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    • Top 35 Online Nutrition and Dietetics Programs

    Top 35 Online Nutrition and Dietetic Programs Badge

    As we have already mentioned in these pages, nutritionists and dietitians can be two separate occupations, but are not always. All Registered Dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are Registered Dietitians. To make it even more confusing, Registered Dietitians may be referred to as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. Which profession you ultimately decide to pursue depends on many factors, including, but not limited to, your interests, the target population(s) you wish to serve, and the state(s) in which you intend to practice.

    Registered Dietitians must complete a master’s degree program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). (The actual regulations specify that, up until January 1, 2024, a bachelor’s degree will suffice; however, since this list being published in 2023, it is fair to say that the master’s degree rule will be in effect for readers). Your degree program must also include a Dietetic Internship or supervised experiential practice, giving you real-world experience. Only then will a prospective RD be eligible to take the exam for national registration through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), and to then apply for state certification or licensure. 

    Nutritionists, on the other hand, need not be registered through any national agency. As each state regulates nutritionists differently (link to nutritionist pages), the education requirements for nutritionists differ. Some nutritionists may decide to become certified through a national organization such as the American Nutrition Association (ANA) or the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB), which requires a minimum of a graduate degree. Other prospective nutritionists who plan to practice holistically may pursue different educational avenues and certifications.

    Only Arizona and Michigan have no laws or regulations for dietitians or nutritionists as of 2023. Legally, within those two states, no specific education nor certification is required for RDs or Nutritionists. However, most jobs that are posted for RDs will stil require you to be CDR-certified, and many nutritionist jobs will mandate that candidates possess the credential Certified Nutrition Specialists (CNS) from the American Nutrition Association, or the Certified Clinical Nutrition (CCN) credential from the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board. 

    Online nutrition and dietetics programs can fulfill all of the requirements of the certifying agencies, just like on-campus programs. These programs are accredited by the proper certifying bodies, and provide the same instruction that you will find in an in-person program. Online programs are also more flexible, which appeals to many students who have other commitments such as work or family.

    How We Ranked the Top Online Nutrition and Dietetics Programs

    When you embark upon finding an online degree program, whether you wish to become a Registered Dietitian or a nutritionist, you will be presented with many choices. This list has narrowed down those choices to the 35 best programs. Why have these programs been ranked as the best? Many factors have gone into our decisions:

    Accreditation

    Each of the programs that is included within this list is accredited by the proper body. If the online program targets those who wish to become Registered Dietitians (RDs), the program is accredited by ACEND. Some of the nutrition programs on the list are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Nutrition Professional Education (ACNPE). Other programmatic accreditation will be listed with applicable programs. The programs listed below are also regionally accredited by one of the following accreditation bodies:

    • WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
    • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
    • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
    • New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
    • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
    • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

    Flexibility

    One of the benefits that draw students to online programs is flexibility. Programs on this list are offered online, giving students the chance to study from their own homes or wherever they choose. Some classes are offered in asynchronous format, meaning that students may complete the assignments at their own pace as long as the work is submitted by deadline. Others may offer synchronous or live online classes, in which students get to interact with each other and the professor. Flexibility is what sets many online programs apart from on-campus options.

    Adjustable Requirements

    Admissions requirements vary from one graduate nutrition and dietetics program to the next. Most of the schools below do not require students to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for admission (although a few do require this standardized test). Many of the programs listed below do not require a thesis. Others will offer students the option of completing a thesis or a research project, or even completing additional supervised experiential learning. This type of versatility is particularly valued by online students.  

    Although the programs below are listed by state to make them easier to find, they are listed in no particular order or by any rank. Some states may offer more than one top online program, and others may offer none. We now present to you, the list of the Top 35 Online Nutrition and Dietetics Programs as of 2023.

    Alabama

    UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM, School of Health Professions, Department of Nutrition Sciences

    The MS in Nutrition Sciences program offers two tracks, both of which are intended for students wishing to become Registered Dietitians (RDs). All coursework is offered completely online, and practicums may be completed anywhere in the United States. Students with bachelor’s degrees in all disciplines may apply, as long as they have completed prerequisite courses in biology, organic chemistry, physiology, microbiology, and the equivalent of a minor in nutrition sciences. This accelerated, intensive program is recommended for students who are not working full-time. Graduates of this program will be ready to take the CDR’s RD exam and seek licensure in the state in which they intend to work.

    Arizona

    ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY, Online Programs

    This program is intended for students who have already completed a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) or are already RDs. The 100% online degree program totals 30 credit hours and can be completed in a little over a year. An Applied Project, consisting of original work on a specific research or practice problem, must be completed at the conclusion of the program.  

    GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY, College of Science, Engineering and Technology

    In order to be admitted to GCU’s online MS in Nutrition and Dietetics program, you must have a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, nutritional sciences or dietetics, or a bachelor’s degree in any field with the completion of prerequisites. This online degree is intended for students who want to become RDs, and it will prepare you to take the CDR exam and seek dietetic licensure after graduation. The degree requires 30 credit hours and 1000 hours of experiential learning, and a capstone. It may be completed in two years.

    California

    SAYBROOK UNIVERSITY, Online Programs

    Two optional minors are available in Saybrook’s MS in Integrative and Functional Nutrition degree program: Integrative Wellness Coaching, and Mind-Body Medicine. All work is completed online with the exception of residential training, if required. While this program is not intended for students who wish to become RDs, graduates are prepared to become Certified Nutrition Specialists (CNS) from the American Nutrition Association, or receive the Certified Clinical Nutrition (CCN) credential from the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board.

    UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology

    USC Leonard Davis’ MSNHL can be taken online (if you live more than 100 miles from Los Angeles) or in-person, and consists of 44 credits and 1000 hours of supervised practice that can be completed in 21 months if attending full-time and 24-36 months if attending part-time. It is designed for those who want to pursue an RD career working with patients over the lifespan. You need a bachelor’s degree, verification that you have completed a DPD, and documentation of 40 hours of experience shadowing an RD in order to gain admission to the program. Graduates will be prepared to take the CDR’s RD exam.

    Connecticut

    UNIVERSITY OF BRIDGEPORT, College of Health Sciences

    This program is not designed for students who wish to become RDs. It does, however, create a pathway for those who wish to take the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) exam after graduation. As the program is administered online, students participate in a unique Virtual Clinic in which they perform virtual nutritional exams and consultations. The program accepts students with bachelor’s degrees in any field; however, certain prerequisites may need to be fulfilled.

    UNIVERSITY OF SAINT JOSEPH, School of Interdisciplinary Health & Science, Nutrition & Public Health Department

    The MS in Nutrition online program at USJ is not designed for students who wish to become RDs. Two optional concentrations are available: Sports Nutrition and Public Health. Students with a bachelor’s degree in any field may apply, but must complete prerequisites such as a basic nutrition course and physiology. Students may individualize their degree program tailoring it to their particular needs and interests.

    District of Columbia

    AMERICAN UNIVERSITY, Department of Health Studies

    Ninety-three percent of graduates of American University’s MS in Nutrition Education program are working in the field within six months of graduation.  The program is one of the only online nutrition degree programs targeting nutrition education. It is not intended for students who want to become RDs, but does provide a solid foundation for those who wish to take the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) test. Students possessing a bachelor’s degree in any field may apply.

    THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, Department of Health Sciences

    GWU’s MSHS in Integrative Medicine is the only program of its kind, and is offered 100% online. It consists of 36 credits that take an average of 30 months to complete. While this program is not for students wishing to become RDs, it is designed for nutritionists and current RDs who wish to focus on integrative health and lifestyle medicine. An optional concentration in Nutrition and completion of 1000 supervised practice hours allows students to sit for the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) exam. 

    Florida 

    NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine

    NSU’s MS in Nutrition program is available in an entirely online format, offering live, direct interaction with faculty. The 30-credit program can be completed in as little as one year. This program is not intended for students wishing to become RDs. It does, however, prepare graduates to take the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) exam of the Board of Certified Nutrition Specialists. Flexible, individualized concentrations are available.

    UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA, Brooks College of Health

    Applicants to UNF’s MSND program must already be RDs who are looking for advanced nutrition knowledge in clinical or community-based practice, or be RD students. The online program consists of 35 credit hours in a professional studies concentration. Students must have a bachelor’s degree from an ACEND-accredited university with a major in food and nutrition, human nutrition or food management, and/or be a RD, in order to apply.

    Illinois

    BENEDICTINE UNIVERSITY, Online Programs

    Benedictine University’s MSNW program is an advanced online nutrition degree not intended for students who wish to become RDs. It can be completed in one and a half to two years. Two concentration options are available: Health Education and Promotion, or Nutrition Entrepreneurship. Students with a bachelor’s degree in any field are accepted into the program, with no prerequisites. 

    ROSALIND FRANKLIN UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND SCIENCE, College of Health Professions

    RFU’s MS in Clinical and Lifestyle Nutrition program is not intended for students wishing to become RDs, but may be applicable for those who are already working as an RD or who have completed RD training. Degrees may be completed in two to five years. The innovative online program offers one-on-one faculty guidance and counseling and completion of individualized projects. Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics or a related health and science field, and must have completed clinical experience such as a dietetic internship or other healthcare professional clinical training.

    RUSH UNIVERSITY, College of Health Sciences

    This online program is ideal for part- or full-time students, and can be completed in 16 months if attending full-time or three to five years if part-time. It is not intended for students who wish to be RDs. Those with bachelor’s degrees in any field may apply, but prerequisites in biochemistry, physiology, nutrition and statistics must be completed prior to enrollment.

