Key Takeaways:
- The #1 school on our ranking of the top master’s in nutrition degree programs is the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, followed by California State Polytechnic University-Pomona.
- With a master’s in nutrition, you can pursue careers like dietician/nutritionist, public health professional, and corporate wellness. There are also specialized fields like clinical nutrition, sports nutrition, pediatric nutrition, and geriatric nutrition.
- Professionals with a master’s degree often have higher earning potential compared to those with only a bachelor’s degree. Advanced degrees can lead to leadership positions and specialized roles, typically with higher salaries.
In this ranking, we explore our picks for the best online master’s in nutrition degree programs.
Pursuing an online master’s in nutrition can be your gateway to a thriving career in dietetics, especially with the rising demand for qualified dietitians. Since 2024, a graduate degree has been required for dietitian certification, The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Commission on Dietetic Registration will enforce this – making now the ideal time to consider an online nutrition degree. Many universities and colleges now offer flexible registered dietitian programs online, allowing students to earn the credentials needed for the dietitian registration exam. With options like these, balancing your studies with work or family life is more achievable, and you can gain the education needed to succeed in this rapidly evolving field.
Rating and Ranking the Top Masters in Nutrition Online Programs
To develop this ranking, we began with an initial pool of 89 online master’s programs. To narrow the pool, we applied a tuition filter and eliminated programs with tuition costs of more than $30,000 per year. We then applied our universal rating methodology for graduate degree programs, using data from:
- College Navigator
- PayScale
- GradReports
We then ranked the programs according to points. In the case of a tie, awarded the higher ranking to the more affordable school. The result is the following ranking of the top 50 online master’s in nutrition programs in the United States.
#1—University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Manhattan, Kansas
Online Master of Arts (MA) in Nutritional Sciences
Points: 14
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center offers an accelerated online master’s in nutrition program through its distinguished College of Allied Health. This unique Master of Arts option can be completed in just 16 months of fully online study. Sample course titles include:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Adult Weight Management
- Energy Nutrients
- Nutritional Epidemiology
Certain prerequisite courses are also required before enrollment such as:
- Introduction to Nutrition
- Chemistry I
- Chemistry II
- Human Physiology
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center has been fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission to award the master’s in nutrition online degree.
Graduate Tuition: $5,119
#2—California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
Pomona, California
Online Master of Science: Dietetics
Points: 13
The master’s in nutrition online program from CalPoly-Pomona is a comprehensive two-year program consisting of 38 credit hours of study. Designed for students with aspirations of working as a registered dietician, the program is comprised of required courses such as:
- Nutrition and Food Management
- Advanced Medical Nutrition
- Advanced Lifecycle Nutrition
- Food Science and Safety
Enrolled students will also choose elective classes from the following options:
- Exercise and Sports Nutrition
- Obesity and Chronic Disease
- Integrated Nutrition and Functional Medicine
Offered through the school’s College of the Extended University, this online master’s in nutrition is made possible through CalPoly’s institutional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Graduate Tuition: $7,176
#3—North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina
Online Master of Nutrition
Points: 13
The versatile online master’s in nutrition option from North Carolina State University is a non-thesis program featuring two concentration options:
- Feed Science
- Human Nutrition
The 36-credit hour curriculum for the program is comprised of core courses such as:
- Advanced Nutrition and Metabolism
- Biochemistry of Gene Expression
- Principles of Biochemistry
- Regulation of Metabolism
A practicum is also required prior to graduation. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has fully accredited NC State to confer the master’s degree in nutrition online.
Graduate Tuition: $9,095
#4—The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, Texas
Online Master’s in Nutritional Science
Points: 13
The highly flexible masters in nutrition online program from the University of Texas at Austin features an accelerated track as well as two formal concentration options:
- Health Promotion & Disease Prevention
- Biochemical & Functional Nutrition
Regardless of concentration, all students enrolled in the program will take required core courses such as:
- Experimental Design & Statistics
- Molecular Nutrition
- Advanced Nutrition I: Macroeconomics
- Advanced Nutrition II: Microeconomics
Depending on the area of emphasis they choose to pursue, students will take additional coursework, including:
- Nutrition Through the Lifecycle
- Nutrition and Immunology
- Biochemical Nutrition: Nutrition as Medicine
- Nutrition and Cancer
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited UT-Austin to confer this online master’s in nutrition degree.
Graduate Tuition: $12,028
#5—University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
Online Master of Science in Nutrition and Integrative Physiology
Points: 12
The unique master’s in nutrition online offering from the University of Utah is a full-time MS in Nutrition and Integrative Physiology. It is designed to be completed within two years of study. The 38-credit hour curriculum for the program includes required core courses such as:
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Metabolism of Micronutrients
- Applied Statistics
- Nutrition Communications
Elective classes are also available and span options like:
- Health Economics
- Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering
- Foundations of Healthcare Informatics
- Health Instruction and Communication
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities has accredited the University of Utah.
