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Masters In Nutrition Online
Nutrition, as a profession, is much more than making sure someone has a healthy diet. The field encompasses a host of areas including biomedical research, community education, and clinical practice. Earning a master’s in nutrition can open the door to advanced careers in clinical settings (think hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities), food safety (from farm to table oversight), research, and education. To help you decide if earning this degree is right for you, we’ve outlined some of the most common questions about this degree program.
There is a huge demand for qualified professionals with master’s degrees in nutrition. Whether you hope to specialize in clinical nutrition or work in food safety, a graduate degree from an accredited school will be required for most entry-level positions. This guide will help you:
Online Masters Degree In Nutrition
Being a nutritionist and a dietitian is a rewarding career. These professionals help others address and manage their eating habits in order to achieve their health and wellness goals. A degree in this field, either at the bachelor’s or master’s level, can prepare you for this exciting job.
The bachelor’s degree meets entry-level requirements for dieticians, but a master’s degree often lays the groundwork for advanced skills and knowledge, which often lead to increased opportunities and earning potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the highest-earning professionals in these positions earn more than $87,000 a year.
15 Best Masters in Nutrition Online Programs of 2022
1. North Carolina State University
NC State University, located in Raleigh, offers an online master’s degree in nutrition. This non thesis, applied program requires 36 credits, six of which must be spent on a directed practicum, internship, or an approved and related individual project.
Format
Online
Tuition
$462 per credit (in-state); $1,311 per credit (out-of-state)
Duration
4 semesters
Credits
36 credits
Students can concentrate on human nutrition or animal nutrition. Students can earn a professional science master’s degree by completing a professional skills component.
Depending on the student’s area of emphasis, coursework focuses on nutrition and other related sciences. Because of the broad nature of both human and animal nutrition, the program includes classes from a variety of university departments.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, through the Commission on Colleges at NC State, accredits the university regionally.
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum required
Standardized Tests: GRE required
Program: Master of Nutrition
School Status: Public
Graduation Rate: 81%
Location: Raleigh, NC
2. University of Georgia
UGA, which is based in Athens, offers an online master of science in foods and nutrition. Participants in the program take classes such as nutrition and obesity across the lifespan, community nutrition, and childhood and adolescent nutrition.
Format
Online
Tuition
$629 per credit
Duration
1 year
Credits
30 credits
In addition, students take a research methods course and 8-9 credits of electives.
The program is used by the majority of students to prepare them for careers in community nutrition. Many graduates are qualified to work as school nutrition directors in Georgia or as extension and outreach coordinators. Graduates may also work in other nutritional roles in the public sector or for private companies that offer comparable positions.
The University of Georgia is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum required
Standardized Tests: GRE requirement currently waived due to COVID-19
Program: Master of Science in Foods and Nutrition
School Status: Public
Graduation Rate: 86%
Location: Athens, GA
3. Auburn University
Auburn University, located in Alabama, offers an online master’s degree in nutrition. Students can interact with faculty and peers through discussion boards, and the school provides proctored tests regardless of where they live.
Format
Online
Tuition
$533/credit
Duration
4 semesters
Credits
33 credits
The 33-credit program includes five credits of non-thesis research and a variety of electives in the student’s area of concentration. Community nutrition, nutrition science, sports nutrition, and clinical nutrition are all options for specialization. Students train for a variety of careers and may work in the public or private sectors; some graduates even start their own businesses.
Auburn University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum recommended
Standardized Tests: GRE required
Program: Master of Science in Nutrition
School Status: Public
Graduation Rate: 78%
Location: Auburn, AL
4. Stony Brook University
Stony Brook University in New York offers an online master’s degree in nutrition. The program provides advanced nutrition training to students, preparing them for careers in disease prevention and health optimization.
Format
Online
Tuition
$629 per credit (in-state); $1,121 per credit (out-of-state)
Duration
4-6 semesters
Credits
36 credits
Students can either follow a general sequence or specialize in either advanced nutrition therapy and critical care or integrative nutrition therapy.
Students take core nutrition courses such as macronutrients and functional nutrition, advanced communication and counseling, and nutrition research methods. This program, however, does not provide licensed dietician certification.
