Best Master’s in Dietetics Programs
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2024Earning a master’s in dietetics puts you at the forefront of health and nutrition, enabling you to work with clients, conduct research, develop training plans, and influence policy.
These programs typically take 1-2 years to complete, depending on the required coursework and whether you plan to study full time or part time.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs for nutritionists and dietitians to grow by 7% between 2022 and 2023, faster than the average for all occupations.
Related Online Master’s Programs You May Be Interested In
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Master’s in Dietetics Programs of 2024
University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center
Oklahoma City, OK- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,220
- Out-of-state$21,985
- In-State$5,119
- Out-of-state$19,778
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,235
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Omaha, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,340
- Out-of-state$30,510
- In-State$9,207
- Out-of-state$26,379
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,750
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment16%
- AccreditationYes
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,168
- Out-of-state$18,566
- In-State$911
- Out-of-state$2,003
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled54,906
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- 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
University of Missouri-Columbia
- Columbia, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,074
- Out-of-state$30,441
- In-State$10,447
- Out-of-state$28,605
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled31,344
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment63%
- AccreditationYes
South Dakota State University
- Brookings, SD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,773
- Out-of-state$11,283
- In-State$8,164
- Out-of-state$15,697
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled11,548
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Blacksburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,751
- Out-of-state$30,829
- In-State$14,521
- Out-of-state$29,267
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate57%
- Students Enrolled38,365
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Sam Houston State University
- Huntsville, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,856
- Out-of-state$15,648
- In-State$5,765
- Out-of-state$13,108
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate97%
- Students Enrolled21,612
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$5,616
- Out-of-state$18,746
- In-State$10,662
- Out-of-state$26,657
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate25%
- Students Enrolled44,134
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled35,823
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment85%
- 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.
What Can You Expect From a Master’s in Dietetics Program?
Master’s in dietetics programs include coursework in advanced topics, including metabolic systems, food composition and behavior, and research methods.
Most also include a capstone project, although students interested in research may decide to follow a thesis track and submit long-form original research.
These programs exist both online and in-person, creating flexibility for working professionals.
| Average Graduate Degree Tuition Cost (2021-2022) | $20,513 |
|---|---|
| Length | 2 years |
| Credits | 30 |
| Program Tracks | Master of science (MS), master of arts (MA), master of public health |
| Example Concentrations |
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| Example Courses |
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3 Benefits of a Dietetics Degree
- Personal Fulfillment: Being a dietitian means helping people improve their lives through nutrition and education, making this a potentially rewarding career.
- Above-Average Pay: Dietitians earned an annual median salary of $69,680 in 2023, over $20,000 more than the median salary for all occupations. The top 10% of dietitians earned more than $98,830 annually.
- Flexibility: Earning this degree gives you flexibility to work for a company or start your practice. You can make the decision that best fits your lifestyle and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Master’s in Dietetics Program
Yes, a master’s in dietetics is worth it if you want to work closely with patients and have a passion for food science. A master’s degree is the entry-level education required to sit for the registered dietitian’s exam — the only pathway to working with patients in a clinical setting.
A master’s in dietetics provides advanced training that qualifies you for roles in private and public settings. You can also decide to work for yourself or an organization.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed March 28, 2024.
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