Public Health Nutrition

Program Description: Public Health Nutrition at Case Western Reserve University

The Master of Public Health (MPH) in Public Health Nutrition at Case Western Reserve University is a comprehensive graduate program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in improving nutritional health and addressing diet-related health issues across diverse populations. This innovative program combines rigorous coursework, practical experience, and research opportunities to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to develop, implement, and evaluate effective nutrition programs and policies at local, national, and international levels.

The curriculum emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating concepts from epidemiology, biostatistics, behavioral science, health policy, and community health, with a specialized focus on nutritional sciences. Students will explore critical topics such as community and clinical nutrition, food security, health disparities, research methods, and program planning and evaluation. The program is designed to foster a deep understanding of the social, economic, and environmental determinants of nutrition-related health outcomes.

Students in the Public Health Nutrition MPH learn through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on fieldwork, and applied research projects. Practical experience is gained through internships and community engagement activities that connect students with public health agencies, healthcare organizations, and non-profit organizations working to promote nutritional well-being. This experiential learning approach ensures graduates are well-prepared to address complex public health challenges related to nutrition.

Faculty members are distinguished experts in their fields, bringing a wealth of research experience and a commitment to mentorship. The university’s strong partnerships with local health departments, hospitals, and community organizations provide ample opportunities for collaborative projects and real-world impact.

Graduates of the MPH in Public Health Nutrition are endowed with the competencies to design and implement nutrition programs, advocate for policy changes, conduct research, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences. Career pathways include roles in government agencies, non-profit sectors, healthcare organizations, research institutions, and international health agencies.

The program is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within its learning community, emphasizing culturally sensitive approaches to public health nutrition. Graduates emerge as skilled public health professionals dedicated to advancing nutritional health and reducing health disparities through evidence-based practices and community engagement.

Whether your goal is to improve nutritional strategies at the community level, influence health policy, or pursue further academic research, the Public Health Nutrition MPH at Case Western Reserve University provides a rigorous, supportive, and dynamic environment to achieve your professional aspirations. Join a community of passionate public health advocates committed to making a meaningful impact on population health through nutrition.

The Combined Dietetic Internship/Master’s Degree Program combines academic work with clinical practice at  a dietetic internship at University Hospitals Case Medical Center, the Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, or the Cleveland Clinic. A minimum of 27 semester hours is required. Admission is contingent on the student being selected and matched to one of the hospitals' dietetic internship programs. Appointment to these internships follows the admission procedure outlined by the Accreditation Council for education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

 Coursework is planned individually with the student's academic advisor. This program is a non-thesis program of study.

Requirements

• Applicants must have a good academic record, e.g., a B-average or rank in the upper third of his or her graduating class at an institution whose status and programs are readily assessed.
• Applicants must meet all of the undergraduate prerequisites for the proposed field of graduate study.
• Statement of Objectives — Some programs have this built into the application. If not, create your own using "Statement of Objectives" as the heading. The statement should be one to two pages and include your purpose in undertaking graduate work as well as an explanation of your study and research interests as they relate to your undergraduate/graduate study and professional goals.
• Academic Transcripts – You are required to identify all post-secondary educational institutions you have attended on your application form, and to submit an official transcript from each. Admission to the School of Graduate Studies is conditional on final certification of degrees awarded. Note to International Students: Documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by certified translations in English.
• Letters of Recommendation - Three letters of recommendation must be submitted from those individuals sufficiently familiar with you, and who can assess your academic preparation, abilities and accomplishments. Letters should be from your most recent instructors in your proposed field of study. If you have been out of school for several years, one letter may be from your employer, supervisor or other person familiar with your most recent activities.
• Test Scores – Your department will identify required standardized tests. When you fill out forms for these use 1105 as the institutional code for Case Western Reserve University. The School of Graduate Studies will forward all official score reports of standardized tests (GRE, TOEFL, etc.) to the program of interest. The department will inform you which standardized tests are required for your program. International students whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and earn a minimum score of 577 if paper-based, or 90 if Internet-based. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is also accepted. The minimum acceptable score is 7.0. Some departments may require higher scores. International applicants cannot be admitted without receipt of an acceptable official TOEFL score. The TOEFL is valid for two years after the test date. The GRE is valid for five years after the test date.
• Application Fee - A nonrefundable application fee of $50 is required for each application submitted.

The Master of Public Health in Public Health Nutrition at Case Western Reserve University offers various financing options to support students throughout their academic journey. Tuition fees for this program are structured annually and are comparable to other graduate programs within the School of Medicine and Public Health. Currently, the estimated tuition for full-time enrollment is approximately $58,000 per year, with part-time options also available that may reduce the overall cost depending on the course load. Students are encouraged to explore federal financial aid opportunities, including federal loans such as Stafford loans, which provide low-interest options for eligible students.

In addition to federal aid, the university offers institutional scholarships and assistantships that can significantly offset educational expenses. Prospective students are advised to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early to be considered for these opportunities. The university's Office of Financial Aid provides personalized counseling to help students identify suitable financial resources and plan their budgets effectively. International students, if admitted, should consider additional funding options, including private scholarships and specific assistantship opportunities tailored for international students.

The university also promotes external scholarships from public health and nutrition organizations, as well as grants for research and professional development. Many students supplement their income through part-time work opportunities on or near campus, which are permitted under visa regulations for international students. The program's flexible scheduling allows students to manage work commitments alongside their studies, making it easier to finance education without excessive debt accumulation. Overall, Case Western Reserve University strives to make its Public Health Nutrition program accessible through a comprehensive suite of financial aid resources, supporting students in achieving their academic and professional goals.

The Master of Public Health (MPH) in Public Health Nutrition at Case Western Reserve University is designed to prepare students for a leadership role in improving nutrition and health outcomes within diverse populations. The program emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of nutritional science, public health principles, policy development, and community health initiatives. Students gain expertise in assessing nutritional problems at individual and population levels, designing effective intervention strategies, and evaluating program outcomes. The curriculum integrates coursework in epidemiology, biostatistics, social and behavioral sciences, environmental health, and health policy, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to address complex nutritional issues in various settings including healthcare, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry sectors.

Students have opportunities for practical experience through fieldwork, internships, and community projects, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts. The program also emphasizes cultural competence and ethical considerations in public health nutrition, preparing graduates to work effectively with diverse populations and advocate for policy changes. Case Western Reserve University provides access to cutting-edge research, faculty expertise, and a collaborative academic environment. The program’s flexible formats, including part-time and online options, accommodate working professionals seeking advanced training. Upon completion, graduates receive a Master of Public Health in Public Health Nutrition, positioning them for careers focused on promoting healthy eating patterns, preventing nutrition-related diseases, and advancing public health initiatives at local, national, and global levels. This program is suited for individuals passionate about making a measurable impact on community health through evidence-based nutrition strategies and policy advocacy.