Key Takeaways:
- Weber State University is our #1 pick for an online bachelor’s in nutrition, while the University of Alaska-Anchorage took the #2 spot. For the online associate’s in nutrition, Long Beach City College secured the #1 spot, while Northland Community & Technical College placed at #2.
- Some things to consider for online nutrition programs include accreditation, curriculum, internship opportunities, certification preparation, faculty, and resources,
- Online nutrition degree programs offer flexibility, but make sure your time management and self-motivation skills are solid.
- The median salary for nutritionists is $69,680 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Students interested in entering the growing nutrition and wellness industry may wonder where to start. An online degree at the undergraduate level is a good place. These convenient entry-level degree programs provide foundational knowledge of food, nutrition, and dietetics. They also provide a pathway to various careers helping people lead healthier lives. This includes public health and the food industry, as well as further study in graduate programs. Jobs for credentialed professionals in the field are increasing right now, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Positions in the occupation are projected to increase by 7% over the coming decade, so achieving career goals in this field is feasible. In this ranking, our editors identify the best online nutrition degree programs at associate’s and bachelor’s degree levels.
Rating and Ranking the Best Online Food And Nutrition Programs
We first identified the online nutrition degrees currently available. Then, our editors applied the appropriate methodology (i.e., the bachelor’s degree methodology or trade school methodology) to rank both the online bachelor’s degree in nutrition programs as well as the online nutrition associates degree offerings. We used tuition to break any ties. This meant awarding the higher ranking to the more affordable program. What follows represents our expert picks for the best online nutrition degree programs at the undergraduate level.
Featured Programs
Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition Programs Online
#10—American College of Healthcare Sciences
Portland, Oregon
Online Bachelor’s in Holistic Nutrition Degree
Points: 7
The online nutritional sciences option from the American College of Healthcare Sciences is a Bachelor in Holistic Nutrition program. Like many of the best online nutrition programs, it is approved by the NANP and emphasizes nutrition to support a healthy lifestyle. This 120-credit hour core curriculum features major courses such as:
- Advanced Nutrition Principles
- Nutrition Across the Lifespan
- Nutrition Coaching and Communication Skills
- Nutrition and Dietary Supplements
Elective classes are also available for the bachelor’s degree program. These can be strategically selected to align with an academic or career interest. Options for the online nutrition degree include:
- Introduction to Aromatherapy
- Stress Management and Emotional Health
- Community Health Planning
- Basics of Herbalism
- Physical Education
- Alternative Medicine
- Food Safety
- Dietetics Emphasis
The American College of Healthcare Sciences is institutionally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,928
#9—Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, Indiana
Online Bachelor’s in Nutrition Degree
Points: 9
Purdue Global’s online bachelor’s degree in nutritional science program is approved by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP). Like many of the best online nutrition programs, this online Bachelor of Science option emphasizes holistic nutrition. Its comprehensive 180-credit hour degree plan features major-specific courses such as:
- Nutrition Planning and Management
- Nutritional Analysis and Assessment
- Nutrition Across the Human Life Cycle
- Nutrition for Special Populations
An original capstone project in nutrition is also required for successful program completion. An accelerated master’s to bachelor’s degree option is also available for prospective students interested in a graduate degree. The Higher Learning Commission has fully accredited Purdue Global to confer online nutrition degree programs. Eligible online students may qualify for financial aid.
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,125
#8—Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona
Online Bachelor’s in Food and Nutrition Entrepreneurship
Points: 10
One of the nation’s best online nutrition programs, the unique nutritional sciences credential from Arizona State University is an online Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition Entrepreneurship. This bachelor’s degree program emphasizes innovation in the industry. It is offered through the school’s renowned College of Health Solutions and the Nutritional Sciences Department. Required courses for the nutritional science degree include:
- Introduction to Nutrition Science
- Economics of Resource Allocation: Food and Agriculture
- Applied Food Principles
- Food Service Purchasing
An experiential learning course is also required for online nutrition degree programs. Students can fulfill this requirement by choosing a public health class from options like:
- Experiential Community Health and Research
- Contact Tracing in Population Health
- Preprofessional Preparation in Nutrition
- Student Outbreak Response Team
Arizona State University is institutionally accredited to offer this nutritionist degree online through its College of Health Solutions.
