In a world where food, food allergies, and nutrition are constantly debated, many people are turning to nutritionists to help them find the right foods to help them feel better, be well-nourished, and live longer.
Our editors first reviewed online nutrition master’s programs in February 2017. This ranking was last updated on November 14, 2024.
As recently as 5 years ago, degree programs for nutritionists were challenging to find in many states. That is changing rapidly. Below, you will find our top picks for an online master’s nutrition degree.
Online nutrition master programs are evaluated on several criteria, such as:
- Cost-effectiveness, providing the student with a quality Master’s in Nutrition degree program for their money,
- The professor-to-student ratio for better access and learning
- Schedule flexibility with online distance learning in Nutrition,
- Adequate program length, pursuant to the requirements of an online Master of Nutrition degree program,
- The prestige of the institution in terms of earning potential and providing proper accreditation.
Also taken into consideration was the variety of online graduate nutrition programs offered specifically for the field of Nutrition Studies. Some graduate schools on the list have a vast array of career paths to pursue, while others had strong programs, but career options were limited.
Still, others fit more of a niche career path in natural foods, with an emphasis on nutrition that will continue to grow as more and more food sensitivities are discovered. For more information, see our Methodology page.
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Best Online Nutrition Master’s Programs
Virginia Tech
The online master of agriculture and life sciences with a concentration in applied nutrition and physical activity from Virginia Tech provides practical, evidence-based knowledge needed for today’s growing healthcare needs.
The curriculum emphasizes critical inquiry and problem-solving. You will also learn successful business practices in the nutrition and physical activity industry.
This top online master in nutrition and exercise science program prepares graduates for careers such as:
- Athletics and Fitness
- Allied Health Professionals
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Corporate Wellness/ Corporate Fitness
American University
Are you passionate about helping others learn to make healthy food choices and improve their quality of life? Become a nutritional advocate with an online Master of Science in Nutrition Education and leave a legacy within your community by helping people be more health-conscious when choosing what to eat.
This online degree from American University gives you the advanced knowledge and skills you need to help positively affect the lives of others through nutritional awareness, community programs, and ongoing education.
The curriculum combines nutrition science, behavioral change, and nutrition education interventions. Graduates are able to secure positions in a variety of settings, including national nonprofits, government organizations, public health departments, and corporations. This program also provides a stepping stone to the Certified Nutrition Specialist® ™ credential.
Will you step up and accept the challenge? With this graduate degree in nutrition, you can feel confident in your ability to design nutrition education programs, communicate complex nutrition information, and motivate others to change in a variety of settings. If you’re someone who is ready to spark positive change, learn more about the online Master of Science in Nutrition Education at American University today
Auburn University
Auburn University has a very accessible online master’s degree program that matches the rigor of its on-campus program. When you combine affordability with an excellent graduation rate of over 70% and the fact that it is an online program with requirements that are less vigorous (a 2.75 undergrad GPA), this degree program is a great option for those who are passionate about nutrition and health and want to further their career.
The Master of Nutrition program is a non-thesis program with a requirement of 33 credit hours, based on a semester platform.
This MS in Nutrition from AU offers four emphasis areas, including:
- Community Nutrition
- Nutrition Science
- Sports Nutrition
- Clinical Nutrition
The University of Kansas
The University of Kansas offers a Master of Science in Dietetics through the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance. Because this program is offered by GPIDEA, courses are delivered online from any of the eight participating universities.
The program is available only to Registered Dieticians or registry-eligible students who have met all the requirements set by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.
This distance learning program looks to promote career opportunities to those already working in the field. You can choose to complete either a thesis or non-thesis program path depending on your professional goals. The thesis option has a requirement of six credit hours committed to writing a formal thesis on a research project.
The non-thesis degree stipulates two additional elective classes and finally, oral and written examinations. The length of time needed to complete this master’s program is approximately three years.
Andrews University
Andrews University is a Seventh-Day Adventist institution in Michigan. Andrews offers an online Master of Science in nutrition and wellness through The Department of Public Health, Nutrition & Wellness.
The program is a great choice if you are planning to become a Registered Dietician or a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. It’s also a great choice for professionals with their RN or RDN who want to complete their master’s degree. The program has a vegetarian emphasis.