The Stony Brook University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum recommended
Standardized Tests: Not required
Program: Master of Science in Nutrition
School Status: Public
Graduation Rate: 74%
Instruction Style: Synchronous and Asynchronous
Location: Stony Brook, NY
5. American University
AU, which is based in Washington
, D.C., offers an online master’s degree in nutrition education. The program focuses not only on nutrition, but also on education that promotes positive change.
Format
Online
Tuition
$1,708 per credit (summer courses); $1,759 per credit (fall and spring
Duration
20 months
Credits
30 credits
Participants will learn education strategies that will benefit individuals, their communities, and the population as a whole.
Lifecycle nutrition, health communication, sports nutrition, and nutrition program design are among the courses available. Students can participate in a mentorship program, watch student webinars on topics such as health literacy and food access, and attend networking events.
The Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools has regionally accredited American University.
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum recommended
Standardized Tests: Not required
Program: Master of Science in Nutrition Education
School Status: Private
Graduation Rate: 80%
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Location: Washington, DC
6. Arizona State University
Scottsdale-based ASU offers an online master of science in nutritional science and an online master of science in medical nutrition.
Format
Online
Tuition
$842 per credit
Duration
4 semesters
Credits
30 credits
The medical nutrition option focuses on the intersection between nutrition and healthcare. This program includes information on the use of big data, research, and new nutrition discoveries and techniques.
Alternatively, the nutritional science program provides registered dietitians with the opportunity to acquire an advanced dietetics degree with a focus on the scientific foundation of nutrition. Electives include topics like evidence-based nutrition, sports nutrition, and pediatric nutrition.
ASU is a regionally accredited institution through the Higher Learning Commission.
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum recommended
Standardized Tests: Not required
Program: Master of Science in Nutritional Science; Master of Science in Medical Nutrition
School Status: Public
Graduation Rate: 14%
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
7. Texas Tech University
Located in Lubbock, TTU offers an online master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics. Students can choose one of three concentrations: nutrition and healthy weight, nutrition and sports, or nutrition in the life cycle.
Format
Online
Tuition
$559 per credit (in-state); $968 per credit (out-of-state)
Duration
4 semesters
Credits
33 credits
It doesn’t matter what concentration students choose, they have to complete classes such as biostatistics in nutrition, vitamins and minerals, and nutrition research. Elective course options cover topics such as maternal and child nutrition, food security, diabetes and nutrition management. For this program, there is no thesis requirement.
The TTU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum recommended
Standardized Tests: GRE requirement waived through 2021
Program: Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
School Status: Public
Graduation Rate: 59%
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Location: Lubbock, TX
8. East Carolina University
ECU in Greenville, North Carolina, offers an online nutrition master’s degree. The program teaches advanced information students need to succeed in the competitive field of nutrition and diet.
Format
Online
Tuition
$249 per credit (in-state); $894 per credit (out-of-state)
Duration
4 semesters
Credits
33 credits
Additionally to the graduate program, the university offers one of the largest and most comprehensive dietetic internship programs accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
There are options of both the thesis and non-thesis type in the program. ECU’s graduates may pursue careers as dietitians, nutritionists, and dietetic technicians.
ECU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Admission Requirements
GPA: No minimum required
Standardized Tests: GRE required
Program: Master of Science in Nutrition
School Status: Public
Graduation Rate: 65%
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Location: Greenville, NC
9. University of Nebraska-Lincoln
UNL offers an online master’s degree in dietetics. To be eligible for this program, applicants must be registered dietitians (RDs) or be qualified to sit for the national RD credentialing exam.
Format
Online
Tuition
$590 per credit
Duration
4 semesters
Credits
36 credits
The program requires nine credits for a core, 21-24 for electives, and a dietetics independent study project before completion. Core requirements include statistics and research methods, while elective topics include food culture, international nutrition and world hunger, and public health nutrition.
This dietetics program is available through the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited the University of Nebraska.
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum recommended
Standardized Tests: GRE required
Program: Master of Science in Dietetics
School Status: Public
Graduation Rate: 69%
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Location: Lincoln, NE
10. Samford University
In Birmingham, Alabama, Samford University offers an online master’s in nutrition. Students gain research and analytical skills. This program also stresses the importance of oral and written communication skills, thus preparing students for leadership and managerial roles.
