Written By
Tom Coombe
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You care about what you eat and the vital role nutrition plays in your life and the lives of others. It’s the reason you want to advance your knowledge in the field by earning your master’s in nutrition. Online degree programs make earning your master’s in nutrition more convenient and affordable than ever, particularly if you’re busy juggling work, family, and other responsibilities. Today, many top-tier, accredited universities offer comprehensive online master’s nutrition degrees that meet the same standards as in-person programs on campus.
This guide will help you learn everything you need to know about pursuing a master’s in nutrition online, including course details, admission requirements, career and salary outlooks, and schools that offer best programs.
Top Online Master’s in Nutrition Programs for 2023
EduMed has identified some of the top online master’s nutrition programs in the country. These programs offer great flexibility, affordability, and the accreditation you need to prepare for a career in dietetics, nutrition education, research and other rewarding fields. Here are some of the most promising online master’s in nutrition programs to help you begin your search.
| # | School Name | Type | Cost | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison, WI | Public | $$$ | 1 | The Online Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is designed for students with a strong background in clinical nutrition seeking to become leaders in the nutrition science field. Students learn to evaluate research, develop effective responses to developments in clinical nutrition practice, and design nutrition-related services. The 30-credit curriculum combines courses in core nutrition, clinical nutrition and professional skills. Students have the option of tailoring their studies through their choice of elective courses in areas such as nursing, population health, public health, and the life sciences. The program is presented in a 100% online format. Most coursework is delivered asynchronously with some synchronous components such as live evening discussion group. No campus visits are required. Program Highlights: Online MS in Clinical Nutrition
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
AccreditationHLC | |||
| 2 | University of Western StatesPortland, OR | Private not-for-profit | $$ | 1 | The University of Western States is a private health sciences university located in Portland, Oregon. UWS’s Master of Science in human nutrition and functional medicine program is designed to prepare graduates to improve the health of clients and patients through the implementation of functional medicine approaches focused on the whole person. The curriculum includes traditional nutrition science courses along with coursework based on the clinical application of functional medicine. The entire program is 100% online. Some class lectures and special events are live streamed, and all live activities are recorded and can be accessed asynchronously along with all other program components. Programs starts are available in April and October. Program Highlights: MS in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine
|
Academic CounselingImplied no |
Career PlacementImplied no |
Student/ Faculty Ratio8/1 |
AccreditationNWCCU | |||
| 3 | University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham, AL | Public | $$ | 1 | The Master of Science in nutritional sciences at the University of Alabama at Birminghamprovides students with knowledge and skills in the nutrition sciences to help save lives, prevent disease, and improve the quality of life of clients and patients. The program offers five specialization tracks, three of which feature entirely online coursework. They include the clinical track – prior learning option, the dietician education program (coordinated program in dietetics) track, and the lifestyle management and disease prevention track. The research track combines online coursework with research hours and some classes attended in-person on the UAB campus. The fifth track (clinical track/dietetic internship) is an on-campus program. Program Highlights: MS in Nutritional Sciences
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | |||
| 4 | University of MemphisMemphis, TN | Public | $$ | 1 | The online Master of Science in exercise nutrition program at the University of Memphis is designed for students working in healthcare, corporate wellness, and fitness settings who are seeking a master’s program to advance their knowledge of exercise and nutrition science. The 30-credit-hour program is delivered 100% online with no campus visits or in-person requirements. Students can complete their studies in as few as 12 months or opt for a slower study pace. UM’s experiential learning credit feature allows students to save time and money by satisfying up to six elective credits through previous activities like obtaining an industry certification or work experience in a health or fitness setting. Program Highlights: MS in Health Studies with Exercise Nutrition Concentration
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | |||