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,338
#7—Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics Program
Points: 11
Eastern Michigan University offers a one of the best online nutrition degree options. The program is available from its College of Health and Human Services and the School of Health Sciences. This coordinated program in nutrition science combines the bachelor’s and master’s in dietetics programs and results in a graduate degree. It also prepares graduates for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential. Major requirements for the bachelor’s degree program include:
- Nutrition Assessment and Counseling
- Nutrient Metabolism: Micronutrients
- Fundamentals in Nutrition Therapy
- Nutrition Communications
Students pursuing the online nutrition degree may be eligible to apply for specific dietetic internships. The Higher Learning Commission has fully accredited Eastern Michigan University. The program is separately accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
Undergraduate Tuition: $15,700
#6—The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Online BS in Food and Nutrition Degree
Points: 11
The University of Alabama offers its online nutrition degree from its College of Continuing Studies and the College of Human Environmental Sciences. This program is an online bachelor’s degree in nutrition option requiring 120 credit hours of distance learning coursework. This includes classes specific to the major, such as:
- Nutrition Education: Theories and Practice
- Nutrition at the Cellular Level
- Introduction to Research in Food and Nutrition
- Nutritional Biochemistry
The online bachelor’s in nutrition program encourages both part-time and full-time enrollment. This degree is one of a handful of online nutrition programs accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The University of Alabama is also institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,620
#5—University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, Colorado
Online Didactic Program in Dietetics
Points: 11
The online nutrition option from UNC is an accelerated BS in nutrition/dietetics degree. These online programs can be completed in just 18 months of study. This 120-credit hour program of study features a prescribed curriculum for online students. Course titles include:
- Nutrition Education & Application Strategies
- Medical Nutrition Intervention
- Nutrition Applications in Foodservice
- Community Nutrition and Public Health
- Nutrition and the Human Body
As with many online nutrition programs, an experiential learning component in clinical nutrition is also required before graduation. The Higher Learning Commission has fully accredited UNC. The bachelor’s in nutrition degree plan is also programmatically accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,666
#4—University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Online Bachelor’s in Nutritional Sciences
Points: 12
The University of Arizona offers one of the best nutrition programs in the country. The program is available through the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. The bachelor’s in nutrition program features two available concentrations:
- Nutrition
- Dietetics
Depending on the area of emphasis they choose, students in these online nutrition programs will take online courses such as:
- Survey of Nutrition Careers
- Nutrition Communication & Scientific Literature
- Lifecycle Nutrition
A total of 120 credit hours of online coursework is required for online programs. This nutritionist degree program is possible, thanks to the school’s accreditation status with The Higher Learning Commission. The program’s dietetics specialty is also programmatically accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
Undergraduate Tuition: $12,736
#3—Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas
Online Bachelor’s in Nutrition and Health
Points: 12
One of the top online nutrition programs is from Kansas State University’s Global Campus. This bachelor’s in nutrition program is both comprehensive and customizable. Among the 120 credit hours of coursework required for the online program are major course titles such as:
- Nutrient Metabolism
- Life Span Nutrition
- Public Health Nutrition
- Nutrition and Exercise
An accelerated bachelor’s to master’s in nutrition program is also available. This option is ideal for students interested in completing both nutrition degree programs simultaneously. The Higher Learning Commission has fully accredited Kansas State University.
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,420
#2—University of Alaska-Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska
Online BS in Dietetics
Points: 12
The bachelor of science degree option in Dietetics from the University of Alaska-Anchorage is one of the best remote nutrition programs in the nation. This program is offered through the UAA College of Health both online and on campus. The curriculum emphasizes nutritional counseling. Sample major course titles include:
- The Profession of Dietetics
- Weight Management and Eating Disorders
- Research Methods in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Nutrition Communication and Counseling
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities has accredited the University of Alaska at the institutional level. The program is also separately accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,622
#1—Weber State University
Ogden, Utah
Online Bachelor’s in Nutrition Education
Points: 13
The distance learning nutrition option from Weber State is offered through the university’s Moyes College of Education. This is a standout Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nutrition Education program. Once enrolled, students have the choice of two concentration options for their online nutrition degree programs:
- Integrative Nutrition
- Sports Nutrition
All bachelor’s in nutrition students will take core nutrition science education courses such as:
- Food Values, Diet Design, and Health
- Multicultural Health & Nutrition
- Nutrition in the Life Cycle
- Current Issues in Nutrition
Students may take extra classes in clinical nutrition like:
- Advanced Human Nutrition
- Nutrition Assessment
- Nutrition and Sustainable Cooking
- Ethnobotany
- Public Health Nutrition
Students who complete the online bachelor’s program may qualify to pursue a graduate degree in the nutrition field. Weber State holds institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities to offer nutrition programs. Financial aid may be available to eligible students in nutrition degree programs.
