Master’s in nutrition programs

Advanced online nutrition degrees can help you earn certifications and boost your earnings. Learn about master’s in nutrition programs, admissions requirements, and curricula.

Explore online nutrition master’s programs

Why earn an online master's in nutrition?

Earn higher salaries

Professionals with master's degrees out-earn those with only a bachelor's.

Qualify for certification

A master's degree in nutrition from an accredited program qualifies you to sit for the certified nutrition specialist exam.

Expand career opportunities

A graduate nutrition degree can give you a competitive advantage in the job market.

Browse master’s degrees in nutrition online

An advanced online nutrition degree can help accelerate your career. Explore the benefits of nutrition education, research admissions requirements, and preview your curriculum as you search for the ideal program.

What jobs can you get with an online master's in nutrition?

An online master's in nutrition can prepare you for careers like:

Certified nutrition specialist
Clinical nutritionist
Registered dietitian
Community health worker
Food technologist

These professionals work in field, laboratory, or office settings with individual clients or alongside other nutrition and healthcare professionals.

Some of these roles involve professional certifications in addition to a degree in the nutrition or . Below is a high-level overview of the certification requirements for three common master's in nutrition career paths:

Certified nutrition specialist (CNS)

You must have a master of science or doctorate in nutrition, biochemistry, physician assistantship, , or a closely related field or a doctorate in a clinical healthcare specialization.

Professionals seeking certification must complete:

12 credits in clinical or life sciences
9 credits in nutrition
6 credits in biochemistry
3 credits in anatomy or physiology

And:

Pass the CNS Examination

Certified clinical nutritionist (CCN)

You must have a bachelor of science from an accredited institution and complete:

15 credits in nutrition
3 credits per topic in:
- Anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, chemistry, human biology, and microbiology, or:
- An advanced professional degree in a licensed healthcare field, or:
- A master's or doctorate in human nutrition

And:

Complete the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board's Post Graduate Studies in Clinical Nutrition program.

Registered dietitian (RD)

You must have a master's degree from an accredited institution, and complete:

A dietetic internship from a provider accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), or:
An ACEND-accredited coordinated program

Or:

A graduate-level, ACEND-accredited degree that includes 1,000 hours of experiential learning or:
A doctoral degree plus an ACEND-accredited doctorate individual supervised practice pathway

And:

Pass the RD examination

What can you learn in an online master's in nutrition program?

At the master's level, online nutrition degrees usually consist of about 30-36 credits. General coursework typically covers:

Advanced concepts in human nutrition
Nutrition's role in managing chronic diseases and medical conditions
Strategies for promoting healthy, active living

Some schools will offer you the choice between a thesis track and an internship or practicum track. Most thesis tracks also have field training components, but they involve more scholarly and scientific research. Internship and practicum tracks focus more on applying your learning to real-world settings.

You can earn a generalist nutrition degree or pursue a concentration in areas like:

Community nutrition education
Gerontological nutrition
Pediatric nutrition
Weight management

If you're planning to obtain a professional certification, ensure that your program has regional accreditation. Depending on the certification you're seeking, an accredited degree could help you qualify more readily.

Admissions requirements for an online master's in nutrition

Admissions requirements vary among online nutrition degrees, but schools typically look for a strong background in relevant subject areas.

Schools may also prefer or require that you have extensive undergraduate nutrition coursework or an undergraduate degree in nutrition or a closely related field. For instance, programs may require undergraduate coursework in:

Anatomy and physiology
Biochemistry or organic chemistry
Food science
Microbiology

If you lack any of the required coursework, you may have to complete prerequisites before entering your master's program.

Always refer to the program website for a complete list of details, requirements, and deadlines.

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Explore online nutrition master’s programs

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?

Dietitians are certified diet and nutrition professionals who practice in medical contexts. Nutritionists are not as thoroughly regulated, and, in some cases, their professional certifications and other credentials are optional.

Are nutrition degrees worth it?

The value of a degree depends on your professional goals and finances. However, many respected nutrition certifications — which can open up appealing career paths — require undergraduate or graduate nutrition degrees. Advanced education can also build deeper and more complete knowledge. From these perspectives, nutrition degrees often generate a positive return on investment.

Is nutrition a hard degree?

It depends on your aptitudes and interests. Nutrition education involves technical and scientific subject matter from fields like anatomy, biochemistry, food science, microbiology, and physiology. If you're comfortable in these areas, you may be more likely to find your schooling manageable.

Where do most nutritionists work?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the five most common work settings for dietitians and nutritionists include hospitals, government agencies, residential care centers, outpatient care centers, and self-employment.