Earning a Master’s in nutrition online will provide you with several opportunities in multiple industries. Several popular colleges and universities offer nutrition degree programs to students who are interested in working in industries that are food or supplement related. A Master’s in nutrition online teaches students the nutritional values of food, how to create nutritional sound meals and menu plans, as well as how to formulate supplements. A Master’s also offers students an opportunity to advance into supervisory or management roles in either of the chosen industries.
An online Master’s in Nutrition program offers students the ability to earn experience while they are earning their degree. A Master’s in nutrition online not only teaches students about the nutritional values of foods, but also how those values relate to good health and the physiological needs of the human body. Being able to use this knowledge in a real-life setting, such as on the job training, will enhance the student’s ability to learn. With an online degree program, students are able to pursue their dreams and take care of their obligations at the same time.
Our Method: Ranking the Best Online Nutrition Master’s Programs
Working professionals in nutrition may find that an online master’s program helps them increase their salary and expand their career, but the choice can be difficult. Best Health Degrees has ranked the best online nutrition master’s programs according to three factors: Alumni Salary, Cost, and Student Satisfaction, using data from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and Niche. Only accredited, reputable programs were considered.
1. CSU Global
The MS in Food Science and Nutrition from CSU Global is one of the best online masters in nutrition for students who want to advance in their careers. The degree program teaches students the fundamental skills they need to work in a leadership role. It also takes a holistic approach to nutrition and allows students to explore the impact of human behavior on nutrition and diet.
CSU Global offers a master’s program that is designed around the needs of registered dietitians and individuals with DPD verification. Since the degree program works around the needs of professionals who may have limited time, it provides a flexible solution to help reduce the challenges associated with attending traditional classes on-campus. The online design works with adult students who have obligations and complications that limit their availability.
Highlight: CSU Global collaborates with other universities to give students a well-rounded view of nutrition science and related topics.
Degree: MS in Food Science and Nutrition
Learn more about this nutrition master’s at the program site!
2. University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin offers one of the best online nutrition master’s programs for students. The MS in Nutritional Science program combines scientific research and studies with human behavior to ensure that students are ready to work in a leadership role. It gives students a strong foundation in the way human behavior impacts nutrition. It helps students combine science with the human element that gives them the ability to work in a clinical environment.
The University of Texas at Austin takes a holistic approach to nutrition studies. It gives students a strong foundation in leadership and communication, as well as science and nutrition research. The emphasis on an interdisciplinary approach within the online degree program ensures that students are able to work in a variety of environments and career opportunities.
Highlight: The University of Texas at Austin offers two concentrations for students who want to study nutrition.
Degree: MS in Nutritional Science
Learn more about this nutrition master’s at the program site!
3. University of Wisconsin
The University of Wisconsin offers one of the best online master’s in nutrition programs for students who want to work in a clinical environment. The MS in Clinical Nutrition emphasizes the impact of food and nutrition on health outcomes and prepares students to work with professional doctors, nurses, and medical staff to help patients find effective ways to address health concerns or diseases. The online degree program gives students the skills they need to work with patients in a medical facility.
The University of Wisconsin emphasizes flexibility in the online nutrition degree program. It allows students to work at their own pace and take full-time or part-time classes as it works around their schedules. That flexibility ensures that students are able to keep up with their course materials while they are working on a degree. It also allows students to keep up with personal and professional obligations.
Highlight: The University of Wisconsin is rated as third best online nutrition program by Best Schools.
Degree: MS in Clinical Nutrition
Learn more about this nutrition master’s at the program site!
4. University of Illinois at Urban-Champaign
The University of Illinois at Urban-Champaign offers an MS in Food Science that focuses on the research aspects of food and nutrition. The degree program provides students with the opportunity to participate in world-class research into nutrition while also providing the flexibility of online courses. It gives students the opportunity to develop useful skills and to engage in innovative solutions for long-term goals.
The University of Illinois at Urban-Champaign stands apart from other programs by offering two concentrations for students in the nutrition program. Students are able to choose between human nutrition and food science as a concentration when working on a degree. That allows students to focus on a specialized area of food science when working on their studies.
Highlight: The University of Illinois at Urban-Champaign offers financial assistance through fellowships and assistantships to help graduate students with the costs of a degree.
Degree: MS in Food Science
Learn more about this nutrition master’s at the program site!
5. North Carolina State University
The Master of Nutrition from North Carolina State University is one of the best online masters in nutrition programs for students who want to work as a nutritionist or a similar profession. The degree program emphasizes the role of science in nutrition and encourages students to learn more about different scientific studies related to food and diet. It also gives students the opportunity to develop effective communication skills that may help with the process of advancing in a career.
North Carolina State University focuses on providing a flexible education for professionals and students who have personal obligations. The degree program recognizes that professionals may need to work around a complicated schedule and it allows students to work at their own pace. That flexible approach to education allows individuals who are working in a nutrition field to continue with their responsibilities while taking measures to advance in a career.
Highlight: North Carolina State University requires students to take an internship or to complete six credits of a directed practicum to graduate.
Degree: Master of Nutrition
Learn more about this nutrition master’s at the program site!
