Best Master’s in Dietetics Programs
Learn about the best master’s in dietetics programs for 2024, including salary and career expectations.
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Earning a master’s in dietetics puts you at the forefront of health and nutrition, enabling you to work with clients, conduct research, develop training plans, and influence policy.
These programs typically take 1-2 years to complete, depending on the required coursework and whether you plan to study full time or part time.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs for nutritionists and dietitians to grow by 7% between 2022 and 2023, faster than the average for all occupations.
Best Master’s in Dietetics Programs of 2024
How We Rank Schools
University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center
- Oklahoma City, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $647
Out-of-State | $647
Credits to Graduate: 34 credits
Choose from an online or on-campus format to earn your master’s in nutritional sciences at the University of Oklahoma. The program covers advanced nutritional and food science knowledge. You can choose a thesis or non-thesis option.
If you want to become a registered dietitian, UO Health Sciences Center also offers a master’s in dietetics program. This program incorporates 1,200 internship hours to gain hands-on experience. Neither program requires GRE scores, and Oklahoma residents receive a significant tuition discount.
59%
$ 5,119
N/A
$19,778
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 3,235
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Omaha, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Total Cost for Tuition:
In-State | $16,260
Out-of-State | $26,600
Credits to Graduate: 45 credits
The Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences at the University of Nebraska Medical Center offers a master’s in professional studies in dietetics. During the 16-month program, you complete didactic and supervised experiential requirements. The program prepares graduates for the registered dietitian nutritionist credential.
Explore topics such as community nutrition and medical nutrition therapy during the program. You complete some coursework through distance education while meeting clinical requirements in the Lincoln area. Apply with a minimum 3.0 GPA, three recommendation letters, and a resume.
16%
$ 9,207
N/A
$26,379
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 3,750
- Institution Type
- Public
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $456
Out-of-State | $1,002
Credits to Graduate: 37 credits
Miami’s Florida International University offers a master’s in dietetics and nutrition with a thesis and non-thesis option. You take core courses in nutrition, public health, and research. On the master’s thesis track, you analyze data to address a challenge in dietetics. The non-thesis option covers applied program planning or evaluation.
You need an accredited bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the final 60 credits. You must also provide official transcripts.
65%
$ 911
91%
$2,003
- Acceptance Rate
- 64%
- Students Enrolled
- 54,906
- Institution Type
- Public
Loma Linda University
- Loma Linda, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Cost per Year:
In-State | $43,368
Out-of-State | $43,368
Credits to Graduate: 48 credits
Loma Linda University, a Christian institution specializing in healthcare science, offers a master’s in nutrition and dietetics. With tracks for registered dietitians, undergraduates, and post-baccalaureate applicants, you can find an option that fits your circumstances.
For example, registered dietitians can earn their master’s in one year, while the accelerated BS/MS program takes three years.
You need a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission. The program also conducts interviews during the admission process. The program also requires GRE scores.
33%
$27,382
N/A
$27,382
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 4,390
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Missouri-Columbia
- Columbia, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $4,500
Out-of-State | $11,250
Credits to Graduate: 30 credits
The University of Missouri-Columbia offers an accelerated path to a master’s degree in its dietetics program. The master’s in dietetics admits undergrads who finish their bachelor’s and master’s in the program. You can also apply after finishing a bachelor’s degree. If you meet the prerequisites, you can complete the master’s in two years.
The program includes graduate-level courses in endocrinology, health informatics ethics, and medical nutrition therapy. You also complete a 10-credit dietetics supervised practice experience. Missouri residents receive a significant tuition discount.
63%
$10,447
89%
$28,605
- Acceptance Rate
- 79%
- Students Enrolled
- 31,344
- Institution Type
- Public
South Dakota State University
- Brookings, SD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $340
Out-of-State | $654
Credits to Graduate: 39 credits
In the accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s program at South Dakota State University, you can earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in seven semesters. The program admits undergrads with at least 58 credits, and you graduate with a master’s in nutrition and dietetics. You can also apply to the program after earning a bachelor’s degree.
The coursework emphasizes medical nutrition therapy, nutrigenomics, and community health education. You also complete an internship to gain hands-on experience in the summer. You need a minimum 3.0 GPA, with a minimum 2.5 GPA in science courses.