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,228
Online Associates Degree Programs in Nutrition
#5—Huntington University of Health Sciences
Knoxville, Tennessee
Online Associate’s in Applied Nutrition/Integrative Nutrition Degree
Points: 5
Huntington University of Health Sciences offers two nutrition programs at the associate’s level:
- Online Associate of Science (AS) in Integrative Nutrition
- Online AS in Applied Nutrition
Both online programs require 61 credit hours of coursework, including general education courses. Depending on the major they choose, students will take distance learning classes such as:
- Nutritional Counseling Skills
- Vegetarian Nutrition
- Introduction to Herbal Sciences
- Integrative Nutrition for Women
Students in distance programs will also have the opportunity to choose from elective offerings like:
- Sports Nutrition
- Current Weight Management Theory & Application
- Community Nutrition
- Nutritional Entrepreneurship
- Food Service Operations
It is important to note that only the AS in Applied Nutrition program is eligible for federal financial aid. Huntington University is fully accredited to award the online nutrition associates degree by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,610
#4—Seminole State College of Florida
Sanford, Florida
Online Associate of Arts in General Studies: Nutrition and Dietetics
Points: 10
Designed for students who desire to transfer to a university for further study in nutritional sciences, the online degree in nutrition from Seminole State College of Florida is an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies with a concentration in Nutrition and Dietetics. Courses associated with the nutrition pathway include:
- Organic Chemistry
- Principles of Nutrition
- General Biology
- Speech Communication
A total of 60 credit hours of coursework is required for the degree. Advisors for distance programs are on hand to help students ensure that courses will transfer to the desired university upon graduation. Seminole State College of Florida is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to confer this nutrition credential online.
Undergraduate Tuition: $3,131
#3—Cosumnes River College
Sacramento, California
Online Associate in Science in Nutrition Degree
Points: 11
The online nutrition offering from Cosumnes River College features both a transfer and non-transfer track. Offered through the school’s Department of Nutrition and Foods, both online programs feature a degree plan that can be completed entirely online. Enrolled students will take courses required for these nutrition programs such as:
- Nutritional Issues Throughout Life
- Plant-Based Food Principles and Preparation
- Food Service Management
- Community Nutrition
Cosumnes River College is part of the Los Rios Community College District. It holds the institutional accreditation necessary to award this online nutrition degree from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
Undergraduate Tuition: $1,288
#2—Northland Community & Technical College
Thief River Falls, Minnesota
Online Associate of Applied Science: Dietetic Technician
Points: 12
The nutrition degree from Northland Community & Technical College is a standout Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program for prospective dietetic technicians. The 67-credit hour degree plan is available entirely online and includes course titles such as:
- Life Cycle Nutrition
- Food Service Management
- Nutritional Care
- Community Nutrition
- Nutrition Research
- Nutrition Counseling
For experiential learning, a supervised practice experience is also required for this nutritional science degree and distance education coursework. Upon graduation from the program, students can sit for the Dietetic Technician exam administered by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Commission on Dietetic Registration to become a registered dietitian nutritionist. Northland Community & Technical College is fully accredited to award this degree online by The Higher Learning Commission.
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,052
#1—Long Beach City College
Long Beach, California
Online Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
Points: 13
Long Beach City College is home to three different online nutrition degree programs:
- Online Associate in Science for Transfer: Nutrition and Dietetics
- Online Associate in Arts: Dietetic Service Supervisor
- Online Associate in Science: Nutrition Assistant
Depending on which nutritional science program they choose, online degree students will take general education classes as well as major-specific distance learning courses such as:
- Food Selection and Meal Preparation
- Therapeutic Diets
- Food Science
- Human Nutrition and Life
These health education online programs and courses are offered through the college’s Department of Family and Consumer Studies. Long Beach City College is accredited to confer this nutritionist degree online by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
Undergraduate Tuition: $1,556
About Undergraduate Nutrition Degrees Online
Distance learning options for undergraduates, such as the online nutrition associates degree in nutrition and the bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics, are becoming increasingly popular. Perhaps that’s because busy and working adults are looking for ways to earn a valuable credential in the industry while still maintaining other responsibilities such as full-time employment or parenthood, for example. Often, online college for nutritionists-in-the-making represents the only option for students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to study the discipline and learn the necessary professional skills. The best online nutrition options are as academically rigorous and reputable as on-campus offerings. Yet, they allow online students to study at their own pace and location that best fits their hectic schedules.
