2023 Best Online Nutrition Degrees

Overview of Online Nutrition Bachelor's Degrees

Online nutrition degrees offer an interdisciplinary education in the vast field of food science. In addition to learning about how diet affects health and wellness, students can study the social, political, and cultural aspects that influence access to food. Depending on their interests and the level of education they're pursuing, individuals enrolled in a nutrition degree may explore how diet and nutrition affect disease management, influence public health considerations, or shape community health standards.

Graduates of higher education in nutrition can find careers in healthcare, research, government, and education, to name a few areas. With online certification and the required level of education and experience, they may also be prepared to open their own practice or work as health consultants for individual clients.

What Is a Bachelor's in Nutrition Degree?

Bachelor's degrees in nutrition prepare students to help clients become healthier and happier through nutrition counseling and dietary changes. Graduates should gain the core skills needed to educate clients and the general public on nutritional needs at every stage of life. They'll learn to assess patients' nutritional status and help clients achieve optimal health. Programs should also cover how health conditions, age, sex, lifestyle, genetics, and culture affect health and nutrition.

Students enrolled in a bachelor's level dietetics program gain a foundational grounding in wellness and nutrition while also taking STEM, social science, and humanities classes. A Bachelor of Science in Nutrition equips students with the necessary skills to apply for nutrition jobs or advance their education.

Degree & Admission Requirements

A Bachelor of Science in Nutrition typically requires around 120 credits to graduate and takes four years to complete when enrolled full time. Students take general education classes in humanities, liberal arts, math, and science, with required nutrition classes. Programs also usually include labs in food science and chemistry. Many bachelor's programs also require that students complete a capstone project to graduate — typically in the form of a review paper on a topic of their choosing. Some schools, however, may require an internship or some field experience.

You'll need a high school diploma or GED to apply for online college. Some colleges may require a GPA of between 2.5 to 3.0 or higher, although many online colleges do not have GPA requirements. SAT and ACT scores are also required less often now, especially for adult students returning to education.

Students should start applying for school about 6-12 months before they plan on enrolling. For most colleges on a regular admissions schedule, applications are due sometime in the fall or winter of the year before the program starts. Many online schools accept applications year-round and offer start dates throughout the year.

Next Steps

Nutrition Program Courses

Aside from general education classes, nutrition majors will also need a strong foundation in health science and diet. Students will take science classes in biology, chemistry, and other areas to learn how the human body uses food at a cellular level. Core nutrition classes will cover dietary needs and how nutrition impacts health and well-being. Many programs also require coursework on nutrition and culture to help students understand the role food plays in our lives and social relationships. 

Below are some common classes for nutrition majors:

Nutrition Concentrations To Choose From

Concentrations allow students to focus their education in particular areas of nutrition and food science. They are often opportunities for individuals to explore subdisciplines and gain the necessary knowledge to pursue a career path that interests them. Below is a list of some common concentration options for students enrolled in a nutrition program.

What Can You Do With a Bachelor's in Nutrition Degree?

Before students choose a degree, it's important to consider factors like career pathways for nutrition majors, licensure options, and personal interests to determine if a nutrition degree is right for them. After completing a bachelor's in nutrition, students typically continue their education through a master's or doctoral program, prepare for certification, or enter the workforce. Graduate school offers the opportunity to pursue a specialization, conduct research, and qualify for more senior positions in the field. A bachelor's in nutrition can also open the door to jobs in healthcare, public health, education, and hospitality.

What's the Difference Between a Dietician and a Nutritionist?

Nutritionists and dieticians both work with patients to improve health through diet. However, while nutritionists can practice without certification, dieticians must hold a master's degree and pass a test to get the RD or RDN credential. They can also work in more clinical settings and are licensed to provide more services than nutritionists without the RDN credential.

Potential Careers for Nutrition Degrees

Many nutrition majors combine their passion for food and wellness with interpersonal skills in nutrition counseling or medical nutrition careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 27% of nutritionists and dietitians work in hospitals. Nutrition experts also work in gyms, private practices, doctor's offices, government organizations, and food services.

Common career paths for nutrition majors include the following:

• Dietetic technicians help with food service and nutrition programs, plan and make balanced meals, educate clients, or provide counseling under the supervision of an RDN.
• Health educators often work in schools or community services to teach the public about nutrition and health, develop and implement community education programs, and track how effective those programs are.
• Food science technicians specialize in food safety and quality testing, including shelf-life studies, food modifications (like developing low-fat versions of foods), and conducting consumer panels. 
• Nutritionists and dietitians work directly with patients and clients to educate them on their nutritional needs, develop food plans and intervention strategies, and treat medical issues with dietary changes.

