Compare online master’s in nutrition programs
Obtain advanced training in nutrition education, counseling, and science.
Why earn a master’s in nutrition online?
Launch your career in nutrition
Develop the skills to assess the nutrition needs of different communities in the treatment and prevention of disease.
Gain in-demand skills through education and practice
Study in a flexible format that features a blend of live online classes, asynchronous coursework, and clinical training — and put it into practice.
Become a nutrition and wellness leader
Advance your nutrition career through a university that aligns with your skills, educational goals, and career objectives.
Browse master’s degrees in nutrition online
What is an online master’s in nutrition?
A master's in nutritional science is a graduate-level program that delves deeply into the study of nutrition and its impact on human health, providing learners with a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between food, nutrients, and the human body. Coursework typically covers metabolism, dietary analysis, clinical nutrition, public health nutrition, and research methodologies. Graduates gain advanced knowledge and skills to pursue careers in clinical nutrition, research, public health, and nutrition education, among other fields. Ultimately, learners can play a crucial role in promoting healthier lifestyles and preventing nutrition-related diseases.
Online master’s in nutrition admission requirements
The admission requirements for online master’s degrees in nutritional science vary across universities, but all schools will be looking for candidates passionate about gaining skills and knowledge to prevent and solve health challenges through nutrition.
Most universities offering a master’s in nutritional science will require the following:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a GPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0
Completed college-level coursework in biology, organic chemistry, physiology, and nutrition
An online application
A statement of purpose
A professional résumé/CV
Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate coursework
Letters of recommendation
If you’re not quite ready to pursue a master’s in nutritional science or need additional qualifications, explore the edX online bachelor’s degrees on offer.
How to apply
Before applying for an online master’s degree in nutritional science at the school of your choice, research the application deadlines, tuition fees, and scholarship opportunities, and prepare your materials in following the school’s admission requirements. As you explore online nutrition master’s programs , save the requirements so you have them on file when you’re ready to apply.
What you’ll learn
When it comes to online master's in nutritional science programs, the coursework and curriculum can differ significantly from institution to institution. In addition to the core courses, some programs will have a capstone project and optional track courses that provide a pathway to earning your Registered Dietician Nutritionist (RDN) credential. Most programs will cover dietetics, nutrition science, anatomy, physiology, nutritional counseling, food and nutrition, and public health. Other courses could include:
U.S. food laws and regulations
Clinical nutrition
Nutrition and gene expression
Public health nutrition
Nutritional genetics
Advanced nutritional biochemistry
Nutritional counseling and behavior change
Leadership in the nutrition profession
Applied statistics
Learning nutrition or even learning health and wellness can be an excellent entry into this exciting field, especially if you’re not quite ready to pursue a master’s but want to advance your knowledge. If you’d like to look into graduate-level studies across other disciplines, it’s worth exploring our other online master’s programs.
What can you do with a master’s in nutrition?
Those who graduate with a master’s in nutritional science can pursue various positions in the commercial, academic, and not-for-profit sectors. As of January 1, 2024, the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) will require students to hold a graduate degree before being eligible for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)’s examination. As a result, a master's degree will be imperative to earning this important credential and gaining entry into the profession.
Here are just some of the careers you can pursue with this degree:
Public health nutritionist: Focuses on designing and implementing nutrition programs and policies to improve the health of communities, often in government agencies or non-profit organizations.
Registered dietitian: Provides personalized nutrition guidance and therapy to individuals, helping them make informed dietary choices to promote health and manage medical conditions.
Director of wellness: Oversees and manages comprehensive health and wellness programs within organizations or communities, promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being among participants.
Health and wellness coach: Provides guidance on nutrition and lifestyle changes to help individuals achieve their health and wellness goals in corporate wellness programs, fitness centers, or private practice.
Clinical dietitian: Works in hospitals, clinics, or private practice to provide personalized dietary advice and treatment plans for individuals with specific medical conditions.
Learn more about the different ways you can apply your education in nutritional science.
Master’s in nutrition salary and job outlook
With an expected job growth of 7% between 2022 and 2032 (a faster-than-average growth rate),Footnote 1 the employment prospects for registered dietitians (RDs) and others in the field are promising. The demand is driven by a rising need for specialized knowledge in healthcare, wellness, and nutrition-related domains; a heightened awareness of the pivotal role of diet in health management; a growing aging population seeking nutrition services; and the expanding presence of RDs in healthcare establishments. Consequently, RDs can expect sustained demand for their expertise across a broad spectrum of healthcare, community, and corporate environments.
Frequently asked questions
The duration of a master’s in nutritional science varies across universities. It depends on the number of credit hours required, the specialization tracks available, and whether you enroll full or part time. Typically, the duration ranges between 18 and 36 months. Many online MS in nutrition programs offer flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with work and other commitments. Transfer credits, prior coursework, or available accelerated options may also influence the length of the program. Ultimately, you can tailor your degree to align with your schedule and career goals.
The cost of a master's in nutritional science varies based on factors such as the institution, the number of credit hours required, your specialization track, whether you’re attending in-person or online, residency status, and available financial aid or scholarships. Before choosing your program, it’s best to thoroughly research the program costs, consider your financial aid opportunities, and explore scholarships and assistantships.
As a bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite to this type of program, you’ll have already attained considerable knowledge before exploring this next step. Generally, this type of program involves a rigorous curriculum covering complex topics in nutrition, biochemistry, and health sciences. While the workload can be demanding, especially when balancing studies with other commitments, it’s important to note that because of the new requirements starting in January 2024, you'll need to attain a master’s before being able to earn an RDN credential. With dedication, effective study strategies, and a passion for the subject matter, many learners successfully navigate the program, entering interesting careers in nutrition.
This type of program is academically challenging and a serious investment in terms of time and cost, but it comes with many long-term rewards and opportunities, including career and salary growth. Moreover, if you’d like to perform any type of work that requires you to be a licensed RDN, you’ll soon be required to hold a graduate degree. This new rule by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) comes into effect on January 1, 2024.
While these vary between institutions, some common specializations offered in online master’s in nutritional science programs include clinical nutrition, food science, community nutrition, pediatric nutrition, nutrition research, and education. These specializations present a career pathway for learners and are important to consider before enrolling in a particular school.
Committing to a program is a big decision, as the amount of time and resources you’ll invest is substantial. Research the programs and institutions you’re interested in, what scholarships and financial aid are available, the types of specializations offered, how many credit hours are required, and the faculty running the program. Ultimately, these will all affect your learning experience and outcome.
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