As a student in the Master of Public Health program at UMass Lowell, you will study one of the five focus areas. Discover your area of interest:

Return to the Master of Public Health page for admission and curriculum information.

Learn about MPH Paths to Success

Kate Killion

"The UMass Lowell program really emphasizes the public health influences, even on individual health."

Kate Killion came to UMass Lowell for her master’s degree because it’s the only university in New England that offers a dietetics degree within the Department of Public Health. Read more about her Dietetics studies.
Abdul Hameed holds up his diploma

“I thought, ‘What if we could prevent a disease before it’s happening?"

A practicum in infection prevention at a hospital prepared Abdul Hameed for a job with the CDC, preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus in hospitals and other health-care facilities. Learn about his Healthcare Management journey.
Chandni Shahdev in front of Coburn Hall in UMass Lowell south campus

"UMass Lowell stood out. I was really impressed by the research the faculty were doing."

Her master’s degree in public health and research experiences helped Chandni Shahdev get a job with the CDC Foundation, working with employers to prevent and contain outbreaks of COVID-19. Read more about her Epidemiology work.

Epidemiology

Epidemiologists identify public health hazards, evaluate health interventions and monitor health systems data to protect public health. Every day during the pandemic epidemiologists across the world are analyzing data, conducting studies and sharing recommendations based on science. 

Choose the MPH Epidemiology option if you want to gain a solid grasp of the fundamental principles of epidemiology and health statistics. You’ll learn about study design, data collection and analysis, assessment of bias, and control of confounders. Graduates of the MPH Public Health Epidemiology program have found exciting and meaningful careers in: 

  • Public sector organizations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Rhode Island Department of Health, New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services and numerous municipal health departments. 
  • Private corporations such as World Congress, Evidera, Marsh & McLennan Agency and Abt Associates. 
  • Non-profit organizations such as Partners in Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Lowell Community Health Center, North Suffolk Mental Health Associates, Home Health Foundation and The Community Health Center, Inc. 
  • Academic and research institutions as research associates. 

Healthcare Management

At the local, national and regional level, our healthcare system confronts new challenges in coping with the many changes in technology, information systems, financing and management. 

Choose the MPH Healthcare Management option if you want to learn the conceptual, organizational, personnel and financial skills required to become an effective and compassionate public health manager. 

Graduates of the program gain an advanced education in healthcare finance, law and ethics in healthcare, operations analysis and quality improvement, healthcare management and healthcare information systems. You’ll be prepared to assume leadership positions in the complex healthcare industry, especially those industries that contribute to the public health of communities and populations. 

Graduates of the MPH Healthcare Management program have found exciting and meaningful careers in: 

  • Healthcare institutions such as Boston Medical Center, Partners Health Care, Lowell Community Health Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Tufts Medical Center. 
  • Private corporations such as Vinfen, Signify Health, Caduceus Healthcare, JSS Medical Research, SCM Insurance Services, and Spring Street Exchange. 
  • Public sector organizations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and the Government of Indonesia. 
  • Non-profit organizations such as Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts Medical Society, The Bridge of Central Massachusetts 

Social and Behavioral Sciences

The process of applying social and behavioral science principles to education empowers individuals and groups to take control of and improve their own health. 

Choose the MPH Social and Behavioral option to learn how to create and carry out successful public health interventions that promote population health. You’ll gain a broad foundation of the fundamental principles of public health with a focus on program planning and evaluation. 

  • The MPH Social and Behavioral Sciences option program prepares graduates to: 
  • Find, understand and apply relevant public health literature Design and implement programs that improve public health by fostering change in individual behaviors, environmental conditions and social policy 
  • Evaluate public health programs through data collection and analysis 
  • Engage individuals and communities in discussion and decision-making to clarify shared public health goals 

Graduates of the MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences program have found exciting and meaningful careers in such diverse workplaces as Tufts Health Plan, Beth Israel Lahey Health, Multicultural AIDS Coalition, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Cambridge Health Alliance, Syneos Health, and Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley. Job titles that these graduates have had include Substance Use Treatment Project Coordinator, Clinical Trial Coordinator, Program Specialist, Program Associate, Program Coordinator, Behavioral Health Case Manager, and Drug Authorization Specialist. 

Nutrition

(We are no longer accepting applicants for this option)

Public health nutrition specialists examine the relationship of nutrition and health problems including obesity and chronic diseases, as well as malnutrition, food insecurity and nutritional deficiencies. 

Choose the MPH Nutrition option to learn how to provide nutrition education, conduct research, develop health and wellness programs and deliver many other nutritional services to individuals and/or populations. 

