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
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center
Oklahoma City, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$5,119
$19,778
N/A
59%
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.
$5,220
$21,985
N/A
3,235
Public
Yes
$5,119
$19,778
Oklahoma City, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$5,119
$19,778
N/A
59%
$5,220
$21,985
N/A
3,235
Public
Yes
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.
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE4 yearCampus + Online
$9,207
$26,379
N/A
16%
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.
$11,340
$30,510
N/A
3,750
Public
Yes
$9,207
$26,379
Omaha, NE4 yearCampus + Online
$9,207
$26,379
N/A
16%
$11,340
$30,510
N/A
3,750
Public
Yes
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.
Florida International University
Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$911
$2,003
64%
65%
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.
$6,168
$18,566
91%
54,906
Public
Yes
$911
$2,003
Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$911
$2,003
64%
65%
$6,168
$18,566
91%
54,906
Public
Yes
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.
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$27,382
$27,382
N/A
33%
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.
$32,736
$32,736
N/A
4,390
Private
Yes
$27,382
$27,382
Loma Linda, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$27,382
$27,382
N/A
33%
$32,736
$32,736
N/A
4,390
Private
Yes
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.
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$10,447
$28,605
79%
63%
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.
$10,074
$30,441
89%
31,344
Public
Yes
$10,447
$28,605
Columbia, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$10,447
$28,605
79%
63%
$10,074
$30,441
89%
31,344
Public
Yes
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.
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD4 yearCampus + Online
$8,164
$15,697
86%
49%
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.
$7,773
$11,283
79%
11,548
Public
Yes
$8,164
$15,697
Brookings, SD4 yearCampus + Online
$8,164
$15,697
86%
49%
$7,773
$11,283
79%
11,548
Public
Yes
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.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$14,521
$29,267
57%
57%
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.
$11,751
$30,829
91%
38,365
Public
Yes
$14,521
$29,267
Blacksburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$14,521
$29,267
57%
57%
$11,751
$30,829
91%
38,365
Public
Yes
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.
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$5,765
$13,108
97%
65%
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.
$5,856
$15,648
73%
21,612
Public
Yes
$5,765
$13,108
Huntsville, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$5,765
$13,108
97%
65%
$5,856
$15,648
73%
21,612
Public
Yes
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.
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$10,662
$26,657
25%
58%
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.
$5,616
$18,746
94%
44,134
Public
Yes
$10,662
$26,657
Tallahassee, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$10,662
$26,657
25%
58%
$5,616
$18,746
94%
44,134
Public
Yes
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.
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$7,176
$16,680
75%
85%
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.
$5,742
$17,622
85%
35,823
Public
Yes
$7,176
$16,680
San Jose, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$7,176
$16,680
75%
85%
$5,742
$17,622
85%
35,823
Public
Yes
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.
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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