    Indiana 

    JOHN PATRICK UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH AND APPLIED SCIENCES, School of Integrative and Functional Medicine

    This program is not intended for students who want to become RDs. The 100% online program prepares students to become health and wellness professionals, promoting better health through diet, nutrition and the relationship between healthy eating habits and preventing or managing disease. Graduates of the program may test for the following credentials: Certified Nutrition & Wellness Educator (CNWE) of the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) of the CCNB; and Certified Health Coach (CHC) of the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. Graduates may also use the title of Natural Nutrition-Clinical Practitioner (NNCP) of the Canadian Association of Natural Nutritional Practitioners.   

    MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY, College of Pharmacy, Natural & Health Sciences, Dept. of Exercise Science

    Manchester’s MSNGx is intended for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition Sciences. This two-year, fully online program studies how a person’s individual genes relate to their response to food and nutrients. It is intended for those who wish to become RDs, and graduates are prepared to take the CDR exam and seek state licensure. Classes are presented in an asynchronous format via the Canvas learning management system, meaning that you can take them whenever you want, not on a fixed weekly schedule. 

    Iowa

    GRACELAND UNIVERSITY, Department of Health & Movement Sciences

    Graceland’s MS in Nutrition and Human Performance is not recommended for students who want to become RDs. Concentrations in the entirely online program include Sport Nutrition and Performance, and Health and Wellness Promotion. Students who apply may have a bachelor’s degree in any field, but must complete prerequisites of anatomy, physiology, nutrition, health and other wellness courses prior to admission.

    IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY, College of Human Sciences, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition 

    ISU’s MPP degree is intended only for those who plan to become RDs and have already graduated from the university’s Dietetic Internship program. It consists of entirely online classes and no thesis. The program entails 30 credits and allows you to transfer 15 of your DI credits as long as you graduated from that program within the past six years. At the conclusion of the program, you will be prepared to take the CDR’s RD exam and apply for state dietetic licensure. 

    Maine

    UNIVERSITY OF MAINE, Online Programs

    University of Maine’s MS in Food Science and Human Nutrition is not intended for students wishing to become RDs. Its 30 credits are offered completely online, and the program prepares students for careers as food industry and nutrition professionals. Students with a bachelor’s degree in any field and completion of prerequisites in chemistry, biology, and introductory nutrition are invited to apply. No thesis is required in this program. 

    UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND, Online Programs

    Students who hold a bachelor’s degree in any field are invited to apply to UNE’s MS in Applied Nutrition: Dietetics Focus program. It is intended for those who wish to become RDs, and graduates will be ready to take the CDR’s RD exam and apply for state licensure. The program consists of 48 credits of online classes through the Brightspace D2L learning management system, and can be completed in two years of full-time study. 1214 hours of experiential learning must also be completed at pre-approved precepted sites.

    Massachusetts

    SIMMONS UNIVERSITY, Department of Nutrition

    This program is not intended for students seeking to become RDs. Two tracks, Research and Entrepreneurship, are offered. The MS in Nutrition program may be completed in one year if a full-time student, or in two to four years of part-time study. Students with a bachelor’s degree in any field may apply, but prerequisites may be necessary. The online program is designed for U.S. residents only.

    Michigan

    EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY, College of Health & Human Services, School of Health Sciences

    Students who enroll in the MS in Human Nutrition program at Eastern Michigan University are not intending to become RDs. This program is offered completely online through the Canvas learning management system. The program totals 36 credit hours if you choose the research project or research writing option, and 30 credit hours if you choose the thesis option.  Students who do not have a bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics must compete two undergraduate nutrition courses, as well as anatomy and physiology, organic and biochemistry, and statistics, prior to admission to this program. 

    Missouri

    LOGAN UNIVERSITY, College of Health Sciences

    Logan University’s MSAND program is intended for students who wish to become RDs, and will prepare them for the CDR exam and licensure after graduation. Classes are taught entirely online, and the program culminates with 30 weeks of supervised experiential learning which take place at a variety of St. Louis -area sites (so students must be able to travel to St. Louis for this portion of the program). Students with a bachelor’s degree in any field are invited to apply, as long as they complete prerequisites.

    New York

    ADELPHI UNIVERSITY, Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences

    Classes in Adelphi’s MS in Nutrition are presented online at a fast pace. It is not ACEND-accredited and therefore not recommended for those wanting to become RDs. This program is advisable for current RDs who have a bachelor’s degree and wish to gain a MS, or by students who are aspiring nutritionists. Students with a bachelor’s degree in any field who have completed an undergraduate introductory nutrition course, an introductory statistics course, two courses in human anatomy and physiology with lab, and a 4-credit chemistry course with lab are invited to apply.

