Without researching accredited programs that provide quality clinical rotations and curriculum aligned with credentialing exams, students risk spending time, resources, and money on a degree program that leaves them unprepared. This list will help you choose the right online degree in nutrition and dietetics to develop the knowledge and skills needed for professional success.
Online Registered Dietitian Programs
The University of Arizona-Tucson, Kansas State University, Liberty University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Eastern Michigan University, and Texas Tech University are considered some of the best online programs for a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics. They offer accredited curricula integrating supervised practice and coursework to become licensed and entry-level career-ready.
Featured Programs
Enroll in one of our top-ranked accredited online colleges for nutrition and dietetics. As you become a registered dietitian and nutritionist, you can further your expertise in food, dietetics, and nutrition education.
| Institution | Average Cost Per Credit | Admission Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| University of Arizona-Tucson | $662 | 3.0 GPA, GRE scores |
| Kansas State University | $351 | 2.75 GPA |
| Liberty University | $680 | 2.5 GPA |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $578 | 3.0 GPA, GRE scores |
| Eastern Michigan University | $428 | 3.0 GPA, interview |
| Texas Tech University | $419 | 2.75 GPA, entrance exam |
| University of Georgia | $389 | 3.0 GPA, references |
| East Carolina University | $315 | 2.5 GPA |
| Texas Woman’s University | $348 | Entrance exam, essays |
| University of Utah | $342 | 3.0 GPA |
| Purdue University Global | $371 | 2.5 GPA |
| University of Western States | $496 | 3.0 GPA, interview |
| University of Northern Colorado | $418 | 3.0 GPA |
| University of North Dakota | $329 | 2.75 GPA |
| University of Alabama | $348 | 3.0 GPA, references |
| Bowling Green State University | $373 | 3.0 GPA, interview |
| University of Southern Mississippi | $329 | 2.0 GPA |
| North Carolina State University | $376 | 3.0 GPA, GRE scores |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | $298 | 2.5 GPA |
| University of Texas-Austin | $551 | 3.0 GPA, admissions test |
| University of Central Missouri | $273 | 2.75 GPA |
| Logan University | $395 | Associate’s certificate |
| University of Memphis | $347 | 2.8 GPA |
| Auburn University | $427 | 3.0 GPA, entrance exam |
| West Chester University | $550 | 3.0 GPA |
| Rutgers University | $620 | 3.2 GPA |
| University of Illinois | $467 | 3.2 GPA |
| University of Rhode Island | $579 | 3.0 GPA |
| University of Alabama-Birmingham | $287 | 3.0 GPA |
Accredited Online College uses the most recent data from the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics. Each nutrition and dietetics program is scored individually based on:
- Affordability
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Number of programs offered on-campus and online
To learn more, visit our methodology page.
1. University of Arizona- Tucson
The Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science from the University of Arizona is only one of four online programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). This degree in nutrition program allows you to choose from either a dietetic emphasis or a nutrition emphasis for your career goals.
We highly recommend the University of Arizona, and when we connected with Kelsey Ludeman, an Academic Success Coach at the University of Houston-Downtown, she agreed:
“Selecting an online registered dietitian degree program is an important decision to build the foundation for your future career. Among the many factors that should be considered when making this choice, program accreditation and field qualifications are of the most critical. Considering these, The University of Arizona earns the top pick for its ACEND-accredited Registered Dietetics online program. Their Bachelor’s degree plan offers multiple tracks with varying focuses, along with an additional add-on Master’s program in Applied Nutrition, meeting the new advanced degree requirements of the field that took effect in 2024.”
The online course on nutrition and dietetics provides a solid and well-rounded science education that focuses on nutrition’s impacts on the human body. Utilize the knowledge learned in:
- Medicine
- Food chemistry
- Cell biology
- Biochemistry
2. Kansas State University
The online Bachelor’s in Dietetics from Kansas State University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). You can apply for supervision after completing the ACEND-accredited program and sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing exam.
The Accreditation Council for Education has approved the 120-credit hour nutrition and dietetics program. You will take online classes such as:
- Food and Clinical Nutrition
- Counseling Strategies in Dietetic Practice
- Financial Management in Dietetics
3. Liberty University
Liberty University has a Graduate Certificate in Nutrition that only takes half a year to complete. The nutrition and dietetics classes are held online and in an accelerated eight-week module format. The Graduate Certificate in Nutrition is a 15-credit hour program.
This online graduate certificate allows you to transfer all the classes in this certificate toward the MPH in Nutrition. This will enable graduates to pursue careers such as:
- Food and health educators
- Nutrition and dietetics coaches
- Sports nutrition specialists
4. University of Wisconsin, Madison
The online Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition offered by the University of Wisconsin is designed for individuals with a strong background in clinical nutrition who need to earn a Master’s to stay competitive in the changing nutrition and dietetics landscape.
The online MS in Clinical Nutrition comprises 30 credit hours of nutrition and dietetics work, which you can complete in as little as four semesters of full-time study. Expect to participate in these activities:
- Actual case studies from UW Hospital and other programs
- Weekly web conferences and discussion boards
5. Eastern Michigan University
Eastern Michigan University offers a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, allowing you to take 58 credit hours of online coursework in the dietetic major.
You will also gain experience working with practicing RD’s, which will help solidify the nutrition education you learned. More than that, you will take online nutrition and dietetics classes such as:
- Nutrient Metabolism: Macronutrients
- Nutrition Therapy
- Food Service Systems Management
- Community Nutrition
6. Texas Tech University
The online MS in Nutrition and Dietetics from Texas Tech University was specifically created for individuals already practicing as dietitians or nutritionists.
The MS in Nutrition and Dietetics consists of 33 credit hours. You are not required to complete a thesis to be eligible for graduation. Students enrolled in this online nutrition and dietetics program will expand their knowledge in areas such as:
- Geriatrics
- Nutrition and Dietetics Support
- Obesity Management
- Eating Disorders
7. University of Georgia
The online MS in Foods and Nutrition with a concentration in Community Nutrition from the University of Georgia may be particularly suited for individuals who want to become a school nutrition and dietetics director. Upon graduation from this program, you are eligible for certification as Georgia School Nutrition Directors.
The nutrition and dietetics program will take two years for you to complete. Additionally, you need to take two classes per semester. Examples of online classes include:
- Optimal Nutrition and Dietetics for the Lifespan
- Childhood and Adolescent Nutrition
- Nutrition Health and Aging
8. East Carolina University
The online MS in Nutrition from East Carolina University is designed for RDs wishing to expand their knowledge and expertise in nutrition and dietetics or individuals looking to conduct food and nutrition projects.
This MS in Nutrition graduate degree has both a thesis and a non-thesis option. The core curriculum taken by both degree options consists of three online classes, which include:
- Biostatistics for Health Professionals I
- Nutrition in Physiology and Metabolism
- Methods in Nutrition Research
9. Texas Woman’s University
Community education and the business aspects of nutrition and dietetics are the focus of Texas Woman’s University’s online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Health Sciences with a Nutrition Emphasis program.
This online bachelor’s degree in nutrition is ideal for community college transfer students with at least 15- semester credit hours of WECM (workforce education) and 12-semester credit hours of academic courses. The BAAS core curriculum consists of three classes, which include:
- Professionalism and Ethics in Health Care
- Dietetics and Health Care in Multicultural Settings
- Needs Assessment, Planning, and Evaluation for Health Professionals
10. University of Utah
Prospective students interested in the biochemistry of nutrition and food science will find the University of Utah’s MS in Nutrition and Integrative Physiology of interest. The online course is ideal for those who have already earned an undergraduate degree in nutrition, dietetics, and health sciences.
This nutrition and dietetics program lasts over two years of full-time online course loads. Admissions require students who have taken at least one class in:
- Biology
- Food Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Microbiology
11. Purdue University Global
The Online BS in Nutrition from Purdue University Global is a great option if you need to start with the very basics of food chemistry, nutrition, and dietetics.
This online bachelor’s degree requires completing 180 credit hours of nutrition and dietetics coursework. Upon completion, you are eligible to gain additional credentials such as:
- Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition
- Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN)
- Certified Dietary Manager (CDM)
12. University of Western States
The University of Western States offers both a master’s degree and a graduate certificate in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. You can get the online graduate diploma in two years, whereas the graduate certificate takes one year to finish.
You can expect to take online nutrition and dietetics classes such as:
- Evidence-Based Nutrition and Dietetics
- Principles of Functional Medicine
- Gastrointestinal Imbalances
- Hormone and Neurotransmitter Regulation and Imbalances
13. University of Northern Colorado
Aside from a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, the University of Northern Colorado offers a Didactic Dietetics Education Certificate if you’ve yet to complete an undergraduate degree.
Consider the Dietetics MS degree if you are interested in public health nutrition. You can take 15 of the required 30 courses online. You’ll take online nutrition and dietetics classes in:
- Food and Nutrition
- Financial Management
- Counseling Strategies
14. University of North Dakota
With the University of North Dakota’s online MS in Nutrition, you can specialize in two areas, including Nutrition Education and Counseling and Nutritional Sciences.
You can finish the online graduate degree in around two years. Examples of nutrition and dietetics classes you may take include:
- Nutrigenomics
- Nutrition Counseling
- Nutrition in Disease Prevention and Wellness
- Nutritional Health Advocacy and Policy
15. University of Alabama
The University of Alabama offers a Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition for individuals who ultimately want to become registered dietitian nutritionists. This is one of three online nutrition programs in the United States accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
You will also take 20 credit hours of online science courses and 44 credit hours of general education courses to finish your degree. After getting financial aid, you’ll need to study nutrition and dietetics courses, such as:
- Introduction to Dietetics and Nutrition
- Community Food and Nutrition
- Public Health Nutrition
- Nutritional Food Biochemistry
16. Bowling Green State University
Take your nutritional expertise to new levels with the Master of Food and Nutrition online program from Bowling Green State University. This experiential learning is perfect for individuals with a well-developed foundational knowledge of nutrition through completing an undergraduate nutrition degree or an undergraduate degree in a related field.
Graduating with this online degree is only accomplished after you complete a thesis or Master’s project or pass a comprehensive examination. Nutrition and dietetics coursework includes:
- Lifecycle Nutrition
- Weight Management
- Phytochemicals
- Exercise Physiology
17. University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi teaches you how to become leaders in a community’s health and wellness through the school’s online Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Systems. The ideal candidates for the dietetics emphasis are students enrolled in a dietetic internship who want to earn a master’s degree.
During the online MS in Nutrition and Food Systems, you will learn in-depth nutrition and dietetics concepts and practices in:
- Nutrition Counseling
- Global Nutrition and Health
- Nutrition Education
- Food and Nutrition Public Policy
18. North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University offers a Master of Nutrition that does not entail a thesis. You can emphasize your online degree in Feed Science or Human Nutrition, Food, and Bioprocessing.
Learn to understand and teach nutrition and dietetics concepts effectively in this 36-credit hour degree program. Major online courses include:
- Principles of Nutrition
- Food Laws and Regulations
- Feed Manufacturing Technology
- Advanced Nutrition and Metabolism
19. University of Nebraska, Lincoln
The University of Nebraska, Lincoln is a major research university that offers on-ground students their Master of Science in Nutrition and Health Science. Meanwhile, the online dietetics program is only for those already practicing nutrition and dietetics and needing to obtain a master’s degree.
To graduate, you must pass a final credentialing exam and an oral examination. You need to take online nutrition and dietetics courses such as:
- Integrated Principles of Human Food and Nutrition
- Statistics
- Current Issues
20. University of Texas, Austin
Those who wish to become a Board Certified Nutrition Specialist (BCNS) can meet, at least in part, the requirements to obtain this credential through the University of Texas, Austin’s Master of Science in Nutritional Science.
There are two online nutrition and dietetics tracks: a one-year program ideal for individuals preparing for advanced health education, such as medical school, and a physician assistant program. Here, you will learn:
- Nutrients and Their Preservation
- Intestinal Microbiome Concepts
- Metabolism Processes and Functions
- Nutrition and Immunology
21. University of Central Missouri
The MS in Nutrition is a continuation of the degree in nutrition and dietetics from the University of Central Missouri. The online master’s program shifts focus to clinical applications of nutrition and practical diet counseling.
You can choose from a Clinical Nutrition option or a Sports Nutrition option, depending on your personal career goals and learning preferences. For both options, there are a number of online nutrition and dietetics course prerequisites:
- Nutrition Across the Lifespan
- Dietary Supplements
- Nutrition Education and Counseling
- Practical Applications
22. Logan University
Logan University’s online MS in Nutrition and Human Performance is a nutrition program designed for those who wish to work with athletes and others one-on-one to perform in-depth nutrition and dietetics assessments.
Graduates prepare to take the Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) and the Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN) exams. This program includes the training needed to complete nutrition and health assessments using:
- Nutritional deficiencies evaluations
- Food allergies evaluations
- Evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle guidance
23. University of Memphis
The online Master’s Degree in Environmental Nutrition from the University of Memphis aims to work on the food system’s sustainability through nutrition and dietetics.
The 33-credit hour course focuses on practical experience through an internship and research. It was designed to train tomorrow’s leaders in:
- Understanding farming and food sustainability practices
- Traditional food practices
- Food justice
- Complementary approaches to nutrition
24. Auburn University
Auburn University’s non-thesis MS in Nutrition includes a combination of lectures, exams, and assignments. This online master’s program is well-suited for those with previous nutrition and dietetics training and experience and those new to the industry.
You may learn at your own pace using recorded lectures. You can tailor the program based on your interests by selecting one of four areas of focus:
- Community Nutrition
- Nutritional Sciences
- Clinical Nutrition
- Health and Wellness
25. West Chester University
The online master’s from West Chester University is a specialized nutrition master’s program that is centered on nutrition from a community standpoint. This program was designed for physicians, registered dietitians, and bachelor of nutrition graduates with a special interest in community health.
In addition to nutrition and dietetics coursework, you need to complete a non-thesis capstone paper based on your experience in the field. The focus is on evidence-based:
- Nutrition
- Health promotion
- Disease prevention
26. Rutgers University
The online BS in Nutrition and Dietetics from Rutgers University is an accredited program by the Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. It provides the knowledge needed for the Credentialing Examination for Dietitian Nutritionists.
You must complete 1,200 hours of supervised dietetic internships. The nutrition and dietetics coursework offers the foundations of:
- Human food and nutrition
- Food and diet
- Ethics and professional practice
27. University of Illinois
The MS in Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Illinois is a fully online program. This nutrition and dietetics program is ideal for professionals who are looking to advance their knowledge in the area of food science and nutrition while being able to continue to work.
To apply, you must hold a bachelor’s degree and have completed college classes in:
- General food chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Microbiology
- Physics
28. University of Rhode Island
The MS in Nutrition at the University of Rhode Island is exclusively for Sodexo RDNs. That is, those who have been accepted into a Sodexo internship program. The Sodexo dietetic internships are ideal for dietitians in their first five years of practice.
You can complete the nutrition and dietetics program in 14 weeks through online study. Classes include:
- Clinical
- Management
- Community
29. University of Alabama, Birmingham
Experiential learning from the University of Alabama, Birmingham’s MS in Nutrition Science is fully online. To be accepted, applicants must also have completed 1,200 hours of supervised clinical hours.
With full-time study, you can expect to graduate in three semesters. To customize your learning, you can also enroll in a practicum. Nutrition and dietetics practicum options include:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Weight Management
- Children with Special Health Care Needs
What Will You Learn With a Registered Dietitian Online Degree Accredited?
With a degree in nutrition and dietetics, much of your studies will focus on the effects nutrition has on the human body. Nutrition-focused degrees and certificate programs will teach you how to evaluate and possibly conduct projects.
Kelsey Ludeman explains that it’s extremely important to make sure that the degree you get is ACEND-accredited:
“It is crucial that the degree course be ACEND-accredited (Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics), as this is needed in order to take and pass the CDR exam (Commission on Dietetic Registration) required to become a registered dietitian. Another key factor in choosing the right program is to ensure that it includes a graduate-level degree, as a Master’s degree minimum is now required of the profession as of January 2024.”
What Coursework Can You Expect in an Online Nutrition and Dietetics Program?
An online nutrition and dietetics program can build a science-based education focused on key topics like food, nutrition, food biochemistry, biology, food service management, nutritional counseling, and cultural aspects of food.
Specific classes may include:
- Development of Healthy Cuisines
- Nutrition in the Life Cycle
- Fundamentals of Personal Nutrition
- Food and Culture
- Nutrition Assessment and Intervention
- Food Service Systems Management
- Community Nutrition
The curriculum of a degree in nutrition and dietetics provides scientific knowledge, management skills, an understanding of diversity, and the tools to educate and counsel others on healthy lifestyles and diets.
See Also: 30 Accredited Online Schools in Nutritional Science
How Much Can I Expect to Earn When I Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, graduates with a degree in nutrition and dietetics can make an average of $66,000. It depends on the specific type of program you choose to complete and the career you ultimately decide to go into.
- Dietetic technicians can expect to earn an annual salary of around $28,400.
- Health Educators earn a median annual salary of $55,220.
- Community health workers are reported to bring home over $40,000 per year.
- The annual median wage for registered RDs is estimated at 61,270, which equates to $29.46 per hour.
Are Nutritionists and Registered Dietitians the Same?
Nutritionists and registered dietitians are not the same. Dietitians work with and utilize nutrition. RD’s have to jump through more educational and legal hoops than those who call themselves nutritionists.
Nutritionists are not able to call themselves dietitians. They are under much less or zero governmental oversight. Depending on your state, nutritionists may or may not be required to get a license to practice nutritional counseling.
Conversely, dietitians go through rigorous, specific training to earn their credentials.
- To become an RD, an individual has to attend at least a Bachelor’s level Nutrition, Food Science, or Dietitian program approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
- Accredited internships for dietitians are extremely competitive. Only around half of the students who apply to these programs get accepted.
- After completing the approved dietetic internship, students are eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration examination.
When interested in pursuing higher education, check out 30 Accredited Online Colleges For Nursing and 30 Accredited Online Colleges For Respiratory Therapy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Getting an Online Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics Worth It?
Pursuing an online degree in nutrition and dietetics is worthwhile, as the field’s strong 7% projected growth from 2022 to 2032 signifies excellent career opportunities. The expanding industry makes this an ideal time to enter nutrition and dietetics through flexible online education.
How Will I Pay for My Cheap Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics?
Affordable tuition at ranked schools, combined with credit for experience, specialized scholarships, state funding, and in-state online rates, can reduce costs for online nutrition and dietetics degrees. Seek out these cost-cutting options to minimize financial barriers.
See Also: Financial Aid Tips for Online College
What Are the Qualities That Make a Student a Good Fit for an Online Program in Nutrition and Dietetics?
The best students for online dietetics bachelor’s programs have an interest in nutritional sciences and enjoy volunteering in health settings. Adult learners with educational or professional experience in dietetics are well-prepared to succeed in the program’s science-focused coursework.
What Can You Do With a Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics?
Nutrition and dietetics degrees lead to careers involving food and nutrition in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, community agencies, government, schools, and more. RDs provide nutrition education and therapy, oversee organizational food services, or teach public health after completing internships and exams.
Conclusion
Graduating from one of the top online nutrition and dietetics programs ensures you will meet credentialing requirements and gain real-world experience through supervised practice. This allows students to become licensed, skilled registered dietitian nutritionists prepared to improve health outcomes through evidence-based nutrition care.