Degrees Offered

Shauna Sadowski (AFE '05) presenting her paper on fair trade coffee at a conference in Washington DC.

Degrees Offered
Who is Eligible
How to Apply

Master of Science

The curriculum includes core courses in nutrition science, food and environmental policy, and research skills. Each student completes a specialization (three to five courses), a field internship, and a self-designed directed study project. A total of 15 one-credit courses are required for the M.S. degree. Learning objectives:

• To develop a breadth of understanding of agricultural science and policy issues related to soil, energy, air, water, plant breeding, plant nutrients, livestock production, pest management, and forestry
• To develop in-depth expertise on one area of AFE through specialized class work (e.g., water resources policy, local food systems, animal welfare, etc.)
• To develop sophisticated knowledge of the policymaking process
• To understand historical and current aspects of U.S. agricultural production, policy initiatives, and structures
• To develop competency in statistical methods and data analysis
• To develop basic knowledge of nutrition science
• To become a critical thinker, with advanced research, analysis, and writing skills

Doctor of Philosophy

Students enrolled in the doctoral program must have completed courses equivalent to the AFE master's degree at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy or elsewhere. Students in the doctoral program must pass a written and oral qualifying examination, and then complete and formally defend a doctoral dissertation based on original research. Learning objectives:

• To become proficient in study design, hypothesis development, and statistical analysis
• To become proficient in presentation (oral and written) and publication of research findings
• To command a sophisticated understanding of relationships connecting agriculture, food and the environment
• To become conversant in the breadth of scientific and policy knowledge related to agriculture, food, and environmental issues

Combined Degree and Certificate Programs: MALD, MPH, UEP, WSSS

Students enrolled in combined degree programs complete all the requirements for both degrees, but by counting selected courses towards both programs, they reduce the total time required for completion. Students must be admitted independently to each program. Our combined degree programs allow formal recognition of students emphasizing these additional areas of study, greater depth of professional preparation, and opportunities to make connections with students and faculty members in other related programs.

• A combined degree program with the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy results in both the Master of Science in Nutrition and a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (MALD).
• A combined degree program with Tufts University's School of Medicine leads to the Master of Science in Nutrition and the Master of Public Health (MPH).
• A combined degree program with Tufts University's Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning results in both the Master of Science in Nutrition and a Master of Arts in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning.

Students may also earn a professional certificate in the Water: Systems, Science and Society (WSSS) program—an exciting new offering at Tufts University, providing multidisciplinary perspectives and tools to manage water-related problems. Students must be accepted by and obtain their graduate degrees from an existing school or department in order to be eligible for the WSSS certification.

Who is Eligible

AFE students during a field trip to Smith Country Cheese in Winchendon, MA.

Students are attracted to the AFE Program at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy because they understand the importance of creating food production and supply systems that do not degrade the natural environment or host communities, and want to be a part of the solutions to systematic food supply problems. Students apply with varied academic and professional backgrounds in areas such as agriculture, biology, environmental studies, political science, economics, business, and nutrition. Most students enter the program with applicable work experience—typically two to four years—which contributes to elevated and rich classroom discussion. To be eligible, applicants must have completed a minimum of one course in human biology or general chemistry. Prior coursework in nutrition and economics is recommended, but not required.

Get to know more about the program through profiles of recent AFE students.

How to Apply

Before you apply, please examine the prerequisites for each program of study.

Application instructions and deadlines are available as part of our online application. The online application includes the personal statement, official transcripts, GRE and TOEFL scores, application fee and three letters of recommendation.

Applicants to the Combined Dietetic Internship / Master's Degree program need to apply via the matching process conducted by D&D Digital Systems. Read further instructions for admissions to this program.

Admissions Timeline and Deadlines

The priority admissions application deadline for the Friedman School is January 15th for the Fall semester and October 15 for the Spring semester. Applications received after this deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Eligibility for admission and scholarships will depend upon availability. International students are encouraged to apply before the priority deadline.

The application deadline for the Combined Master of Science/Dietetic Internship program is February 15th. For the Master of Arts in Humanitarian Assistance, the application deadline is February 28th.

Applicants will be notified of the admissions committees action on their application as soon as a decision has been made.

Interviews

Interviews are not required, but are recommended.

After reviewing an applicant's file, the admissions committee will decide if a personal interview or telephone interview is warranted. If so, the applicant will be contacted to arrange a meeting time or to schedule a conference call.

Part-time Status

Students may choose to study part-time while continuing their jobs. Enrollment in two courses or fewer constitutes part-time status. (Full-time is three or four courses.) International students must be enrolled as full-time students.