| 5 | Logan UniversityChesterfield, MO | Private not-for-profit | $$ | 1 | Located in Chesterfield, Missouri, Logan University is a private institution offering academic programs in the health sciences. Logan’s 100% online Master of Science in nutrition and human performance teaches current and prospective chiropractic, teaching, and fitness professionals to provide evidence-based lifestyle and nutrition guidance to their clients. Students complete 24 credits of core courses along with 12 to 15 credits of coursework in one of four concentration tracks: health education and promotion, integrative nutrition and practice, nutrition wellness, and sports and fitness nutrition. Graduates of the program are prepared to sit for the exams to become a certified clinical nutritionist (CCN), certified sports nutritionist (CISSNN), and other independent certifications. Graduation from this program does not lead to a verification statement establishing eligibility for the RD exam or a dietetic internship program. Program Highlights: MS in Nutrition & Human Performance
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio12/1 |
AccreditationHLC | |||
| 6 | Mansfield University of PennsylvaniaMansfield, PA | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
AccreditationMSCHE | ||||
| 7 | Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook, NY | Public | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 |
AccreditationMSCHE | ||||
| 8 | University of North DakotaGrand Forks, ND | Public | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 9 | Parker UniversityDallas, TX | Private not-for-profit | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio10/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 10 | SUNY OneontaOneonta, NY | Public | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
AccreditationMSCHE | ||||
| 11 | Immaculata UniversityImmaculata, PA | Private not-for-profit | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio10/1 |
AccreditationMSCHE | ||||
| 12 | National University of Natural MedicinePortland, OR | Private not-for-profit | $$$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio5/1 |
AccreditationNWCCU | ||||
| 13 | New York Chiropractic CollegeSeneca Falls, NY | Private not-for-profit | $$$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio0/1 |
AccreditationMSCHE |
The University of Texas at Austin
The Master of Science in Nutritional Science program at The University of Texas at Austin is designed for students and working professionals in the nutrition and wellness field, hoping to gain better insight into important nutrition issues of the day.
The school offers this program in two tracks: a one-year option for students in medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry who want a nutrition background and a two-year track for professionals who wish to complete the program while working full-time.
The program’s five core courses are:
- Advanced Nutrition I – Macronutrients
- Advanced Nutrition II – Micronutrients
- Experimental Design and Statistics
- Advanced Experimental Design and Statistics
- Molecular Nutrition
Accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, this degree program also fulfills part of the Board Certified Nutrition Specialist Certification’s academic requirements.
Admission is based on your graduate and undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, previous research experience, and academic work. Applicants should also have an extensive nutrition background. The program recommends completing Introductory Nutrition, Human Physiology and requires applicants to complete coursework and labs in Organic and Biochemistry.
The total cost for the program is $22,500. Several scholarships and financial aid options are available and can be found on the program’s website.
The University of North Carolina
This master of public health program focuses on nutrition while also examining behavioral change, communication, counseling, and how dietary culture affects people and communities.
Program faculty have dual appointments in the School of Medicine and the Gillings School of Global Public Health, specializing in various topics, including cancer, diabetes, and maternal and child nutritional issues.
Designed with full and part-time students in mind, the 42-credit program includes 15 credits in public health core courses and nutrition-specific courses such as human nutrition, food, nutrition policy, and nutritional epidemiology.
This program, accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health, prepares graduates for careers in governmental agencies, non-profits, and nutrition marketing and media companies. Graduates have gone on to work for companies and publications such as the Food Network, Southern Living, and Shape.
Applicants must submit a CV, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose that details why they are applying and how they will contribute to the program.
Applicants should also complete the following prerequisites:
- Chemistry (Chemistry I and II and their labs as well as one term of organic chemistry)
- Biochemistry
- Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
- Microbiology (with a lab)
- Human Nutrition
- General Psychology
- Introduction to Anthropology or Sociology I
Tuition for the program is $1,735 per credit plus $24.84 for student fees. Financial aid options include Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans, private education loans, competitive fellowships, and military education benefits.
Kansas State University
Kansas State University offers a customizable program that encompasses dietetics and sensory sciences.