49%
$ 8,164
79%
$15,697
- Acceptance Rate
- 86%
- Students Enrolled
- 11,548
- Institution Type
- Public
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Blacksburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $846
Out-of-State | $1,706
Credits to Graduate: 51 credits
Virginia Tech offers a master’s in nutrition and dietetics that blends competency-based coursework with supervised experiential learning opportunities. For example, the program places graduate students at Carilion Clinic to gain clinical skills.
You can choose from a 17-month track if you already possess a bachelor’s degree or a 22-month accelerated BS/MS pathway if you're a current Virginia Tech student. Both tracks emphasize nutrition counseling, hands-on experience, and clinical practice. The program does not require GRE scores for admission.
57%
$14,521
91%
$29,267
- Acceptance Rate
- 57%
- Students Enrolled
- 38,365
- Institution Type
- Public
Sam Houston State University
- Huntsville, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $320
Out-of-State | $728
Credits to Graduate: 36 credits
You can complete your registered dietitian nutritionist requirements at Sam Houston State University in as little as 17 months. The public institution offers a master’s in dietetics with a concentration in community research and wellness.
The program includes 1,000 hours of supervised practice experience and culminates in a master’s exam. Apply to the program with official transcripts, a graduate application, and official GRE scores. The program waives the GRE requirement if you have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
65%
$ 5,765
73%
$13,108
- Acceptance Rate
- 97%
- Students Enrolled
- 21,612
- Institution Type
- Public
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $479
Out-of-State | $1,111
Credits to Graduate: 32 credits
At Florida State University, you can earn a master’s in nutrition and food science. The program offers tracks in food science and nutrition science, with the option to complete a dietetic internship while in the program. The internship prepares graduates for the registered dietitian nutritionist credential.
You need a minimum 3.0 GPA and an accredited bachelor’s degree. Currently, the program does not require GRE scores. However, you can choose to submit GRE scores.
58%
$10,662
94%
$26,657
- Acceptance Rate
- 25%
- Students Enrolled
- 44,134
- Institution Type
- Public
San Jose State University
- San Jose, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $3,804
Out-of-State | $3,804 plus $420 per credit
Credits to Graduate: 30 credits
Prepare for leadership roles with a master of nutritional science from San Jose State University. With an MS in nutritional science, you can work in nutritional education, geriatric nutrition, and other roles. You can also meet the academic requirements to become a registered dietitian.
You can apply to the internal dietetic internship to gain hands-on experience. You submit an online application, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, and a resume. You also need to submit GRE scores.
85%
$ 7,176
85%
$16,680
- Acceptance Rate
- 75%
- Students Enrolled
- 35,823
- Institution Type
- Public
What Can You Expect From a Master’s in Dietetics Program?
Master’s in dietetics programs include coursework in advanced topics, including metabolic systems, food composition and behavior, and research methods.
Most also include a capstone project, although students interested in research may decide to follow a thesis track and submit long-form original research.
These programs exist both online and in-person, creating flexibility for working professionals.
| Factor | Master’s in Dietetics Program |
|---|---|
| Average Graduate Degree Tuition Cost (2021-2022) | $20,513 |
| Length | 2 years |
| Credits | 30 |
| Program Tracks | Master of science (MS), master of arts (MA), master of public health |
| Example Concentrations |
|
| Example Courses |
|
3 Benefits of a Dietetics Degree
- Personal Fulfillment: Being a dietitian means helping people improve their lives through nutrition and education, making this a potentially rewarding career.
- Above-Average Pay: Dietitians earned an annual median salary of $69,680 in 2023, over $20,000 more than the median salary for all occupations. The top 10% of dietitians earned more than $98,830 annually.
- Flexibility: Earning this degree gives you flexibility to work for a company or start your practice. You can make the decision that best fits your lifestyle and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Master’s in Dietetics Program
Yes, a master’s in dietetics is worth it if you want to work closely with patients and have a passion for food science. A master’s degree is the entry-level education required to sit for the registered dietitian’s exam — the only pathway to working with patients in a clinical setting.
A master’s in dietetics provides advanced training that qualifies you for roles in private and public settings. You can also decide to work for yourself or an organization.
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