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MNSP student with Sheikh and Professor

MNSP student Ghada Hamada, M.D., Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and Program Director Lynne Ausman, D.Sc.

The Master's Degree of Nutrition Science and Policy is a sixteen-month academic program consisting of eight courses and a thesis conducted in four 13-week semesters, consisting of a 10 day or more intensive residency period in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, with the remainder of each course taught using the latest distance learning methods and technologies. Building on the Friedman School's joint emphasis on both science and policy, the degree adds a new focus on nutrition and public health issues and challenges in the Gulf, Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.

His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) selected Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy to help fulfill his vision that RAK be the hub for education and health care. With its picturesque Al Hajjar Mountains and pristine ocean, and rich history dating back to 5,500-3,900 BC, RAK serves as a wonderful host site for the Master of Nutrition Science and Policy residency period. Learn more about RAK at http://www.raktourism.com

As part of the School's mission to advance the nutritional well-being of people worldwide through excellence in teaching and research, the Friedman School at Tufts University has partnered with Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), United Arab Emirates to establish this hybrid learning model.  The Master's Degree program focuses on nutrition science, policy and research tools and sets these concepts into the broad understanding of cellular and human physiology at each stage of the lifecycle. Following the closely held Friedman School tenet that nutrition affects whole populations and regions, the program also extends into policy areas that affect both nutrition and food security from the home to the country and region. The new degree goes beyond information and theory. Courses are designed to include relevant regional examples and significant prescriptive and practical components. One signature element of this Master's program is the emphasis on providing students both with knowledge and nutrition research tools as well as the ability to apply what is learned to solving the nutrition and lifestyle related problems and challenges in the region.

Information about the program is also presented here in a downloadable 2011 catalog  (PDF) and a downloadable 2011 Student Handbook.

View the 2010 Catalog and 2010 Handbook.

Technical Requirements

In addition to course pre-requisites, please review the Technical Requirements (PDF).

Admissions Timeline and Deadlines

Applications will be reviewed as received. Applicants will be notified of the action on their application by the admissions committee as soon as a decision has been made.

Application deadline for this program is: August 15.

 

Cost

The cost of tuition for this program in 2011-2012 will be $28,061.

In addition to the tuition, students will be responsible for (4) residency fees of no more than $3,000 - $4,000 for the three periods of approximately 10 days (or more) each when they receive on-location instruction. The residency fee will cover costs that include: housing, most meals and local transportation. The residency fee may be less if lodging is not required.

Scholarships are offered to those students based on merit and need. Scholarship awards will be determined after application submission.

For further information about the program, please contact:



Elizabeth Marino-Costello Program Manager Email: elizabeth.marino_costello@tufts.edu

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Master of Nutrition Science and Policy

There is only one degree offered, the Master of Nutrition Science and Policy.

Accreditation

Tufts University is accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Please click here for the university’s accreditation statement. For further information for the overall University accreditation, please send inquiries regarding the accreditation status by the New England Association to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:
Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
209 Burlington Road
Bedford, MA 01730-1433
(781) 271-0022
Email:eihe@neasc.org
Our Master of Nutrition Science and Policy degree program falls under the umbrella of the University accreditation.
We are licensed and accredited with the Ministry of Higher Education, in the United Arab Emirates.

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We encourage working professionals to apply.

Prerequisites

Undergraduate level courses in nutrition, biochemistry, biology or physiology, and mathematics. Qualified applicants for this degree program will have successfully completed their bachelor's degree in an approved institution, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (out of a 4.0 equivalent) and have proven proficiency in the English language as measured by a minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper based), 250 computer based, or 100 internet based. If the prior degree was taught in English, the proficiency exam may be waived. The GRE exam may be required and this will be determined on an individual basis. If required, the GRE score must be in the 60%tile or above on the verbal and quantitative sections of the exam. Applicants will also have prerequisites, including nutrition, biochemistry, biology or physiology, and a college level mathematics course. During the review process, we take all sections of the application into consideration, including work experience.

The program will consist of four academic semesters over a 16 month period.

During the sixteen-month period, students will take a total of nine credits of coursework (combination of one-credit and half-credit courses) including a research or project based thesis. Students take a required Core of courses and then must select one of the two Concentrations (Science or Policy) to complete their program. The details of the Concentrations are presented in the Degree Requirement Worksheet. The overall learning format for the program combines periods of intensive, face-to-face classroom instruction with on-line distance learning instruction, communication, and activities.

These courses enhance the study of nutrition to supplement medical models that have long dominated higher education in this field and move toward a 'public nutrition' model. Scientific knowledge and skills will be balanced with skills needed to understand key areas such as food security and pricing policies, nutrition assessment, intervention development, and intervention monitoring and evaluation at the level of populations. Nutrition problem analysis will be expanded to include up-to-date techniques for assessing nutrition across a lifecycle and across generations, the implications of nutrition's linkage with wellness, and the importance of processes that influence an individual nutrition and healthy lifestyle behavior. Basic research tools will be complemented with learning about research management and communication including ethical issues.

Please note that our one credit courses are equal to four credits in other institutions.

