Best Online Master’s in Nutrition Programs of 2025

Eating habits in the U.S. have improved in recent decades, but this country has a ways to go before it can comfortably say its population is “healthy.” Nutritionists can help expedite this progress.

An online master’s in nutrition can equip you with the skills necessary to guide and educate people toward healthier eating habits. It can also allow you to better fight against food misinformation and potentially help stymie preventable diseases.

Read on for our list of the top online master’s in nutrition and our guide on all you need to know before pursuing this degree.

Katherine Tom, a private practice registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist, says it’s important to consider your preferred learning style and your long-term career goals when choosing a master’s program.

“If your aim is to become licensed and employed in a specific region of the United States, consider choosing a program located there to facilitate early networking opportunities,” she recommends. “Additionally, contacting alumni of potential programs or the current faculty can help determine if the program aligns well with your professional goals and personal preferences.”

Many other factors go into choosing the best online master’s in nutrition program for you, including:

An online master’s degree in nutrition typically costs less than an in-person program.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), an online master’s in health profession and related programs (which includes nutritionist degrees) costs around $11,000 for tuition and fees. On the other hand, an in-person program can reach $19,000.

Financial aid such as grants, scholarships, and federal student loans can help offset the cost of a master’s degree. In fact, financial aid can lower the cost of your master’s in nutrition to around $9,500.

According to NCES data, 74% of graduate students received some form of financial aid in 2019-20, and 42% took out loans to help pay for their education. Some graduate students also work in fellowships to lessen the financial burden of graduate school, but fellowships may be harder to come by as an online student.

Master’s in nutrition programs typically take 2-3 years to complete. You’ll also need to complete 1,000 hours of practicum experience to earn licensure.

There are some accelerated options, but these typically involve students taking graduate-level courses while still pursuing their bachelor’s degree.

Other programs, like the one at Meridith College, offer accelerated alternatives to the traditional master’s in nutrition. However, this degree prepares you for careers in education with community food and nutrition programs, food marketing and food policy but not clinical settings.

Some master’s programs require completion of a standardized test like the GRE, but this varies by institution.

Attending an accredited program for your master’s in nutrition degree is important, as a degree from a non-accredited program holds less value in the eyes of employers and other institutions.

Additionally, you’ll need to attend a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ASCEND) if you want to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Keep in mind that you can only take the national exam for RDNs if you attend an ACEND-accredited program.

Tom says that it’s just as important to attend an accredited program if you want access to state financial assistance. This is because many state aid programs are only available to students enrolled in accredited institutions.

Dietitians and nutritionists work in a wide array of settings to help people achieve a healthier lifestyle through better eating habits.

While many nutritionists work with clients directly, some can specialize in community health to aid wider populations. Other nutritionists may focus on helping those with specific medical conditions, such as celiac disease.

You’ll need a license to practice as a registered dietitian nutritionist in all U.S. states, which requires at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice experience.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that nutritionist-related jobs will increase by 7% from 2023 to 2033.

A master’s in nutrition may be worth your time and money if you want to pursue a career as a registered dietitian.

Online master’s in nutrition programs allow you the flexibility to pursue your degree at your own pace. Still, a strict practicum requirement means you’ll still have to set aside time for real-world experience before you can be certified.

The most common challenge reported by online master’s students and graduates was paying for their education (25%). However, the majority (78%) say online learning is equal to or better than on-campus learning.

You may consider earning a doctorate in clinical nutrition (DCN) to advance your career as a clinical nutritionist.

With a DCN, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the nutrition field. This can give you a leg up when pursuing leadership positions. You could also pursue a career as a consultant for larger organizations and government agencies.

Those with a doctoral degree in nutrition also contribute research to the field and may teach at colleges and universities.

Note that people with a doctoral degree tend to earn around 18% more per week, on average, than those with just a master’s degree, according to the BLS.