Best Online Nutrition Degree Programs of 2023
Updated August 23, 2023
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An online nutrition degree can open doors to a fulfilling career in nutrition, dietetics, and food science. As a nutritionist, you can work in diverse settings, from hospitals and outpatient care centers to government facilities.
You can even advance your nutritionist career by pursuing certifications like certified nutrition specialist and registered dietitian nutritionist.
We ranked the best online nutrition programs using a complex algorithm that considers government data on factors such as academic quality and curriculum, student outcomes, and affordability.
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The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS – see sources section for more details.
These rankings include
#1 Best Online Nutrition Degree Programs of 2023
Arizona State University
Phoenix, AZ - 4 years
- Online
A leader in online education, Arizona State University's (ASU's) distance learning division, ASU Online, supports online study across 152 bachelor's programs. The school's BS in food and nutrition entrepreneurship introduces enrollees to foundational food industry skills and knowledge while building general skills such as communication and critical thinking. This program also prepares participants for the discipline needed to complete graduate studies.
Career services and academic advising are among ASU Online's institutional resources devoted to student success. Depending on eligibility, learners can benefit from financial aid funding.
Arizona State University Online at a Glance:
Type of School: Public
Admission Rate: 73%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 26-to-1
Undergrad Tuition (In State): $10,710
Undergrad Tuition (Out of State): $10,820
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $42,200
#2 Best Online Nutrition Degree Programs of 2023
Parker University
Dallas, TX - 4 years
- Online
Parker University, based in Dallas, Texas, offers 10 bachelor's programs across in-person and online learning modalities. For learners seeking to advance in the nutrition field through flexible study, the school's BS in nutrition science is a wise choice. This fully online program can also prepare students for further educational pursuits, such as graduate study in nutritional science or public health.
Degree-seekers at Parker benefit from an array of resources throughout their studies, including career services and academic advising. Prospective applicants may be eligible for funding options such as scholarships, fellowships, and grants.
Parker University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1
Undergrad Tuition: $21,622
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $40,000
#3 Best Online Nutrition Degree Programs of 2023
University of Arizona Global Campus
Tucson, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in San Diego, California, The University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC) supports fully remote study opportunities across 146 bachelor's programs. The public online university's three-course health and wellness emphasis caters to students seeking to learn about health and nutrition. This course sequence can complement bachelor's degrees in many disciplines. Learners pursuing the health and wellness emphasis can also pivot to health- and nutrition-focused master's programs after their undergraduate studies.
UAGC's institutional resources include career services and academic advising. Enrollees also gain access to financial aid opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships, depending on eligibility. The average UAGC student receives a financial aid award package of $12,472.
The University of Arizona Global Campus at a Glance:
Type of School: Public
Admission Rate: 85%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15-to-1
Undergrad Tuition (In State): $10,990
Undergrad Tuition (Out of State): $33,273
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $41,800
#4 Best Online Nutrition Degree Programs of 2023
Huntington University of Health Sciences
Knoxville, TN - 4 years
- Online
Huntington University of Health Sciences (HUHS) offers a fully online bachelor's degree in nutrition. This 120-credit program equips enrollees with the industry-relevant knowledge and skills needed to succeed in careers in nutrition and the natural products industry. Graduates of HUHS's nutrition program can meet educational requirements for several professional credentials, such as certified sports nutritionist and certified clinical nutritionist.
HUHS students seeking financial guidance can connect with financial aid counselors to explore funding opportunities, determine scholarship eligibility, and apply for student loans.
Huntington University of Health Sciences at a Glance:
Type of School: Private
Student-Faculty Ratio: 9-to-1
Undergrad Tuition: $6,360
#5 Best Online Nutrition Degree Programs of 2023
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Manhattan, Kansas State University (K-State) offers 92 bachelor's programs featuring both in-person and remote study opportunities. For learners interested in the nutrition field, the school's online bachelor's degree in nutrition and health offers a customizable educational path. Students can apply their learning to a nutrition-specific career or toward a graduate degree in public heath or dietetics.
