Nutritionists are experts in healthy food, healthy eating habits, and using nutrition to help people lead healthy lives. They help clients and patients maximize their health by eating an appropriate diet and avoiding obesity and related health conditions.
Learn how to earn a nutritional science degree online and what you can do with it after graduation.
10 Best Online Nutrition Degree Programs
Why Should You Get a Nutrition Degree Online?
With a bachelor's degree in nutrition, you'll gain the skills and qualifications to coach people in healthy eating. And pursuing your nutrition degree online can help you develop these skills and competencies at your own pace from the comfort of your home.
- Earning a nutrition degree online provides increased flexibility, allowing you to more easily balance school with other obligations, like a job or family.
- Accredited online nutrition programs qualify and prepare you for master's programs, which is the minimum degree requirement to enter the field of dietetics.
- An online nutrition degree helps you enter an in-demand field that's projected to grow 7% between 2023 and 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS).
- Accredited online nutrition programs can help prepare you for the industry certifications you need for entry-level nutrition coach and educator positions.
What You Can Expect From an Online Nutrition Degree
In an online bachelor's degree in nutrition program, you can expect to take a combination of general education courses, core nutrition courses, and electives. You'll gain an in-depth understanding of topics like digestion, absorption, and metabolism.
You'll also study the pharmacology of nutrition and lifestyle choices. In addition, you'll build ethical, administrative, and professional skills for diverse positions in healthcare or public health.
Accredited bachelor's programs prepare you for further education in nutrition, which is required for industry certification. Some online nutrition programs are 100% online, whereas others may have in-person requirements.
Here are some examples of classes you may take for your online nutrition degree:
- Animal nutrition
- Food laws and regulations
- Food microbiology
- Food science
- Human biochemistry
- Human nutritional needs
- Nutrition across the lifespan
- World hunger and malnutrition
How Much Do Nutritionists Make?
Nutritionists and dietitians earned a median annual salary of $73,850 in May 2024, according to the BLS. Nutritionists can earn advanced degrees and optional certifications to increase their salary potential.
According to a 2024 survey by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) earned a median annual salary of $79,000. RDNs employed full-time for more than a year earned a median salary of $80,400. Meanwhile, nutrition and dietetics technicians earned a median salary of $54,700 per year.
What you'll earn with a nutrition degree will depend on factors like your title and location. Some positions in the field require a master's degree.
| Careers | Annual Average Salary (2024) | Minimum Degree Required |
|---|---|---|
| Dietetics Technician | $39,560 | Associate |
| Health Education Specialists | $71,700 | Bachelor's |
| Food Health and Safety Specialists | $88,660 | Bachelor's |
| Food Scientists and Technologists | $92,190 | Bachelor's |
| Registered Dietitian (RD) | $74,770 | Master's |
| Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) | $60,000 | Master's |
Your location can also affect your earning potential as a nutritionist. Explore below to see the median nutritionist salary by state.
Nutritionist Certification and Licensure
Many states require nutritionists to hold a license. Check with your state for more information on licensure requirements for nutritionists.
State licensure requirements usually include a minimum of a bachelor's degree in food, nutrition, or a related area from an accredited institution. You'll also likely need to complete a supervised practice and pass an exam.
Aside from state licensure, nutritionists can pursue optional certifications in specialized areas. Earning an additional certification can open new career prospects and increase your salary potential and scope of practice.
Common nutritionist certifications include:
- Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
- Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN)
- Diplomate, American Clinical Board of Nutrition (DACBN)
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
- Registered Nutrition and Dietetics Technician (NDTR)
- Certified Food Manager (CFM)
- Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Nutrition Degrees
You need at least a master's degree in nutrition to enter the field of nutrition and dietetics. The highest-level certification from the American Nutrition Association, Certified Nutrition Specialist, requires a master's in dietetics, healthcare, or related areas. Becoming a registered dietitian also requires a master's degree in dietetics or a related area.