Andrews offers one of the most affordable masters in nutrition online programs in the country. Online students benefit from a 50% tuition discount, resulting in significant savings. Andrews also offers an accredited Master of Public Health (MPH) in nutrition and wellness. Their MPH in nutrition was the first in the country to be offered online.
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green State University in NW Ohio offers a highly customizable program for students with a bachelor’s degree in an area like food or nutrition. You will learn not only individual nutrition but also nutrition counseling for communities. Required courses include:
- Community and Public Health Nutrition
- Micronutrients Through the Life Span
- Macronutrients for Human Nutrition
Graduates interested in becoming a Registered Dietician Nutritionist (RDN) can use a verification statement toward the RDN internship.
The University of Georgia
The University of Georgia is located in Athens, Georgia. The College of Family and Consumer Sciences offers an online non-thesis program in community nutrition for those who want to go into fields like:
- School Nutrition
- Community Outreach
- The food industry
All courses are taught 100% online, meeting the needs of working professionals. Experienced instructors give students valuable insights into the field, sharing their industry knowledge. As a full-time student, you can complete this master’s degree in just a year.
Logan University
Logan University in Chesterfield, Missouri, offers a very affordable online Master of Science in nutrition and human performance. This coursework is completed in three 15-week sessions.
You can take courses year-round and complete the program in 2.5 years. The main focus of this graduate degree is to learn how nutrition affects the performance of the human body.
Logan offers nutrition master degree concentrations, including:
- Sports & fitness nutrition
- Nutrition wellness
- Health education and promotion
- Integrative nutrition and practice
Bastyr University
Bastyr University offers a 100% asynchronous online master’s in integrative nutrition. The program is delivered in an accelerated format that is perfect for working professionals. You will complete one course at a time and complete your degree in 18 to 24 months.
This university has a holistic focus on nutrition, which is reflected in its course offerings. The curriculum includes:
- Nutrition Analysis, Assessment, and Meal Planning
- Integrative Nutrition in Wellness Care
- Nutritional Biochemistry
You will also complete an applied capstone project, showcasing your knowledge and skills from your time in the program.
Tufts University
Tufts University in Boston offers a truly unique educational experience when pursuing a graduate degree in nutrition. Based in the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, this program is the only US-based hybrid program.
Courses are taught by industry experts, including registered dieticians and nutrition scientists. Tufts offers a variety of unique electives that include:
- Obesity and Energy Regulation
- Nutrition and Aging
- Nutrition, Brain, and Behavior
You will be engaged in interactive online learning throughout the semester and come to campus for one week of face-to-face time. Courses are taught by industry experts including registered dieticians and nutrition scientists.
You can complete this 30-credit hour program in just one to two years.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a non-thesis online master’s degree in food science. The graduate program is designed to accommodate the needs of working professionals. Courses are offered through the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning and include:
- Advanced Food Microbiology
- Food Product Design Theory
- Introduction to Personalized Nutrition
Graduates are prepared for a variety of exciting career options, including:
- Food Safety Specialist
- Product Innovation Scientist
- Quality Assurance Specialist or Quality Enabler
Central Michigan University
Central Michigan University offers a cost-effective, online Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics program. This program requires one of three options:
- coursework
- a thesis
- an internship
While it is not required that students be registered dietitians, that is the one requirement for the internship program. While most students can complete their nutrition degree in two years, taking just one or two courses at a time is possible. Most graduates can expect employment in a non-clinical setting.
Graduates of this online master’s in nutrition and dietetics are suited for jobs such as food service management or administration in a non-clinical setting.
Saint Elizabeth University
Saint Elizabeth in New Jersey offers one of the top online master’s programs in nutrition. Their online master’s in nutrition is flexible and utilizes a competency-based curriculum. It allows students with varying degrees of experience to register for the program best suited to their educational needs.
You also have the opportunity to choose a concentration in either:
- entrepreneurial nutrition practice
- community nutrition and wellness
Because the online program is open to registered dieticians/nutritionists, it allows professionals already in their field an opportunity to continue their education in a way that fits the schedule of a busy, working adult.
This online master’s in nutritional science program requires 30 credits, with several being core courses. Also, required is a capstone project, which can be completed as a written thesis, portfolio, or research project. Graduates of this top nutrition master’s program work in jobs such as:
- clinical and corporate research
- fitness facilities
- community organizations
- hospitals
- nutrition education
- public health agencies
Arizona State University
The online Master of Science in nutritional science-dietetics is one of the most customizable online master nutrition programs in our ranking.
