Best Online Master’s in Nutrition Programs of 2023

The right online master's degree in nutrition can set you up for high-paying leadership roles in the field. Here are the best schools to pick from in 2023.
20 min read

Share this Article

www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Finding A Program That's Right For You

Get equipped with the resources that will help you easily navigate your learning journey.

v2 guides
  • Browse programs to find what you like best
  • Discover schools that match your goals and aspirations
  • Request more information

  • Nutritionists are in the business of preventing disease and improving lives.
  • A master's degree can make you a more qualified job candidate — and help you earn more money.
  • It can also give you access to better jobs as advanced degrees increasingly become a requirement for licensure and credentialing.

Atkins. Paleo. "Clean" eating. Juice cleansing. Cheat days. Fasting days. Raw food days. No-fat-low-carb-sobbing-into-a-bowl-of-sad-snap-peas days.

If there's one thing Americans have an appetite for, it's fad diets and misery.

But nutritionists know better. They are fighting the good fight: battling food misinformation, preventing disease, and guiding people into healthy, balanced, and happy lives. If you're considering an online master's in nutrition degree, the world needs you. Here's how to do it:

  • Explore this page to make sure this path is the right choice for you.
  • Check out the top-ranked online master's in nutrition programs and our sponsored programs.
  • Request more information from the schools you're interested in.

Online Master's in Nutrition Programs

Is Getting a Master's in Nutrition Worth It?

If you want to boost your earning potential, yes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an advanced degree typically boosts your income by 20%.

In many cases, your professional options and career trajectory will be limited if you only have a bachelor's degree. But with an online master's in nutrition, you can go on to become a registered dietitian, nutritionist, or nutrition researcher –– and qualify for higher-paid leadership roles with more responsibility and impact.

Best Online Master's in Nutrition Programs

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

How We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.

These rankings were compiled by our BestColleges Ranking Team and include BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners. We use publicly available provisional datasets from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to inform the data for these schools. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

  • Browse programs
  • Discover matches
  • Request info
#1 Best Online Master’s in Nutrition Programs of 2023

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

  • Raleigh, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $505
Out of State | $505

Credits to Graduate
36

Program Information
Program Accreditation | The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

If you want to earn a master's in nutrition that takes a practice-based approach, consider NC State University's program. This applied master's in nutrition degree allows you to personalize your degree with a human nutrition or a feed science emphasis. Plus, you'll gain hands-on experience through an internship and practicum. 

To qualify for admission, you'll need a bachelor's degree in a science-related field like biology or organic chemistry. This program also requires at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,535
Out-of-state
$26,654
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,095
Out-of-state
$26,421
Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
46%
Students Enrolled
36,042
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
91% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Master’s in Nutrition Programs of 2023

University of Utah

  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $301
Out of State | $1,058

Credits to Graduate
38

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

The University of Utah designed its master of science in nutrition and integrative physiology with working students in mind. The U's flexible nutrition program allows you to move at your own pace. And it only takes two years to complete if you enroll full time. 

This program requires an undergraduate degree in a topic like nutrition, dietetics, or health sciences, as well as a minimum 3.0 GPA. As part of the application, you must turn in a statement of purpose.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,412
Out-of-state
$26,017
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,666
Out-of-state
$23,537
Retention Rate
89%
Admission Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
33,081
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
90% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#3 Best Online Master’s in Nutrition Programs of 2023

University of Kansas

  • Lawrence, KS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $600
Out of State | $600

Credits to Graduate
36

Program Information
Program Accreditation | The Higher Learning Commission 

The University of Kansas' online master's in dietetics and nutrition gives you control over what you want to study. The program allows you to take an individual study course on a niche topic that interests you, and half of the credits required are electives.

Earning KU's master's in nutrition online prepares you to offer dietician services to diverse populations. You'll learn about the current issues and trends in the field. But keep in mind: This program requires you to either be a registered dietitian or have a degree in dietetics and experience in an accredited internship. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,092
Out-of-state
$26,960
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,989
Out-of-state
$23,951
Retention Rate
86%
Admission Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
26,744
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
90% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Master’s in Nutrition Programs of 2023

Canisius College

  • Buffalo, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Self-Paced

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $860
Out of State | $860

Credits to Graduate
33

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education

If you're interested in dietetic research and how to apply it to the practice, consider Canisius's applied nutrition degree. This online master's in nutrition allows you to choose between an obesity and eating disorders concentration or a fitness and sports nutrition concentration. 

