About the Field

Public Health Nutrition

Overall, approximately 60 percent of graduates work in public health agencies (e.g., local and state health departments), 20 percent in educational institutions, and the remainder in health promotion and education programs in HMOs, hospitals, clinics, and private industry. Other graduates are public relations and media consultants, internship directors, and private practice dietitians. Some M.P.H. graduates continue their graduate work in Ph.D. or other professional degrees.

The M.P.H. in public health nutrition may be an appropriate degree for students who wish to proceed to a Ph.D. degree at the University. The Ph.D. program in nutrition offers a concentration in public health nutrition; the Ph.D. degree in epidemiology offers a focus on nutritional aspects of epidemiology. Several M.P.H. graduates currently are following this career path.

Career Prospects

The M.P.H. degree in Public Health Nutrition prepares graduates for a wide variety of positions in national, state and local public health agencies; non-profit health agencies; international non-governmental organizations; and community service organizations.  Individuals who also obtain or hold the Registered Dietitian credential are also prepared to obtain positions in both outpatient and inpatient health care settings such as hospitals and clinics.  Professionals with training in public health nutrition, irregardless of their place of employment, are involved in assessing individuals, communities and populations; developing implementing and evaluating nutrition interventions; and monitoring the health of individuals, communities and populations.  Some individuals also teach at private community colleges.

Salary Information

Salaries range greatly depending on the type of organization. Graduates can expect to negotiate approximately $30,000 - $50,000 with an initial position. This information is based on survey results of our graduates and represents an average experience. ADA also has done a salary study which is available for  purchase from the ADA.