2023 Best Online Master's in Nutrition Programs
For individuals seeking to delve deeper into the intricate world of food science, dietary analysis, and health promotion, pursuing an online master's in nutrition degree may be the best fit. An online nutrition bachelor's degree can help prepare students for the rigorous curriculum at the master's level, which includes a broad spectrum of subjects, ranging from advanced biochemistry and metabolism to clinical nutrition and public health initiatives. Graduates with a nutrition master's degree can help transform the lives of others by promoting the power of balanced, evidence-based dietary practices.
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Online Nutrition Master's Degrees You May Be Interested In
#1 Arizona State University
- Salary Score: 92
- Median Starting Salary: $59,712
- Locations: Tempe (AZ) (and 4 others)
- Accreditation: HLC
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.
#2 Stony Brook University
- Salary Score: 91
- Median Starting Salary: $58,950
- Locations: Stony Brook (NY)
- Accreditation: MSCHE
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.
#3 Utah State University
- Salary Score: 86
- Median Starting Salary: $56,726
- Locations: Logan (UT)
- Accreditation: NWCCU
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.
#4 University of Rhode Island
- Salary Score: 84
- Median Starting Salary: $56,247
- Locations: Kingston (RI)
- Accreditation: NECHE
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.
#5 Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Main Campus
- Salary Score: 79
- Median Starting Salary: $54,373
- Locations: Indiana (PA) (and 2 others)
- Accreditation: MSCHE
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.
#6 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Salary Score: 69
- Median Starting Salary: $51,673
- Locations: Chapel Hill (NC)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
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.
#7 SUNY Oneonta
- Salary Score: 67
- Median Starting Salary: $51,203
- Locations: Oneonta (NY)
- Accreditation: MSCHE
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.
#8 Framingham State University
- Salary Score: 64
- Median Starting Salary: $50,469
- Locations: Framingham (MA)
- Accreditation: NECHE
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.
#9 University of Bridgeport
- Salary Score: 62
- Median Starting Salary: $50,061
- Locations: Bridgeport (CT)
- Accreditation: NECHE
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.
#10 University of North Florida
- Salary Score: 60
- Median Starting Salary: $49,715
- Locations: Jacksonville (FL)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
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.
#11 Texas Tech University
- Salary Score: 60
- Median Starting Salary: $49,577
- Locations: Lubbock (TX)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
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.
#12 American University
- Salary Score: 59
- Median Starting Salary: $49,550
- Locations: Washington D.C.
- Accreditation: MSCHE
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.
#13 Texas Woman's University
- Salary Score: 59
- Median Starting Salary: $49,512
- Locations: Denton (TX)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
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.
#14 East Carolina University
- Salary Score: 59
- Median Starting Salary: $49,450
- Locations: Greenville (NC)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
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.
#15 Bowling Green State University - Main Campus
- Salary Score: 57
- Median Starting Salary: $49,014
- Locations: Bowling Green (OH)
- Accreditation: HLC
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.
#16 Ball State University
- Salary Score: 56
- Median Starting Salary: $48,764
- Locations: Muncie (IN)
- Accreditation: HLC
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.
#17 Oklahoma State University - Main Campus
- Salary Score: 56
- Median Starting Salary: $48,682
- Locations: Stillwater (OK)
- Accreditation: HLC
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.
#18 Eastern Illinois University
- Salary Score: 55
- Median Starting Salary: $48,617
- Locations: Charleston (IL)
- Accreditation: HLC
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.
#19 University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Salary Score: 53
- Median Starting Salary: $48,054
- Locations: Birmingham (AL)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
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.
#20 University of Memphis
- Salary Score: 53
- Median Starting Salary: $48,011
- Locations: Memphis (TN)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
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.
2023 Best Online Master's in Nutrition Programs
Rank | School | Salary Score | Median Starting Salary |
---|---|---|---|
Arizona State University | $59,712 | ||
Stony Brook University | 91 | $58,950 | |
Utah State University | 86 | $56,726 | |
University of Rhode Island | 84 | $56,247 | |
Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Main Campus | 79 | $54,373 | |
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 69 | $51,673 | |
SUNY Oneonta | 67 | $51,203 | |
Framingham State University | 64 | $50,469 | |
University of Bridgeport | 62 | $50,061 | |
University of North Florida | 60 | $49,715 |
What Is a Master's in Nutrition Degree?
An online master's in nutrition gives students a holistic understanding of how food affects health and well-being through different biological, social, and economic processes. Students learn about healthy food systems and how factors such as age, gender, and income influence nutritional health.
Graduates of master's in nutrition programs should finish their degree with the skills and expertise necessary to help a diverse array of clients optimize their health and well-being through dietary changes. Students pursuing a master's in the field of nutrition can specialize in specific niches of food science, including public health, food service administration, holistic nutrition, and environmental nutrition. There are also online public health degrees available as an alternative pathway.
