How to Choose the Best Online Degree in Nutrition

Are you interested in obtaining a degree in a nutrition field but are not able to attend college due to job or family obligations? Then maybe you should pursue your nutrition degree online. There are many colleges and universities that offer associate and bachelor degrees online. You can even attend classes from the comfort of your easy chair at home. All you need is a computer, Internet service, computer skills, and the ability to meet deadlines. (We suggest you this page for Online Degrees - Facts vs Myths)

Associate’s Degree in Nutrition

Huntington College of Health Sciences: Associate of Science in Applied Nutrition

Huntington College of Health Sciences students learn about the role that nutrition plays in an individual’s physical and mental health. Students take courses such as Understanding Nutrition I, Vegetarian Nutrition, Environmental Challenges, Nutritional Counseling Skills and Eating Disorders & Weight Management. Enrollment is open year round, so applicants can apply at any time by submitting an application, the $75 application processing fee and an official transcript from each college or university attended. (more info here)
How to Choose the Best Online Degree in Nutrition

Bachelor’s Degrees In Nutrition

Kansas State University: Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Industry

The Food Science Institute at Kansas State University students choose between the Science option, which is best for individuals interested in jobs in technology, product development and graduate school, and the Food Business and Operations Management option, which is ideal for individuals interested in management and other jobs in the food industry. Students take courses such as Poultry Products Evaluation, Food Science Problems, Human Nutrition, Public Health Nutrition and Lifespan Nutrition. Individuals who have completed at least 60 credit hours at an accredited institution are eligible to submit applications, which are submitted online. (more info here)

Kansas State University: Bachelor of Science in Dietetics

Kansas State University offers students courses in nutrition and management of food service systems. Students take courses such as Public Health Nutrition, Clinical nutrition, Human Nutrition and Counseling Strategies in Dietetic Practices. An applicant who has a GPA of at least 2.75 and at least 150 hours of experience projects can submit an application online to begin the four-year degree program. (more info here)

University of Northern Colorado: Bachelor of Science in Dietetics

The University of Northern Colorado prepares students to pursue dietetic registration or licensure by providing education on food, nutrition and the factors associated with diet. Students take courses such as Nutrition Applications in Foodservice, Introduction to Foods, Nutrition Education and Application Strategies and Community Nutrition. An applicant must have a 2.8 or higher GPA, completed over 60 credit hours and must have taken specific courses to prepare for the program. (more info here)

Eastern Michigan University: Bachelor of Science in Dietetics

Eastern Michigan University prepares students for Registered Dietitian careers in only 20 months. Students take courses such as Nutritional Therapy, Food Systems, Food and Culture and Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Students must live at least 100 miles from the campus and must have completed program prerequisites with a minimum GPA of 2.75 to qualify for the online program. Applicants submit an application, letters of recommendation and a personal statement. (more info here)

Huntington College of Health Sciences: Bachelor of Health Science in Nutrition

Huntington College of Health Sciences prepares students for careers in nutrition by providing an education in nutrition and the basic sciences. Students take courses such as Understanding Nutrition, Nutritional Counseling Skills, Vitamins & Minerals and Geriatric Nutrition. To apply for the four-year program, individuals should submit applications, a $75 application processing fee and an official transcript from each college or university attended. (more info here)

Kaplan University: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science

Kaplan University’s four-year program is designed to academically prepare students for careers in nutrition science. Students take courses such as Nutritional Analysis and Assessment, Nutrition for Special Populations and Food Safety and Microbiology. Applicants must sign an Enrollment Agreement and other documents and submit payments according to the tuition and fees schedule. (more info here)

Keiser University: Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition

Keiser University’s four-year degree prepares students to work in dietetic and nutrition careers by teaching about food service management and proper nutrition. Students take courses such as Institution Food Service Production, Lifecycle Nutrition and Nutrition in Health and Exercise. To apply for the program, a student must submit an application, pass a background check and drug screening and complete prerequisite courses with at least a 3.0 GPA. (more info here)

Master’s Degrees In Nutrition

Huntington College of Health Sciences: Masters of Science in Nutrition

Huntington College of Health Sciences educates individuals such as registered dietitians who wish to enhance their skills, knowledge and marketability. Students learn about advanced nutrition sciences by taking courses such as Clinical Nutrition, Advanced Biochemistry and Advanced Nutrition with Clinical Applications. Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree and must have completed several prerequisites courses. To begin the two-year program program, applicants submit an application online. (more info here)

Eastern Michigan University: Master of Science in Dietetics and Master of Science in Human Nutrition

Eastern Michigan University’s Dietetics program is ideal for individuals who wish to become Registered Dietitians and the Human Nutrition program is ideal for students who wish to enhance their nutrition knowledge. Students take courses such as Development of the Entrepreneurial Dietitian, Nutrition Therapy and Research Design and Methods. To apply for the two-year degree programs, students must complete the prerequisite courses with a GPA of at least 2.75 and submit detailed applications. (more info here)

Central Michigan University: Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

Central Michigan University enhances students’ knowledge and skills to prepare them to conduct their own research. Students take courses such as Macronutrients, Nutritional Assessment and Nutritional Epidemiology. To apply, applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, an essay and proof of an undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and completion of prerequisites. (more info here)

Rosalind Franklin Institute: Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition and Nutrition Education

Rosalind Franklin Institute of Medicine and Science aims to enhance nutrition professionals’ skills. Students take courses such as Vitamins and Minerals, Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism and Critical Analysis of Nutritional Recommendations. To apply for the two-year degrees, submit a completed application packet, two letters of recommendation and an application fee. (more info here)

University of Bridgeport: Master of Science in Human Nutrition

University of Bridgeport’s program is designed to enhance nutrition professionals’ biochemical and physiological knowledge of nutrition. Students complete courses such as Assessment of Nutritional Status, Nutritional Therapeutics and Evidence Based Nutrition. To apply for the two-year degree, submit two letters of recommendation, transcripts, a personal statement and an application. (more info here)

How do I Get a Degree in Nutrition ?

