Development of an interactive online Masters of Public Health in Nutrition degree program

Introduction: While advanced training in public health nutrition (PHN) can facilitate planning for services for an increasingly diverse and aging population, few opportunities exist for working PHN professionals to receive advanced degrees. The University of Massachusetts-Amherst thus developed a learner-centered, part-time, fully-online Masters of Public Health Nutrition Program (MPHNP) to help satisfy this need.

Program Design: The MPHNP was designed based on a decade of experience developing asynchronous interactive online programs, feedback from nutrition professionals, Council on Education for Public Health competencies, and the Quality Matters online course development rubric. Survey respondents from nutrition listservs indicated they were interested in furthering their careers and maintaining current employment while completing an advanced degree. Nutrition courses were developed using a rubric to guide the alignment of learner objectives with assessment, engagement, feedback and support. For interaction and collaboration, the MPHNP uses Blackboard Vista, Moodle, and Wimba Live Classroom. Students consider issues from their work and community in individual or group projects and case studies, while reflecting on achievement of PHN competencies using discussions and e-portfolios.

Results: Twelve nutrition and health professionals from across the US enrolled in the MPHNP in its first year. Course activities addressed obesity, fruit and vegetable consumption, cultural foods, food security, and current legislation. Initial course evaluations were positive. Respondents appreciated instructor feedback and peer interaction, and noted that the workload was demanding but rewarding.

Discussion: The MPHNP has attracted a national set of professionals in a highly interactive program geared to address PHN competencies in diverse communities.