12 Online Nutrition Bachelor's Degrees - The Best Health Degrees

Key Takeaways:

Purdue University Global and Arizona State University have two of the top online bachelor’s in nutrition degrees.
Graduates can become nutritionists or dietitians, working in diverse settings like hospitals, wellness centers, or private practice.
Courses typically include nutritional counseling, food safety, and a capstone project.
Many online programs are accredited and prepare students for certifications such as Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition.

How do you define nutrition? Most people consider it just the food we eat when we’re hungry, but it’s far more than that.

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The science of nutrition uses research and methods to look at a wide variety of concerns such as diet, health, or medicine. Nutritionists cover a broad spectrum of interests from community nutrition services, general nutrition education, health and wellness, or sports nutrition. Although nutritionists aren’t regulated or required to be licensed, baccalaureate degrees are the best way to learn about the field.

Also involved in Nutrition Science are dietitians. Simply put, dietitians are specialists in assessing and diagnosing nutritional issues in both healthy and not-so-healthy patients. Registered Dietitians are typically licensed following an undergraduate education, 1,200 hours of supervised practice, and passing the Commission on Dietetic Registration exam. Some Registered Dietitians may receive additional clinical credentials to work in hospitals, clinics, or long term care facilities.

Best Health Degrees has researched and reviewed online nutrition and dietetic programs that will give you a good place to start your school search for the program which best fits your career goals.

Our Method: 12 Online Nutrition Bachelor’s Degrees

For our ranking of the best online nutrition bachelor’s programs, Best Health Degrees editors researched accredited, respected institutions focused on quality and opportunity. Programs are ranked according to their reputation, salary potential, and tuition cost, using data from U.S. News, Niche, IPEDS, and College Scorecard.

1. Purdue University Global

The completely online Bachelor of Science in Nutrition degree requires 180 quarter credit hours for completion and is offered in 10-week terms.

This program is approved by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) and prepares students to sit for certification exams. Specifically, the B.S. in Nutrition provides the academic foundation to achieve credentials in: Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition, Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN), and Certified Dietary Manager (CDM).

Subject studied include Nutritional Counseling, Food Safety and Microbiology, Nutrition Planning and Management, Nutritional Analysis and Assessment, and a capstone project in nutrition. The program will prepare students to become Dietetic Technicians.

Purdue Global is a division of the esteemed Purdue University and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Since online learning isn’t for everyone, Purdue Global offers a risk-free, three week trial period. You’ll enroll in real classes that will apply toward the degree without paying any tuition until finishing the introductory period.

Degree Offered: B.S. in Nutrition

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2. Arizona State University

The online Bachelor of Science in Applied Nutrition and Health degree at ASU can be completed in 40 total classes and requires 120 credit hours. ASU ranks #6 in U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs” as well as #1 in “Most Innovative Schools.”

You’ll take general education courses along with classes in Applied Food Principles, Development of Healthy Cuisines, Nutrition in the Life Cycle, and more. The program offers a special track in Food Entrepreneurship for those wishing to go into business.

This B.S. will prepare you to work in a variety of nutrition jobs in the areas of food service management, food production, as well as journalism or marketing in health topics. Admission requires ACT/SAT scores, high school diploma and transcripts, an application fee, and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®).

Degree Offered: B.S. in Nutrition

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3. Texas Woman’s University

Don’t let the name fool you, Texas Woman’s University has been admitting men for over 50 years. This completion degree in Nutrition Science is for students who transfer from a community college with an Associate’s degree or a minimum of 12 semester hours and 15 hours WECM (workforce education). Students transferring from a Texas community college are assured admission.

Subjects in the curriculum covers a range of nutrition topics from community management of services, sports, as well as the general life cycle. Nutritional trends, how cultures define food, and the ecology of food and nutrition are also examined in the curriculum. General education coursework is part of this degree.

Niche considers Texas Woman’s University a “Best Value Colleges in America” as well as one of the top 25 “Best Colleges in Texas.” Forbes also names the university one of “America’s Best Value Colleges 2019.”

Degree Offered: BAAS in Nutrition

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4. Eastern Michigan University

The College of Health Sciences of Eastern Michigan University provides an online B.S. + MS in Dietetics degree which is a Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CP). You’ll complete general education courses in topics such as English, history, social and natural sciences, etc. along with your major classes (a minor is not required). The degree requires 147-credit hours for completion and is fully ACEND accredited.

Online courses include studies in:

Nutrition Therapy
Food and Culture, Community Nutrition
Integrative Medicine

You’ll also complete a practicum experience. Working with the Dietetics Clinical Coordinator, you’ll be responsible for identifying qualified preceptors for experience courses. You can learn more about the preceptor process here. On graduation, you’ll be eligible to sit for the Registration Examination for Dietitians through the Commission on Dietetics Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

You’ll need to be admitted to EMU and may need prerequisite courses prior to being admitted to the College of Health and Sciences. The college will screen references, GPA, personal statement, and overall application. You’ll also need to complete an online assessment via the Kira Talent Platform.

