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Master’s in nutrition programs

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

Explore online nutrition master’s programs

Why earn an online master's in nutrition?

Earn higher salaries

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

Qualify for certification

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

Expand career opportunities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Community nutrition education
  • Gerontological nutrition
  • Pediatric nutrition
  • Weight management

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

Admissions requirements for an online master's in nutrition

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

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

  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Biochemistry or organic chemistry
  • Food science
  • Microbiology

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

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

Frequently asked questions