Best Online Master’s in Nutrition Programs of 2024
Editor & Writer
Managing Editor, Health Education
Contributing Reviewer
Editor & Writer
Managing Editor, Health Education
Contributing Reviewer
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.
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Atkins. Paleo. "Clean" eating. Juice cleansing. Cheat days. Fasting days. Raw food 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, 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 backed by our unique methodology.
- Request more information from the schools you're interested in.
Popular Online Nutrition Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master's in Nutrition Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
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.
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University of Georgia
Athens, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $629
Out-of-State | $629
Credits to Graduate: 30
Completing UGA's master's in nutrition program takes one year. The 30-credit program concludes with a capstone project and an optional internship focused on nutritional education and interventions. The coursework helps students develop the skills they need for the Georgia School Nutrition Directors certification. Electives provide diverse study areas, such as food sanitation and safety and pharmacotherapy for disease management.
Students need a GPA of 3.0 and a degree from an accredited school to apply to the program.
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $339
Out-of-State | $748
Credits to Graduate: 33
Texas Tech's master's in nutrition and dietetics program offer full or part-time options. Students can choose from a thesis or non-thesis route and specialize in nutrition and sports, nutrition and healthy weight, or nutrition in the life cycle. Through electives, students gain specialized knowledge in diabetes, eating disorders, maternal health, and geriatrics.
Admission requirements include at least a 3.0 GPA and GRE scores.
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Fargo, ND - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $590
Out-of-State | $590
Credits to Graduate: 36
NDSU's online master's in dietetics offers a diverse and convenient program. Electives allow students to study community or public health, healthcare administration, food science, and clinical-oriented nutrition. This 36-credit program blends current issues in nutrition, statistics, and research methods. Students must complete a thesis, comprehensive paper, or internship to graduate.
NDSU accepts registered dietician nutritionists or eligible candidates. Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,248
Out-of-State | $1,913
Credits to Graduate: 30
Students can graduate from UT Austin's online master's nutrition program in 1-2 years. The accelerated path does not require a thesis.
This program offers concentrations in health promotion and disease prevention or biochemical and functional nutrition. Students study macronutrients, molecular nutrition, and experimental design and statistics.
The department of nutritional sciences reviews applications on a rolling basis. Applicants need a bachelor's degree and a minimum GPA of 3.0.
University of Houston
Houston, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $320-$470
Out-of-State | $840-$990
Credits to Graduate: 30
Students can complete the UH's master's in nutrition program in four semesters, without writing a thesis. This 30-credit program prepares students for careers in health and wellness, clinical nutrition, or supervisory positions. This degree requires an internship and a final capstone.
New cohorts begin in the fall or spring. Applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher do not need to submit GRE scores. All applicants must submit undergraduate transcripts. UH gives preference to dietetic interns and registered dietitians.
Northeast College of Health Sciences
Seneca Falls, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Cost per Trimester:
In-State | $7,290
Out-of-State | $7,290
Credits to Graduate: 36
Northeast's master's in applied clinical nutrition emphasizes a whole food approach. Students can finish the program in 16-24 months, including the clinical requirements and capstone project. The coursework advances students’ knowledge and practical skills in nutrition across the lifespan and covers nutrition assessments, herbalism, and medical nutrition therapy.
This 36-credit program is online, so students join classmates from across the globe. Applicants must have a healthcare or science background, hold at least 90 credits, including bioscience coursework, and have a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: American Public Health Association and Council on Education for Public Health.
Cost per Year:
Year 1 | $33,360
Year 2| $11,100
Credits to Graduate: 48
With a 50-year history in vegetarian nutrition studies, LLU's master's in nutrition degree spotlights plant-based food. In each course, students take live classes and complete coursework with set deadlines. There's no thesis requirement in this program. Instead, students complete a final research project or peer-reviewed publishable study.
LLU encourages healthcare professionals, especially registered dietitians, to apply. Getting into the program requires a minimum of a 3.2 GPA and a bachelor's degree in biology or nutrition.
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $471
Out-of-State | $1,020
Credits to Graduate: 36
Stony Brook's fully online master's in nutrition degree, a non-credential program, offers two concentrations and no on-campus requirements. This 36-credit program includes specialized courses in advanced nutrition therapy and critical care or integrative nutrition therapy. Core coursework covers nutrition management, leadership, and concepts of nutrition therapy. Students who qualify can request an interview for an internship. It takes 2-3 years to complete the program.
Unlike the school's master's in a professional nutrition practice program, this degree does not satisfy the registered dietitian nutritionist exam requirements.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $525
Out-of-State | $1,635
Credits to Graduate: 36
Earning a master's in nutrition degree online at NC State equips students to work in human or animal wellness careers. Students complete 36 credits, including a research project, practicum, or internship. In addition to advanced nutrition and metabolism courses, the curriculum offers a concentration in human nutrition or feed science for animals.
