Development of a Master’s in Public Health Nutrition Degree Program Using Distance Education

Citation

Dodds, Janice M.; Laraia, Barbara A.; & Carbone, Elena T. (2003). Development of a Master's in Public Health Nutrition Degree Program Using Distance Education. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 103(5), 602-607.

Abstract

The Professional Practice Program in Nutrition (PPPN) uses distance education to offer a master's degree in public health (MPH) nutrition designed for practitioners who desire to maintain their employment and develop new skills. Public health nutrition leadership faces challenges in recruiting a large enough workforce to (a) carry out the core functions of assessment, policy, and assurance; (b) update current nutritionists in new skill areas to face the demands of dynamic health care and public health climates; and (c) conduct monitoring and surveillance of Healthy People 2010 objectives. In 1996, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill designed and implemented this program after a market analysis to identify advanced educational need in a nine state area. PPPN was initiated as a pilot program and enrolled two cohorts of students from 1996 through 1998. This project identified four key steps: (a) conduct a detailed market analysis; (b) establish an infrastructure to deliver the program; (c) tailor the curriculum using the technology; and (d) identify, accommodate, and develop student capabilities. The findings indicate that distance education strategies are appropriate to carry out a full MPH curriculum in nutrition, but sufficient enrollment is necessary to cover the added curriculum expenditures.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1053/jada.2003.50115

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2003

Journal Title

Journal of the American Dietetic Association

Author(s)

Dodds, Janice M.
Laraia, Barbara A.
Carbone, Elena T.