Format
Online
Tuition
$888 per credit
Duration
3 semesters
Credits
34 credits
The program’s core courses examine advanced nutrition and the metabolic process, and students may choose from two different concentrations: clinical nutrition or general nutrition. There is no thesis requirement, but a capstone project is required. This degree can be combined with a registered dietician certification, ensuring students have the skills to succeed in their chosen field.
Samford is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum required
Standardized Tests: GRE, MCAT, or DAT requirement waived for the 2021 application cycle
Program: Master of Science in Nutrition
School Status: Private
Graduation Rate: 76%
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Location: Birmingham, AL
11. Colorado State University
Based in Fort Collins, Colorado State University offers an online master’s degree in food science and nutrition. Students are taught how to design and implement effective, scientifically-based food and nutrition programs. Research skills are developed through coursework, and up-to-date knowledge on food and nutrition is provided.
Format
Online
Tuition
$580 per credit
Duration
4 semesters
Credits
37 credits
This curriculum benefits registered dietitians who have completed a standard dietetics program or who wish to earn a master’s degree or to acquire new knowledge and understanding. The program emphasizes oral and written communication skills, as well as independent research abilities.
CSU is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum required
Standardized Tests: Not required
Program: Master of Science in Food Science and Nutrition
School Status: Public
Graduation Rate: 69%
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Location: Fort Collins, CO
12. Kansas State University
Located in Manhattan, K-State offers a master of science in dietetics online. The program benefits registered dietitians looking to advance their careers or enhance their knowledge and practice.
Format
Online
Tuition
$516 per credit
Duration
4 semesters
Credits
36 credits
Participants in the program learn how to apply new research and theories in public policy and healthcare delivery systems. Research in health sciences, statistical methods for the sciences, environmental scanning, and analysis of current issues in dietetics are among the core courses. Students also take 21 credits of electives and can choose between a thesis and a non thesis option.
K-State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum recommended
Standardized Tests: Not required
Program: Master of Science in Dietetics
School Status: Public
Graduation Rate: 64%
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Location: Manhattan, KS
13. West Chester University
WCU offers an online master’s degree in community nutrition. This program promotes nutritional health and disease prevention.
Format
Online
Tuition
$526 per credit
Duration
4 semesters
Credits
33 credits
The students focus on vulnerable populations and underserved communities. Research-based classes and electives teach learners independent thinking and research skills that are applicable in a variety of careers.
If you really want to go the extra mile, there are dietetic internship programs available. These requirements include nine additional credits plus 1,200 clinic hours split between hospital inpatients and outpatient communities.
WCU is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Admission Requirements
GPA: 2.8 minimum required
Standardized Tests: GMAT or GRE required
Program: Master of Science in Community Nutrition
School Status: Public
Graduation Rate: 75%
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Location: West Chester, PA
14. Bowling Green State University
BGSU, located in Ohio, offers an online master’s degree in food and nutrition. The program includes coursework that is comprehensive, research-based, and practice-based.
Format
Online
Tuition
$4,779 per semester (in-state); $4,889 per semester (out-of-state)
Duration
4 semesters
Credits
39-40 credits
Learners can specialize in areas such as public health, microbiology, psychology, and exercise physiology.
Core courses cover topics such as human nutrition macronutrients, advanced clinical nutrition, and family and community nutrition. Students must also complete a master’s project, comprehensive exam readings, or thesis research in food and nutrition. Faculty teach online courses in seven-week sessions.
BGSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum recommended
Standardized Tests: GRE required
Program: Master of Science in Food and Nutrition
School Status: Public
Graduation Rate: 56%
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Location: Bowling Green, OH
15. Central Michigan University
CMU, which is located in Mount Pleasant, offers an online master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics. The program teaches participants advanced nutrition and clinical dietetics skills and knowledge.
Format
Online
Tuition
$637 per credit
Duration
4 semesters
Credits
31-37 credits
Students gain the knowledge required to interpret scientific literature and conduct independent research.
Learners select one of three program options based on their career goals: thesis, internship, or all-coursework. Participants, regardless of their degree path, take classes on micronutrients and macronutrients, nutritional epidemiology, and research methods and biostatistics.