This program requires a bachelor's degree in any subject, but you need at least a 2.7 GPA. You also need to submit a 500-word statement of purpose about why you want to complete this degree at Canisius.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$28,630
Out-of-state
$28,630
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,120
Out-of-state
$15,120
Retention Rate
82%
Admission Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
2,820
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
84% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Online Master’s in Nutrition Programs of 2023

Texas Woman's University

  • Denton, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $284
Out of State | $692

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Graduate students who want to complete their degrees quickly should take a look at TWU. This school's master of science in nutrition allows you to graduate in as few as 12 months. The online program doesn't require a thesis. You can personalize your degree through 13 credit hours of electives. 

Contrary to its name, TWU has admitted students of any gender since 1972. The school doesn't require the GRE for this program. But you will need to take undergraduate prerequisites in topics like nutrition and chemistry.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,537
Out-of-state
$15,353
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,053
Out-of-state
$12,415
Retention Rate
77%
Admission Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
16,433
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
85% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Best Online Master’s in Nutrition Programs of 2023

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

  • Amherst, MA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $615
Out of State |  $615

Credits to Graduate
44

Program Information
Program Accreditation | New England Commission of Higher Education

UMass Amherst's master of public health in nutrition takes an interdisciplinary approach to its curriculum. Through your studies, you'll learn about how a person's community impacts their personal health. This master's in nutrition is collaborative, so you'll get to work with classmates from all over the world. 

To apply for this program, you'll need a bachelor's degree with at least a 2.75 GPA. You will also need to submit a personal statement and recommendation letters.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,791
Out-of-state
$35,779
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,014
Out-of-state
$30,120
Retention Rate
89%
Admission Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
31,642
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education
#7 Best Online Master’s in Nutrition Programs of 2023

Northeastern University Lifelong Learning Network

  • Boston, MA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $817
Out of State |  $817

Credits to Graduate
45

Program Information
Program Accreditation | New England Commission of Higher Education

If you choose to study nutrition at Northeastern, you can complete your degree in about 12-18 months. Better yet, Northeastern's applied nutrition program requires just a part-time commitment. You can choose from five different concentrations such as nutrition education, integrative health, and obesity. 

To qualify for admission, you must complete prerequisite coursework. You'll need to take foundational classes in subjects like chemistry and biology.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$12,984
Out-of-state
$12,984
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$24,294
Out-of-state
$24,294
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
11,310
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
71% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education
#8 Best Online Master’s in Nutrition Programs of 2023

The University of Texas at Austin

  • Austin, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Self-paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $N/A
Out of State |  $N/A

Credits to Graduate
30 credits 

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

If you want to start working in the nutrition field with a graduate degree as soon as possible, consider attending UT Austin. The school's master's in nutrition program requires only 10 courses, and it takes 1-2 years to finish. Plus, you can choose between a health promotion and disease prevention or a biochemical and functional nutrition concentration. 

To qualify for enrollment, you'll need a b​​achelor's degree in a nutrition-related field with a 3.0 GPA in your upper-division courses.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,448
Out-of-state
$40,032
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,028
Out-of-state
$22,886
Retention Rate
97%
Admission Rate
32%
Students Enrolled
50,476
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Best Online Master’s in Nutrition Programs of 2023

Russell Sage College

  • Troy, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes 

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $725
Out of State | $725

Credits to Graduate
45

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Russell Sage College's applied nutrition master's program is a good option for the curious learner. This program emphasizes research methods and even dedicates three courses on the topic as part of the thesis requirement. The courses cover topics like weight management, pediatric nutrition, and sports nutrition. 

To apply to this online applied nutrition program, you must submit your official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions you've attended. The application also requires two recommendation letters, a career goals essay, and an updated resume. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$31,450
Out-of-state
$31,450
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,140
Out-of-state
$13,140
Retention Rate
77%
Admission Rate
74%
Students Enrolled
2,389
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
69% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#10 Best Online Master’s in Nutrition Programs of 2023

Auburn University

  • Auburn, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $450
Out of State | $450

Credits to Graduate
33

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Auburn's master's in nutrition program gives you the opportunity to study what you want. You can choose between four concentrations. For example, if you want to work with athletes, you can choose the sports nutrition concentration. And if you want to take a more generalized approach, you can choose the nutrition science option. 

You'll also need to complete certain undergraduate prerequisite courses to qualify for Auburn's nutrition program. Some of these courses include organic chemistry, general biology, and basic nutrition.  

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,080
Out-of-state
$30,240
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,080
Out-of-state
$30,240
Retention Rate
92%
Admission Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
30,737
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
34% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Why Should You Get a Master's in Nutrition Degree?