Certification and Licensure

Certification and licensure can show that an individual is a well-trained and capable nutritionist, and can help improve their job prospects. While requirements vary by state — with some making board licensure or third-party certification mandatory and others having no prerequisites — nutritionists typically need to have a postsecondary degree, log a number of supervised hours, and pass an exam to earn these qualifications. Students and professionals have a range of nutrition certification options depending on their educational level and area of interest. Below is a list of the most common types.

Is an Online Nutrition Degree Worth It?

Nutrition degrees can pay off in the long term for individuals who want to work in the food science industry. However, prospective students should also evaluate their personal circumstances, financial position, and other commitments — as these factors can also influence whether a nutrition education is worth it. The value of this degree will ultimately vary from student to student, but individuals may consider the following potential pros and cons before deciding to enroll in a nutrition program.

Potential Advantages

• Nutritionists are typically well-compensated. Compared to the U.S. median annual salary of $46,310, these professionals earn a median of $66,450, with the top 10% earning approximately $95,130 a year, according to the BLS.

• Nutrition degrees train students to identify and care for people's needs. For individuals who enjoy working with and helping others, a nutrition degree can lead to a rewarding career in client service.

• A nutrition education may be a suitable option for self-employment. While dieticians work for hospitals or schools, they can also open private practices that serve individual clients. This degree may therefore be useful to those who want the business aptitude and food science training to work for themselves.

Potential Disadvantages

• A nutrition degree alone is insufficient to advance a career in this field. For instance, many employers may expect these professionals to be licensed for higher-level positions, and nutritionists must take continuing education credits to maintain their credentials to remain competitive. Explore our list of affordable online master's degrees in nutrition to plan ahead and stay within budget. 

• Becoming a successful dietician takes time and effort. Students with a nutrition education often need to gain several years of experience before they can command a high salary, start their own practice, or work with a pool of dedicated clients. This is unlike other positions — particularly in tech and business sectors — where graduates can find high-paying, entry-level jobs soon after graduation.

Is a Nutrition Degree a Good Fit For Me?

Nutrition degrees can be an ideal choice for students who enjoy helping others meet their health and fitness goals. For instance, individuals who enjoy cooperation are likely to do well as nutritionists and dietitians. Furthermore, employers hiring nutritionists commonly seek empathetic problem solvers with the ability to discern people's needs and challenges and help them overcome them through evidence-based strategies. Overall, students who see themselves as creative, collaborative individuals who care about the health of others may find that a nutrition education suits their personality and interests.

If you're looking to brush up on some basic information about nutrition, an online course or two can be worth it. However, an bachelor's program is usually a better option for a career in nutrition.

Bachelor's degree programs give students an in-depth understanding of nutritional needs and teach them to consider a broad range of factors when working with clients, including age, sex, health conditions, family health history, genetics, and culture. Bachelor's students also gain a strong foundation in science that will benefit them in their careers and further education.

FAQs About Bachelor's in Nutrition Programs

What Else Should You Consider?

One of the most important things to consider when choosing an online nutrition degree is accreditation. Every school on our site is accredited, which means an approved agency continuously reviews it to ensure it meets academic standards.

Choosing the right program for your career goals is also important. While most nutrition degrees offer an in-depth education in the field, dietetics programs are specifically designed for students who want to become registered dieticians (RDs) or RDNs, or gain other types of certification.

To earn an RDN credential, students must earn a bachelor's or master's degree in dietetics from a program accredited by ACEND. Because RDNs also need a master's degree in nutrition or another field to get certified, students who choose a bachelor's program without ACEND accreditation can still satisfy that requirement later on.

Another consideration is whether a bachelor's in nutrition is right for you. Jobs in nutrition are a good fit for people who are interested in health, wellness, and diet. However, similar programs, like health education degrees or exercise science degrees, might be a better fit, depending on what you want to do after college.

Additional Resources

Students can explore the following resources for supplementary information on nutrition degrees, certification, and career options.

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics — This is the premier organization for licensed practitioners and students. Founded in 1917, it publishes research, provides health education resources, and encourages professional advancement in the field of nutrition.
• American Society for Nutrition — ASN seeks to build trust in food science by providing scientific, evidence-based knowledge on wellness-related topics. It also provides online courses, webinars, and networking opportunities to students interested in nutrition.
• National Association of Nutrition Professionals — This organization focuses on holistic nutrition. This body offers certification, publishes research, and hosts an annual conference for members. Students who join can also benefit from mentorship opportunities.
• Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior — This international organization of nutritionists advocates for healthy lifestyles through research, policy engagement, and education. Student members can join committees, attend conferences, and develop their professional network.