CMU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum required
Standardized Tests: Not required
Program: Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
School Status: Public
Graduation Rate: 62%
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Location: Mount Pleasant, MI
Online Master’s in Nutrition Program Overview
Choosing the best master’s in nutrition program for you is a great way to expand your education. Nutrition programs also reap other benefits, such as helping you build on your undergraduate education, providing additional professional training in a growing field, and enhancing your career prospects. Because there are many online master’s in nutrition programs available today, it’s especially important to do some research before applying.
Nutrition-focused master’s programs provide a chance to develop the specialized skills needed for career advancement. This can come in the form of greater opportunity for specific areas of study or offering assistance through advanced courses.
A master’s in nutrition can be earned through either a full-time or part-time program, and is available at the masters, specialist’s and doctorate level. To find which program of study is most suitable for your specific interests in the field of nutrition, read on to learn how these advanced degrees differ from one another.
A master’s degree in nutrition can prepare you for careers in clinical practice, nutrition education and consulting, health program evaluation and management, research and experimental design, or careers in food development and safety. You can normally expect to cover several common subjects in most nutrition programs, including the nutritional health of different populations, nutrition and human metabolism, and research methods.
A master’s degree in nutrition allows students to deepen their knowledge in a specific area of nutrition or take a more general approach and explore a range of nutritional concerns. Students who earn an advanced degree may continue to work in the field for private industry or government, pursue research careers and/or enroll in further study toward a Ph.D. For those interested in the nutritional concerns of community and public health, participation in community service and humanitarian aid is yet one more way to gain experience while advancing their education.
Common Master’s in Nutrition Degree Courses
Nutrition Research
Nutrition Research introduces you to nutrition research and practice. By means of a capstone project, students will become familiar with nutritional literature reviews and designing nutrition studies. Students will also be introduced to the use of programs that aid in the generation of data collection instruments and the management of data.
Lifecycle Nutrition
Nutrition courses like this one are designed for students who want to learn more about human life cycle nutrition. This type of coursework is a staple in human nutrition programs because it involves learning how all the different factors that impact food consumption and diet quality.
Biostatistics
Topics include probability, sampling, confidence limits, simple linear regression, logistic regression, and an introduction to statistics. Biostatisticians apply statistical principles to guide research designed to study and solve health problems. See course descriptions for specific topics covered in the individual courses. See the course offerings section for course options.
“Biostatistics” is an all-encompassing name for a field of study that supports and informs healthcare researchers, scientists, and professionals. Biostatistics courses aim to provide students with the skills needed to analyze health data.
Advanced Clinical Nutrition
Advanced Nutrition courses are a common part of clinical training programs with clinical or dietetic focuses. A program may require several advanced courses, focusing on different areas of advanced study. For example, some programs have a pediatric nutrition course, which prepares students to counsel and educate parents on diet and nutrition for infants and children. Other schools may require a critical care nutrition course, which includes instruction on selection criteria for patients who cannot eat enough food to meet their nutritional needs to prevent serious complications.
Advanced Nutrition and Metabolism
Students pursuing an online master’s in nutrition will usually find one or more courses focused on advanced concepts in nutrition and metabolism. There may be coursework on digestion, storage, and functions of nutrients in growth and development. An emphasis is typically placed on macro- and micronutrients, which may appear in two separate courses. You might also take a course that explores clinical nutrition or the relationship between diet and disease.
Related Master’s in Nutrition Degree Concentrations
Sustainable Food Systems
Sustainable food systems is an interdisciplinary concentration drawing from academic departments in economics, agricultural sciences, and environmental sciences, as well as faculty affiliated with the College of Natural Resources. Many students utilize the concentration for preparation of graduate work leading to MS or PhD degrees in such areas as rural development, community development, comparative international development, nutritional science, community health education, and agribusiness management. A sustainable food systems position allows students to learn about the effects of policy and economic changes on food availability through agriculture and nutritional sciences.
Dietetics Professional Studies
A dietetics professional studies concentration is an advanced academic program and is not a prerequisite for dietetic internship or registration as a dietitian. Its purpose is to provide coursework in professional dietetics practice through various educational delivery mechanisms, including on-site classroom sessions, online or distance education, and self-directed learning.
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
The Health Promotion and Disease Prevention concentration prepares students for doctoral study or careers in research, education, health promotion service management, and health care administration. The curriculum presents the theoretical foundations of health behavior change and disease prevention by addressing topics such as physical activity, nutrition, tobacco, alcohol, drug prevention, communicable diseases (including HIV/AIDS), violence prevention, environmental health and social justice.