The MPH Nutrition option prepares students to: 

  • Identify and prevent risks that contribute to the development of malnutrition 
  • Develop strategies and policies to improve food security and reduce obesity Develop programs to improve the nutritional status of diverse population groups 
  • Develop effective strategies for advocating for improved nutrition 
  • Develop and manage wellness programs to promote healthy eating and chronic disease prevention
Graduates of the MPH in Nutrition find rewarding careers in local, state and federal nutrition assistance programs like WIC, SNAP-Ed, and he School Breakfast and Lunch program. 
They also develop and deliver nutrition education and/or policies for nutrition and wellness programs and organizations like YMCA's day care centers, restaurants and community health centers.
Return to the Master of Public Health page for admission and curriculum information.
Superlan Lingga presents at a conference

Public Health Master’s Program is Growing – and Going Online

International and U.S. Graduate Landing Great Jobs

Since it launched in 2014 with five students, the university’s Master's in Public Health program has grown steadily, drawing both international and U.S. students. As of January, one of the five focus areas, health care management, will be offered completely online. Some core public health classes also will be available online for students in the other four concentrations: epidemiology, dietetics, nutrition, and social and behavioral sciences. Read more.

Coordinated Program in Dietetics

The MPH Coordinated Program in Dietetics program is intended for students who want to become Registered Dietitians (RDs). The program combines the coursework and supervised practice requirements to become eligible to take the national examination to become a Registered Dietitian after graduation .

The mission of the program is to promote public health nutrition by preparing graduates to practice as entry level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists with knowledge, competence and the ability to address the needs of diverse communities. The dietetics option is an accredited Coordinated Program in Dietetics, which is a highly regarded degree option that combines the academic and supervised practice experience to qualify graduates to become RDs.

Return to the MPH main page for information on tuition, admission and curriculum.

  • The MPH Coordinated Program in Dietetics (Dietetics option) combines the coursework and supervised practice requirements to become eligible to take the national examination to become a Registered Dietitian after graduation. To review the Student Handbook and learn more about the program, policies and procedures, a comprehensive list of student resources and other relevant information about the Dietetics option, please contact the Program Director, Renee Barrile by email:  Renee_Barrile@uml.edu. 

    A complete degree pathway for the program can be found in the UMass Lowell Online Academic Catalog.

    The mission of the program is to promote public health nutrition by preparing graduates to practice as entry level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists with knowledge, competence, and the ability to address the needs of diverse communities. 

    Program Goals and Outcome Measures for the MPH Dietetics Option

    Goal #1: To prepare graduates for a successful entry-level position as a Registered Dietitian. Expected outcomes and target measures:

    • The program's one year pass rate on the Registration Examination for Dietitians, administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, is at least 80%
    • At least 80% of program graduates will take the CDR credentialing exam for RD's within 12 months of program completion.
    • At least 80% of students admitted to the Dietetics program will complete the program within 3 years from beginning the program (150 percent time of the program length).
    • Of graduates who seek employment, 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
    • At least 80% of graduates who respond to a graduate exit survey will respond "yes" when asked if the program prepared them for their future career goals.

    Goal #2: To prepare graduates to be life-long learners who seek opportunities for personal and professional growth. Expected outcomes and target measures:

    • At least 75% of graduates who respond to an alumni survey will report being a member of a local or national professional group.
    • At least 90% of graduates who respond to an alumni survey will indicate that they have participated in post-graduation training related to their profession.
    • At least 40% of graduates who respond to an alumni survey will indicate that they are preceptors.

    Goal #3: To prepare graduates who are competent to address the health and nutrition needs of diverse populations. Expected outcomes and target measures:

    • At least 40% of graduates who respond to an alumni survey, and sought employment in dietetics, will be working with diverse populations.
    • At least 80% of employers who respond to an employer survey will rate graduates as acceptable or higher in their ability to work with diverse populations.
    • At least 80% of graduates who respond to a graduate exit survey will indicate that they were well prepared to address the health and nutrition needs of diverse populations.
    • At least 80% of employers who respond to an employer survey will rate graduates as acceptable or higher in their preparedness to practice as entry level RD's.

    To request program outcome data, please contact:
    Program Director Renee Barrile, RD, Ph.D.
    Email: Renee_Barrile@uml.edu
    Telephone: 978-934-4457

  • The Dietetics option is an accredited Coordinated Program in Dietetics, which is a highly regarded degree option that combines the academic and supervised practice experience to qualify graduates to become Registered Dietitians (RD). 

    The 1200 hours of supervised practice are integrated into the curriculum and are designed to prepare students for entry-level positions as RDNs upon successful completion of the registration exam. Students will have rotations in organizations that specialize in community nutrition, public health, food service management, and clinical nutrition. Public Health Nutrition is the concentration of the Dietetics option, and Lowell and the surrounding communities have an abundance of programs that promote nutrition to diverse populations. 