Types of Nutrition Science Degree Programs
If you’re serious about enrolling in an undergraduate online program in nutrition, then you may be interested in what types of programs are available in this field. The good news is that there’s plenty to choose from for a registered dietitian or nutritionist degree online. In this section, our editors will identify some of the common types of online programs for a degree in nutrition that you’ll likely encounter in your search as well as specific student resources to look for.
Hybrid Versus 100% Online Options
An important distinction among nutrition degrees online is the issue of hybrid versus fully online options. Some colleges and universities will label all distance learning programs as “online” offerings. In reality, some of these programs have a minimal on-campus attendance component. These programs are actually better described as hybrid offerings since they combine online learning with traditional in-person instruction. As you search for programs that fit your scheduling needs, be sure to read the fine print and take note of any required visits to campus.
Asynchronous Versus Synchronous Online College for Nutritionist and Dietetics Online Program Options
Here’s a little-known fact about online offerings for registered dietitians and nutritionists: Even fully online options can differ from one another in terms of flexibility. Asynchronous programs are the more flexible options for busy students. This is because they don’t require specific online meeting times. On the other hand, if your schedule is forgiving enough, a synchronous online program may provide much-needed structure and interactivity. These programs feature live instructional elements like lectures and class discussions where students and professors interact in real-time.
Part-Time Versus Full-Time/Accelerated Nutrition Options Online
Another important consideration is whether the programs will allow you to study at a pace that fits your calendar. Some of these distance learning options enable students to set their own pace. They can choose between part-time, full-time, or accelerated. Other programs mandate a certain number of courses per term and discourage other enrollment forms.
Nutritionist Degree Online: Admissions
Students committed to enrolling in an online nutrition program should be aware of the admissions requirements for such programs. These criteria will vary from school to school and program to program, but generally, nutrition programs require students to submit official high school transcripts as well as the following:
- Academic Transcript (i.e., high school transcript)
- Minimum GPA
- College Entrance Exam Scores (SAT scores or ACT scores)
- Personal Essay or Statement
- References or Letters of Recommendation
- Any Colleges Previously Attended (Transfer Students Only)
As you’re considering the higher education application process, keep in mind that university requirements tend to be more stringent. Community colleges are more flexible with their admissions criteria.
After earning your bachelor’s degree in nutrition, you will likely qualify for admission to a master’s degree program in nutritional science. Such a program can help ambitious students reach their career goals in the field.
Online Nutrition Credentials: Curriculum
After considering admissions guidelines for nutrition programs online, the next question you’ll likely have is: “What will I learn?”. This may seem like a reasonably basic inquiry. But it’s actually a significant consideration when searching for the best remote nutrition program for you. That’s because not all these programs are alike regarding curriculum. In fact, the nutrition science courses you’ll take can vary considerably depending on the college or university you attend. For example, some programs follow a prescribed curriculum (meaning you’ll be told exactly which courses to take). Others allow more flexibility in terms of content customization. These latter types of online college for nutritionists programs may offer concentration or specialization options. Or, they may allow enrolled students to pick several elective classes. To give you a rough idea of the breadth and scope of the courses you may encounter in your online program, we’ve listed some sample core course titles and sample elective/concentration classes below.
Program Curriculum: Sample Core Nutrition Courses
- Introduction to Nutritional Sciences
- Intermediate Nutrition and Metabolism
- Nutritional Physiology
- Nutrition and the Life Cycle
- Nutritional Biology
- Communication in Nutrition
- Medical Nutrition Therapy
- Nutrition Research
- Principles of Food Science
- Human Health and Nutrition
- Personal Wellness
- Eating for Lifelong Health
Sample Elective/Concentration Classes for Nutrition Degrees
- Nutritional Implications for Special Populations
- Interprofessional Models of Nutrition Care
- Clinical Exercise Physiology
- Nutrition, Food, and Policy
- World Hunger and Malnutrition
- Principles of Human Disease and Biotechnology
- Holistic Nutrition Concentration
- Integrative Nutrition Concentration
- Management of Food Service Systems
- Health Education and Health Promotion
- Food Safety
- Obesity and Eating Disorders
- Exercise Science/Sports Nutrition
- Risk Management in Food Service Systems
The extent of your nutrition science degree coursework will depend on the type of undergraduate degree you pursue. In particular, it will depend on whether you choose to seek an online nutrition associates degree or a bachelor’s degree. An associates degree in the field generally requires about 60 credit hours of coursework. A bachelor’s degree in nutrition will take twice that amount of study. Completion times may vary by program. Still, associates credentials take two years to earn. A bachelor’s credential typically requires a four-year commitment.