Research online for the degrees available in nutrition at the colleges/universities of your choice. Several sites are provided at the end of the article. These sites provide information on requirements, programs, tuition/fees, and financial aid. Make sure the school you plan to attend is fully accredited.
When you search online, you will be directed to pages with a list of colleges. Keep a notebook by the computer to take notes while searching. Check out each college to see the variety of programs they offer in nutrition. Some colleges may be listed because they offer degrees that include coursework in nutrition, but may not offer a nutrition degree. The online degree has the same courses and requirements on-campus or online.
Nutrition degrees obtained online are accepted by most employers. For online degrees, you will attend classes, submit papers, do a chat room conference with classmates for group-work, email your instructor or classmates, and do research, all on your home computer. You will have a syllabus, due dates, and written assignments, just as with on-campus classes.

How Long does it Take to Get a Degree in Nutrition ?


Some jobs and colleges require that the program be taken at an accredited institution. The average time for an associate degree is two years and a bachelor degree is four years. The time required to obtain a degree actually depends on you and the time you can devoted to your studies each semester/quarter. If you are working full-time, it may take a bit longer.
To complete your nutrition degree online, you must be able to meet deadlines, communicate well, and have good computer skills. You may be required to go to a location near your home to take your exams. Find out all the requirements and fees before your submit an application.
The colleges/universities listed on many of the web sites were: Kaplan University, Walden University, DeVry University, Everett College, Allied Health Institute, University of Phoenix, Ashworth University, Benedictine University, Stratford University, and American Intercontinental University. Each of these offers degrees in different areas of nutrition science and health.
To enhance your search, type in different keywords in different combinations. Be sure to include: nutrition, nutrition science, nutrition online degrees, online nutrition degrees, accredited degree programs in nutrition, distance learning nutrition degrees, and nutritionist degrees online. Go to each college’s web site and look at the degrees offered online.
Check for the following: their accreditation, courses offered, time to complete, cost per credit hour, semesters or quarters, are special fees applicable to nutrition degrees, is there a clinical experience, and is their school accredited in your home state? If you are out-of-state, there may be extra fees or tuition. Be sure your home state will accept your degree/credentials from an out-of-state college.
Information obtained from the various web sites revealed that Kaplan Universityoffers a bachelor degree in nutrition science. Their program included coursework on nutrition, digestion, metabolism, and administrative, ethical, and professional skills. Kaplan also offers a program that allows you to work concurrently on a Masters degree, if you so desire.
Ashworth University offers a bachelor degree in Nutrition Specialist and one in Nutrition, Diet, and Health. Their online page has an area for you to leave your name, and email for them to send you more information. Stratford, Penn Foster, and Walden Universities also offer the same option. Contact the universities in which you have an interest and ask questions. Make a list ahead of time and then you won’t forget an important question.
For example, Everest College has a degree program called Health, Fitness, and Nutrition Consultant. Is that what you want? What does their program cover? Does it meet all your needs? Will you have to do a clinical experience? Do they help you to file for your license in your home state, if the are in a different state?

What Jobs are Available with a Nutrition Degree ?


The different career opportunities in the field of health and nutrition vary with the degree you acquire. The degree must be applicable for the job you desire. Nutrition careers are available in hospitals, clinics, private practice, sports, wellness, fitness, diet consultant, public health, and food and pharmaceutical industries. Some sports teams have their own nutritionist on staff for their players.
You might be interested in working for individuals with diabetes, celiac, or digestive disorders. A nutritionist can plan the correct diet for them to help control their illness. Large gyms/fitness centers often have a nutritionist available to their clients for dietetic consultations. There are opportunities available in all fields of health science. Inquire as to the requirements for the job you would like to pursue.
Another way to locate information on colleges is to ask people employed in your field of choice. Ask which colleges or programs they would recommend to you. Then, get back online and check our each college’s programs, and degrees on their web page. If you need financial aid, check on that as well. Ask those questions!
Ask to speak to a counselor. Ask them to send you a catalog and any other information pertinent to your program of study. If you are living in a different state, ask if all your coursework and credentials will transfer to your state. Will you have to pay out-of-state fees, exam fees, or special online college fees? Ask about books for your classes. Do they have a way to order books online? The time to ask is before you make a commitment.
Don’t leave anything to chance; do your research! Get on your computer and search for colleges and programs. The average salary for a licensed nutritionist in the U.S. is around $50,000. Your salary depends on the job and your degree. As with other careers, the more education, the better! So, get online and make those career dreams come true!