    Major Partners 

    Some examples of our major partners include: Genesis Health Care, Lowell General Hospital, The Lowell Community Health Center, The Lowell Boys and Girls Club, Mill City Grows and The UMass Extension Nutrition Education Program. 

    • Genesis Health Care, one of the largest providers of senior care in the nation, has more than 400 locations across the country, including two sites in Lowell that provide long term care and rehabilitation services. 
    • Lowell General Hospital is an independent, not-for- profit community hospital serving the Greater Lowell area and surrounding communities. 
    • The Lowell Community Health Center has many programs and services including nutrition counseling and education for all ages, WIC, health educator training sessions, immigrant and refugee health services, and in-school health services for teens. 
    • The Lowell Boys and Girls Club offers programs and initiatives to help youth achieve and maintain healthy, active lifestyles. They also offer a meal and snack daily for school aged members. 
    • Mill City Grows improves physical health, economic independence and environmental sustainability in Lowell through increased access to land, locally-grown food, and education. They offer a mobile food market, build-a-garden workshops, community and urban gardening programs, and educational programs.
    • The UMass Extension Nutrition Education Program in Lawrence provides individuals, families, and communities with the knowledge and skills for healthier eating through research-based nutrition education. Their program includes two research-based programs, the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and the SNAP-Ed program. 

    UMass Lowell also has several sites for supervised practice right on campus. These campus connections will give our dietetics students many opportunities to help promote healthy nutrition on campus.

    • Food service rotations will take place at three different dining sites operated by Aramark. 
    • The University also has a Health Services division that offers health and wellness counseling for students. 
    • Additionally, there are two on-campus recreation centers that offer many programs designed to promote health among students, faculty, and staff. 
    • The newly renovated Health Assessment Lab offers numerous opportunities to perform interdisciplinary research and education while integrating the fields represented in the College of Health Sciences including biomedical engineering, clinical laboratory science, ergonomics, exercise physiology, nutrition, nursing and physical therapy. 

  • ACEND accreditation logo

    The UMass Lowell MPH Coordinated Program in Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). 

    Accreditation includes self-analysis, preparation of a self-study report, and an on-site evaluation visit by a team of professional peers. Dietetics educators and practitioners, appointed by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) board, participate in the peer review process to determine if a program is achieving its own educational objectives and meeting the accreditation standards. 

    Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master's degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND accredited MPH Coordinated Program in Dietetics at the University of Massachusetts Lowell are eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to be a RDN.

    Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition & Dietetics
    120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
    Chicago, IL 60606-6995
    Email: ACEND@eatright.org
    Tel: (312) 899-0040 ext 5400/Fax: (312) 899-4817

    https://www.eatrightpro.org/ACEND

  • You must complete the didactic and supervised practice requirements at an accredited program, pass the National Registration exam, and complete the required Continuing Education Units. Successful completion of the Coordinated Program at UMass Lowell fulfills the didactic and supervised practice requirements. 

    Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Coordinated Program at the University of Massachusetts Lowell are eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN. Visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics web page for more information about educational pathways to become a RDN.

    To become licensed in the State of Massachusetts (LDN) and Other States: The majority of states have enacted laws that regulate the practice of dietetics in order to protect the public. State licensure and state certification are entirely separate and distinct from the RD and DTR credentials. The Board of Registration of Dietitians and Nutritionists in the State of Massachusetts oversees the standards and licensing of dietitians and nutritionists in Massachusetts. Information about state licensure can be found online at: Dietitiansnutritionistsboard@mass.gov or by calling 617-727-9940. The Board accepts the CDR (Commission on Dietetic Registration) internship and examination as equivalent to the statutory requirements for professional experience and a Board-administered examination. Once you successfully complete this program and pass the RDN exam, and are registered with CDR, make sure you use the Application for Registered Dietitians that may be downloaded on the Applications and Forms page of the licensing website. While licensure is not required in the State of Massachusetts, many employers in Massachusetts, such as hospitals, require dietitians to be licensed with the Commonwealth. Additionally, many insurers require licensure as a condition for inclusion on panels and for reimbursement. Forty- seven state, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia currently have statutory provisions regulating the dietetics profession or associated titles such as dietitian and nutritionist. Information on state licensure and certification is provided on the CDR website as a service to dietetics professionals and state licensure boards. 

  • The MPH in Dietetics prepares students for new, unique careers by combining two professional fields – dietetics and public heath. Both fields are projected to grow substantially in the next decade. With the MPH and RD credentials, you will be specifically trained to examine the intersection of food access, diet choices and public health. 

    You will be qualified for any traditional RD career pathway in clinical nutrition, food service and community nutrition, but can also find employment in health promotion, public health research, public health program development, design and evaluation, and policy analysis.