There are five major benefits to getting a master's degree in nutrition:

  1. You can make more money: According to Payscale, folks with a master of science in nutrition make around $10,000 more a year than the average nutritionist salary.
  2. You can access better job opportunities: Increasingly, healthcare jobs require advanced degrees for licensure and certification. A master's degree can make you more competitive for the jobs you really want.
  3. You can become a registered dietitian: As of 2024, a master's degree will be the minimum degree requirement to become a registered dietician.
  4. You can develop your skills: An online master's in nutrition program will teach you how to prevent and manage disease. You will learn how to offer highly-tailored treatment plans based on the concept of bio-individuality. That is, you'll be prepared to actually help unique individuals with unique nutritional needs.
  5. You can specialize: Depending on your program, you may be able to choose from several concentrations, including:
    • Clinical Dietitian: This concentration prepares you to take the national examination to become a registered dietitian nutritionist.
    • Food Science: This track teaches you the science and technology behind food production.
    • Community Nutrition: This specialization emphasizes working in communities and with vulnerable populations to promote nutritional wellness and prevent disease.
    • Education: This track focuses on the educational strategies that can help change behavior in individuals, communities, and specific populations.

3 Reasons for Getting Your Master's in Nutrition Online

  1. It's flexible. You can pursue a degree on your own schedule while also managing your career, relationships, and personal goals. Get it finished quickly by enrolling in an accelerated program, or prioritize a school-life balance by attending part time. It's all up to you.
  2. It can save you money. You'll minimize your opportunity costs because you'll finish your classes and keep working. And many online programs either cost less than traditional programs or require fewer in-person fees.
  3. It's legit. We have entered a higher education era where there are tons of truly excellent online programs available, and employers understand that an online degree is just as valuable as one earned on campus.

Read More: How to Become a Nutritionist

What Jobs Can You Get With a Master's in Nutrition Degree?

Graduates with an online master's in nutrition often pursue careers with community service organizations, public health departments, schools, and food companies. But you can also work as a self-employed nutritional counselor.

Plus, many go on to positions as nutritionists and dietitians working in hospitals and nursing care facilities.

Keep in mind: Effective Jan. 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration will require students to hold a graduate degree to take the credentialing exam to become registered dietitian nutritionists. As a result, a master's degree will become much more important for success in this field.

Common Master's in Nutrition Jobs
Role Annual salary range (2022)
Registered Dietician $46,000-$70,000
Health Coach $41,000-$69,000
Clinical Nutrition Manager $57,000-$94,000
Director Food and Nutrition Services $53,000-$108,000
Program Director, Healthcare $60,000-$132,000
Source: Payscale

Read More: 10 Nutrition Jobs to Consider

How Much Money Will You Make With a Master's in Nutrition?

How Much Does an Online Master's in Nutrition Cost?

Average Annual Cost of a Master's Degree:

Public Institution | 2019-2020

$12,394

Private Institution | 2019-2020

$26,621

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

A master's degree isn't cheap. But there are ways to lower your costs:

Read More: How Much Does Online College Cost?

How Long Does an Online Master's in Nutrition Take?

Most online master's in nutrition programs require students to complete 30-36 credits, which takes about two years. However, some online accelerated programs can lead to a degree in one year.

Required Course Credits*

30-40 credits

Field Study Requirements

Yes
*Varies depending on your school/program



Everything Else You Need to Know About a Master's in Nutrition Degree

What courses will I take in a master's in nutrition program?

The core curriculum will typically include some version of the following courses:

  • Research in Nutrition
  • Nutritional Biochemistry
  • Nutritional Program Design
  • Behavior Change in Health
  • Nutrition and Disease Prevention

What can I do with a master's in nutrition?

A lot! With a master's in nutrition, you can become a registered dietitian. Registered dietitians find gainful employment across several industries, including:

  • Hospitals
  • Outpatient care
  • Skilled nursing care
  • Special food services
  • Local and federal government
  • Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing
  • Scientific research and development

You can also opt to be your own boss and provide individualized nutritional counseling to personal clients. Or you can go on to get your Ph.D. and pursue teaching and research opportunities.

What are the highest-paying jobs with a master's in nutrition?

Of all the master's in nutrition jobs, clinical practice and leadership roles in healthcare tend to pay the most.

Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing is the highest-paying industry for those with an advanced degree in nutrition. According to the BLS, the annual mean wage in this industry was $93,920 in 2021.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Compare Your School Options

View the most relevant schools for your interests and compare them by tuition, programs, acceptance rate, and other factors important to finding your college home.