Students can choose from concentrations such as sensory analysis and consumer behavior, nutrition science, public health nutrition, and nutritional education, designed to help them graduate with a customized degree and advance in their chosen profession.
Graduates of the program – accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics – go on to careers in clinical nutrition, obesity management, exercise science, and maternal and child nutrition.
The program curriculum includes seven required credits: a one-credit graduate seminar in human nutrition, three-credit food, nutrition, dietetics, and health course, plus one of the three following three-credit statistics classes.
Applicants are required to meet the school’s general admission requirements and must have a science background. Applications should also include a statement of interest, experience, skills, three professional recommendations, and unofficial transcripts from previous schools. This program is entirely online and requires 36 credit hours at the cost of $515 per credit hour. In addition to scholarships, students can get help paying for this program by utilizing federal, military, or employer-sponsored financial aid packages.
FAQs About Earning Your Master’s in Nutrition Online
What do you learn in an online nutrition master’s degree program?
While not every school will take the same approach to its master’s in nutrition program, many will have the same courses, topics, and education outcomes.
In some cases, the program will start with foundational science courses before moving on to nutrition and its role in maternal health and human development or developing public policy based on community and individual nutritional needs.
Some common learning outcomes for masters in nutrition online degree programs include:
- Analyzing and applying nutrition concepts to help improve community health and determine the nutritional needs of diverse people.
- Examining food sources and how the body uses nutrition to prevent chronic illnesses, identify nutrition-related diseases, and maximize wellness.
- Applying microbiology and food science expertise to food process controls and ingredients to explain food’s role in leading a healthy lifestyle.
- Demonstrate effective food and nutrition education strategies, including conducting interviews with people to create diet histories.
- Employ critical thinking and decision-making skills that will guide their development as leaders in the world of nutrition and dietetics.
Common Classes in Master’s Degree in Nutrition Programs
- Human Nutrition
Many programs include courses covering the basic principles of nutrition and other topics such as nutrient categories and their functions, metabolism, and sources of food. Some courses also examine the role nutrition plays in disease prevention and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Here are five common courses students can expect to take in a master’s degree nutrition program. - Nutrition Policy
These courses explore the different programs that have been implemented and how food, nutrition, and nutrition-related illness impact societies’ health. These courses also examine public health and community outreach, and in some cases, look at the concept of nutrition not as an individual choice but as something determined by larger socioeconomic forces. - Nutrition Through the Lifecycle
These courses give students practical experience with the four primary nutritional assessment methods: dietary, anthropometric, laboratory, and clinical. The assessment methodology will vary for each stage of the human lifecycle (i.e., infants, children, adults, and older people) - Statistics
There is a host of information surrounding nutrition and nutrition-based health claims, which is why people in the nutrition field must have the tools to evaluate those claims. Courses in this area include statistical analysis methods for studying nutrition-based data such as distribution theory and hypothesis testing. - Nutritional Epidemiology
These courses examine the connection between diet, nutrition, and health outcomes to train future professionals to find new ways to promote health, treat illnesses, and prevent diseases in the community in a clinical setting.
What concentrations or specialization tracks are offered by online master in nutrition programs?
Like many fields, there’s no single path to a career in nutrition. Just as lawyers can specialize in criminal cases or tax law, people seeking an online master’s degree in nutrition can choose from many different concentrations. Some programs offer pre-defined tracks — for example, a master’s in nutrition with a concentration in nutrition education, while others let you choose from a few different tracks.
Here are a few specializations online nutrition master’s programs offer.
