Browse master’s degrees in nutrition online

What is an online master’s in nutrition?

A master's in nutritional science is a graduate-level program that delves deeply into the study of nutrition and its impact on human health, providing learners with a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between food, nutrients, and the human body. Coursework typically covers metabolism, dietary analysis, clinical nutrition, public health nutrition, and research methodologies. Graduates gain advanced knowledge and skills to pursue careers in clinical nutrition, research, public health, and nutrition education, among other fields. Ultimately, learners can play a crucial role in promoting healthier lifestyles and preventing nutrition-related diseases.

Online master’s in nutrition admission requirements

The admission requirements for online master’s degrees in nutritional science vary across universities, but all schools will be looking for candidates passionate about gaining skills and knowledge to prevent and solve health challenges through nutrition.

Most universities offering a master’s in nutritional science will require the following:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a GPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0

• Completed college-level coursework in biology, organic chemistry, physiology, and nutrition

• An online application

• A statement of purpose

• A professional résumé/CV

• Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate coursework

• Letters of recommendation

If you’re not quite ready to pursue a master’s in nutritional science or need additional qualifications, explore the edX on offer.

How to apply

Before applying for an online master’s degree in nutritional science at the school of your choice, research the application deadlines, tuition fees, and scholarship opportunities, and prepare your materials in following the school’s admission requirements. As you , save the requirements so you have them on file when you’re ready to apply.

What you’ll learn

When it comes to online master's in nutritional science programs, the coursework and curriculum can differ significantly from institution to institution. In addition to the core courses, some programs will have a capstone project and optional track courses that provide a pathway to earning your Registered Dietician Nutritionist (RDN) credential. Most programs will cover dietetics, nutrition science, anatomy, physiology, nutritional counseling, food and nutrition, and public health. Other courses could include:

• U.S. food laws and regulations

• Clinical nutrition

• Nutrition and gene expression

• Public health nutrition

• Nutritional genetics

• Advanced nutritional biochemistry

• Nutritional counseling and behavior change

• Leadership in the nutrition profession

• Applied statistics

or even can be an excellent entry into this exciting field, especially if you’re not quite ready to pursue a master’s but want to advance your knowledge. If you’d like to look into graduate-level studies across other disciplines, it’s worth exploring our other .

What can you do with a master’s in nutrition?

Those who graduate with a master’s in nutritional science can pursue various positions in the commercial, academic, and not-for-profit sectors. As of January 1, 2024, the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) will require students to hold a graduate degree before being eligible for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)’s examination. As a result, a master's degree will be imperative to earning this important credential and gaining entry into the profession.

Here are just some of the careers you can pursue with this degree:

• Public health nutritionist: Focuses on designing and implementing nutrition programs and policies to improve the health of communities, often in government agencies or non-profit organizations.

• Registered dietitian: Provides personalized nutrition guidance and therapy to individuals, helping them make informed dietary choices to promote health and manage medical conditions.

• Director of wellness: Oversees and manages comprehensive health and wellness programs within organizations or communities, promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being among participants.

• Health and wellness coach: Provides guidance on nutrition and lifestyle changes to help individuals achieve their health and wellness goals in corporate wellness programs, fitness centers, or private practice.

• Clinical dietitian: Works in hospitals, clinics, or private practice to provide personalized dietary advice and treatment plans for individuals with specific medical conditions.

Learn more about the different ways you can apply your education in .

Master’s in nutrition salary and job outlook

With an expected job growth of 7% between 2022 and 2032 (a faster-than-average growth rate),type: embedded-entry-inline id: Fkv0RqMMGd2bX6Rj5O9yl the employment prospects for registered dietitians (RDs) and others in the field are promising. The demand is driven by a rising need for specialized knowledge in healthcare, wellness, and nutrition-related domains; a heightened awareness of the pivotal role of diet in health management; a growing aging population seeking nutrition services; and the expanding presence of RDs in healthcare establishments. Consequently, RDs can expect sustained demand for their expertise across a broad spectrum of healthcare, community, and corporate environments.

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