Degree Offered: B.S. + MS in Dietetics

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5. University of Alabama

Through the University of Alabama’s “Bama by Distance,” this is an online B.S. in Food and Nutrition for aspiring registered dietitians. Niche names the university one of the 50 “Top Public Schools in America” and U.S. News and World Report rates UA a “Best Value School” and “Best Colleges for Veterans.” The 120-credit hour, online baccalaureate is only one of three ACEND accredited online programs in the U.S.

Along with general education coursework, you’ll take Food and Nutrition classes in:

Medical Nutrition Therapy
Food Science
Nutritional Biochemistry
Quantity Food Production & Service

Additionally, you’ll take 5 science courses in areas such as anatomy and physiology, chemistry (also organic chemistry), and microbiology.

In addition to the online coursework, you’ll be expected to complete field experiences, which can be conducted in your home area under the supervision of a Registered Dietitian. While administered online, exams and tests may require a proctor, whom you’ll need to identify and have approved by the program.

Degree Offered: B.S. in Food and Nutrition

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6. Bay Path University

The American’s Women’s College at Bay Path University has an online Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Organizational Studies degree with a food science and safety concentration. Bay Path University is a private, all-woman’s school and this program may completed by women only.

Coursework includes topics in:

Foodborne microorganisms and diseases
Food processing
Healthy living
General education classes

Lab work is required for some courses and Bay Path has a special virtual labs component for online students. You’ll conduct experiments through a simulated laboratory via your computer.

This 120-credit hours degree can lead to positions in food science, research and development technology, food safety, food production management, or flavor technologist and more.

Founded in 1897, Bay Path is included in U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs” and “Most Innovative Schools” categories.

Degree Offered: B.A. in Leadership and Organizational Studies with online Certificate in Food Science and Safety

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7. University of Northern Colorado

Here’s an ACEND accredited B.S. in Dietetics distance program. This program is for students seeking their first baccalaureate degree in a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and wish to pursue licensure or registered dietitian credential. Courses will prepare you for dietetic internships or for entry-level dietetics career positions.

In addition to general education classes, you’ll study:

Behavioral sciences
Biochemical
Physiological
Influences on food accessibility and dietary intake

Additionally, studies will develop skills to assess the effect of nutrition throughout the life cycle. Nutritional subjects you’ll study include nutrition assessment, medical nutrition intervention, community nutrition, and more. On completing this bachelor’s degree, you’ll be eligible for the Verification Statement, which enables you to participate in an accredited internship, an important step toward becoming a registered dietitian.

Degree Offered: B.S. in Dietetics

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8. Kansas State University

The Global Campus of KSU offers a B.S. in Dietetics you can complete online. This is a Didactic Program in Dietetics that will culminate with the degree as well as a Verification Statement for dietetic internships.

The 120-credit hours curriculum covers general education studies and includes 41-credits in core courses. Clinical nutrition, nutrition through the life cycle, nutrition and public health, food science, basic nutrition, and others.

You’ll need to be admitted to Kansas State University Global Campus and be a pre-dietetics major. Midway through your degree plan, you’ll apply for admission to the DPD program. The DPD is highly competitive (only 115 students enrolled at any one time) and you’ll need a minimum of a 3.0 GPA to be considered. Prerequisite studies are required for DPD admission in areas such as biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, biochemistry, etc.

Niche names KSU as a “Best Colleges in America” and “Best Value Colleges in America.” U.S. News and World Report names KSU as offering a “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs” as well.

Degree Offered: B.S. in Dietetics

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9. University of Arizona

The online B.S. in Nutrition & Dietetics at the University of Arizona is one a very few ACEND accredited dietetics programs. This builds a strong foundation in nutritional biology, food science, and therapeutic diets—preparing you for careers as a Registered Dietitian (RD) or in other nutrition-related fields. The ACEND-accredited program provides a DPD Verification Statement and covers topics like

Medical nutrition therapy
Community nutrition
Food service management

You can also pursue roles in food service, health coaching, or community programs without the RD credential. Or you can continue seamlessly into the Professional Master’s in Applied Nutrition to earn both degrees in about five years.

There is no out-of-state tuition and offers discounts to active military. The University of Arizona online degrees have been ranked #11 in “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs” by U.S. News and World Report.

Degree Offered: B.S. in Nutrition & Dietetics

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10. UMass Lowell

If you’re interested in nutrition and would be interested in studies as a minor, you may want to explore the nutrition minor through the Department of Biomedical & Nutritional Sciences. You’ll need departmental authorization and show a minimum of 23 semesters hours with 9 hours of upper division courses. It’s presumed you need to be a UMass student to minor in this field.

Although the baccalaureate degree in nutrition isn’t offered online, courses for the minor are available. Studies include topics in anatomy and physiology, nutrition through the life cycle, community and human nutrition, vitamins, medical nutrition therapy, as well as obesity and weight control. Once the minor is declared, you must maintain at least a B- or better.