Some master's programs prepare students to work in nutrition in general, while others prepare students for licensure as a Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD or RDN). Students who want to become RDNs will need to get a master's specializing in dietetics through a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). There are also programs available for students with a bachelor's in nutrition who want to earn their master's in order to remain competitive in their field.
Degree Requirements
An online master's in nutrition generally requires 30-36 credit hours and takes two years of full-time study to complete. Some schools offer accelerated programs, where students can finish in just one year, while others allow students to enroll part time to accommodate work and other responsibilities.
Some online nutrition master's degree programs require students to complete an internship or practicum, which is especially important for students who want to qualify for the RDN credential after graduation. Dietetics students will need hands-on experience gained through a supervised didactics practicum to gain certification as an RDN. Online students can usually complete practicum requirements by working with a registered dietitian in their local area.
Courses
Pursuing a master's in nutrition online involves gaining valuable research skills while studying various aspects of the food system. Coursework is heavily focused on concepts in the biological sciences, including metabolic processes, micro- and macronutrients, and epidemiology. Other courses focus on the societal aspects of nutrition, teaching students about food production, how consumables are marketed, and how people make dietary choices based on the information they receive.
The following are common courses in a nutrition master's program:
Advanced Nutrition and Metabolism
Students taking this class learn about the biological processes through which nutrients are absorbed into the body. In addition to gaining an understanding of the nutritional value in chemical compounds, such as carbohydrates and fats, they also learn about how toxins affect us.
Nutrition and Culture
Students enroll in this elective to better understand how social norms affect nutrition. Topics covered include the political and economic drivers of food availability in the U.S., religious beliefs about diet, and the impact of culture on community nutrition.
Evidence-Based Nutrition
Because so much of nutritional research is funded by corporations with financial interest in what the public sees as healthy or unhealthy, understanding how to evaluate the quality of new research is critical for nutrition professionals. Students will learn to evaluate clinical research studies and data by looking at factors, such as biological variation, sample size, experimental design, analytical integrity, and bias in design and analysis, and assess how they can incorporate new research into their clinical practice.
Nutrition and Aging
This class examines how age affects nutritional health. Students learn about changes in dietary requirements as individuals grow older as well as common threats posed by certain minerals and chemicals in older populations' food.
Meet Professional Nutritionist Kathleen Putnam
Kathleen Putnam has been a professional nutritionist for 20 years, and she has extensive experience in many facets of the nutrition field. She earned a Bachelor of Science in nutrition and dietetics from Oregon State University and a Master of Science in nutrition from Bastyr University. For the past 10 years, she has been at a private practice, NutritionWorks Seattle, where she counsels individuals and groups. When she is not meeting with her clients, she teaches nutrition courses at Shoreline Community College.
Why Did You Decide To Become a Nutritionist?
I was first attracted to this field because I have always been interested in my own personal nutrition. I was also drawn to the teaching aspect of nutrition as well as the constant learning. This is a dynamic subject, and the data is constantly changing. I knew I would enjoy learning and growing along with the field.
Are There Common Misconceptions About Your Profession?
Yes, people commonly think that nutritionists will be judgmental and condescending and that we will dictate what they can and cannot eat. But we don't force changes on people. We are here to help people understand why changing their habits is so difficult. Nutritionists are knowledgeable about human behavior and development, and we don't want to set people up for failure. An eating plan is only successful if it works for the individual person. We help people to make healthy choices in our modern culture while considering people's budgets, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Nutritionists are facilitators.
What Is a Typical Day Like for You?
Most days, I meet with four or five clients at my practice, Seattle NutritionWorks. Some days I also conduct a one-hour group session. When I am not meeting with clients, I update charts, communicate with therapists and physicians about clients, blog, and answer questions on my website. I make time each week to communicate and network with other professionals in the nutrition field. I also teach nutrition courses at local colleges. I currently teach two five-credit classes, although most quarters I only teach one class at a time.
What Advice Would You Give to a Student Studying To Become a Nutritionist?
If you are considering studying to become a nutritionist, you should first be aware of the time and education commitment. Often, students don't realize that a bachelor's degree in nutrition is not enough. Most nutritionist jobs will require you to be a registered dietitian. In order to become a registered dietitian, you will need to complete a yearlong internship after college, and then you will need to pass the national licensing exam. In all, it is a minimum commitment of five years, and you should understand the requirements ahead of time.
In addition to recognizing the level of commitment, I would also recommend that you research the profession and educate yourself about the salary range as well as the salary range of related fields.
