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15 Best Online Nutrition Programs with Master’s Degrees

15 Best Online Nutrition Programs with Master's Degrees

Key Takeaways

  • Online Master’s in Nutrition programs help professionals advance their careers and potentially increase their pay.
  • These programs are flexible, allowing students to gain experience and manage other obligations while studying.
  • Students learn to create nutritional plans, understand food values, and apply this knowledge in various industries.
  • The programs are ranked based on alumni salary, cost, and student satisfaction, considering accreditation and reputation.

The best online nutrition programs are flexible master’s degrees for professionals working in nutrition to up their credentials and pay. Earning a Master’s in nutrition online will provide opportunities in multiple industries. Several popular colleges and universities offer nutrition degree programs to students interested in working in food or supplement-related industries.

An online Master’s in Nutrition program offers students the ability to earn experience while earning their degree. A Master’s also allows students to advance into supervisory or management roles in either of the chosen industries.

A Master’s in nutrition online teaches students how to create nutritional meals, plan menus, and formulate supplements. They also learn about the nutritional values of foods and how those values relate to good health and the human body’s physiological needs. Using this knowledge in a real-life setting, such as on-the-job training, will enhance the student’s learning ability. With an online degree program, students can pursue their dreams and take care of their obligations simultaneously.

Our Method: Ranking the Best Online Nutrition Master’s Programs 

Working professionals in nutrition may find that an online master’s program helps them increase their salary and expand their careers. So, the Best Health Degrees has ranked the top nutrition master’s programs according to three factors. They are Alumni Salary, Cost, and Student Satisfaction. We use data from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and also Niche. Only accredited, reputable programs were considered for the best masters in nutrition programs.

1. CSU Global

CSU Global’s MS in Food Science and Nutrition is one of the top online nutrition degrees for students to advance their careers. This degree in nutrition teaches students the fundamental skills they need to work in a leadership role. With a holistic approach to nutrition, students explore the impact of human behavior and the food industry on nutrition and diet.

CSU Global offers a master’s program designed around the needs of dietitians and individuals with DPD verification. Since the degree program works around the needs of professionals with limited time, it provides a flexible choice. It reduces the challenges associated with attending traditional classes on-campus. The online design works with adult students with obligations and complications limiting their availability.

Highlight: CSU Global collaborates with other universities to give students a well-rounded view of nutrition and related topics.

Degree: Master of Science (MS) in Food Science and Nutrition

Interested: Learn more here about this master’s degree in nutritional sciences!

2. The University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin offers students one of the best online nutrition degrees. The MS in Nutritional Science program combines scientific research and studies with human behavior. This combination ensures graduates are ready to work in leadership roles. Furthermore, it gives students a strong foundation in how human behavior impacts nutrition. It helps students combine science with the human element, allowing them to work in a clinical environment.

The University of Texas at Austin takes a holistic approach to nutrition studies. It gives students a strong foundation in leadership and communication, as well as science and nutrition research. An interdisciplinary approach within the online degree program ensures students can work in various environments and career opportunities.

Highlight: The University of Texas at Austin offers two concentrations for students in online nutrition degree programs.

Degree: MS in Nutritional Science

Interested: Learn more here about this master’s degree in nutritional sciences!

3. University of Wisconsin

The University of Wisconsin offers one of the best online masters in nutrition programs for clinical studies. This MS in Clinical Nutrition emphasizes the impact of food and nutrition on health outcomes. It prepares students to work with professional doctors, nurses, and medical staff to help patients find effective ways to address health concerns or diseases. The online degree program gives students the skills to work with patients in a medical facility.

The University of Wisconsin emphasizes flexibility in the online nutrition degree program. So, students work independently and take either full-time or part-time classes around their schedules. That flexibility ensures that students can keep up with their course materials while working on a degree. It also allows students to keep up with personal and professional obligations.

Highlight: The University of Wisconsin is rated as the third best online nutrition program by Best Schools.

Degree: Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition

Interested: Learn more here about this master’s degree in nutritional sciences!

4. University of Illinois at Urban-Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urban-Champaign offers an MS in Food Science focusing on food and nutrition research. The degree program allows students to participate in world-class research into nutrition while also providing the flexibility of online courses. It will enable students to develop valuable skills and engage in innovative solutions and long-term goals to lead food service operations.

The University of Illinois at Urban-Champaign stands apart from other programs with two concentrations for students in the nutrition program. Students can choose between human nutrition and food science as a concentration when working on a degree. That allows students to focus on a specialized area when working on their studies.

Highlight: UI at Urban-Champaign offers financial aid through fellowships and assistantships to help graduate students with the costs of a degree.

Degree: MS in Food Science

Interested: Learn more here about this master’s degree in nutritional sciences!