6. University of Georgia
The MS in Foods and Nutrition from the University of Georgia is one of the best online nutrition masters programs for students who want to focus on developing critical thinking skills and practical skills. The degree program emphasizes the process of thinking outside the box and innovative solutions to address research concerns. It gives students the opportunity to explore new ideas and focus on identifying solutions for their goals.
The University of Georgia offers an online degree program that is designed around the needs of working adults. It provides a flexible schedule to help students keep up with course material while they are working in a professional setting. It also encourages students to learn the leadership skills they need to improve their situation in a current work environment.
Highlight: The University of Georgia is SACSCOC accredited and meets the standards of the accreditation body for education.
Degree: MS in Foods and Nutrition
Learn more about this nutrition master’s at the program site!
7. Iowa State University
Iowa State University offers a Master of Family and Consumer Sciences with Dietetics degree program for students who want to work at an advanced level in their careers. The online degree program emphasizes independent thought in research and prepares students to take on active roles in a research environment through a thorough understanding of the scientific method. It also gives students a strong foundation in the way that family environments and consumer behavior may influence nutrition.
Iowa State University uses up-to-date information and research to help students keep up with modern requirements for their degrees. The program emphasizes science and research as an essential part of nutrition science and dietetics. It recognizes the value of human behavior in nutrition and provides students with a strong foundation to help with their long-term goals.
Highlight: Iowa State University requires students to be registered dietitians or to qualify for the examinations to become a registered dietitian to qualify for the online program.
Degree: Master of Family and Consumer Sciences with Dietetics
Learn more about this nutrition master’s at the program site!
8. Auburn University
Auburn University offers an MS in Nutrition online for students who want to advance in dietetics or nutrition-related careers. The online degree program emphasizes the importance of effective communication and offers discussion boards to help students connect with faculty and peers. It also provides a simple online format for lectures and course materials to make the process of obtaining a degree as easy as possible for working adults.
Auburn University does not require specialized technology for students to access online course material. The degree program is designed with a simple format that allows students to work with most laptops and computers when accessing lectures and materials. By focusing on a simple and low-tech strategy, it gives students a user-friendly solution to help with studies.
Highlight: Auburn University requires students to complete a five-credit non-thesis research project as part of the online degree program.
Degree: MS in Nutrition
Learn more about this nutrition master’s at the program site!
9. UMass Amherst
The online MS in Nutrition from UMass Amherst prepares students for the challenges of working in a fast-paced research environment. It gives students a strong foundation in nutrition research and science that they can apply to a career in food safety, pharmaceuticals, food corporations, or a variety of industries. Students are able to handle research or to work in a clinical setting when they finish the online degree program.
UMass Amherst emphasizes the importance of nutrition research in scientific fields. It gives students a strong foundation in the scientific method to ensure that students are able to apply their skills to a variety of settings and environments. The fully online program also offers a flexible strategy to ensure that students are not missing important lectures or classes by using an asynchronous course strategy.
Highlight: UMass Amherst is NEASC and CEPH accredited, so it meets the high standards of two accreditation bodies for student education.
Degree: MS in Nutrition
Learn more about this nutrition master’s at the program site!
10. George Washington University
George Washington University offers an MSHS in Integrative Medicine that allows students to obtain the skills they need in nutrition studies to advance in their careers. The degree program prepares students who complete the concentration in nutrition to sit for the Certified Nutrition Specialist exam and to complete professional designations to improve personal qualifications.
George Washington University emphasizes nutrition as it applies to integrative medicine and the medical industry. It provides the education students need to work with doctors, nurses, and other professionals to address patient needs in a medical environment. By ensuring that students understand the nutritional aspects of health and well-being, it gives students the opportunity to help patients in a variety of settings and situations.
Highlight: George Washington University offers a physician fellowship to students who qualify for assistance.
Degree: MSHS in Integrative Medicine
Learn more about this nutrition master’s at the program site!
11. University of Alabama
The University of Alabama offers an online MS in Human Nutrition that emphasizes research in nutrition science as well as up-to-date knowledge of good nutrition and diet. It prepares students to work in a variety of environments, including clinical work and research work. The goal of the program is to give students the critical thinking skills they need to develop creative solutions to current nutritional concerns.
The University of Alabama stands apart by allowing students to customize their education. The online degree program offers three different tracks for student education: generalist, clinical nutrition, and community nutrition. By selecting a custom track for student education, it is possible to focus on a specific goal and to work toward specific career opportunities.
Highlight: The University of Alabama is ranked among the top ten universities for online nutrition master’s degrees by Best Schools.
Degree: MS in Human Nutrition
Learn more about this nutrition master’s at the program site!
12. Mississippi State University
The MS in Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion from Mississippi State University prepares students for the challenges of working in a nutritional field. The degree program emphasizes the importance of biology and chemistry in food science, as well as the ways that nutrition may impact the health of individuals. The degree program recognizes the impact of nutrition on disease and physical health, so it teaches students effective ways to reduce risks and promote better health through proper nutrition.