Graduate Tuition: $6,666
#6—Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas
Online Master of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics
Points: 12
In terms of affordability and quality, students interested in pursuing a master’s in nutrition online program can’t go wrong at Texas Tech University. The school offers a non-thesis MS program that can be completed fully online. The 33-credit hour curriculum for the program features core course titles such as:
- Biostatistics in Nutrition
- Clinical Applications: Vitamins and Minerals
- Introduction to Nutrition Research
- Clinical Applications: Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Lipids
Elective offerings are available too, enabling students to shape their studies around one of three concentrations:
- Nutrition in the Lifecycle
- Nutrition and Healthy Weight
- Nutrition and Sports
Texas Tech is fully accredited to award this master’s in nutrition and dietetics online degree by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Graduate Tuition: $6,788
#7—North Dakota State University
Fargo, North Dakota
Online Master of Science in Dietetics
Points: 12
North Dakota State University offers a master’s in nutrition online program. It is one of the more affordable options. The program is offered through the university’s Department of Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences. The program boasts a robust curriculum comprised of 36 credit hours of coursework, most of which are elective classes such as:
- Healthcare Administration
- Dietary & Herbal Supplements
- Clinical Aspects of Nutrition Support
- Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy
Three core courses are also required:
- Current Issues or Trends
- Statistics
- Research Methods
NDSU is institutionally accredited by The Higher Learning.
Graduate Tuition: $7,013
#8—University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia
Online Master of Science in Foods and Nutrition: Community Nutrition
Points: 12
e top master’s in nutrition online offering from the University of Georgia is an MS program in Foods and Nutrition with an emphasis in Community Nutrition. Offered through the school’s College of Family and Consumer Sciences, the program requires 30 credit hours of online coursework, including required core courses such as:
- Childhood and Adolescent Nutrition
- Optimal Nutrition for the Life Span
- Nutrition Health and Aging
- Community Nutrition
A wide variety of elective classes are also available and include options like:
- Current Issues in Sport Nutrition
- Food Ingredients and Function
- Pharmacotherapy for Disease Management
- Management of Food Service Organizations
A capstone course is also required as a culminating element of the program. The University of Georgia is fully accredited to award the online master’s in nutrition credential by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Graduate Tuition: $8,878
#9—University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
MPH in Nutrition Online
Points: 12
The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) offering with a concentration in Nutrition. It is offered through the university’s Gillings School of Public Health. The program is 42-credit hour program. It can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis and features course titles such as:
- Nutrition Communication, Counseling, and Culture
- Food and Nutrition Policy
- Nutrition Across the Life Cycle
- Nutrition Epidemiology
An accelerated course of study is also available. UNC-Chapel Hill is institutionally accredited to award this online master’s in nutrition by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The program itself is also separately accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
Graduate Tuition: $10,552
#10—University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, Wisconsin
Online Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition
Points: 12
The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a fully online master’s in nutrition program. It is through its College of Agricultural & Life Sciences. This MS offering has 30 credit hours of coursework, including core nutrition courses such as:
- Micronutrients: Human Physiology and Disease
- Human Energy and Metabolism
- Nutrition Informatics
- Advanced Community Nutrition
Elective classes are also available and include:
- Organizational Communication and Problem Solving
- Creating Breakthrough Innovations
- Key Legal Concepts for Professionals
This course of study can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited UW-Madison at the institutional level to offer this master’s degree in nutrition online.
Graduate Tuition: $10,728
#11—Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, New York
Online Master of Science in Nutrition
Points: 12
Stony Brook University offers its master’s in nutrition online degree from its Renaissance School of Med
Stony Brook University offers its master’s in nutrition online degree. It is offered by its Renaissance School of Medicine and the Department of Family, Population, and Preventive Medicine. This MS option is available entirely online. It includes an advanced certificate in nutrition. Once enrolled in the program, students will choose a concentration in one of two areas of emphasis:
- Integrative Nutrition Therapy
- Advanced Nutrition Therapy & Critical Care
In addition to concentration-specific classes, students are responsible for core courses such as:
- Advanced Nutrition in Clinical Practice
- Research Methods in Nutrition
- Applications of Nutrition Research Literature
- Macronutrients and Metabolic Regulation
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has fully accredited Stony Brook University.