5. North Carolina State University

The Master of Nutrition from North Carolina State University is one of the best online master’s in nutrition programs. This program is for students who want to work as a nutritionist or a similar profession. The degree program emphasizes the role of science in nutrition and encourages students to learn more about different scientific studies related to food and diet. It also allows students to develop practical communication skills that may help them advance in a career.

North Carolina State University focuses on providing a flexible education for professionals and students with personal obligations. The degree program recognizes that professionals may need to work around a complicated schedule, allowing students to work at their own pace. That flexible approach to nutrition education will enable individuals working in the nutrition field to continue their responsibilities while taking measures to advance in a career. NCSU has accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Highlight: North Carolina State University requires students to take an internship or to complete six credits of a directed practicum to graduate.

Degree: Master of Nutrition

Interested: Learn more here about this nutrition master’s degree!

6. University of Georgia

The MS in Foods and Nutrition from the University of Georgia is one of the best online nutrition master’s programs for students who want to focus on developing critical thinking skills and practical skills. The degree program emphasizes the process of thinking outside the box and innovative solutions to address research concerns. It allows students to explore new ideas and focus on identifying solutions for their goals.

The University of Georgia offers an online degree program designed around working adults’ needs. It provides a flexible schedule to help students keep up with course material while working in a professional setting. It also encourages students to learn the leadership skills they need to improve their situation in a current work environment.

Highlight: The University of Georgia has accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Degree: MS in Foods and Nutrition

Interested: Learn more here about this masters in nutrition online program!

7. Iowa State University

Iowa State University offers a Master of Family and Consumer Sciences with a Dietetics degree program for students who want to work at an advanced career level. The online degree program emphasizes independent thought in research and prepares students to take on active roles in a research environment through a thorough understanding of the scientific method. It also gives students a strong foundation in how family environments and consumer behavior influence nutrition.

Iowa State University uses up-to-date information and research to help students keep up with modern degree requirements. The program emphasizes science and research as essential to nutrition science and dietetics. It recognizes the value of human behavior in nutrition and gives students a solid foundation to help with their long-term goals.

Highlight: Iowa State University requires students to be registered dietitians or to qualify for the examinations to become registered dietitian to qualify for the online program.

Degree: Master of Family and Consumer Sciences with Dietetics

Interested: Learn more about this nutrition master’s at the program site!

8. Auburn University

Auburn University offers an MS in Nutrition online for students who want to advance in dietetics or nutrition-related careers. The online degree program emphasizes the importance of effective communication and offers discussion boards to help students connect with faculty and peers. It also provides a simple online format for lectures and course materials to make the process of obtaining a degree as easy as possible for working adults.

Auburn University does not require specialized technology for students to access online course material. The degree program is designed with a simple format that allows students to work with most laptops and computers when accessing lectures and materials. By focusing on a simple and low-tech strategy, it gives students a user-friendly solution to help with studies.

Highlight: Auburn University requires students to complete a five-credit non-thesis research project as part of the online degree program.

Degree: MS in Nutrition degree

Interested: Learn more about this nutritionist degree online!

9. UMass Amherst

The online MS in Nutrition from UMass Amherst prepares students for the challenges of working in a fast-paced research environment. It gives students a strong foundation in nutrition research and science that they can apply to a career in food safety, pharmaceuticals, food corporations, or various industries. After finishing the online degree program, students can handle research or work in a clinical setting. 

UMass Amherst emphasizes the importance of nutrition research in scientific fields. It gives students a strong foundation in the scientific method to ensure they can apply their skills to various settings and environments. The fully online program also offers a flexible strategy to ensure students do not miss essential lectures or classes using an asynchronous course strategy.

Highlight: UMass Amherst is NEASC and CEPH accredited, so it meets the high standards of the two accreditation bodies for student education.

Degree: MS in Nutrition degree

Interested: Learn more here about this masters in nutrition online program!

10. George Washington University

George Washington University offers an MSHS in Integrative Medicine that allows students to obtain the skills they need in nutrition studies to advance in their careers. The degree program prepares students who complete the concentration in nutrition to sit for the Certified Nutrition Specialist exam and to complete professional designations to improve personal qualifications.

George Washington University emphasizes nutrition as it applies to integrative medicine and the medical industry. It provides the education students need to work with doctors, nurses, and other nutrition professionals to address patient needs in a medical environment. Ensuring that students understand the nutritional aspects of health and well-being allows students to help patients in various settings and situations.

Highlight: George Washington University offers a physician fellowship to students who qualify for assistance.

Degree: MSHS in Integrative Medicine

Interested: Learn more about top nutrition masters programs!

11. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama offers an online MS in Human Nutrition that emphasizes research in nutrition science and up-to-date knowledge of good nutrition and diet. It prepares students to work in various environments, including clinical work and research work. The program aims to give students the critical thinking skills they need to develop creative solutions to current nutritional concerns.

