as well as for further academic study in public health-related fields. The program emphasizes the planning, implementation, and evaluation of health programs and policies, aiming to equip public health professionals to address the health needs of Northern Arizona and beyond. Students gain knowledge and skills in biostatistics, epidemiology, public health research, program planning and evaluation, health policy and management, and environmental health.

The Nutrition concentration specifically focuses on public health nutrition, culinary arts, food service management, and clinical nutrition. It is designed for students aspiring to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs).

This program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) and the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) .

Delivery Modes

The MPH Nutrition program is a 24-month residential program delivered on the Flagstaff Mountain campus. Students progress through coursework in a cohort model.

While primarily on-campus, some courses during the summer and supervised experiential learning rotations are provided as asynchronous online courses (HS 511, HS 572, HS 698, NTS 657), indicating a hybrid component to the delivery.

Curriculum Overview

The program requires a total of 65 units for completion. The curriculum is structured with 27 units of Health Sciences Common Coursework, 26 units of Nutrition Common Coursework, and 12 units of Supervised Practice Experience. At least 24 units must be formal letter-graded coursework.

Core knowledge areas include biostatistics, epidemiology, public health research, program planning and evaluation, health policy and management, and environmental health. Student learning outcomes are aligned with CEPH competencies.

Significant emphasis is placed on experiential learning, including a required Fieldwork Experience/Internship, individualized research, an Integrated Learning Experience (graduate project aligned with public health concentration), and an Applied Practice Experience. Supervised experiential learning is incorporated throughout the program and culminates in rotations during the final six months.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution (or its international equivalent) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of 'C' or better:

• One semester of general chemistry (minimum 3 units)

• One semester of organic chemistry (minimum 3 units)

• One semester of anatomy and physiology (minimum 3 units)

• One semester of microbiology (minimum 3 units)

• One semester of an introductory nutrition course (minimum 3 units)

• One semester course in food safety and sanitation (minimum 3 units) or proof of a current ServSafe® certification

• One semester of an introductory or basic statistics course (minimum 3 units)

• One semester of biochemistry (minimum 3 units) is a prerequisite for NTS 550 and must be completed prior to the start of the first spring semester.

Application materials must be submitted by January 15th via both the NAU Office of Graduate and Professional Studies (OGPS) admission website and the Dietetic Internship Central Application Services (DICAS). Components include:

• NAU OGPS application and fee

• DICAS application and fee

• Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended

• Resume or curriculum vitae

• Personal statement (one to two pages) detailing academic focus, professional goals, and alignment with the MPH Nutrition program

• Supplemental question (DICAS application only) regarding understanding of public health and its importance for dietitians

• Three letters of recommendation (at least one faculty, one supervisor/manager)

• Supplemental application materials if applicable (e.g., proof of enrollment in pending prerequisites, ServSafe® certification).

The GRE is not required. International applicants have additional requirements, including proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS), and applications submitted after January 15 will not be evaluated.

Career & Practical Experience

The program prepares graduates for careers as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and other public health professions. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Examination.

Supervised experiential learning is a core component, integrated via classroom-based simulation, collaborative projects, and rotations in clinical nutrition, foodservice management, and public health during the final six months. Sites may be up to one hour's drive from Flagstaff. Possible placements include:

• Clinical Nutrition: Flagstaff Medical Center, Fresenius Renal Care, US Renal Care, Summit Healthcare, Verde Valley Medical Center, Tuba City Regional Health Care, Whiteriver Indian Hospital, Winslow Indian Health Care Clinic, On the Brink Nutrition, Spectrum Nutrition.

• Foodservice Management: Aspire Transitional Care, Coconino County Senior Services (Congregate Meals/Meals on Wheels), Flagstaff Medical Center, NAU Campus Dining (Sodexo), Flagstaff Unified School District, The Bluffs of Flagstaff Senior Living.

• Public Health Nutrition: Coconino County WIC, AM Nutrition, Coconino County SNAP-ED, Coconino County Senior Services, Flagstaff Community Market, Inspire, Native Americans for Community Action, Evolve Nutrition.