Are you seeking a world-class graduate program without having to disrupt your life or career? Our highly flexible Master of Nutrition Science and Policy (MNSP) degree program is designed for health professionals, career-changers, and recent graduates across disciplines who are passionate about nutrition and our food system.
This unique program offers an interdisciplinary curriculum of advanced study in nutrition science, global and US food policy, global nutrition programs, and applied research skills. You can also customize your degree program to match your interests or career objectives by choosing from a variety of elective courses.
Online + On Campus: Flexible Hybrid Learning
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. Engage with faculty in interactive online learning each semester, then gather for 1 week of face-to-face time in Boston to build meaningful relationships and networks with your fellow students and faculty. This unique structure allows you to maintain your career, live where you choose, and level up in the world of food and nutrition. Unable to attend the in-person residency? We can work with you to create virtual residency options. Worried about having the right science prerequisites? We can work with you on a new track that requires fewer prerequisites and will save you time and money!
Scholarships are available.
Why This Program?
- No relocation required for a best-in-class master's program
- Remain in your current career while pursuing your graduate degree
- New track that requires less science prerequisites
- Join the program full-time or part-time
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.
View the MS or PhD degree requirement worksheet associated with your year of entry for the most accurate requirements.
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 thesis course to prepare an intervention proposal.
- Full-time students can earn their master's degree in under 15 months
- Part-time students can earn their master's degree 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 prerequisites.
- 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 or NUTR 246 - Scientific Basis of Macronutrients
NUTB 305 - Nutritional Biochemistry with Community/Clinical Applications: Micronutrients or NUTR 245 - Scientific Basis of Micronutrients
NUTB 238 - Economics for Food and Nutrition Policy or NUTB 227 - Global Nutrition Programs
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 238 - Economics for Food and Nutrition Policy
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, 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
The following prerequisites are necessary for a student to be successful with the school's curriculum:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (out of a 4.0 equivalent)
Because the MNSP program is 30 semester hour units instead of 48 semester hour units, students entering the program must complete certain prerequisites for the program.
We currently have two program tracks:
- Track 1 is the Biochemical and Molecular Track
- Track 2 is the General Science Track
Track 1 - Biochemical and Molecular:
- 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
Track 2 - General Science:
- 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 at either high-school or college level
- Physiology or Human Biology
Please be advised that a student taking a General Nutrition course outside of Tufts University to fulfill program prerequisites must have that course approved by the Friedman School , preferentially 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 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.
- For admission into the Spring 2025 semester: the priority application deadline is November 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 2023-2024 academic year is $6540 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 that is good for the entirety of the program; the visa costs 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. Students who cannot travel can participate in the residency virtually. Following each residency session, the course continues in a highly facilitated online environment, building on knowledge and relationships that were developed during the residency.
MNSP students are Tufts students. As such, they have access to an incredible support structure – student services, academic advisors, library resources, 24x7 technical support, and career services. You can even walk the stage at commencement! MNSP students also benefit from virtual 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 the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. Friedman School alumni are sought after and employed in a wide range of careers. Tufts University is consistently ranked among the top universities in the U.S., 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 15 months, but most students 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.