Balance graduate studies with career. Become a nutrition leader. Advance public health nutrition in community settings.
The Master of Science in Nutrition with a concentration in Public Health Nutrition and the Graduate Certificate of Practice in Public Health Nutrition are online programs designed to provide exceptional training by experienced faculty to prepare graduates for excellence in public health nutrition.
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Nutrition with a concentration in Public Health Nutrition helps students develop, implement, and evaluate nutrition, health promotion, and chronic disease prevention programs designed for an array of populations – along with inspiring independent thought and providing landmark knowledge in food, wellness and public health from local to global levels.
The Master’s of Science in Nutrition, Concentration in Public Health Nutrition, is a 39-hour, two-year graduate program which emphasizes public health nutrition leadership and management along with a focus on research, epidemiology and completion of a PHN capstone project.
Graduates are well-positioned for leadership opportunities in government at all levels, the nonprofit sector, public health agencies, school districts and educational institutions, and many other venues.
The program curriculum is designed to meet suggested competencies for public health nutritionists as recognized by the Association of Graduate Programs for Public Health Nutrition (http://agpphn.org) and the World Public Health Nutrition Association (http://wphna.org).
Student Testimonial
Career Outcomes
With the increasing emphasis on how nutrition can impact health, new career opportunities are emerging for professionals trained in public health nutrition and community health.
Program alumni excel in diverse public health nutrition careers, including:
- Community and public health agencies at the local, state, national and international levels.
- Non-governmental agencies, foundations, and advocacy groups providing food systems and nutrition expertise
- Private sector in corporate wellness programs, food banks, and other health-related community organizations, food and nutrition journalists
Potential Career Paths:
- Director of Food and Nutrition services
- Leadership roles in Cooperative Extension
- Nutrition Epidemiologist
- Public Health Department Manager
- School Nutrition and Food Service Director
- WIC or SNAP Director
- Worksite Wellness Director
- Population Health Specialist
- Leadership roles in Sustainable Agriculture, Food Safety or Supply Chain Management
- Program Specialist, USDA or other government agencies
- Nutrition Educator, Nutrition Communications
Why Choose App State?
- Flexibility -- The online program offers flexibility to assist professionals balancing education with work and their personal lives.
- Rolling Admissions -- Students can begin the program at the start of any academic term.
- Professional Opportunities -- Students will receive mentorship from experienced faculty with expertise in public health nutrition practice and research, and have opportunities to network with other public health nutrition leaders at annual events. Professional organizational memberships are offered free to students.
Core Courses
- Introduction to Community and Public Health
- Health & Disease
- Effective Rural Practice for Health Professionals
- Life Cycle Nutrition for Public Health Nutrition Professionals
- Public Health Nutrition Leadership and Practice
- Research Methods in Nutrition*
- Statistics for Health Care Administration*
- Community and International Health Assessment*
- Foundations of the U.S. Health Care System*
- Environmental Health*
- Diet, Obesity, and Disease*
- Capstone Seminar*
- Capstone Project*
*Master’s degree course
Research Spotlight
Addressing Health Disparities in Rural Nutrition Practice: A Qualitative Model from Rural Appalachia
Research conducted by Drs. Melissa Gutschall and Kyle Thompson, along with Ellen Lawrence, RD, an Appalachian State University Master of Science in Nutrition alumna, was published in 2017 in the Journal of Hunger and Environmental Nutrition.
The study used a mixed methods design to explore factors that affect food choices and nutrition care in rural Appalachian populations. Interviews and focus groups were conducted among a sample of rural practitioners (10), graduate dietetics students (10), and residents (10), and all participants completed descriptive questionnaires. Identified themes and subthemes were incorporated into 4 components depicted by the rural health nutrition care model: 1) Access and resources; 2) sociocultural characteristics; 3) traditional foods; and 4) health behaviors. Results were verified by participants. The 4 components were incorporated into a Rural Health Nutrition Practice Model (RHNPM).
The investigators hope that improved understanding of factors that affect nutrition care of rural Appalachian people can enhance cultural competence for nutrition practitioners who work with these populations. Drs. Gutschall and Thompson are currently engaged in further research designed to expand the usefulness of the RHNPM with other rural populations.
How to Apply
Application Requirements
- Apply to Appalachian State University's Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies
- Draft a personal statement outlining your professional goals, interests, and motivation for starting the program
- Resume
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Three letters of reference pertaining to academic ability, professional competence and personal character
- Pre-requisites: Medical Terminology and Introduction to Nutrition - will be determined if needed by the program director at time of application.