Mississippi State University encourages students to develop skills that allow them to work in the healthcare industry. The degree program emphasizes clinical work and recognizes that students may need to evaluate, assess, and implement health promotion programs in a variety of environments and settings. That focus on improving health promotion ensures that students are prepared to handle a fast-paced environment that works around a variety of communities or groups.
Highlight: Mississippi State University provides the education required for students to qualify to obtain a Certified Health Education Specialist license.
Degree: MS in Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion
Learn more about this nutrition master’s at the program site!
13. Stony Brook University
The MS in Nutrition from Stony Brook University is a fully online degree program that emphasizes nutrition as it applies to clinical work and medicine. The degree program recognizes the importance of diet and nutrition on health outcomes and offers students a strong foundation in nutrition science to ensure they are ready to work in a clinical setting.
Stony Brook University offers three concentrations to students in the nutrition program. Students are able to focus on integrative nutrition therapy, advanced nutrition therapy and critical care, or sustainable food systems and health. The ability to focus on a specialized area of nutrition studies ensures that students are ready to work in specific industries and positions.
Highlight: Stony Brook University does not prepare students for the exam to become a registered dietitian.
Degree: MS in Nutrition
Learn more about this nutrition master’s at the program site!
14. Tufts University
Tufts University offers a Master of Nutrition Science and Policy degree for students who want to work in a nutrition-related field. The emphasis on nutrition policy allows students to prepare for a career in food safety or government positions. The degree also emphasizes the sciences behind nutrition and the way that biology and chemistry may impact nutrition research and studies.
Tufts University takes an interdisciplinary approach to nutrition studies and ensures that students understand the different factors that may influence health outcomes. It recognizes that nutrition is complex, so it teaches students about human behavior, science, and consumer activities to prepare for a variety of different career opportunities.
Highlight: Tufts University works with professionals and schools from other nations to give students a diverse perspective on nutrition science.
Degree: Master of Nutrition Science and Policy
Learn more about this nutrition master’s at the program site!
15. University of Kentucky
The MS in Applied Nutrition & Culinary Medicine from the University of Kentucky is one of the best online masters in nutrition for students who want to work in a clinical field or who plan to work in entrepreneurial roles as it relates to nutrition. The degree program takes an evidence-based approach to student education and ensures that students are able to handle the challenges of working with patients in a clinical environment.
The University of Kentucky stands out by emphasizing the role of nutrition in medicine and health. The degree program emphasizes the impact of diet on good health and it uses science and research to back up claims about nutrition and health. It also works within the medical industry to ensure that students are able to integrate nutrition into medical services for patients.
Highlight: The University of Kentucky offers scholarships and need-based assistance to students who qualify for financial aid.
Degree: MS in Applied Nutrition & Culinary Medicine
Learn more about this nutrition master’s at the program site!
Are Online or Campus Nutrition Master’s Programs Better?
The choice between an online Master’s in nutrition program and one that a student attends on campus will depend on your individual needs. Campus programs offer a more stable and structured educational environment. Students have face to face connections with faculty members as well as school resources. This includes mentorships and employment opportunities that are provided solely to on-campus students. An on-campus learning environment is the better choice for students who need a structured setting that keeps them accountable for their work.
A Master’s in Nutrition online program gives students a chance to not only earn their degree at their own pace, but also to continue working while they are finishing their education. Students who have families to support and bills to pay just can’t stop working if they choose to go back to school. Instead, they have to look for other options that will allow them to earn their degree while they work. Taking an online degree program also allows the student to study when it’s most convenient for them. Schedules are more flexible, allowing students to study at different times each day.
What Are Some Master in Nutrition Jobs?
Jobs for Master’s in nutrition jobs can span several industries. In the healthcare field, dietitians are in high demand, especially when it comes to creating nutritional meal plans for children and adults who are in hospitals or other medical facilities. Dietitians also work with the food industry to create balanced meals for restaurants to serve to their customers. This applies to schools and other large facilities that offer meals to their employees or customers. Dietitians also work to build diet plans that are specific to certain diseases and illnesses, such as diabetes, Crohn’s Disease, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Graduates who earn a Master’s in Nutrition degree can also work as nutritionists in several capacities. Weight loss consultants often work with fitness centers and companies that produce weight loss products. They can create healthy meal plans that provide the nutritional support a person needs without the extra calories they don’t. Sports nutritionists work with athletes to help them reach their fitness goals. Holistic nutritionists can help individuals who want to eliminate unhealthy foods from their diet, while adding specific foods (or eliminating them). A good example of this is someone who wants to live a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.
How Much Can I Make with a Master’s in Nutrition?
Dietitians who have earned their Master’s of Science in Nutrition degree can have a pay range of $52,000 to $56,000 a year on average. This amount will be determined primarily by your years of experience as well as your GPA if you are starting right out of college. A registered dietitian can make as much as $56,000 a year if they have additional experience to bring to the table. Dietitians and Clinical Dietitians range between $52,000 and $54,000 a year, again, depending on their experience and their grades. With diabetes being one of the most common diseases in America, a Certified Diabetes Educator can make as much as $65,000 a year with the right resume.
Related Rankings:
25 Best Master’s in Nutrition Programs