Above all else, don't be discouraged by things that you hear or read; if it is your passion, you can have success. You will have plenty of opportunities, especially internationally, and your opportunities will probably increase as time goes on. If you love what you do and you have a passion for nutrition, you can make money in the field. You might have to supplement your income through teaching or writing, and you might have to be creative to get your foot in the door and gain experience. But if you want to work as a nutritionist, you will find success. There is room for you!
What Can You Do With a Master's in Nutrition?
Most students earn their master's in nutrition to become nutritionists or RDNs and work directly with nutrition clients. After a master's program, some may go on to complete further education in nutrition, such as a certificate or doctorate. Others may pursue RDN certification or another type of licensure, or they may start their career in the health and wellness industry.
Further Education
After finishing a master's in nutrition, some students go on to earn a doctorate in nutrition or a related field to advance their academic and professional expertise. Doctoral programs, such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in nutrition, usually involve rigorous research and allow students to dive deeply into specific areas of study within the field. Doctoral studies may focus on areas like clinical nutrition, public health, molecular nutrition, or food science. Graduates with a doctorate often pursue careers in academia, research institutions, or specialized advanced roles in healthcare or the food industry.
Some students might instead choose a post-graduate certificate in another specialized area of study they didn't get to focus on during their master's program, such as sports nutrition or public health.
Nutrition Careers
A master's degree can open the door to a range of advanced career opportunities in nutrition and the wellness industry. Graduates of a nutrition program often enter the field to work directly with clients and are uniquely qualified to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities by promoting healthy eating habits and providing nutritional education.
Becoming a nutritionist or registered dietitian (RD or RDN) are two of the most common career paths for nutrition professionals with a master's degree. While the two careers are very similar in scope, the main difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian is that RDNs are required to have state licensure to practice. While RDs and RDNs have certification that allows them to work as health professionals, nutritionists are more limited in the services they are able to provide without licensure.
RDs often work in more clinical settings, providing nutrition therapy to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities. Nutritionists might work as consultants, lifestyle coaches, or nutrition writers.
FAQs About Master's in Nutrition Programs
How Much Does a Master’s in Nutrition Cost?
The cost of a master's in nutrition can range significantly depending on where you go to school. The most affordable master's degrees in nutrition cost around $5,000 to $7,000 per year. More expensive programs can cost upwards of $25,000 per year. Students should also take lost wages into consideration when figuring out how much their degree will cost them.
In general, online degrees are more affordable than in-person programs because students don't have to pay for transport, on-campus housing, or relocation, and they can often keep working during their program. Some schools even charge distance learners in-state tuition rates, which are generally lower.
Is It Hard to Earn a Master's in Nutrition?
A master's in nutrition requires a blend of social sciences and STEM classes, which means students interested in the major will likely see a mix of classes that are easier and more difficult for them, depending on their strengths. For some students, a master's in nutrition may be more difficult than other programs due to the science-heavy classes necessary to understand how nutrition impacts our bodies at the cellular level. However, other students may have more success in a nutrition program than other degrees if they are interested in the material.
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Master's in Nutrition?
Earning a master's in nutrition usually takes about two years of full-time study. Students pursuing an RDN credential will also need to complete 1,000 clinical hours, either during their program or during an internship, which translates into about six months of full-time work. Some programs incorporate practicum hours into their curriculum as part of the program, while others do not include this as a requirement. Students who don't enroll in a program that includes practicum requirements will need to spend additional time getting these hours in after graduation.
Is a Master's in Nutrition Worth It?
The worth of any degree varies based on students' career goals, personal circumstances, and finances. In general, however, investing in graduate school may lead to increased future earnings. A master's in nutrition may also result in a rewarding career for those interested in improving individual or communal health through food science.
There are a few pros and cons students should consider. One of the most important things to think about is that a master's is required to become a dietitian. Another pro of earning a master's in nutrition is that it can lead to careers in multiple sectors, including government, business, education, and nonprofit. However, there are some potential downsides. The additional requirements needed for RDN certification may push some students to pursue another degree. Depending on where they live, some students may also have a hard time finding somewhere to do their practicum.
What Degree Is Best For Nutritionists?
Students who want to become nutritionists should earn their master's in nutrition. Those who want to become registered dietitians and work in a clinical setting should focus on a master's in nutrition and dietetics that meets RDN licensure requirements.
Bottom Line
A master's degree in nutrition is one of the most important steps toward becoming a nutritionist or dietitian as it helps future nutrition professionals qualify for certification and licensure.
A master's program in nutrition can be challenging because students must take an interdisciplinary approach to food science, deepening their knowledge in biology, sociology, and economics, to name a few. Aspiring nutritionists also often need to complete a number of practicum hours as part of their master's degree. While it is a significant investment in time and money, a master's in nutrition can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career in the industry for those who are passionate about nutrition and helping others.
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By OnlineU Staff Writers | 11/1/2023