UMass Lowell was established in 1894 and is part of the University of Massachusetts System. The school offers 120 bachelor’s, 43 master’s and 25 doctoral degree programs. UMass has a current enrollment of over 18,000 students and has a 63% graduation rate.

Degree Offered: Minor only

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11. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University also offers an online minor in Nutritional Sciences which can be completed in 18-credit hours. You’ll be required to complete the Science of Nutrition course and five additional classes.

Coursework would include studies in Nutrition for Health, Fitness, and Sport, Nutrition in the Life Cycle, Medical Terminology, Nutrition and Chronic Disease, etc. The required course and six of the eleven elective courses are offered online.

To minor in Nutritional Sciences, you’ll need a minimum of 18 hours of specific coursework, and receive approval from an advisor. If you’re enrolled in an interdisciplinary studies degree, this minor can be used as a concentration.

Texas Tech University’s Department of Nutritional Sciences participates in the The Nutrition & Metabolic Health Initiative offering nutritional services to the Lubbock community. This initiative also conducts research, counseling and education, and student training. Texas Tech consistently receives high marks for its online bachelor’s programs from U.S. News and World Report. Niche ranks it #72 “Top Public Universities in America” as well as #201 “Best Colleges in America.”

Degree Offered: Minor only

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12. Weber State University

The undergraduate B.S. in Nutrition Education can lead to a variety of careers or graduate work. This program offers two areas of emphasis in Integrative Nutrition or Sport Nutrition.

Integrative Nutrition combines nutritional curricula with other health-supportive fields of study. Child and Family Studies, Exercise Science, Recreation, and Botany are some of the incorporated areas of study. This program will prepare students for advanced, graduate study in nutrition.

The Sport Nutrition concentration includes studies in sports and fitness nutrition, diet design and analysis, lifespan nutrition, and diet therapy, along with others. The curriculum offered meets prerequisites for many Registered Dietitian Nutritionist graduate programs.

Weber State University is one of U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.”

Degree Offered: B.S. in Nutrition Education

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Is Nutrition and Dietetics a Good Career?

Pro: Careers in nutrition and dietetics are expected to grow at a much faster rate than other jobs, with a 6% increase between 2024 and 2034. These professionals are self-employed and work in government agencies, healthcare systems, outpatient and wellness centers, as well as long-term care and assisted living facilities.

Con: Sometimes working with people with an illness or disease can be depressing. You may work with people with heart disease, cancer, obesity, or diabetes. Dietitians and nutritionists always work with people who need help in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Pro: U.S. News and World Report conducted a job satisfaction survey among nutrition professionals and ranked the career #24 in “Best Healthcare Jobs” and #88 in “Best Jobs.” If you enjoy helping people and have an interest in food, food safety, nutritional needs of adults and children, this may be the career for you.

Cons: Salaries aren’t terrific, but they’re not horrible, either. BLS.com sets the average national average for nutritionists between $48,830-$101,760, with a median salary of $73,850 per year. The Bureau’s numbers combine nutritionists’ and dietitians’ salary estimates together.

Registered Dietitians, according to PayScale, receive $51,000-$81,000 annually, with a median, national salary of $63,846 a year. You should also factor in how your earnings are influenced by other compensation, such as retirement and healthcare plans, paid time off, bonuses, and tuition reimbursement.

What is the Difference Between a Didactic Program and a Coordinated Program?

Registered Dietitians are required to be licensed and credentialed. Nutrition Science and dietitian programs follow the criteria required for the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). There are usually two programs:

The didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) provides students with the academic coursework necessary to practice dietetics; however, that is only step one. Step two requires students to participate in a 1,200-hour, supervised internship, where they gain practical experience. Students in a DPD program will receive a Verification Statement which you need to find an independent internship. Step three involves taking the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam.

The Coordinated Program (CP) offers all three steps in one program. You’ll cover the same ACEND-accredited coursework as a DPD and complete the supervised practical experience in the same degree program.

Beginning January 2024, ACEND will require registered dietitians to have graduate degrees in the field. To meet that deadline, many schools have developed accelerated BS/MS dietician programs that can be completed in five years, rather than six.

Can I Become a Nutritionist with an Online Degree?

Yes. Online B.S. and B.A. degrees in nutrition are available. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, students can also earn a master’s degree in the field. These distance education, ACEND accredited, degrees offer the same curriculum that on-campus students follow.

Nutritionists aren’t required to be licensed or certified. Some nutritionists, however, do seek certification as Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition, Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN), and Certified Dietary Manager (CDM).

Accredited Didactic Programs Dietetics (DPD) are also available online. Students who attend online DPD programs will also receive a Verification Statement which will allow them to make an application to an independent practicum.

To become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), however, earning just a bachelor’s degree is no longer enough. The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) now requires a minimum of a master’s degree to sit for the RDN credentialing exam.

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