The University of Alabama stands apart by allowing students to customize their education. The online degree program offers three different tracks for student education: generalist, clinical nutrition, and community nutrition. Selecting a custom track for student education allows it to focus on a specific goal and work toward specific career opportunities. Additionally, the school has accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Highlight: The University of Alabama is ranked among the top ten universities for online nutrition master’s degrees by Best Schools. 

Degree: MS in Human Nutrition

Interested: Learn more about this nutritionist degree online!

12. Mississippi State University

The MS in Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion from Mississippi State University prepares students for the challenges of working in a nutritional field. The degree program emphasizes the importance of biology and chemistry in food science and how nutrition may impact individuals’ health. The degree program recognizes the impact of nutrition on disease and physical health, so it teaches students practical ways to reduce risks and promote better health through proper nutrition.

Mississippi State University encourages students to develop skills that allow them to work in the healthcare industry. The degree program emphasizes clinical work and recognizes that students may need to evaluate, assess, and implement health promotion programs in various environments and settings. Focusing on improving health promotion ensures that students are prepared to handle a fast-paced environment that works around multiple communities or groups. Graduates find roles in food service and food service management.

Highlight: Mississippi State University provides the education required for students to qualify for a Certified Health Education Specialist license. 

Degree: MS in Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion

Interested: Learn more here about this master’s online nutrition degree!

13. Stony Brook University

The MS in Nutrition from Stony Brook University is a fully online degree program that emphasizes nutrition as it applies to clinical work and medicine. The degree program recognizes the importance of diet and nutrition on health outcomes. It offers students a strong foundation in nutrition science to ensure they are ready to work in a clinical setting.

Stony Brook University offers three concentrations to students in the nutrition program. Students can focus on integrative nutrition therapy, advanced nutrition therapy, critical care, or sustainable food systems and health. Focusing on a specialized area of nutrition studies ensures that students are ready to work in specific industries and positions.

Highlight: Stony Brook University does not prepare students to become registered dietitians or for the exam.

Degree: MS in Nutrition

Interested: Learn more here about this master’s online nutrition degree!

14. Tufts University

Tufts University offers a Master of Nutrition Science and Policy degree for students who want to work in a nutrition-related field. The emphasis on nutrition policy allows students to prepare for a career in food safety or government positions. The degree also emphasizes the sciences behind nutrition and how biology and chemistry may impact nutrition research and studies.

Tufts University takes an interdisciplinary approach to nutrition studies and ensures that students understand the different factors that may influence health outcomes. It recognizes that nutrition is complex, so it teaches students about human behavior, science, and consumer activities to prepare for various career opportunities.

Highlight: Tufts University works with professionals and schools from other nations to give students a diverse perspective on nutrition science.

Degree: Master of Nutrition Science and Policy

Interested: Learn more here about this master’s online nutrition degree!

15. University of Kentucky

The MS in Applied Nutrition & Culinary Medicine from the University of Kentucky is one of the best online masters in nutrition for students who want to work in a clinical field or who plan to work in entrepreneurial roles related to nutrition. The degree program takes an evidence-based approach to student education and ensures students can handle the challenges of working with patients in a clinical environment.

The University of Kentucky stands out by emphasizing the role of nutrition in medicine and health. The degree program emphasizes the impact of diet on good health and uses science and research to back up claims about nutrition and health. It also works within the medical industry to ensure that students can integrate nutrition into medical services for patients.

Highlight: The University of Kentucky offers scholarships and need-based assistance to students who qualify for financial aid.

Degree: MS in Applied Nutrition & Culinary Medicine

Interested: Learn more here about this master’s online nutrition degree!

Are Online or Campus Nutrition Master’s Programs Better?

The choice between an online Master’s in nutrition program and one a student attends on campus will depend on your individual needs. Campus programs can offer a more stable and structured educational environment.

Traditional Graduate Programs

Students have face-to-face connections with faculty members as well as school resources. This includes mentorships and employment opportunities that are provided solely to on-campus students. An on-campus learning environment is the better choice for students who need a structured setting that keeps them accountable for their work.

Benefits of Earning a Nutrition Degree Online

A Master’s in Nutrition online program gives students a chance to earn their degree at their own pace and continue working while they finish their education. Students with families to support and bills to pay just can’t stop working if they choose to return to school. Instead, they have to look for other options that will allow them to earn their degree while they work.

How Do You Choose an Online Nutrition Program?

An online degree program also allows students to study when it’s most convenient. Schedules are more flexible, allowing students to study at different times each day. However, not all programs are the same. Below are some things to consider when you choose an online program.

