Best Master’s in Dietetics Programs

Q: What can you do with a master's in dietetics degree?

If you're looking for flexibility, master's in dietetics degrees provide this and more. Some graduates may work for government agencies, while others work for food companies to improve nutrition outcomes.

Q: How much money can you make as a dietitian?

Dietitians and nutritionists earned a median salary of nearly $70,000 in 2023. Those working in outpatient treatment centers earned over $77,000, while those in hospitals earned around $73,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Learn about the best master’s in dietetics programs, including salary and career expectations.

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Updated May 21, 2026

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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 6% between 2024 and 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.

In this Article

Best Master’s in Dietetics Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

How We Rank Schools

Florida International University

Miami, FL
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics

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.

66%

Online Enrollment

$ 9,119

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

93%

Retention Rate

$21,600

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 55%

Students Enrolled: 54,817

Institution Type: Public

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics

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.

61%

Online Enrollment

$ 9,684

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

96%

Retention Rate

$26,657

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 24%

Students Enrolled: 43,871

Institution Type: Public

Loma Linda University

Loma Linda, CA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics

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.

40%

Online Enrollment

$29,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Retention Rate

$29,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: N/A

Students Enrolled: 4,202

Institution Type: Private

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, TX
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics

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.

66%

Online Enrollment

$ 5,765

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

73%

Retention Rate

$13,109

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 90%

Students Enrolled: 21,039

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

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.

65%

Online Enrollment

$ 7,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

87%

Retention Rate

$16,680

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 85%

Students Enrolled: 37,661

Institution Type: Public

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics

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.

51%

Online Enrollment

$ 8,164

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

84%

Retention Rate

$15,697

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 98%

Students Enrolled: 12,065

Institution Type: Public

University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, MO
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics

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.

53%

Online Enrollment

$12,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

93%

Retention Rate

$30,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 78%

Students Enrolled: 31,559

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

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%

Online Enrollment

$ 9,207

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Retention Rate

$26,379

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: N/A

Students Enrolled: 3,786

Institution Type: Public

University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center

Oklahoma City, OK
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics

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.

37%

Online Enrollment

$ 5,273

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Retention Rate

$20,372

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: N/A

Students Enrolled: 3,563

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

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.

53%

Online Enrollment

$15,232

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

93%

Retention Rate

$30,700

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 55%

Students Enrolled: 38,857

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.

Program Snapshot
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	Food science Culinary entrepreneurship Professional practice Medical nutrition Pediatric nutrition
Example Courses	Biostatistics Vitamin functions Metabolism Food systems

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 $73,850 in 2024, over $20,000 more than the median salary for all occupations. The top 10% of dietitians earned more than $101,760 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

Is a master’s in dietetics worth it?

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.