K-State attendees can access career services, academic advising, and other support resources while enrolled in the nutrition and health program. Prospective applicants can meet with financial aid counselors to determine eligibility for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid. Incoming K-State enrollees receive an average of $6,181 in financial aid.
Kansas State University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public
Admission Rate: 94%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1
Undergrad Tuition (In State): $9,375
Undergrad Tuition (Out of State): $25,251
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $41,400
Why You Should Get a Nutritionist Degree Online
- Earning a nutritionist degree online provides flexibility, allowing you to easily balance school with other obligations, like a job or family.
- You'll gain the skills and qualifications to coach people in nutrition and healthy eating.
- You can help improve the well-being of groups with an advanced understanding of the effects of diet and lifestyle.
- An online nutrition degree helps you enter an in-demand field that's projected to grow 7% between 2021 and 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- Getting optional certifications after earning your nutritionist degree online can raise your salary potential and expand your career options.
Students Speak
“Everybody must answer the question, 'What should I be eating?' … The value of earning a bachelor's degree in nutritional science is that it prepares you to answer that question for one person or for a very specialized group of people.”
— Katherine Tom, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
Online Nutrition Degree Application Requirements
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Online application -
Transcripts -
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Personal statement -
Resume or CV -
SAT or ACT scores, if required -
Application fee
Coursework for an Online Nutrition Degree
During an online bachelor's degree in nutrition, 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.
Many programs offer preparation and support for industry-relevant certification exams. 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
Students Speak
“A good amount of the core curriculum that I took consisted of biology and chemistry followed by psychology and anatomy. An internship is required to sit for the RDN certification exam, which consists of fieldwork in community and clinical dietetics work areas.”
— Katherine Tom, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
Nutritionist Salary and Career Outlook
Nutritionists and dietitians earned a median salary of $61,650 in May 2021, according to the BLS.
What you'll earn will depend on factors like your title and location. Nutritionists can earn advanced degrees and optional certifications to increase their salary potential.
According to a 2021 survey by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) earned a median annual salary of $70,000. RDNs employed full time for more than a year earned a median salary of $72,000.
Meanwhile, nutrition and dietetics technicians earned a median salary of $48,300 per year.
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 be licensed. 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. 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.
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)
Students Speak
“If a person enjoys working in environments where new research and understanding about the human body is ever-evolving, they will find a nutritional science degree worth it.”
— Katherine Tom, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Nutrition Degrees
What degree is best for a nutritionist?
A bachelor's degree in nutrition is the best foundational degree for nutritionists. Typically, you only need a bachelor's and state licensure to work as a nutritionist.
You can advance your career and qualify for high-paying positions by earning a master's degree in nutrition or a master of public health with a nutrition concentration. You can also consider optional nutrition certifications, which allow you to specialize in specific subfields of nutrition.
Is a nutrition degree hard?
Nutrition is a science-based degree, so you'll need to be comfortable with coursework heavy in math and science. Whether you find math and science difficult or easy, with persistence and support from your professors and university, you can successfully earn a bachelor's degree in nutrition.
What's the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian?
A dietitian is a nutritionist with extra qualifications that allow them to work with patients in clinical settings. A dietitian is a more highly regulated credential than a nutritionist. If you become a dietitian, you'll be able to work with clients to treat clinical conditions like eating disorders.
Is it worth doing a nutrition degree?
If you're passionate about helping others through nutrition, an on-campus or online nutrition degree can be a great option. By earning a nutrition degree, you can work in a variety of settings, including private practices, hospitals, and schools.
The median salary for dietitians was $61,650 in 2021 — well above the median salary of $45,760 for all occupations — according to the BLS.
Is a nutritionist certification worth it?
If you want to become a nutritionist, nutritionist certifications can lead to more professional opportunities and a higher salary. These optional certifications give you the tools needed to teach people what to eat, create nutrition programs, and more. Many top universities offer nutritionist certifications online.
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