Graduate Tuition: $11,310
#12—University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts
Online MPH in Nutrition
Points: 12
The master’s in nutrition online option from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst is an MPH program offered by the university’s School of Public Health and Health Sciences. The program’s robust curriculum features a public health core, including classes like:
- Introduction to Biostatistics
- Application of Social and Behavioral Theories in Public Health Interventions
- Environmental Health Practices
- Public Health Leadership
Additionally, students are required to fulfill a nutrition core comprised of course titles such as:
- Public Health Nutrition
- Nutritional Problems in the U.S.
- Nutritional Assessment
- Nutritional Epidemiology
Both a practicum and final independent study project are required for the successful completion of the program. UMass-Amherst holds the institutional accreditation necessary to confer this online master’s in nutrition credential from the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Graduate Tuition: $14,014
#13—Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Online MS in Nutritional Sciences: Nutrition
Points: 11
Oklahoma State University is home to one of the nation’s most affordable master’s in nutrition online programs. This MS in Nutritional Sciences option has both thesis and non-thesis tracks. It also has well as a customizable degree plan. Core courses required for the degree include:
- Micronutrients in Human Nutrition
- Macronutrients in Human Nutrition
- Research Methods in Nutritional Sciences
- Statistics for Experimenters
Elective courses are also available and span titles such as:
- Global Nutrition and Food Security
- Advanced Community Nutrition
- Maternal and Child Nutrition
- Nutritional Assessment
The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Oklahoma State University. This allows them to confer this online master’s in nutrition and dietetics credential.
Graduate Tuition: $5,531
#14—Utah State University
Pomona, California
Online Master’s in Dietetics Administration (MDA)
Points: 11
The master’s in nutrition online option from Utah State University is a fully online. It is a Master’s in Dietetics Administration. It is offered through the school’s College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences and the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences. Required courses for the degree include:
- Advanced Management in Dietetics I and II
- Current Issues in Dietetics
- Thesis Research
Students may choose from a practicum project or research track, and an internship may be required. Utah State is fully accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Graduate Tuition: $6,164
#15—Lamar University
Beaumont, Texas
Online MS in Nutrition
Points: 11
Lamar University offers an accelerated master’s in nutrition online offering from Lamar University. It is an accelerated option that can be completed st 15 months of study. The program requires 33 credit hours of coursework. Core course titles include:
- Nutrition in Pregnancy & Infancy
- The Energy Nutrients
- Food, Culture, and Health
- Nutrition Education & Counseling
A capstone course is also required for successful program completion. Lamar University is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Graduate Tuition: $6,397
#16—University of Wisconsin-Stout
Menomonie, Wisconsin
Online Master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics
Points: 11
Students interested in becoming registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN) should consider the master’s in nutrition online program from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. This MS option in Nutrition and Dietetics features a prescribed curriculum that consists of course titles such as:
- Problems in Food Science and Nutrition
- Controversies in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Advanced Nutritional Assessment and Counseling
- Advanced Food Service Management
An advanced practicum in nutrition and dietetics is also required prior to graduation. UW-Stout is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission to confer this master’s degree in nutrition online.
Graduate Tuition: $7,155
#17—University of Alabama-Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
Online MS in Nutrition Sciences
Points: 11
The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers a highly versatile master’s in nutrition online program. The program is through its School of Health Professions and the Department of Nutrition Sciences. It features several tracks that can be completed mostly or entirely online, including:
- Clinical Track/Dietetic Internship (Accelerated)
- Clinical Track- Prior Learning Option
- Dietitian Education Program Pathways
- Lifestyle Management and Disease Prevention
Depending on the track they choose, enrolled students may take the following online courses:
- Principles and Practice of Nutrition Support
- Applied Statistics to Nutrition Sciences
- Nutrition Counseling and Education
- Nutritional Biochemistry
UAB is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Graduate Tuition: $8,100
#18—University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida
Online Master of Public Health in Nutrition and Dietetics
Points: 11
The University of South Florida offers a master’s in nutrition online program. It is a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Nutrition and Dietetics. Offered through the university’s College of Public Health, this fully online offering is comprised of core courses such as:
- History and Systems of Public Health
- Population Assessment
- Translation to Public Health Practice
Classes required for the Nutrition and Dietetics concentration include:
- Methods of Nutritional Assessment
- Nutrition in Health and Disease
- Public Health Nutrition
- Nutrition and Dietetics Research
Students are also required to pass a comprehensive examination before graduation. USF is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Graduate Tuition: $8,350
#19—Ohio University
Athens, Ohio
Online MS in Food and Nutrition Sciences
Points: 11
The master’s in nutrition online program from Ohio University is a Master of Science option in Food and Nutrition Sciences. It is offered through the School of Applied Health Sciences and Wellness. This self-paced, asynchronous program can be completed in just one year of study. Required courses for the degree include:
- Research Design and Methods in Food and Nutrition Sciences
- Translational Applications to Diet and Chronic Disease
- Seminar in Food and Nutrition Sciences
A variety of graduate certificates are available that can be added to the degree program, including:
- Healthcare Leadership Certificate
- Global Health Certificate
- Clinical Informatics Certificate
- Health Policy Certificate
A professional project is also required as a culminating element of the program. Ohio University is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Graduate Tuition: $9,444
#20—Central Washington University
Ellensburg, Washington
Online Master of Science: Nutrition
Points: 11
Central Washington University is home to an online program that offers a flexible master’s in nutrition. Students can choose from a thesis or project track. Those who elect the project track can complete the degree in just 14 months of study. Both tracks require a minimum of 48 credit hours of coursework, including required core courses such as:
- Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy
- Natural Supplements and Integrative Medicine
- Advanced Nutritional Biochemistry
- Advanced Studies in Developmental Nutrition
This program is offered through the university’s College of Education and Professional Studies. CWU holds the institutional accreditation necessary to award this master’s degree in nutrition online.