This program does not require GRE scores. However, students need a bachelor's degree in a science-related major, prerequisites in biology and organic chemistry, and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $357
Out-of-State | $700
Credits to Graduate: 30-45
Earning a UNL's master's in dietetics online takes 16 months. The 45-credit program delves into applied medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition, research methods, and communication strategies. Each semester requires experiential learning, totaling 1,260 hours.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA. They also need to communicate their academic goals to an advisor from the department.
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.
Ranking Methodology Summary
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.
Why Should You Get a Master's in Nutrition Degree?
There are five major benefits to getting a master's degree in nutrition:
- You can make more money: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many nutritionists have a graduate degree. Median annual salaries for nutritionists range from $65,690-$77,740.
- 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.
- You can become a registered dietitian: As of 2024, a master's is the minimum degree requirement to become a registered dietician.
- 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 bio-individuality. That is, you'll be prepared to help individuals based on their unique nutritional needs.
- 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
- It's flexible. You can pursue a degree on your own schedule while managing your career, relationships, and personal goals. Graduate quickly by enrolling in an accelerated program, or prioritize a school-life balance by attending part-time.
- It can save you money. Minimize your opportunity costs by completing your online nutrition courses while working. Many online programs also cost less than traditional programs or require fewer in-person fees.
- It's legit. We have entered a higher education era where tons of truly excellent online programs are available, and employers understand that an online degree is just as valuable as one earned on campus.
Read More: How to Become a Nutritionist
Choosing the Right Master's in Nutrition Program for You
Choosing the right nutrition program requires understanding your personal and career goals and finding the program that matches them. Program accreditation is one of the most important criteria for earning your master’s in nutrition online or on campus. Accreditation is key to earning a license and being hired. All the nutrition programs in this guide and on this site are accredited.
Other factors to consider include:
- The curriculum and available specializations and how they meet your goals
- Cost and financial aid
- Schedule and pacing
- Admission requirements
- Prerequisites you may need, such as specific nutrition or health courses
Talk to the admission staff if your GPA does not meet the minimum requirement. You may have other qualifications that can compensate. Some schools allow for conditional admission, allowing you to register for classes as long as you meet a certain GPA after you enroll.
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 nutritionist.
Many graduates also go on to positions as nutritionists and dietitians in hospitals and nursing care facilities.
Keep in mind: Effective Jan. 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration requires students to hold a graduate degree to take the credentialing exam to become registered dietitian nutritionists. As a result, a master's degree is essential for success in this field.
| Role | Annual salary range (2024) |
|---|---|
| Registered Dietitian | $47,000-$71,000 |
| Health Coach | $45,000-$77,000 |
| Clinical Nutrition Manager | $67,000-$103,000 |
| Director of Food and Nutrition Services | $56,000-$113,000 |
| Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) | $54,000-$84,000 |
Read More: 10 Nutrition Jobs to Consider
How Much Money Can You Make With a Master's in Nutrition?
What Else Should I Know About an Online Master’s in Nutrition?
How Much Does an Online Master's in Nutrition Degree Cost?
The cost of earning an online master’s in nutrition varies based on whether the school is public or private and whether you are eligible for in-state tuition. Generally, you can expect to pay approximately $26,000-$60,000 for your degree before any financial aid.
Average Annual Cost of a Master's Degree
Public Institution | 2021-2022
$12,596
Private Institution | 2021-2022
$29,931
A master's degree isn't cheap. But there are ways to lower your costs:
- Choose an in-state public school.
- Apply for scholarships and financial aid.
- Select an institution with affordable tuition and good student outcomes.
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
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Nutrition Degrees
Is a master's in nutrition worth it?
If you want to boost your earning potential, yes. An advanced degree typically boosts your income by 16%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Your options for working in the nutrition field may be more limited with only a bachelor's degree. With an online master's in nutrition, you can become a registered dietitian, nutritionist, or nutrition researcher and qualify for higher-paid leadership roles with more responsibility and impact.
How hard is a master's in nutrition?
How hard an on-campus or online master's in nutrition is depends on your specialty, the program, and your strengths. Some students find the scientific and lab components of nutrition courses challenging, while others find the public health or communications components more difficult.
Will nutritionists be in demand in the future?
Nutritionists will be more in demand in the future than the average for all jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7% job growth between 2023 and 2033, faster than the average job growth rate of 4%.
Are online master's in nutrition degrees credible?
Yes, accredited online master's in nutrition schools are as credible as accredited on-campus ones. There is no difference in the diploma or degree you receive whether you earn your master's in nutrition online or on a college campus. This guide lists only accredited programs, which means that an independent body of experts has determined that graduates have the educational background to safely practice as nutritionists.
What courses will I take in an online 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, and nutrition and disease prevention.