Cost of a nutrition degree

The tuition for online nutrition programs varies based on the type of school and residency status. Typically, public schools have lower tuition rates. Conversely, private institutions usually have higher tuition for both online and on-campus programs. However, some private schools offer robust financial aid packages that can make the cost equal to a state school. Additionally, many schools now offer online programs. Furthermore, many programs charge the same tuition no matter where a student lives.

Program Format

Online programs deliver content in different ways. Asynchronous learning formats allow students to study at their own pace during any given week. Content is prerecorded or posted for students to view when they have time. Synchronous learning is also referred to as “live” classes. This format requires virtual class sessions with instructors and classmates in real time.

Location

Some programs require placements or internships. In some situations, distance learners may need to go to the campus for a day or two. In this situation, the school’s location may be essential for you.

Accreditation

The accrediting agency for nutrition programs is the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. This accreditation indicates that the program that prepares students for positions as registered dietitians meets the highest quality educational standards. Schools also have regional accreditation for the entire institution.

Student Support

Prospective students should research the support services for online programs. Some available resources may include tutoring, library access, academic coaching, advising, and online access to career centers and seminars.

What are the Admission Requirements for a Master’s in Nutrition

Every school has different requirements. However, most schools share some typical requirements for online nutrition schools.

  • a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or related field
  • letters of recommendation

What do You Learn in an Online Nutrition Program?

An online master’s in nutrition program classes consists of core classes, concentration electives, and a project-based requirement. Below is a list of some classes and topics online students cover in a master’s program.

  • Medical Nutrition Therapy
  • Preventive Nutrition
  • Computers in Nutrition Education
  • Public Health Nutrition / Community Nutrition
  • Nutrition Health and Aging
  • Food and Nutrition
  • Exercise Assessment and Prescription
  • Human Metabolism
  • Global Nutrition
  • Nutritional Epidemiology
  • Contemporary Nutrition Issues in Schools
  • Nutrition Research Project
  • Management of Foodservice Organizations / Food Service Operations
  • Nutrition Proposal Development

What Are Some Dietitian Jobs with a Nutrition Degree?

Jobs for Master’s in nutrition jobs can span several industries. In healthcare, dietitians are in high demand, especially when creating nutritional meal plans for children and adults in hospitals or other medical facilities.

Registered Dietitian

Dietitians also work with the food industry to create balanced meals for restaurants to serve to their customers. This applies to schools and other large facilities offering meals to employees or customers. Dietitians also work to build diet plans specific to certain diseases and illnesses, such as diabetes, Crohn’s Disease, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. 

Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $61,650

What Are Some Master in Nutrition Jobs?

Graduates who earn a Master’s in Nutrition degree can also work as nutritionists in several capacities. Below are a few common nutrition careers for nutrition professionals.

Weight loss consultants

Weight loss consultants often work with fitness centers and companies that produce weight loss products. They can create healthy meal plans that provide the nutritional support a person needs without extra calories. Additionally, they offer clients nutritional advice and nutrition education to support healthy eating habits.

Sports Nutritionist

A certified sports nutrition coach or sports nutritionist works with athletes to help them reach their fitness goals. Sports nutrition usually involves sports medicine, personal training, and nutrition coaching.

Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $61,650

Holistic Nutritionists

Holistic nutritionists help individuals eliminate unhealthy foods from their diet while adding specific foods (or eliminating them). The field of Holistic Nutrition involves a comprehensive approach to nutrition and focuses on what you eat and where your food comes from and is grown. An excellent example of this is someone who wants to live a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.

NutritionAL CounseLOR

A nutritional counselor has passed the certification exam for nutrition specialists administered by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists at the American Nutrition Association. Nutritional counseling or nutrition counseling helps individuals or groups experiencing chronic diseases like heart disease or diabetes adopt a healthy lifestyle. Many work in outpatient care centers and hospitals.

How Much Can I Make with a Master’s in Nutrition?

On average, dietitians who have earned their Master’s of Science in Nutrition can have a pay range of $52,000 to $56,000 a year. This amount will be determined primarily by your years of experience and your GPA if you start right out of college. A registered dietitian can make as much as $56,000 a year if they have additional experience to bring to the table.

Dietitians and Clinical Dietitians range between $52,000 and $54,000 yearly, depending on their experience and grades. With diabetes being one of the most common diseases in America, a Certified Diabetes Educator can make as much as $65,000 a year with the right resume.

What is the Job Outlook in Nutrition?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates around 5,900 job openings annually between 2020 and 2030. Additionally, the BLS estimates an 11% growth rate, faster than average.

Your Degree in Nutrition

Many nutrition careers start with students earning a bachelor’s degree in health sciences or community nutrition. Then they work or earn a master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics. Whatever your path, this is an excellent field for job growth and earning potential!

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