- Dietetics
This concentration is geared toward people who want to pursue a career as a registered dietician, which offers room for specialization. You’ll find dieticians providing nutrition education to patients in hospitals, operating in private practice as a consultant to food makers, or working in the public health sector. - Sports Nutrition
From runners to quarterbacks to weightlifters, any athlete who takes their game seriously takes their diet seriously as well. Students who focus on sports nutrition learn how to determine an athlete’s nutritional needs and what they need to eat — or not eat — to maintain fitness and recover from injuries. - Nutrition Education
According to American University, nutrition education is growing, with jobs in this area expected to grow by 16 percent over the next few years. Students in this concentration learn to design nutrition education programs for schools, hospitals, and other organizations and map the connections between nutrition and other health markers such as exercise and quality of life. - Environmental Nutrition
These programs delve into food sustainability and food justice, traditional food practices, and alternative nutrition approaches. The environmental nutrition specialization draws on students with backgrounds in nursing, medicine, education, exercise and food science, biology, psychology, and community health. - Global Health
Everyone needs to eat, but not everyone has access to the same types of food. It’s this dilemma that drives the global health field of nutritional studies, where students look at nutritional problems in lower and middle-income regions of the world and look at the dietary, social, and biological aspects of nutritional health and science.
What are the admissions requirements for a master’s degree in nutrition?
Every master’s program for nutrition is different, and admission requirements for these programs tend to vary.Generally speaking, applicants to these programs should be prepared to submit materials that include:
- Letters of recommendation
- Essays on why you want to be part of the program and what you would contribute
- Samples of past work
- Standardized test scores (GREs)
Many of these programs are highly competitive and require students to complete undergraduate courses in chemistry, biology, and nutrition courses. In contrast, others will only admit students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in nutrition.
How long will it take to finish my online master’s in nutrition?
The answer depends mainly on the program you choose; overall, the time to completion for most online nutrition programs is between one to three years. Additionally, students who work full-time may not take on a full course load in a single semester and usually have to enroll as part-time students.
Some programs offer accelerated options that allow students to earn a dual BS/MS degree, while students taking a didactic program in dietetics should expect to take a bit longer to complete their degree.
How much does a master’s in nutrition online cost?
There are a few factors that will decide the cost of your master’s in nutrition, including your school choice, as private institutions typically cost more than public schools. Where you live matters: it costs less for residents of certain states to attend schools than people who live outside of the state, even if every student takes classes online. Finally, there’s the question of how much funding you’ve been able to secure, either in terms of scholarships, loans, and other forms of financial aid.
We’ve outlined tuition data from three sample schools below:
Financial Aid for Your Master’s in Nutrition Online
Once you’ve decided to earn an online master’s in nutrition, your next step is to determine how you’ll pay for the program. As previously stated, the cost of attaining this degree will vary from school to school.
Paying for school may seem challenging, but with enough planning and research, you can find the options you need to help finance your education:
1
Scholarships & Grants
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers numerous scholarships, including students from underrepresented backgrounds. Read our scholarships guide to learn more about scholarships available to students in the nutrition field.
2
Student Loans
You can finance your degree with either federal or private student loans. Federal loans are typically the best option. You should look at applying for them when you start planning for school. Read our student loan handbook to learn more.
3
Other Options
Some master’s in nutrition programs offer internships and teaching and research assistantships to graduate students, such as the nutrition program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Work-study jobs, a traditional source of aid for on-campus students, may be harder to find for students in online programs, particularly when so many students are learning remotely.
Accreditation Standards for Online Master’s Degrees in Nutrition
An accredited school or degree program is one that has been evaluated by an agency that determines whether academic institutions meet benchmark standards of high-quality education for students.
In nutrition master’s programs, the top accreditation agencies are the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and the National Association of Nutrition Professionals.
During accreditation, organizations will typically conduct internal analysis and report, coupled with on-site evaluations by the accreditation body, who determine whether the program meets its own goals and those of the accreditation agency.
Schools can receive institutional accreditation, either on a regional or national level, while specific programs can receive program accreditation.
Regional accreditation is generally considered superior, as credits from a regionally-accredited school or program will transfer to both nationally and regionally-accredited schools. In contrast, nationally-accredited credits are only transferable to other nationally-accredited institutions.
