Best Online Master’s in Nutrition Programs of 2024
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2024Atkins. 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
University of Georgia
Athens, GA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,790
- Out-of-state$28,830
- In-State$8,878
- Out-of-state$25,186
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate40%
- Students Enrolled40,118
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment20%
- AccreditationYes
Texas Tech University
- Lubbock, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,935
- Out-of-state$21,204
- In-State$6,956
- Out-of-state$15,136
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled40,542
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
- Fargo, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,951
- Out-of-state$13,426
- In-State$7,293
- Out-of-state$10,940
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled12,461
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas at Austin
- Austin, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,752
- Out-of-state$40,996
- In-State$12,050
- Out-of-state$22,944
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate29%
- Students Enrolled51,991
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
University of Houston
- Houston, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,685
- Out-of-state$20,877
- In-State$8,713
- Out-of-state$17,857
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled47,031
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment69%
- AccreditationYes
Northeast College of Health Sciences
- Seneca Falls, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- In-State$18,144
- Out-of-state$18,144
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled569
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment28%
- AccreditationYes
Loma Linda University
- Loma Linda, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$32,736
- Out-of-state$32,736
- In-State$27,382
- Out-of-state$27,382
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,390
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment33%
- AccreditationYes
Stony Brook University
- Stony Brook, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$24,990
- In-State$11,310
- Out-of-state$23,100
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate48%
- Students Enrolled26,608
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
- Raleigh, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,535
- Out-of-state$27,320
- In-State$9,095
- Out-of-state$27,082
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate47%
- Students Enrolled36,831
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Lincoln, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,770
- Out-of-state$24,900
- In-State$6,138
- Out-of-state$17,928
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled24,431
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
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.
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
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.
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