Clinical Nutrition
There are a number of reasons that the field of clinical nutrition exists, and a concentration track in clinical nutrition covers advanced concepts and practices relevant to nutrition services in clinical settings. Typically designed with registered dieticians in mind, courses cover several types of patient populations, including the critically ill, chronically ill, older adults, and children.
Obesity and Eating Disorders
This concentration explores obesity and eating disorders, with a critical examination of public and societal attitudes towards these topics and the ways in which health care providers approach them. Many difficult ethical and methodological issues related to research on these topics will be discussed. Honors students take courses in epidemiology, health behavior, advanced statistics, and theory development and evaluation.
Online Master’s in Nutrition Admission Requirements
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
Prospective master’s students must have completed a sufficient undergraduate education, regardless of field. Schools may prefer or require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in a science-related subject, such as nutrition science, dietetics, food science, health and wellness, or biology, for nutrition programs.
PREREQUISITE COURSEWORK
To ensure that applicants are prepared for graduate study, many online master’s in nutrition programs require completion of prerequisite courses. These requirements vary by school, but they frequently include biology, organic chemistry, physiology, and/or nutrition coursework. Prospective students who majored in a field other than science can complete these prerequisites through post-baccalaureate study.
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
Applicants to certain master’s programs in nutrition, particularly those focusing on dietetics, may be required to hold the registered dietitian professional credential. Schools that have this requirement may accept non-credentialed applicants who can prove their current eligibility to take the national exam.
TEST SCORES
Applicants to master’s programs may be required to submit results from one or more graduate admission tests. By assessing reasoning skills, analytical abilities, and subject-specific competencies, these standardized exams help demonstrate a candidate’s suitability for the rigors of graduate school. Applicants to nutrition programs are frequently required to submit GRE scores.
VOLUNTEER OR WORK EXPERIENCE
While many schools do not make this a mandatory requirement, some programs prefer applicants with relevant work or volunteer experience. Prior experience in health, food science, nutrition, and/or a related field can help you stand out in the admissions process.
Online Master’s in Nutrition Career Paths
After earning an online master’s in nutrition, graduates can enter the workforce as nutrition specialists, registered dietitians, and health or nutrition educators. Graduates of online master’s in nutrition programs might also choose to become dietetic interns who act as a link between doctors and patients or open their own health or nutrition-related businesses.
The field of nutrition requires a diverse set of qualifications. Candidates for nutrition careers may need to have both knowledge about and experience with scientific or marketing methods. A graduate degree can help you become qualified for positions in which scientific research is required.
In order to become a registered dietician, professionals must satisfy education, examination, and practice requirements. Additional specialty certifications are offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
FAQs about Best Online Master’s in Nutrition
How long does it take to get a master’s in nutrition?
The length of time it takes to complete a master’s degree in nutrition is largely determined by your preferred pace and the requirements of the program you choose. Most students complete their studies in 1-3 years. Clinical programs may take longer to complete than programs with no in-person requirements.
What can you do with a master’s in nutrition?
While many people who earn an online master’s degree in nutrition go on to work as registered dieticians, your options are not limited to clinical work. This degree can also lead to positions in management, research, administration, education, and consulting, depending on the program. All nutrition graduates are prepared to help others improve their lives.
What does a master’s in nutrition consist of?
The curriculum and learning outcomes of an online master’s in nutrition are highly dependent on the type of career for which the program is seeking to prepare graduates, such as clinical nutrition, nutrition education, or food science. Some degree programs only require coursework, while others feature internship and/or clinical practicum requirements.
How much can you make with a master’s in nutrition?
Statistics from the BLS show that the median annual salary for dieticians and nutritionists is $61,270, with the highest earners bringing in nearly $85,000. Furthermore, nutritional educators and food scientists earn around $37,000 and $64,000, respectively. Individual earnings can also be influenced by a worker’s experience, geographic location, and type of employer.
Can you get a master’s in nutrition without a bachelor’s in nutrition?
It is possible to obtain a master’s degree in nutrition without first earning a bachelor’s degree in nutrition. Prospective students with a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field can use post-baccalaureate education to complete prerequisites. Some schools specifically offer prerequisite courses for students who require this option.