First
Course Number Title Instructor Credit
NRAK 205 Nutritional Biochemistry with Community/Clinical Applications: Macronutrients Ausman 1.0
NRAK 207 Statistics for Nutrition Professionals Houser 1.0
Second
Course Number Title Instructor Credit
NRAK 204 Epidemiology for Nutrition Professionals Van Rompay 1.0
NRAK 212 Nutrition Policy
Ghosh
Ausman
 1.0
NRAK 219 Food Science Fundamentals Ausman 0.5
NRAK 305 Nutritional Biochemistry with Community/Clinical Applications: Micronutrients Ausman 1.0
Third
Course Number Title Instructor Credit
NRAK 211 Food Policy Fundamentals
Rogers
Webb
 1.0
NRAK 213 Nutrition Communication in a Global Context Giguere 0.5
NRAK 227 Global Nutrition Programs Hendricks 1.0
NRAK 316 Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy
Prelack
Kane
 1.0
Fourth
Course Number Title Instructor Credit
NRAK 208 Management of Health and Nutrition NGOs Hastings 0.5
NRAK 210 Monitoring and Evaluation of Nutrition and Food Security Programs Coates 1.0
NRAK 300 Master's Thesis Giguere 1.0
NRAK 301 Emerging Topics in Nutrition Research Saltzman 0.5

Please see the Degree Requirement Worksheet for clarification

First semester: September - December (two one-credit courses)

The first semester will begin in Ras Al Khaimah with a two-week residency period. An initial program orientation will outline academic requirements and required levels of participation, provide technical instruction on incorporated learning technologies, distribution of equipment, and set up and trial of synchronous and asynchronous communication procedures. During this period, each student will need to bring a laptop computer that has been preconfigured with the software needed for participation in the distance learning systems of the program and with sets of preliminary learning materials supporting each of the first semester's three one-credit courses.
Faculty will oversee and assist students in the selection of a thesis topic. In addition, faculty will help students define the scope of the thesis and will mentor them through the process. The thesis will consist of seven sections:

  1. introduction (statement and significance of a hypothesis to be tested, a research question to be addressed, or the framing of a meta-analysis);
  2. literature review;
  3. methods;
  4. thesis chapters or sections;
  5. conclusion;
  6. bibliography;
  7. appendices.

Students will use a formal template, defined by the School, to format the sections of the thesis.
During the First semester Residency, students will receive an overview of the thesis process, be introduced to the initial faculty advisors to start the process of selecting a topic, and will be oriented to their personal online thesis communication area (using the program's learning management system). During the distance portion of the first semester, students will begin to write a proper thesis proposal.
Over the remaining days of the initial residency, students will enter a period of intensive classroom sessions for the two courses. During this residency, students, faculty and staff will participate in activities focused on sharing cultures and backgrounds, and on information about Tufts, the Friedman School and 'building community' as part of the dynamics of the program.
Following the first residency period, the semester will continue for a period of 11 weeks using a distance learning format for both courses.

Second semester: January - May (two one-credit and one half-credit courses)

The second semester will begin with a residency period, similar to the first one. The remainder of the instruction will be carried out online.
Students will finalize their thesis proposals during the second semester.

Third semester: June - September (courseload varies depending on Concentration)

The third semester will begin with 11 weeks of online learning following by the residency period.  Having the residency at the end of the semester allows for final discussion sessions, group work on final projects, and summative activities. During the third semester, students will be taking their coursework and will also be working on their theses (data gathering).

Fourth semester: September - December (courseload varies depending on Concentration)

The residency for the fourth semester is at the beginning of the period (immediately after the residency for the third semester). The student's courseload is variable, depending on the Concentration she/he has chosen. The fourth semester is also the time when students will begin analyzing the data for their theses and begin writing drafts in consultation with guidance and feedback from the thesis advisor.

Students continuing in their fourth semester will also be incorporated into the orientation for incoming students, which will overlap in the September residency periods.

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Name Title General Research
Ausman, Lynne Program Director,
Professor

Effect of dietary fat, cholesterol, and fiber on coronary artery disease and colon cancer; nutritional primatology;...

Name Title General Research
Coates, Jennifer Assistant Professor

Food security and livelihoods (measurement, assessment, and programming); Risk management and disaster risk...

Das, Sai Krupa Assistant Professor

Energy regulation in humans; obesity; energy expenditure; body weight regulation; caloric restriction.
Giguere, Paul Assistant Professor

Creation of on-line learning systems and virtual communities of practice that serve health practitioners,...

Hastings, David Adjunct Professor

Organizational behavior and design, management control systems.
Hendricks, Kristy Adjunct Associate Professor

Pediatric nutrition, maternal and child health, clinical nutrition, clinical trials in international pediatric...

Houser, Robert Assistant Professor
Kane, Kelly Assistant Professor
Lichtenstein, Alice Stanley N. Gershoff Professor of Nutrition Science and Policy

General research focus is on assessing the interplay between diet and heart disease risk factors.
Marino-Costello, Elizabeth Clinical Instructor, Frances Stern Nutrition Center
Prelack, Kathy Visiting Instructor
Rogers, Beatrice Professor

Economic determinants of household food consumption; consumption effects of economic and pricing policies; design...

