Best Online Master’s in Nutrition
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Find your MS in Nutrition
Online nutrition master’s programs prepare students for leadership positions in the health and wellness industry.
Dieticians and nutritionists promote healthy foods and eating habits, and in the United States, there is a growing demand for their expertise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that these positions will grow approximately 8% between 2019 and 2029.
A career in nutrition also pays well. According to the BLS, dieticians and nutritionists earn a median annual salary of $61,270. Top earners work in outpatient care centers, hospitals, government, and residential care facilities.
While a combination of undergraduate education and supervised training is sufficient to pursue licensure and entry-level employment, many professionals in this field hold advanced degrees. If you’re interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the field, our list of the top 15 online nutrition master’s programs is a great place to begin your research. Here, you can learn more about the curriculum and career prospects students will encounter at top schools in the field.
Featured Online Schools
The Best Online Master’s in Nutrition Programs
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,019
- Out-of-state$34,198
- In-State$10,552
- Out-of-state$28,278
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate23%
- Students Enrolled29,877
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment12%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas at Austin
- Austin, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,824
- Out-of-state$38,326
- In-State$11,998
- Out-of-state$22,966
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate32%
- Students Enrolled51,090
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
Logan University
- Chesterfield, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,600
- Out-of-state$6,600
- In-State$9,900
- Out-of-state$9,900
- Retention Rate50%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled1,664
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment79%
- AccreditationYes
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 Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate45%
- Students Enrolled38,920
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment14%
- AccreditationYes
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
- Raleigh, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,535
- Out-of-state$26,654
- In-State$9,095
- Out-of-state$26,421
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate45%
- Students Enrolled36,304
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
Stony Brook University
- Stony Brook, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$24,740
- In-State$11,310
- Out-of-state$23,100
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate44%
- Students Enrolled26,814
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment22%
- AccreditationYes
University of Houston
- Houston, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,219
- Out-of-state$20,747
- In-State$8,370
- Out-of-state$17,746
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled46,148
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
American University
- Washington, DC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$49,070
- Out-of-state$49,070
- In-State$30,351
- Out-of-state$30,351
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate36%
- Students Enrolled14,318
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment20%
- AccreditationYes
Auburn University
- Auburn, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,816
- Out-of-state$29,448
- In-State$9,828
- Out-of-state$29,484
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled30,460
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- Amherst, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,791
- Out-of-state$35,112
- In-State$14,014
- Out-of-state$29,529
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled31,350
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment15%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Programs
Masters in Nutrition
2022
Online Master’s in Nutrition Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
What Is an Online Master’s in Nutrition Degree?
Completing a nutrition master’s online helps students develop advanced skills in applied research, nutrition consulting, and dietetics. Nutrition programs frequently offer concentration and elective options designed to fit specific career goals, including tracks in clinical nutrition, sports nutrition, or eating disorders. Students may also receive opportunities to develop professional skills like grant writing and healthcare administration.
Nutrition master’s programs attract students interested in several fields, including community health, food science, and sports nutrition. Learners are often entry-level or midcareer professionals looking to advance to leadership positions.
These programs strive to prepare students to meet the country’s growing demand for nutrition professionals. Graduates can pursue employment in clinical, educational, research, and community health settings.
Choosing an Online Program
Online programs offer flexibility to students with full-time jobs, families, and other obligations. To determine which online program best fits your unique needs and goals, consider factors like school size, cost, curriculum, and availability of resources for online students. Read on for more college selection tips.
What Else Can I Expect From a Master’s in Nutrition Program?
Specific courses in a master’s in nutrition online vary depending on specific program goals, including whether students are preparing for careers in clinical nutrition, nutrition education, or research. Courses often cover theory, research, and practice in specialized areas like the prevention of chronic diseases, food services management, and nutrition counseling.
Nutrition Curriculum
- Biostatistics: Students in this course learn to apply statistical methods to health sciences. Typically designed for students with a minimal mathematical background, this course covers concepts of experimental design, quantitative data analysis, and statistical inferences. Students also learn about elementary probability and simple linear regression.
- Lifecycle Nutrition: This course allows students to explore the changing nutritional needs of different age groups. Topics include the role of nutrition in growth, mental and physical development, and specific transitions such as puberty and pregnancy.
- Nutrition Policy: This course introduces students to policy approaches used to improve public health and nutrition. Topics include legislative advocacy, rationale for nutrition policies, and other current issues in the political environment. Students examine and analyze current nutrition programs at the local, state, and federal levels.
Nutrition Careers
Nutrition Professional Organizations
Like all scientific fields, nutrition is constantly evolving, requiring extensive funding, strong advocacy, and effective communication between researchers and practitioners. The professional organizations listed below serve current and aspiring nutrition professionals by providing continuing education, access to peer-reviewed journals, and career support.
College students can often join these organizations at a reduced membership rate.
The NANP is the only professional business association dedicated to the holistic nutrition industry. The NANP develops educational standards for holistic nutrition, natural chef training, and dietary supplement education programs. Membership benefits include forum access, a free online directory listing, and first access to new jobs posted by the NANP career center.
The ASN strives to create a healthier world through evidence-based nutrition information and practice. Members receive access to online discussion communities, four scholarly journals, and continuing education opportunities.
The ANA is a professional organization committed to advancing personalized nutrition through education, certification, advocacy, and connection. The ANA offers the Certified Nutrition Specialist certificate, free monthly webinars, and online directories of nutrition programs and practitioners. Members receive access to training program discounts, an online job board, and a mentorship program.
Earning your Nutrition Degree
How long does it take to complete a master’s in nutrition program?
Completing a master of nutrition online typically takes 1-3 years, depending on credit requirements, individual student pacing, and internship requirements.
What can I do with a master’s in nutrition?
Nutrition master’s programs prepare graduates for advanced opportunities in a variety of industries including dietetics, food science, and public health.
How much do you make as a nutritionist?
According to the BLS, dieticians and nutritionists earn a median annual salary of $61,270. Individual salary potential varies by experience, employer, and geographic location.
What is a nutritionist?
Nutritionists are expert professionals who provide advice regarding food, nutrition, and human health. Nutritionists may specialize in areas like sports nutrition or public health.
What is a master’s in nutrition?
A master’s in nutrition focuses on addressing modern nutritional issues. This degree prepares graduates to counsel and educate others about nutrition and health.
What is the difference between a dietician and a nutritionist?
All dieticians are licensed, board-certified experts. Depending on state regulations, nutritionists may or may not need to meet specific education and licensure requirements.