Graduate Tuition: $9,822
#21—University of Kansas
Kansas City, Kansas
Online Master’s in Nutritional Science
Points: 11
The University of Kansas offers an affordable master’s in nutrition online program. It is offered by its School of Health Professions and the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition. This comprehensive 36-credit hour curriculum features core course titles such as:
- Micronutrients in Human Nutrition
- Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients
- Current Issues and Trends
- Methods of Research
Half of the coursework for the program is made up of elective classes. This includes optional courses like:
- Food Writing for Professionals
- Financial Management and Cost Control in Dietetics
- Functional Foods for Chronic Disease Prevention
- Nutrition and Aging
Both thesis and non-thesis options are available, and students who elect the thesis track can expect some travel to campus. The University of Kansas is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Graduate Tuition: $9,989
#22—Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona
Online MS in Nutritional Science (Dietetics)
Points: 11
Arizona State University has an online master’s in nutrition and dietetics. It is offered through the university’s innovative College of Health Solutions. The program is open to registered dietitians and students who have a bachelor’s in dietetics. This 30-credit hour program is comprised of ten courses, including titles such as:
- Evidence-Based Nutrition
- Complementary Nutrition
- Chronic Inflammation and Metabolic Syndrome
- Nutrigenomics
A research-based applied project is also required prior to graduation. The Higher Learning Commission has fully accredited Arizona State to award this master’s in nutrition and dietetics online.
Graduate Tuition: $11,720
#23—University of Rhode Island
Kingston, Rhode Island
Online MS in Dietetics
Points: 11
The University of Rhode Island’s MS Dietetics program is an accelerated program that can be completed in just 14 months of fully online study. It is offered through its College of Health Sciences and the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences. Courses comprising the 36-credit hour curriculum for the program include:
- Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy in Dietetics
- Introduction to Clinical Practice
- Community Nutrition and Health Promotion
An internship may also be required. The University of Rhode Island is institutionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Graduate Tuition: $14,096
#24—University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Urbana, Illinois
Master of Science in Food Science Online
Points: 11
The master’s in nutrition online from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is an MS option in Food Science. It is offered through the school’s College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. The program has a non-thesis track. It requires a minimum of 32 credit hours of coursework. Sample course titles required for the degree include:
- Advanced Food Microbiology
- Food Processing Unit Operations
- Nutritional Sciences Seminar
- Advanced Food Chemistry
Elective offerings are also available in several sub-fields of food science and span course titles such as:
- Flavor Chemistry and Analysis
- Advanced Topics in Food Science and Human Nutrition
- Food Processing Engineering
- Biopsychology of Ingestive Behavior
An oral examination is also required for successful program completion. The Higher Learning Commission has fully accredited the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Graduate Tuition: $15,016
#25—Rutgers University-Newark
Newark, New Jersey
Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition Online
Points: 11
Rutgers University-Newark offers a master’s in nutrition online. It is through its renowned School of Health Professions. This entry-level master’s is available with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. The accelerated program enables students to earn their graduate credentials in the field in 16 months. Courses required for the degree include:
- Global & Public Health Nutrition
- Management and Food Service
- Evidence-Informed Practice and Scientific Inquiry
- Ethical, Culturally Sensitive Interviewing & Counseling
In addition to 42 credit hours of online coursework, a supervised practicum experience is also required. Rutgers-Newark is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Graduate Tuition: $17,736
#26—University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska
Online Master of Nutrition and Health Sciences
Points: 10
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers an affordable master’s in nutrition online. It program is through its College of Education and Human Sciences and the Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences. This MS option with an emphasis in Dietetics features course titles such as:
- Clinical Aspects of Nutrition Support
- Public Health Nutrition
- Nutrition Education in the Community
- Micronutrients in Human Nutrition
In addition to fulfilling 36 credit hours of on