You can check with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the U.S. Department of Education to find out if the accreditation agency in question is legitimate.
Career Options and Salaries for Master’s in Nutrition Grads
Once you’ve earned your master’s in nutrition online, you’ll have a wide range of career paths open to you, not only in the world of healthcare but in education, corporate industry, and public policy. But how much can you expect to earn? What licenses will you need? Read on to learn more about life after your online master’s degree in nutrition.
What can you do with a master’s degree in nutrition?
Nutrition is an in-demand field, and when it comes to job opportunities, it’s not so much a question of what you do but where you work, as you can find nutrition professionals working in schools, hospitals, non-profits, and large corporations.
Some of the career opportunities include for master’s degree holders include:
- Nutritionist/Dietician
- Nutrition Educator
- Food Technologist
- Sports Nutritionist
- Nutrition Journalist
- Nutrition Marketing
How much can you earn with a master’s degree in nutrition?
Salaries for professionals in the nutrition field can vary greatly depending on specialization, employer, location, and experience. Generally speaking, the median annual salary for people with master’s degrees is a little over $76,000, according to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. In the table below, we’ve laid out the median annual salaries for three popular nutrition-related jobs attainable with a master’s.
| Career | Median National Annual Salary (2019) | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
| Nutrition Educators | $55,220 | $32,890 | $98,680 |
| Dieticians & Nutritionists | $61,270 | $38,890 | $87,360 |
| Food Technologist | $68,970 | $40,360 | $124,660 |
Will I need to earn a license or certification after my master’s in nutrition?
It depends on what career you pursue, but if you plan to work as a registered dietician or nutritionist, there’s a good chance you’ll need a license. Forty-eight states, along with the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, require dieticians and nutritionists to have a license or certification. Learn more about dietitian and nutritionist licensure requirements in your state by visiting this Commission on Dietetic Registration page.
State certifications are different from national certifications such as Certified Nutritional Specialist. These certifications are not required for dieticians and nutritionists. Still, a CNS certification, in particular, is useful for people who hope to work in the highest levels of nutritional research and education.
Continuing Education & Related Degrees
No matter your field, there’s always room for growth. Once you’ve earned your online master’s degree in nutrition, you’ll still have a wealth of options for continuing your education. For some students, that might mean getting a doctorate in nutrition or public health. Other students may choose to branch out into related fields, seeking their master’s degree in health sciences or counseling.
Read on to learn more about advanced degree options after you’ve earned your master’s degree in nutrition online.
Advanced Degree Options
- Ph.D. in Nutrition
This degree is designed for students who want to hone their skills by focusing on subsets of nutrition, such as human nutrition or molecular nutrition. There are numerous career options for people who earn this degree, from teaching positions to senior scientific roles in the corporate world. - Online Ph.D. in Public Health
Take what you’ve learned about nutrition and apply it to broader public health concerns by earning a public health PhD online. Popular careers for graduates with a Ph.D. in public health include epidemiologists, biostatisticians, health service managers, and community health workers.
Similar Master’s Degrees Worth Considering
- Online Master’s Degree in Counseling
People with a online degree in counseling can become marriage and family counselors, school counselors, and mental health professionals. Once you have degrees in counseling and nutrition, you can use your insights into nutrition and people’s relationship to food to treat patients with eating disorders. - Online Master’s Degree in Health Sciences
Health science refers to applying science to a broad field of health-related topics that includes medicine and nutrition. Many people with online master’s in health science degrees work in the public health sector, which is where a master’s degree in nutrition – particularly a degree that focused on environmental or global nutrition – can come in handy. - Online Master’s Degree in Public Health (MPH)
Earning an online master’s in public health (MPH) offers graduates a wide range of career options, including public policy advisors, epidemiologists, community service managers at shelters and outreach centers, and fields where a knowledge of proper diet and nutrition will be a valuable asset.
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