The Master of Nutrition Science and Policy (MNSP) degree program is designed for health professionals, career-changers, and recent graduates who are passionate about nutrition, and who seek a world-class program without having to disrupt their life or career.
The program offers an interdisciplinary curriculum of advanced study in nutrition science, global and US food policy, global nutrition programs, and applied research skills. Students can also choose from a variety of elective courses, tailoring their study to their interests or career objectives.
Highly Flexible Blended Learning: Online + On Campus
The MNSP degree is the only nutrition program based in the U.S. that is taught in a combination of on-campus and online learning. You will engage with faculty in interactive online learning each semester, but you'll also gather for 1-week in Boston for face-to-face time. This structure allows you to maintain your career and live where you choose, all while building meaningful relationships and networks with peers and faculty.
Why This Program?
- No relocation required for a best-in-class master's program
- Remain in your current career while pursuing higher education
- Join the program full-time or part-time
- Starting in 2024, becoming a registered dietitian will require a master's degree
Why the Friedman School?
Faculty teaching in the Master of Nutrition Science and Policy degree program are experts in their fields, world-renowned researchers, and highly engaged teachers. They include biochemists, RD’s, economists, nutrition scientists, statisticians, behaviorists, international nutrition program scholars, and policy experts.
Entering students come from remarkably diverse backgrounds and leave us to pursue careers in education, public relations, the government, healthcare, community-based food and nutrition programs, US and international non-governmental agencies, and the food industry. The common thread to their divergent paths is a desire - and the ability - to make meaningful differences in the health of individuals, communities, and nations.
Earning Your Degree
- MNSP students complete 30 semester hour units of coursework* consisting of a required core curriculum, two electives and a three semester hour unit research or project-based thesis.
- Full-time students are able to finish the program in 1-2 years. Part-time students are able to finish the program in 2-3 years.
- Please click here to review the required Course Sequence for the MNSP degree program, as well as the select MNSP courses that have pre-requisites.
- Worried about having the right science prerequisites? We can work with you on a new track that requires less prerequisites. Save time and money!
Course Details
Required Courses
- Science Core: 6 semester hour units
- Policy Core: 6 semester hour units
- Skills Core: 9 semester hour units
- Electives: 6 semester hour units
- Thesis: 3 semester hour units
Science and Policy Core
NUTB 205 - Nutritional Biochemistry with Community/Clinical Applications: Macronutrients
NUTB 305 - Nutritional Biochemistry with Community/Clinical Applications: Micronutrients
NUTB 238 - Economics for Food and Nutrition Policy
NUTB 206 - Global Food and Nutrition Policy
Skills Core
NUTB 250 - Statistical Methods for Health Professionals I
NUTB 350 - Statistical Methods for Health Professionals II
NUTB 204 - Epidemiology for Nutrition Professionals
Electives
NUTB 316 - Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy
NUTB 242 - Obesity and Energy Regulation
NUTB 241 - Nutrition and Aging
NUTB 219 - Food Science Fundamentals
NUTB 227 - Global Nutrition Programs
NUTB 243 - Nutrition, Brain and Behavior
NUTB 211 - Theories of Behavior Change
Thesis
Applications
Application requirements include:
- Completion of the Online Application
- Personal Statement (At least one page single-spaced)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official copies of all post-secondary academic transcripts (translated into English)
- Students whose native language is not English must meet TOEFL or IELTS requirements
- $70 Application Fee
For questions regarding the application requirements, please contact Marny Mitchell, Associate Director of Admissions (617.636.0864, Marny.mitchell@tufts.edu).
Any material not submitted electronically must be sent via FedEx or DHL services and should be addressed to:
Office of Admissions,
Tufts University
Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy
150 Harrison Avenue
Boston, MA 02111
All materials related to an application for admission become the property of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy upon receipt and will not be returned or released to the applicant, either in original or photocopy form.
Prerequisites
Because the MNSP program is 30 semester hour units instead of 48 semester hour units, students entering the program must possess a strong background in science. The following prerequisites are necessary for a student to be successful with the program’s curriculum:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (out of a 4.0 equivalent)
College-level courses in the following:
- Principles of Nutrition Science-Tufts University offers an online course every summer and fall that fulfills this requirement, contact us for more information
- General Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Human Physiology
Worried about not having the right courses in nutrition science? We have a new track that requires less college-level science courses. Contact us to learn more!
Please be advised that students taking General Nutrition courses to fulfill program prerequisites must have those courses approved by the Friedman School in advance.
Questions about prerequisites or eligibility?