    NEW YORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, School of Health Professions, Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences

    This 36 credit MS in Clinical Nutrition program is offered 100% online and focuses on biomedical nutrition therapy, assessing nutritional status, and designing nutrition plans. This program is not designed for students wishing to become RDs, but may appeal to some students who are already RDs. Applicants may have a bachelor’s degree in any field, as long as they complete science and nutrition prerequisites. 

    NORTHEAST COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

    Northeast’s MS in Applied Clinical Nutrition is offered 100% online and can be completed in 24 months, or for accelerated students, 16 months. It is not intended for those wishing to become RDs. Students with a bachelor’s degree in any field may apply for admission, but those with a background in healthcare or science are preferred. Coursework covers micro- and macronutrients, nutritional assessment, genomics and personalized nutrition, and more.

    STONY BROOK UNIERSITY, Renaissance School of Medicine, Dept. of Family, Population & Preventive Medicine, Nutrition Division

    Stony Brook’s MS in Nutrition program consists of 36 credits offered completely online. Concentrations in Advanced Nutrition Therapy & Critical Care and Integrative Nutrition Therapy are available. The program is not recommended for students wishing to become RDs. A combined MS in Nutrition/Master of Public Health degree program is also available. Students with a bachelor’s degree in any field may apply. Prerequisites that must be completed prior to admission include physiology, statistics, and survey of nutrition concepts.

    SUNY ONEONTA, Department of Human Ecology

    SUNY Oneonta’s MS in Nutrition and Dietetics online program is intensive, and can be completed in one year if attended full-time. It consists of 36 credit hours of classes and 1180 supervised experiential learning hours, completed within your own community. The program prepares students to take the CDR’s RD exam and pursue RD state licensure. Students with a bachelor’s degree in dietetics are preferred, but students with any bachelor’s degree will be considered as long as they complete prerequisites. 

    North Dakota

    UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA, School of Graduate Studies

    UND’s online MS in Nutrition degree program offers two tracks: Nutrition Education & Counseling or Nutrition Science. Neither track is intended for students wishing to become RDs. The degree consists of 30 credit hours and may be completed in two years, part-time. One campus visit may be required, so prospective students must be able to travel to North Dakota at least once. Applicants to this program must have a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a closely related field.

    Ohio

    OHIO UNIVERSITY, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Dept. of Applied Health Sciences and Wellness, Division of Food and Nutrition

    The MS in Food and Nutrition Sciences at Ohio University is offered in a completely online format. It is not designed for students wishing to become RDs. The school prefers that applicants have a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or a closely related field. Courses cover topics in diet, chronic disease, statistics and research. A thesis is not required. 

    Pennsylvania

    INDIANA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, College of Health and Human Services, Food and Nutrition Department

    IUP’s MS in Food and Nutrition -Dietitian-Nutritionist Program is intended for students wishing to become RDs. It offers online classes in synchronous and asynchronous formats to its distance education students. You must find your own field placement for the required practicum. Students who have a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics or a closely related field may apply. Students from California are not permitted to apply for this program, as the state does not participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. 

    KING’S COLLEGE, School of Health Sciences, Sports Medicine Department

    King’s College’s completely online MSND program is available in a bachelor’s-to-master’s five-year program or a traditional two-year graduate program. It is intended for students who wish to become RDs, and they will be prepared for the CDR exam and state licensure after graduation. Students with any bachelor’s degree may apply but may have to complete prerequisites. A thesis is optional, and the program totals 39 to 42 credit hours. 

    Rhode Island

    UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND, College of Health Sciences, Nutrition and Food Sciences

    URI’s MS in Dietetics program is designed to be completed in one year with full-time study. The program is intended for students who plan to be RDs and will prepare them for the CDR exam and state licensure. Students should have already completed a DPD program or necessary prerequisites prior to admission. This is a non-thesis program that includes 17 online courses over six 7-week sessions and 1024 hours of supervised experiential learning. Students must identify their own supervised experiential learning sites for community, LTC and elective rotations.

    Wisconsin

    UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON, Division of Biological Sciences

    This 100% online degree program is not intended for students who wish to become RDs. Students with a bachelor’s degree in any field are invited to apply, as long as they complete prerequisites including general chemistry, organic chemistry, biological sciences, physiology, biochemistry, statistics, human nutrition and clinical nutrition. 

    VITERBO UNIVERSITY, College of Nursing and Health, Nutrition and Dietetics Department

    Viterbo’s online MSCMD program has three different tracks: One prepares students for initial RD licensing with a DPD program and DI, preparing them to take the CDR exam after graduation. One is a 30-credit hour program designed for current RDs seeking advanced education. One is a dual master’s program with a Dietetic Internship for those entering from a DPD program, and will prepare students for the CDR exam. The flexibility of these programs ranks Viterbo’s degrees among the most popular online dietetics degrees.