The Friedman School is under the supervision of a dean, appointed by the president and the provost, with the approval of the Trustees of Tufts College (the university's governing board).
The dean has responsibility for the overall administration of the school, including faculty appointments, curriculum, admissions and financial aid, student affairs, development, and facilities.
The school's concern with the problems of hunger and malnutrition in United States and abroad is reflected in the research and applied work being done by its faculty and students.
Areas of specialty include the socioeconomic parameters of malnutrition, nutrition program design and implementation, social marketing and development policy.
Many Friedman School faculty members hold a dual appointment at the Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging.