2023 Best Online Master's in Nutrition Programs

Arizona State University (ASU) is a large, public institution. It offers an online Master of Science in Medical Nutrition and Master of Science in Nutritional Science - Dietetics, each requiring 30 credit hours. The curricula cover nutritional sciences and research methods, and a couple of core classes for these programs include Ethics and Policy of American Diets and Medical Nutrition in the Care and Prevention of Disease. One of the program requirements is a practicum, or “Applied Project.” Graduates may pursue careers as clinical managers, dietitians, and foodservice directors.

At ASU, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is fully online. Depending on their personal needs, students can choose between a full- or part-time schedule, but at a full-time pace, students finish in one to two years. Also, online students have access to counselors, tutors, and technical resources.

Stony Brook University (SBU) is a large, public institution that offers an online Master of Science in Nutrition requiring 36 credit hours. (It also offers a fully online Advanced Certificate in Nutrition that requires 15 additional credit hours.) The master’s program curriculum provides students with a more nuanced understanding of nutrition therapy and research. The two core concentrations are (1) Advanced Nutrition Therapy & Critical Care and (2) Integrative Nutrition Therapy. To graduate, students must complete all courses with a passing grade, which typically takes two years with a full-time schedule.

At SBU, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is entirely online. Students also have the flexibility to complete the program with either a full- or part-time schedule.

Utah State University (USU) is a large, public institution that offers an online Master of Dietetics Administration that requires 18 credit hours. The curriculum delves into management and nutrition program administration at a deeper level. Some core classes for this master's program include Dietetics Leadership and Current Issues in Dietetics. Overall, it can take students one year (three semesters) to complete all program requirements, which include a practicum project or thesis. Alumni often become dietitians or health educators.

USU students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is entirely online and synchronous. Additionally, online students have access to the university library, test proctoring, and tutoring services.

The University of Rhode Island (URI) is a medium-sized, public institution that offers an online Master of Science in Dietetics requiring 37 credit hours. The curriculum aims to provide students with a broad understanding of research methods and clinical nutrition. There are two tracks for master's students: (1) the Integrated Experiential Track, which prepares students to become MS-RDNs, and (2) the Individualized Experiential Track, which helps students complete two projects to advance their careers. To graduate, students must complete all courses with a passing grade, which can take one year at a full-time pace. Program alumni may search for jobs in industries that range from sports health to public relations in healthcare.

At URI, students use Brightspace to access their learning materials, which are all online. An additional benefit for online students is that they can access academic advising and counseling through the university.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Main Campus (IUP) is a medium-sized, public institution that offers an online Master of Science in Food and Nutrition requiring 36 credit hours. While the curriculum generally focuses on human and applied nutrition, this advanced online program offers either a research or education concentration as well. To graduate, students must complete all program requirements, which can take one to two years at a full-time pace. For research students, this includes an optional thesis option. Program graduates may go on to explore careers at educational institutions, public health centers, and government agencies.

At IUP, students use both Moogle and D2L to access their learning materials, which are entirely online. Online students may also access the university library and student resource centers.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC - Chapel Hill) is a large, public institution that offers an online Master of Public Health Nutrition and Dietetics and a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Nutrition. The curricula provide students with a greater understanding of public health and clinical nutrition. Some core classes for this major include Food and Nutrition Policy, Data Analysis for Public Health, and Nutrition Across the Life Cycle. To graduate, students must complete field work in public health nutrition management, clinical nutrition, food service management, and advanced nutrition as well as a 3-credit Culminating Experience project. Overall, it may take two to three years to complete all requirements with a full-time schedule. After, they may decide to enter careers in public policy organizations, nutrition marketing, and public health programs.

At UNC - Chapel Hill, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is completely online, and they have the flexibility to study at either a full- or part-time pace. As in most other online programs, students also have access to the university library and student resource centers.

The State University of New York at Oneonta (SUNY Oneonta) is a medium-sized, public institution that offers an online Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics requiring 36 credit hours. The curriculum aims to specifically train students in nutrition therapy and population health. Some core classes for this online master's include Nutrition-Focused Physical Assessment and Current Issues in Dietetics. To graduate, students must complete all program requirements, including a Service Learning Project, which can take one year with a full-time study schedule. Then, alumni are eligible to take the CDR RDN credentialing examination to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

At SUNY Oneonta, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is fully online, and they can choose whether they prefer a full- or part-time schedule. Additionally, online students may access the university library and student resource centers.

Framingham State University (FSU) is a medium-sized, public institution that offers an online Master of Education, with a concentration in Nutrition Education. The curriculum aims to provide students with current knowledge about science-based nutrition and wellness policies. Some core classes in this concentration include Researched Methods in Nutrition, Technology in Nutrition Education, and Public Health Nutrition. To graduate, students must complete a capstone project. Then, graduates can apply for careers in the field, such as health educators and school nutrition directors.

Online students use a digital platform called Blackboard to access their coursework, which is fully online. At FSU, online students also have access to the university library and student resource centers.

The University of Bridgeport (UB) is a medium-sized, non-profit institution that offers an online Master of Science in Nutrition requiring 35 credit hours. The curriculum centers around the subject of clinical nutrition. Some core classes include Evidence-based Nutrition, Assessment of Nutritional Status, and Lifelong Healing with Food. To graduate, students must pass a comprehensive exam once they successfully finish all their coursework. All in all, this can take students two years with a full-time schedule. Graduates may choose to enter roles in publishing, education, and service work.

UB students use Canvas to access their course, which is fully online and can be completed at a full- or part-time pace. Online students also have access to the university library and student resource centers.

The University of North Florida (UNF) is a medium-sized, public institution that offers an online Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics requiring 35 credit hours. The curriculum covers nutrition and clinical community-based practices in greater depth than a bachelor's program. There are two concentration options for this advanced degree: (1) a Dietetics Internship that prepares students for the National Registration Exam and (2) an Integrated Future Graduate Program that prepares students to become Registered Dietitians Nutritionists. To graduate, students must complete a thesis or project and on-site clinical hours. It usually takes one to two years with a full-time schedule for students to graduate and begin exploring career opportunities in health care, nutrition education, and public health.

At UNF, students use Blackboard to access their online coursework, which may be entirely online or hybrid. Also, online students have access to the university library and student resource centers.

Texas Tech University (TTU) is a public university offering an online Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics that requires 33 credit hours. Students can complete this program in approximately two years while studying full time.

At TTU, students use Blackboard for their remote courses, which can be completed entirely online and on a flexible schedule. This program is designed for students who are working toward a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) statement, those currently in a dietetic internship or currently registered dieticians/nutritionists. This degree explores nutrition and diet related to obesity, pediatrics, eating disorders, maternity health, and sports, among other areas. Required classes include Biostatistics in Nutrition, Introduction to Nutrition Research, and Clinical Applications: Vitamins and Minerals. Graduates commonly find roles as home care health aids, health directors, and health coaches.

American University (AU) is a private institution with an online Master of Science in Nutrition Education requiring 30 credit hours. AU notes that this program can be completed in as little as 12 months.

AU uses Canvas to deliver its online coursework. This course management system allows students to finish their degrees completely online and on a schedule that meets their needs. The core curriculum covers misinformation in nutrition while teaching students how to provide health recommendations and utilize research methods to improve health and nutrition behavior. Required classes include Lifestyle Nutrition, Health Communication, and Behavioral Change in Health Promotion. Three available elective classes are related to sports, weight control, and food health. Mentorship programs and networking events are available for graduates, which help them secure roles in school systems, government agencies, and fitness facilities.

Texas Woman's University (TWU) is a public university with an online Master of Science in Nutrition. This degree requires 36 credit hours, and full-time students can complete the program in as little as one year.

TWU students use Canvas as their primary learning management system, where they can complete courses 100% online. The online-only program allows students to take more credit hours in lieu of a thesis with a curriculum that focuses on translating nutrition knowledge into practical health behaviors through collaboration and communication. Research opportunities are available in a range of diseases. Among the required classes are Human Nutrition in Disease, Human Nutrition and Metabolism: Micronutrients, and Human Nutrition and Metabolism: Macronutrients. Students are also required to complete a capstone seminar in their final semester. Career opportunities may be available in research and development in the food industry, nutrition consultancy, and marketing for nutrition companies.

East Carolina University (ECU) is a public university that hosts an online Master of Science in Nutrition. There's a thesis and non-thesis option, the latter of which may require on-campus activities. Graduation requirements state that students must complete 33 credit hours, which can be done in approximately two years on a full-time schedule.

Online students at ECU use the Canvas learning management system to access their coursework and assignments that are entirely online. The core curriculum features three required courses in Human Nutrition in Physiology and Metabolism, Biostatistics for Health Professionals, and Methods in Nutrition Research. The 100% online non-thesis option also requires a seminar in nutrition, a review of current nutrition literature, and a supervised research project. Graduates generally find employment as public health advocates, nutritionists, and health educators.

Bowling Green State University - Main Campus (BGSU) is a public institution that features an online Master of Food and Nutrition requiring a minimum of 31 credit hours. The completion time for this degree is approximately two years for full-time students.

At BGSU, students use Canvas as their learning management system, where courses are delivered entirely online and on a part-time or full-time schedule. The core curriculum teaches students the education theories, policy processes, research methods, and the communication skills needed to advance their careers in the industry. Here are a few examples of required courses: Macronutrients for Human Nutrition, Micronutrients Through the Life Span, and Advanced Clinical Nutrition. Thesis and non-thesis options are available. Career opportunities include clinical dieticians, food scientists, and wellness managers.

Ball State University (BSU) is a public university that offers an online Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics. This degree requires 36 major hours, which are generally completed in two years while studying full time.

Canvas is the main learning platform used by BSU students for their coursework, which can be completed 100% online. This degree is designed for current registered dietitian nutritionists to expand their careers through a series of research, nutrition, and directive nutrition courses. Some examples include Analysis of Variance, Statistical Methods in Health Science, and Vitamins and Minerals. Students can choose from a thesis or non-thesis track, which determines the amount of research core credits that are required. Dietetic internships are included. Jobs for graduates may be available as dieticians, nutritionists, and health coaches.

Oklahoma State University - Main Campus (OSU) is a public institution with an online Master of Science in Dietetics requiring the completion of 36 credit hours. Typically, students graduate in approximately three years while taking one to two courses per semester.

All online courses at OSU are delivered through the Canvas learning management system. This allows students to study completely online while balancing their careers. This is a customizable degree with 25 elective course options that allows students to specialize in a given area, such as chronic disease prevention, research in dietetics, or nutrition for exercise and sport. Among the major requirements are Macronutrients in Human Nutrition, Statistical Methods in Dietetics, and Environmental Scanning and Analysis. Additionally, students must complete a non-thesis graduate capstone course. Students may be hired as nutritionists, registered dieticians, and health coaches.

Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is a public university offering an online Master of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics - Nutrition Education, which requires 36 credit hours. Students studying on a full-time schedule may complete this program in two years.

Students at EIU use the Brightspace learning management system to access their core courses, which are taught entirely online. The curriculum for this program centers on nutrition research and theories, while the nutrition education concentration allows students to gain communication and leadership skills. There are required courses, such as Principles of Nutrition Education and Behavior; Advanced Human Nutrition; and Leadership Development in Nutrition and Dietetics. Graduates may earn career opportunities in public health organizations, school systems, and nonprofit organizations.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a public university offering an online Master of Science in Nutrition Sciences that requires at least 30 credit hours — depending on the track. There are five tracks available in (1) Research; (2) Lifestyle Management and Disease Prevention; (3) Dietitian Education; (4) Clinical; and (5) Clinical/Dietetic Internship. Local students have the opportunity to complete in-person practicums. Accelerated students can complete this program in one year, while others may take approximately two years to graduate.

At UAB, students use Canvas for their remote courses, which can be completed entirely online. The program's core offers experience in disease prevention and quality life improvement through nutrition. Required classes include Applied Statistics to Nutrition Sciences, Advanced Medical Nutrition, and Community Interventions For Healthy Lifestyle. Career opportunities vary based on each track, however graduates may explore careers as nutrition scientists, health science instructors, and research associates.

The University of Memphis (UofM) is a public institution with an online Master of Science in Nutrition - Environmental Nutrition requiring 33 credit hours. Students studying full time are likely to complete the degree in approximately two years.

UofM uses Canvas to deliver their 100% online coursework. The core curriculum explores nutritional issues, such as food sustainability and food justice, as well as the relationship between food, nutrition, and the environment. Required classes include Humanitarian Nutrition, Food Policy, and Sustainable Food System. Students are also required to complete a final year project or internship, each allowing up to six credits towards their total hours. Career paths include health and nutrition coordinator, nutrition administrator, and environmental health educator.