Contact Dr. Lynne Ausman, D.SC., Program Director via email or phone 617-636-3712. Dr. Ausman is available to discuss your eligibility for the program and answer specific questions about prerequisites. Making up select prerequisite courses is easy to do. We can help with recommendations, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Admissions Deadlines
For admission into the Spring 2024 semester, the priority application deadline is November 15, 2023. Applications after the deadline are accepted as space allows.
For admission into the Summer 2024 semester, the priority application deadline is March 15, 2024. Applications after the deadline are accepted as space allows.
For admission into the Fall 2024 semester: the priority application deadline is April 15, 2024. Applications after the deadline are accepted as space allows.
Tuition
Tuition for the MNSP program is charged on a per-course basis, with semester charges dependent upon the number of courses a student is taking. Tuition for the 2022-2023 academic year is $6348 per three-credit course. A total of 30 credits are required for the MNSP degree. There are additional yearly University fees totaling $660. A limited number of merit-based scholarships are awarded each year, with the highest consideration given to students who apply by the priority application deadlines.
International Students
International students are welcomed into the Master of Nutrition Science and Policy program. Due to the low residency nature of the program, international students should be advised of the following visa and immigration regulations:
- Participation in the MNSP program allows international students to be in the U.S. only during the required onsite residencies.
- Participation in the residencies on a tourist visa is not permitted. International students are issued an I-20 form to obtain an F-1 student visa. A new I-20 must be issued for each residency, at a cost to the student of approximately $200 US.
- To be eligible for the F-1 student visa, international students must register for a minimum of six credits each semester they are in the program.
- In addition to meeting the standard admission requirements, applicants must possess a minimum TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 100 on the internet-based exam or a score of 6.5 on the IELTS exam.
- International students in the MNSP program are not eligible to participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT) upon completion of the program.
The 30-semester hour unit Master of Nutrition Science and Policy (MNSP) degree program is offered in a blended learning format enabling students from around the world to continue living where they choose, while studying at one of the world’s premier research universities. The program is designed with working professionals in mind, combining intense residency sessions in Boston each semester with facilitated online learning.
Unlike 100% online programs, MNSP students come together with Tufts faculty once a semester for approximately one week for interactive course work, lectures, seminars, and collaboration with their classmates. Following each residency session, the course continues in a highly facilitated online environment, building on knowledge and relationships that were developed on campus.
MNSP students are Tufts students. As such, they have access to an incredible support structure – student services, academic advisor, library resources, 24x7 technical support, and career services. MNSP students also benefit from streamed campus events including visiting lecturers and career-related seminars.
Benefits of Blended Learning:
• Tufts University Degree - The Master of Nutrition Science and Policy degree is conferred by Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy in Boston, Massachusetts. Friedman School alumni are sought after and employed in a wide range of careers. Tufts University is consistently ranked among the Top 30 universities in the US, and the Friedman School’s doctoral programs were ranked #1 by the National Research Council.
• World Class Faculty - Friedman School faculty design and teach the courses. Students will work and interact with faculty in-person throughout the residency sessions and will continue engaging with faculty and other students during the online portions of each course.
• Flexibility and Convenience - The blended learning format affords students the ability to earn a degree without a permanent residency at the University. The program is designed to be completed in 12 months, but students are able to extend their studies if they choose to take fewer courses each semester.
Where Will This Degree Take You? Anywhere You Like!
Dedicated Career Services
With the launch of the new Ellie Block and Family Careers Services Center, our support for your career goals has never been stronger. From 24/7 access to a digital resource hub to job listings and one-on-one appointments with alumni in the field, the Friedman School has stepped up services for every student at the school and for every graduate in the field.
How Will This Degree Help Your Career?
Students entering the Master of Nutrition Science and Policy program come from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, and leave us to enjoy a wide range of career opportunities. Those in the area of clinical dietetics often select the MNSP program because the curriculum allows them to engage with urgent nutrition policy issues, as well as pick up new skills like statistics, epidemiology, and proposal writing and starting in 2024, leveling up to become a registered dietitian will require earning a master's degree. Health science professionals (physicians, pharmacists, basic laboratory sciences) often have never received any training in nutrition, which can be integral for these practitioners. Still other students bring a broad background in social science and policy but realize that they have never taken the time to learn the basic science of nutrition.
Examples of career areas for MNSP students and graduates:
- Not-for profits, foundations, UNICEF, USAID
- Hospitals and health centers
- Nutrition counseling
- Private and non-profit-sector food processing/preparation and marketing institutions
- Clinical research facilities
- Food safety field extension bureaus
- Local universities (instructors in nutrition)
- Doctorate or other degree
If you are interested in the MNSP program, but unclear on career opportunities or how this program might meet your professional goals, then please contact the Program Director, Lynne Ausman, to schedule a time for a one-on-one chat – Lynne.Ausman@tufts.edu.