Towards the end of your program, you may also be required to complete a capstone project or other culminating elements such as a research paper or supervised practice experience. This program component enables you to show what you’ve learned over the course of the program. In some cases, you’ll apply your learning to clinical settings and real-world scenarios in food science and nutrition.
Frequently-Asked Questions About Online College for Nutritionists
Before you decide to get a nutrition credential via distance education, it’s essential to have any and all questions answered. This isn’t something you want to go into blind, after all. The more you know about online college for nutritionists before applying to a specific program or starting on coursework, the better. To help, our editors present some of the most frequently asked questions about these distance learning options. As always, for specific information about a particular school or program, it’s best to speak to an admissions counselor.
Q: Can I earn my nutrition credential entirely via distance education?
A: Yes. Both hybrid and fully online nutrition degrees are available. To confirm that your degree can be completed without any required visits to campus, speak to an admissions counselor or other school representative.
Q: How much does it cost to attend online college for nutritionists?
A: Your tuition costs will depend on the specific college or university you attend and your enrollment status. For nutrition degrees online, the cost of attendance can vary from a few thousand dollars per year to over $10,000 annually.
Q: How long does it take to earn an undergraduate degree in nutrition online?
A: Completion times can vary. Generally speaking, you should expect to invest two years of study in an online nutrition associates degree. It will take four years to complete a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics program online. Advanced degrees like master’s and doctoral programs require further study.
Q: What is the best online nutrition degree?
A: In this ranking, we’ve applied a general methodology to identify some of the best online nutrition programs. Still, it’s essential to remember that choosing an online college for registered dietitians and nutritionists is a highly personalized process. Each individual should consider priority features for a dietetics degree. These may include affordability, flexibility, and curriculum.
Questions About Nutrition Careers
Q: Are jobs in nutrition in demand?
A: Yes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for registered dietitians and nutritionists are currently growing faster than average. As the baby boomer population ages, there will be a heightened demand for nutritional care and services to combat disease and chronic medical conditions in clinical settings. Moreover, individuals of all ages are becoming more aware of the benefits the importance of healthy lifestyles and food options for general well-being. Thus, nutrition degrees prepare students for an in-demand career path.
Q: What jobs will I qualify for with a nutrition degree?
A: There are several career options and positions that you may be eligible for upon graduation. These include those in non-clinical and clinical settings:
- registered dietitian
- certified clinical nutritionist
- clinical nutrition manager
- health coach
- diabetes educator
- nutrition and dietetics technicians
- public health specialist
- food service systems manager
- health educators
- certified dietary manager
You may also be a good fit for jobs in food science or other health professions such as those in wellness centers and nutrition counseling. An online master’s degree in nutrition will open even more doors of opportunity like jobs for:
- nutrition researchers
- nutrition educators
- certified nutrition specialist
- nutritionists in private practice
- other advanced health professionals
Q: How much will I make with a nutrition degree?
A: It depends. PayScale reports that individuals with an associates credential in nutrition can expect to make approximately $35,000 per year on average. Those with a bachelor’s credential will earn almost $60,000 annually. Master’s degree holders can expect to earn more. Still, your exact wages will vary based on many different factors. These may include your employer, job responsibilities, past experience in the field, and geographic location just to name a few.
Q: What professional organizations should I join?
A: Nutrition students and graduates can benefit from joining a professional organization. Some popular examples include:
- American Society for Nutrition
- National Association of Nutrition Professionals
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- American Nutrition Association
- Top 50 Master’s in Nutrition Online Programs
- Frequently-Asked Questions About Nutrition Degrees
- Best Degrees for Stay at Home Moms: 20 Most Affordable Values in Food/Nutrition
- What Can I Do with a Degree in Nutrition?
- 5 Fascinating Podcasts on Nutrition
- Can I Get a Nutrition Degree Online?
- 5 Careers for Nutrition Degree Graduates
- What Can I Do with a Degree in Nutrition?
- Great Food Science Jobs
Sources:
- National Center for Education Statistics: College Navigator
- PayScale: Best Value Colleges
- PayScale: Job Salaries
- United States Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook