If you already have a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or another similar field, and have the ambition to advance in the field, you may want to look into masters of nutrition programs. Nutrition masters programs enhance a person’s knowledge about nutrition to better assist patients. By completing one of the many MS in nutrition programs available, a person can further his or her career and possibly earn positions that weren’t previously available with only a bachelor’s degree.
Although you can find job openings for nutritionists or dietitians with only a bachelor’s, some job opportunities require that a person has a graduate degree in nutrition. Even if it’s not a requirement, it’s often preferred. An employer may choose another candidate who has a graduate degree in nutrition over a person with only a bachelor’s. In addition to masters of nutrition programs making more job opportunities available to a person, completing one of the nutrition masters programs can enhance a person’s earning potential by several thousand per year. While MS in nutrition programs benefit your personal career, they also benefit the patients you serve.
Our Method: Ranking the Best Master’s in Nutrition Program
To rank the best Master’s in Nutrition degrees in America, Best Health Degrees editors researched accredited, trusted programs of all kinds. From our initial pool, we ranked programs according to price, reputation, and salary potential, using data from IPEDS and Niche.
1. Utah State University
When you are looking for the best masters in nutrition programs, the MS in Nutrition and Food Science from Utah State University is a good option for your goals. The degree program emphasizes the chemical make-up of food as well as the biological aspects of food for optimal nutrition. Students learn how food impacts the body, athletic performance, and the risk of disease. By focusing on the impact of food on different areas of life, it helps students clarify the best options for optimal health.
Utah State University stands apart by giving students a holistic view of food. It ensures that students are aware of differences in traditional foods, the ways that culture may impact food choices and the scientific aspects of diet. By taking a holistic view of diet, it teaches students how to work with different individuals in their careers and to treat those from differing cultures with respect while also helping guide their nutrition to better choices.
Highlight: Utah State University offers assistantships to students in their master’s degree programs.
Degree: MS in Nutrition and Food Science
2. Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University offers one of the best nutrition masters programs for students who want to work in nutrition science or related fields. The MS in Nutritional Sciences from Oklahoma State focuses on research as it applies to nutrition and food sciences. It teaches students the skills they need to take on research projects and to work in professional roles to enhance nutrition, improve health, and address concerns about nutritional deficiencies within demographic populations.
Oklahoma State University offers two concentrations within nutritional studies. Students can study nutrition or dietetics research through the university. It also offers online classes in dietetics that allow students to work at their own pace or keep up with job responsibilities. The flexibility of the program ensures that students are able to focus on their personal goals for a career.
Highlight: Oklahoma State University offers a dietetic internship program to help students gain relevant experience in nutrition science and dietetics.
Degree: MS in Nutritional Sciences
3. University of Vermont
The University of Vermont offers one of the best masters in nutrition programs for students who plan to work in nutrition science or a related field. The MS in Nutrition and Food Science focuses on research as it applies to human nutrition as well as food science. Students are able to learn from professors who research topics that range from food microbiology to online weight loss programs. Students are able to focus on the research aspects of nutrition while building on skills developed in their undergraduate studies.
The University of Vermont takes a scientific approach to nutrition and helps students learn basic chemistry, biology, and fundamental sciences that impact human nutrition and health. It teaches students how to research different aspects of nutrition and prepares students to take on an active leadership role within the food sciences industry.
Highlight: The University of Vermont offers assistantships and fellowships to help master’s level students with the costs of a degree in nutrition.
Degree: MS in Nutrition and Food Science
4. University of Illinois at Chicago
The MS in Nutrition from the University of Illinois at Chicago is one of the best nutrition masters programs for students who want to focus on dietetics and nutrition as it applies to public health, research, or education. The degree program emphasizes the relationship between nutrition and human health as a critical part of the curriculum. It also prepares students to learn about the sciences involved in nutrition studies to ensure that they are ready for the challenges of working in modern food science roles.
The University of Illinois at Chicago offers two different paths for students in the master’s degree program. Students can take the traditional program that is designed for working dietitians and nutritionists who may want to improve their knowledge and skills. It also offers a coordinated program for students who want to change to a new career in nutrition and need fundamental training as well as more advanced training.
Highlight: The University of Illinois at Chicago uses a teaching garden to bring food into the classroom and ensure that students understand different aspects of nutritional studies.
Degree: MS in Nutrition
5. University of Missouri
The University of Missouri offers an MS in Nutritional Sciences that emphasizes nutrition as it applies to metabolic functions as well as research into food sciences. The degree program prepares students to take on advanced roles in a food science position or research project. It also teaches students the science behind nutrition to ensure that they are able to work in clinical settings and take on specific roles within nutrition and dietetic industries.
The way that the University of Missouri stands apart from other programs is the focus on providing students with a variety of useful skills. It teaches students at the graduate level the grant-writing skills they may need to start or continue a research project. It also teaches students the proper methods to prepare a presentation. Students are able to use their skills in different roles within the nutrition science industry, so it prepares students to advance in their careers.
Highlight: The University of Missouri requires students to complete a master’s thesis based on their own research.
Degree: MS in Nutritional Sciences
6. Purdue University
The MS in Nutrition from Purdue University prepares students to advance in their careers. The degree program teaches the fundamental skills students need to work in nutrition-related fields or to take on advanced roles within their business. Students can expect to meet high standards when obtaining their degrees and to gain the skills that help them work on nutrition science research.
Purdue University differs from other programs by setting high standards for student achievement. Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher to get into the program and stay in the graduate program. That emphasis on high achievement ensures that students are prepared to work in challenging roles when they start working in a leadership position or advance in their careers.
Highlight: Purdue University offers fellowship workshops to teach students the skills they need to obtain a fellowship to assist with the costs of a degree.
Degree: MS in Nutrition
7. University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota offers an MS in Nutrition that takes an interdisciplinary approach to student education. It gives students a strong foundation in skills and topics that apply to multiple areas of study. That emphasis on bringing in faculty from other areas of study gives students an opportunity to understand the different ways nutrition and diet may impact the body, human health, and human behavior. It also teaches students the science behind nutrition and diet to ensure they have the ability to work in clinical fields, as well as food science positions.
The University of Minnesota stands apart by bringing different topics and studies into nutrition studies. It gives students a strong foundation in nutrition studies to ensure that they are ready to work in a variety of fields. Students can expect to learn about pediatrics, psychiatry, epidemiology, and other topics as part of their nutrition studies so they understand how nutrition impacts different demographic groups, mental health, physical health, and other related topics.
Highlight: The University of Minnesota offers a dietetic internship to students who want to gain experience in dietetics and nutrition.
Degree: MS in Nutrition
8. San Diego State University
The MS in Nutritional Science from San Diego State University is one of the best options for students who want to study nutrition at the master’s level. The degree program emphasizes research using human subjects or experimental animals to give students a strong foundation in the methods used in research studies, as well as the details that are essential for studies within nutrition and dietetics. It evaluates the ways that diet may impact health and well-being, as well as differences among population groups.
San Diego State University focuses on teaching students the critical thinking skills they need to work in a clinical or research setting. It ensures that students are aware of the studies and literature that applies to nutrition science, as well as the methods of evaluating new research that may become available. It also teaches students relevant skills as it applies to actively work with human subjects during experimental nutrition research.
Highlight: San Diego State University offers several scholarships to students who are studying nutrition.
Degree: MS in Nutritional Science
9. Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University offers an MS in Nutrition and Dietetics that emphasizes compassion and competence. The program allows students to focus on four different concentrations: medical nutrition, culinary entrepreneurship, nutrition and physical performance, and a dual degree in nutrition and public health. The ability to choose a specialized area of nutrition prepares students to work on specific skills that apply to their long-term career goals. It also gives students a chance to learn more about different options for their careers when they gain specialized education.
Saint Louis University emphasizes self-directed learning at the master’s level. It encourages student curiosity and allows students to look into aspects of nutrition that fit their personal interests. The emphasis on developing individual competence as well as the teamwork skills students need to collaborate with others prepares students for a challenging career in the nutrition and dietetics industry.
Highlight: Saint Louis University offers internships to students as a method of providing opportunities to gain experience and to develop specific skills for a career.
Degree: MS in Nutrition and Dietetics
10. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
The MS in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor prepares students for a rigorous career in the food sciences industry. The degree program emphasizes nutrition science as it applies to health and it prepares students for the challenges of identifying nutrition-related health concerns. It also gives students a strong foundation in science to ensure that students are able to understand and contribute to nutrition research.
The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor stands out by emphasizing epidemiology and public health as it relates to nutrition. It gives students an opportunity to understand the way nutrition is handled within different demographic groups, as well as methods used to improve health among populations. It also teaches students how to identify health risks that may apply to large populations.
Highlight: The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor offers a variety of scholarships to help students with the costs of obtaining a degree.
Degree: MS in Nutritional Sciences
11. Oregon State University
Oregon State University offers an MS in Nutrition that gives students a strong foundation in research and course work. It teaches students the basic skills they need to work in nutrition-related fields. It also emphasizes the value of research as it applies to nutrition. That strong foundation helps students gain the ability to handle challenges within different careers and dietetic programs.
Oregon State University differs from other programs by emphasizing the science behind nutrition. Students are expected to have proficiency in biochemistry and physiology as well as human nutrition. The emphasis on science ensures that students are able to handle the challenges they may face when working in a research position or evaluating new studies in human nutrition.
Highlight: Oregon State University offers an accredited dietetics internship to students in the master’s program for nutrition.
Degree: MS in Nutrition
12. San Jose State University
San Jose State University offers one of the best MS in Nutritional Science programs for students who want to advance in their careers. The degree program teaches students to analyze nutritional research. It also teaches cultural sensitivity as it applies to nutrition and nutrition packaging to ensure that students are able to keep up with work in large corporations or specialized fields.
San Jose State University recognizes the value of effective communication. That is why the master’s degree in nutritional science emphasizes written and oral communication skills. Students are expected to learn different methods of professional communication as well as the proper measures to maintain compassion when working with different demographic groups.
Highlight: San Jose State University offers research resources to help students with research projects within nutrition studies as well as to measure different aspects of health when working with human subjects.
Degree: MS in Nutritional Science
13. Case Western Reserve University
Case Western Reserve University offers one of the best MS in Nutrition degree programs for students who want to develop specialized skills. The school offers a concentration in nutrition, public health nutrition, and biomedical investigation in nutrition. Students can also take a dual degree in nutrition and public health. That ability to select from different concentrations gives students the chance to focus on specific areas of nutrition studies.
Case Western Reserve University emphasizes competence among students. It prepares students for leadership roles and ensures that students are aware of the challenges that may arise within the nutrition fields. It also gives students a strong foundation in nutrition research and nutrition as it applies to population groups, so it helps students focus on their career goals.
Highlight: Case Western Reserve University has a combined dietetic internship program that works directly with the nutrition degree to give students practical skills related to dietetics.
Degree: MS in Nutrition
14. University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston offers one of the best masters in nutrition programs for students who want to work in clinical nutrition or related fields. The Master of Nutrition and Metabolism emphasizes leadership and management skills, as well as practical skills related to nutrition and dietetics. It ensures that students are ready to handle the challenges of working in a fast-paced environment and have the ability to keep up with modern research into nutrition and health.
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston stands apart from other programs by emphasizing the medical aspects of nutrition and diet. It recognizes that nutrition plays a role in the way the metabolism reacts to different situations and provides students with the underlying skills they need to work on long-term goals as a professional in dietetics or related fields. It gives students a strong foundation in nutrition studies to ensure that they are ready to work with patients or to take on clinical roles.
Highlight: The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Degree: Master of Nutrition and Metabolism
15. University of Nevada, Reno
The University of Nevada at Reno offers an MS in Nutrition that helps students develop useful skills for their career goals. It is one of the best nutrition masters programs for students who want a holistic education and plan to study topics related to nutrition and health. The degree program emphasizes the use of different skills and studies to ensure that students understand the way nutrition and diet may impact mental health, physical health, and demographic groups in differing ways.
The way that the University of Nevada at Reno stands out is the focus on developing hands-on experience. Students are expected to spend time in labs working on research projects that take an interdisciplinary approach to education in nutrition. That focus on ensuring that students are working on research projects and gaining experience in the nutrition field ensures that students are prepared for the challenges they may face when working in a fast-paced environment or taking on a leadership position.
Highlight: The University of Nevada at Reno offers teaching and research assistantship programs for students in the graduate program.
Degree: MS in Nutrition
16. Oregon Health & Science University
The MS in Human Nutrition from Oregon Health and Science University is one of the best nutrition masters programs for students who want to evaluate the health-related aspects of nutrition studies. The degree program emphasizes the science of nutrition and requires students to learn physiology, biostatistics, and related topics to prepare for work as a dietitian or nutritionist. The degree program prepares students to take licensing exams as a dietitian and offers opportunities to work with medical professionals.
Oregon Health and Science University focuses on the application of nutrition on human health and well-being. That focus on using nutrition in medicine plays a critical role in the potential career options for students. It helps students advance in a medical field or to work with doctors to improve patient health in medical facilities. It also gives students a strong foundation in identifying the potential problems that may arise when working on patient health.
Highlight: Oregon Health and Science University is accredited by the ACEND, so it meets the high standards of the accreditation council.
Degree: MS in Human Nutrition
17. Howard University
Howard University offers an MS in Nutritional Sciences that prepares students to work in a variety of positions and industries. It gives students a strong foundation in nutrition research, clinical nutrition, and dietetics to ensure that students can work in different areas of nutrition. It also focuses on teaching students how to maintain competence as a nutritionist while also offering compassionate care in a diverse work environment. Students learn to consider differences in the cultural background of individuals to provide effective solutions for patient health.
Howard University recognizes the relationship between food and disease. As a result, the nutrition program emphasizes the impact of food and nutrition on different areas of health. That focus on nutritional science as it applies to human health and research into nutrition for human health gives students a strong foundation in science as well as dietetics. It prepares students to evaluate new studies and information that they can then apply in their careers.
Highlight: Howard University offers graduate assistantship programs for students who want to help cut the costs of education while working on a degree program.
Degree: MS in Nutritional Sciences
18. University of Washington
The University of Washington offers one of the best masters in nutrition programs for students who want to advance in their careers as a dietitian or nutritionist. The MS in Nutritional Sciences takes an interdisciplinary approach to education and requires students to learn about epidemiology, biostatistics, and related sciences as it applies to nutritional studies and research. Students are able to evaluate new research and information when working as a nutritionist or dietitian.
A key way the University of Washington differs from other programs is the focus on applying public health to the field and study of nutrition. The degree program teaches students about the impact of nutrition on different demographic groups and how cultures may impact traditional nutrition. It also encourages students to recognize the way that nutrition may influence the health of the public and how misinformation may contribute to negative health outcomes.
Highlight: The University of Washington requires students to complete a capstone project and a thesis before graduating from the master’s program.
Degree: MS in Nutritional Sciences
19. Pace University
The MS in Nutrition and Dietetics from Pace University prepares students for the rigors of working as a nutritionist and a dietitian, as well as the licensing process to become a registered dietitian. By giving students a strong foundation in nutrition science and research, students are able to focus on learning relevant skills for their long-term career goals. It also prepares students to qualify for examinations that may advance a student’s career opportunities.
Pace University stands apart by emphasizing different aspects of nutritional science. It gives students an opportunity to evaluate their career options by teaching students leadership skills, entrepreneurship, public health, and other topics as it relates to nutrition and food. The holistic methods of applying skills to different fields and industries ensures that students are ready to handle the challenges that may arise when they are working on long-term goals.
Highlight: Pace University offers an internship program that helps students meet the requirements for work experience to obtain a registered dietitian license.
Degree: MS in Nutrition and Dietetics
20. Florida International University
The MS in Dietetics and Nutrition from Florida International University is one of the best programs for students who want to work in nutrition or dietetics. The degree program gives students a strong foundation in nutrition studies and ensures that students are prepared to take on advanced roles when working in a clinical or research setting. It gives students the opportunity to work on long-term goals.
Florida International University stands apart from other options by setting high standards for students who enter the master’s program. A student must have a 3.0 GPA or higher at the undergraduate level to qualify for admissions and must meet the prerequisite standards for education. That ensures that students have a strong foundation in nutrition and dietetics before they start working on their degrees.
Highlight: Florida International University works with affiliated research centers and has a laboratory to help students gain hands-on experience.
Degree: MS in Dietetics and Nutrition
21. University of Hawai’i at Manoa
The University of Hawai’i at Manoa offers an MS in Nutritional Sciences that prepares students for the rigors of working in a fast-paced environment. The degree program emphasizes the relationship between food and health as well as food and fitness. It gives students a strong foundation in research and nutrition sciences that ensure that students are fully aware of how food may impact the human body.
The way the University of Hawai’i-Manoa stands apart is the emphasis on science as it relates to the human body and nutrition. It gives students a well-rounded view of the different aspects of nutrition, including minerals and toxicology, so that students are able to provide assistance to patients in a clinical setting or to focus on research for improved information.
Highlight: The University of Hawai’i-Manoa offers financial assistance to help students in the master’s program with the cost of a degree.
Degree: MS in Nutritional Sciences
22. Loma Linda University
Loma Linda University offers an MS in Nutrition and Dietetics that emphasizes nutrition as it applies to the Seventh-Day Adventist institutions, as well as modern sciences. The degree program emphasizes a diet plan and nutritional studies that evaluate the standards set by the Seventh-Day Adventists due to the longevity of the group and the low rates of disease among those who follow the diet plan and other health strategies set forth by the group. The program uses research on the group to form ideals for nutrition as it applies to good health.
Loma Linda University takes a Christian approach to the study of nutrition. It recognizes the role of modern science and research in nutrition, but it also recognizes that there are aspects of health that are not necessarily tied directly to food and nutrition. It ensures that students recognize the holistic aspects of good health and provides a strong foundation based on long-term studies into the Seventh-Day Adventists and their diet plans.
Highlight: Loma Linda University is accredited by the ACEND, so it does meet the educational standards set by the council.
Degree: MS in Nutrition and Dietetics
23. Ohio State University
The MS in Human Nutrition from Ohio State University is one of the best programs for students who want to work in a research role. The program emphasizes nutritional research and focuses on investigating the root causes of health conditions in modern environments. It recognizes that nutrition and food impact long-term health outcomes and strives to identify the causes of negative outcomes as it applies to the diet of individuals or groups.
Ohio State University stands out by evaluating the science behind good nutrition as well as the way that food insecurity and culture may influence outcomes. It recognizes that good nutrition may not apply to all groups and emphasizes measures to help improve nutrition in areas with food insecurity by researching different options.
Highlight: Ohio State University has a high rate of diversity that brings different perspectives into the classroom environment.
Degree: MS in Human Nutrition
24. Drexel University
The MS in Human Nutrition from Drexel University prepares students for the challenges of becoming a registered dietitian and developing the appropriate skills to obtain a license. It also ensures that students are ready to work in a variety of different environments, including work in a clinical setting with patients and medical professionals.
Drexel University focuses on teaching students about the social aspects of nutrition, as well as the sciences that may impact nutritional views over time. It gives students a strong foundation in nutritional studies and prepares them for a rigorous career.
Highlight: Drexel University is ACEND accredited.
Degree: MS in Human Nutrition
25. Florida State University
Florida State University offers an MS in Nutrition and Food Science that helps students focus on the research aspects of nutrition. Students gain a strong foundation in the sciences behind nutrition studies. It emphasizes the scientific method and nutrition research to help students prepare for different roles in the medical, public, or private sectors.
Florida State University allows students to specialize in two areas of nutrition science. Students can specialize in food science or nutrition science. That allows students to focus on specific areas of nutrition as it applies to human health outcomes.
Highlight: Florida State University offers a dietetic internship that may help students gain relevant experience in dietetic work.
Degree: MS in Nutrition and Food Science
How Do I Choose the Best Graduate School for Nutrition?
Once a person makes a final decision to further his or her education and get a graduate degree, it’s time to look for nutrition graduate schools. Unfortunately, not all nutrition graduate schools are the same.
A person also has to consider whether he or she wants to complete a degree online or on-campus. The next step is to search for the best graduate schools for nutrition.
An individual should then look at the websites for each one of the best schools for masters in nutrition. Compare each of the best graduate schools for nutrition based on the curriculum they use, their reputation for prepping students for a career, as well as their history. Additionally, when comparing the best schools for masters in nutrition, it’s important to look for their accreditation. The ACEND accreditation is the most well-known and is required to sit for the exam to become a dietitian or nutritionist.
Price should part of selecting from the best graduate schools for nutrition as well. Finally, a person may want to compare the best schools for masters in nutrition by looking at reviews from previous students.
How Do I Know a Nutrition Program is For Real?
Unfortunately, not every school out there that offers nutrition programs provides the same level of education. In fact, some schools don’t have the proper accreditation, which means a person can’t sit for the written examination to become a dietitian or nutritionist. To sit for the exam, a person must have a degree from a school that received acknowledgment from the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics is the most respected and well-known accrediting organization. The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics ACEND has a rigorous process for determining if a school meets the necessary requirements. The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics has been around since 1917 and assesses a school’s integrity, curriculum, and ability to prepare nutritionists and dietitians to help individuals make healthy eating choices to improve their health and overall well-being.
When looking for schools with accreditation, a person will find numerous options, such as the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. When a person searches for “Institute for Integrative Nutrition accreditation,” an individual will find that the school is the largest nutrition school in the U.S. and has received recognition from the Department of Education. The Institute for Integrative Nutrition accreditation shows that this school adequately prepares a student for a position as a nutritionist or dietitian. The Institute of Integrative Nutrition accreditation is beneficial to students since this school offers online programs. This means that when a person looks for online schools for nutrition, the Institute of Integrative Nutrition accreditation means that a person can stay at home and receive a quality education.
What Can I Do with a Master’s in Nutrition?
In some cases, “What can I do with a masters in nutrition” includes furthering him or herself at his or her current facility, such as taking on a leadership role. Additionally, what can I do with a masters degree in nutrition includes landing positions that weren’t previously available with a bachelor’s degree alone.
Sometimes, a person can remain with his or her current employer, remain in the same position, and make more money.
The answer to what can I do with a master’s in nutrition incorporates the option of working as a dietitian or nutritionist. In addition, what can I do with a masters degree in nutrition takes into consideration the fact that a person can work as a public health educator. There are also positions available in biochemistry and the pharmaceutical industry for individuals who possess a master’s degree in nutrition. A person may be able to work in research in these fields.
Related Rankings:
15 Best Online Master’s in Nutrition Programs