The master’s program is designed for registered dieticians or those who have completed an accredited didactic program in dietetics. The curriculum consists of 10 courses, and each course is 7.5 weeks. You can tailor the program to meet their professionals through elective courses in areas like:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Obesity Prevention
- Sports Nutrition
Graduates have gone on to successful careers working in roles like:
- Clinical Managers
- Dieticians
- Food Service Directors
Northeast College of Health Sciences
Northeast College of Health Sciences offers a master’s in nutrition online program focused on applied clinical nutrition. The 36-credit hour curriculum covers a variety of subject areas, including:
- genomics and personalized nutrition
- nutritional assessment
- sports nutrition
- behavioral nutrition
As a graduate student, you will study how nutrition can facilitate disease prevention. This top online nutrition master program uses a science-based, whole-food approach to improve and maintain health. The online program is easily accessible, and you can complete your nutrition degree in just 16 to 24 months. Graduates are prepared to assess nutritional imbalances and design appropriate treatment plans that may include:
- nutritional supplement recommendations
- detoxification
- exercise
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Nutrition
Choosing the right online Master’s in Nutrition program involves considering several key elements that directly influence your professional trajectory in the nutrition field. Beyond the flexibility of online learning, it’s important to evaluate whether the program meets certification and licensure requirements, offers specialized tracks in areas like clinical or community nutrition, and provides opportunities for hands-on experience through practicums or internships.
A program that incorporates advanced nutritional science, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a capstone project tailored to real-world nutrition challenges can help you stand out as a well-rounded and highly skilled nutrition professional.
Alignment with Licensure and Certification Requirements: For students aiming to become Registered Dietitians (RDs) or pursue other professional certifications like Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), it’s crucial to ensure that the program is designed to meet the specific coursework and supervised practice hours required by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Some online programs may also offer an RD exam preparation track.
Integration of Advanced Nutritional Science and Research: A quality online master’s program should focus on cutting-edge nutritional science, offering advanced coursework in areas like metabolic disorders, personalized nutrition, and nutritional genomics. Students should expect to engage in evidence-based research projects, enabling them to contribute to the evolving field of nutrition.
Practicum or Internship Opportunities in Local Settings: Even though the program is online, look for one that incorporates a mandatory practicum or internship that allows students to apply their learning in real-world healthcare, clinical, or community nutrition settings. This could include partnerships with local hospitals, wellness centers, or public health agencies to give students valuable hands-on experience in their area of interest.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration with Healthcare Professionals: An online Master’s in Nutrition should provide opportunities for students to work alongside other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or public health experts. Programs that emphasize interdisciplinary learning prepare students to collaborate effectively in diverse healthcare environments, fostering a holistic approach to patient care.
Capstone or Thesis Options Focused on Real-World Nutrition Issues: Many programs offer a capstone project or thesis option, which is an opportunity for students to conduct original research or develop practical solutions for current challenges in the nutrition field. Programs that allow students to focus on public health, nutrition policy, or global health issues can provide unique perspectives and broaden the scope of potential career paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people also seek a nutritional professional to manage health issues like:
• obesity
• diabetes
• celiac disease
• nut and dairy allergies
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dieticians and nutritionists have a median pay of $71,280/year. Depending on your location and level of education, a nutritionist or dietitian can anticipate making anything from $44,000 to $99,000 annually.
Non-salaried positions often start at about $34.00 an hour. The job outlook for these roles is favorable, with a growth rate of 7% through 2033.
If you’re passionate about promoting health through nutrition, advancing research, or working in clinical settings, it can enhance your knowledge and career opportunities. Consider your specific interests and the impact you want to make in the field of nutrition before deciding on pursuing a Master’s degree.
A Master’s in Nutrition typically takes about two years to complete, but program duration can vary. It involves:
• coursework
• research
• practical experiences
It offers in-depth knowledge about nutrition science, health, and wellness. Consider your career goals and the specific program requirements when deciding on pursuing a Master’s in Nutrition.
The difficulty of a Master’s in Nutrition varies based on factors like program rigor and individual learning styles. The curriculum often involves complex topics in:
• biochemistry
• metabolism
• clinical nutrition
Success depends on your dedication, study habits, and passion for the subject matter.
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