Saltzman, Edward Associate Professor

Obesity and body weight regulation in humans
Van Rompay, Maria Adjunct Instructor

Dietary, sociodemographic, and metabolic risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes in Puerto Rican adults;...

Webb, Patrick
Dean for Academic Affairs
Professor

Food security, humanitarian policy and practice, development policy, agriculture and food systems, micronutrient...

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Graduates from the Master's of Nutrition Science and Policy program emerge with a solid understanding of nutrition policy and science, as well as the ability to apply their learning to solving the nutrition and lifestyle-related problems and challenges in the region. The government of Ras Al Khaimah is committed to introducing high quality educational programs dealing with health, nutrition, and wellness in the Emirates and neighboring regions. Current and future requirements are expanding for technical experts in food and nutrition policy from various sectors including agriculture, education, health, economic and natural resources.
Here is a brief list of career opportunities for graduates:

  • Government projects - health, nutrition, wellness
    • Ministries of Health, Education
  • Private Companies
    • Health related private practice, individual private practice
  • Consumer Diet Centers
  • Hotel Industry
    • Chefs, dieticians, knowledgeable meal planners
    • Health and wellness component of the hotel/tourist industry
  • Food Industry
    • Infant and complementary feeding industry
    • Drugs and nutritional supplements
    • Regulatory agencies
    • Food Processors
    • Food Marketing
  • United Nations agencies
    • World Health Organization
    • Eastern Mediterranean Region for WHO (EMRO)
    • United Nations High Commission for Refugees
    • UNICEF
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The Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy offers a sixteen month academic program designed in a low residency, hybrid format: a nine-credit-hour Master's Degree in Nutrition Science and Policy (MNSP)

This 16 month program involves four, 10 days (or more) of intensive residencies held in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates at the RAK Medical and Health Science University, with the remainder of the course work completed online with faculty and fellow students. Students work individually and in teams on assignments and projects in the residencies and online.

The Friedman School's world-renown faculty, intensive content and active teaching strategies are identical in both our Boston based courses and in the hybrid program. The accredited hybrid MNSP is held to the same high standards of rigor and quality as our Boston based courses and prepare students to apply for the Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy Ph.D. program.

Is Hybrid Program Right for Me?

Is this program, with hybrid learning right for you? The following questions may help you in making your decision:

  • Can you dedicate 20-30 hours a week to learning?
  • Are you a self-paced learner?
  • Are you able to read and write exceptionally well in English?
  • Are you able to independently problem solve, yet still know when to ask for help?
  • Are you comfortable not having weekly face-to-face interaction with professors and other students? Is one of the things you value most about classroom experiences the in-class meetings once or twice a week?
  • Will you have regular and reliable access to the internet with at least a 56K dial up access?
  • Do you have the financial resources to complete the MNSP program (i.e. tuition, fees, books, technology, travel expenses, accommodations and meals)?
  • Are you able to be away from your family and work to travel for the four, 5-10 days residency periods?

Benefits of the Hybrid Learning

Hybrid learning is an ideal solution for persons who wish to remain in their home cities, maintain careers and/or family responsibilities while earning their degrees.

  • Friedman School Faculty Instruction  - Students in this unique program receive instruction from the same award-winning and internationally recognized faculty members as students in residence at our Boston campus. Students will work with faculty in-person throughout the four, two-week, face-to-face classroom sessions and will then continue engaging with faculty and other students on-line to continue discussions and activities and complete other course requirements.
  • Location & Flexibility - The hybrid learning format affords students the ability to earn a degree without a permanent residency at the University.  Students participate in four face-to-face classroom sessions in UAE (each two weeks long).  The remainder of the coursework may be completed at the student’s home, or any location in the world by accessing the University’s learning management system (LMS). The LMS is accessible using a computer, supplied by the University for student use during the program, and an Internet connection, which students provide.
  • Tufts University Degree - The Master's 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.

The "Successful Hybrid Learning Student" is:

  • Self-disciplined, motivated and committed
  • Able to learn without frequent in-person interaction
  • Have strong English reading and writing skills
  • Able to communicate and collaborate respectfully across all races, religions, economic statuses, and sexes
  • Well organized
  • An independent worker
  • Problem solver
  • Goal oriented
  • Able to work well in groups
  • Flexible
  • Willing to communicate regularly with professor and other students
  • Able to ask questions through email and in discussions when concepts are not clear
  • Open to learning with a variety of students from different cultures, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds
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The MNSP program's residency periods are held in Ras Al Khaimah. One of seven emirates forming the United Arab Emirates, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), is located about one hour's drive north of Dubai. RAK has a cultural legacy and boasts striking varied landscapes with dramatic mountains, red sandy deserts and lush plains. Recent archeological excavations and finds have revealed a culture and civilization dating back to 5000 BC. Today, RAK culture is influenced not only by its rich history but also by the thriving global and diverse economy operating within its borders.

Learn more about RAK at http://www.raktourism.com