Best Online Master’s in Nutrition Programs of 2025
An online master’s degree in nutrition can help you land high-paying leadership roles in the field. Explore the best nutrition programs.
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At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.
The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at media@bestcolleges.com. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.
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Atkins. 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.
2025 Best Online Master’s in Nutrition Programs
American University
Washington, DC4 yearCampus + Online
$38,139
$38,139
47%
29%
$53,070
$53,070
86%
13,019
Private
Yes
$38,139
$38,139
Washington, DC4 yearCampus + Online
$38,139
$38,139
47%
29%
$53,070
$53,070
86%
13,019
Private
Yes
Samford University
Birmingham, AL4 yearCampus + Online
$21,265
$21,265
82%
18%
$35,750
$35,750
88%
5,790
Private
Yes
$21,265
$21,265
Birmingham, AL4 yearCampus + Online
$21,265
$21,265
82%
18%
$35,750
$35,750
88%
5,790
Private
Yes
Simmons University
Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$27,152
$27,152
66%
68%
$43,060
$43,060
82%
5,053
Private
Yes
$27,152
$27,152
Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$27,152
$27,152
66%
68%
$43,060
$43,060
82%
5,053
Private
Yes
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,749
$17,898
90%
72%
$4,452
$20,729
82%
26,785
Public
Yes
$4,749
$17,898
Greenville, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,749
$17,898
90%
72%
$4,452
$20,729
82%
26,785
Public
Yes
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$6,471
$13,815
84%
81%
$6,228
$16,020
59%
16,914
Public
Yes
$6,471
$13,815
Beaumont, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$6,471
$13,815
84%
81%
$6,228
$16,020
59%
16,914
Public
Yes
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS4 yearCampus + Online
$10,294
$23,018
80%
49%
$9,964
$26,838
87%
19,745
Public
Yes
$10,294
$23,018
Manhattan, KS4 yearCampus + Online
$10,294
$23,018
80%
49%
$9,964
$26,838
87%
19,745
Public
Yes
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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