Professionals in both fields offer dietary advice to clients. However, states use different requirements, such as education and experience requirements, in regulating these professions.
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Dietitians and nutritionists help clients develop healthy eating habits through one-on-one consultations and personalized diet plans. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the demand for these professionals to grow 8% between 2019-2029, double the median projected growth rate for all U.S. jobs.
The BLS reports that dietitians and nutritionists earn a median annual salary of $61,270. Professionals who work at outpatient care centers earn more than their peers who work at hospitals, government agencies, and residential care facilities. Workers can increase their salary potential by becoming a certified nutrition specialist.
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Aspiring dieticians and nutritionists can start their careers by earning a nutritional science degree. An online nutrition science program gives students the flexibility to balance their studies with personal and professional obligations.
This guide ranks the best online bachelor’s in nutritional science programs. It also covers information on professional organizations and scholarships for nutritional science students.
See Our Rankings MethodologyRank | School | Avg Net Price |
---|---|---|
1 | University of Arizona | $15594 |
2 | Kansas State University | $18002 |
3 | Arizona State University | $14166 |
4 | The University of Alabama | $20465 |
5 | Eastern Michigan University | $15687 |
Professionals in both fields offer dietary advice to clients. However, states use different requirements, such as education and experience requirements, in regulating these professions.
Individuals typically need a nutritional science degree to work as nutritional scientists. They also need to meet their state’s licensure requirements, if applicable.
Graduates with a bachelor’s in nutrition can work as nutritionists and registered dieticians. These professionals help clients make better dietary and lifestyle choices.
Nutrition science professionals make a median annual salary of $61,270. Professionals in California, Alaska, and Massachusetts typically earn more than their peers in other states.
Tucson, AZ
$$$$$
Founded in 1885, UArizona grants degrees from its Tucson campus and through its online program. The school offers a bachelor's degree in nutritional sciences online through its nutritional sciences program. Curriculum offers an interdisciplinary focus to learning about food, nutritional therapies, and human wellness. The school's bachelor of science in nutritional sciences offers concentrations in dietetics or nutrition. In the dietetics option, learners prepare for the registered dietitian nutritionist exam. Coursework covers topics in community nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, nutrition counseling, and food service management. Online learners can also pursue an internship to gain hands-on experience. The nutrition option at UArizona lets online learners customize their degree with electives in allied health fields or food service management. Prospective UArizona students submit an online application and official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. The dietetics option at UArizona holds programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Manhattan, KS
$$$$$
A public institution in Manhattan, Kansas State University dates back to 1863. At K-State, online learners can earn a bachelor's degree in nutrition and health. The program trains health nutritionists for roles in community programs. Graduates also learn to educate people on healthy dietary choices and conduct research related to nutrition and health. K-State reports a strong record for graduates pursuing graduate programs in public health or allied health fields. K-State's 120-credit online nutrition degree includes coursework in human nutrition, the science of food, and nutritional assessment. Learners also study public health nutrition and choose from electives, such as personal wellness, clinical nutrition, and administration of healthcare organizations. Prospective K-State students need a minimum 2.0 GPA to gain admission. Applicants with fewer than 24 transfer credits must provide ACT or SAT scores. The program does not meet the requirements for the registered dietician nutritionist title, but K-State also offers an online bachelor's in dietetics for students pursuing the credential. Kansas State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Scottsdale, AZ
$$$$$
One of the nation's largest online colleges, ASU offers several online bachelor's degrees, including an online bachelor of science in nutrition for students pursuing careers in food production, service management, and other health and wellness careers. The program emphasizes strong communication and marketing skills in the health and nutrition field. At ASU, nutrition majors can choose a food entrepreneurship track to build their understanding of the food industry and learn to manage food. The program also trains degree-seekers in developing recipes and menus to meet nutritional needs and run food-related businesses. While the online nutrition program does not meet the guidelines to become a registered dietician or dietician nutritionist, ASU's on-campus dietetics degree offers a pathway to both credentials. Prospective students should hold a minimum 2.5 GPA for admission, or a 2.0 for Arizona residents with an associate degree. ASU offers a tuition discount for Arizona residents. Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuscaloosa, AL
$$$$$
A public institution in Tuscaloosa, UA dates back to 1820. The school offers an online bachelor's degree in food and nutrition, preparing students for registered dietician careers. The program blends science with training in health education and human nutrition. The curriculum emphasizes the relationship between nutrition and human health through a flexible online format. Designed for working adults, the 120-credit online nutrition degree includes 56 credits of major coursework, including classes in dietetics, food science, and community nutrition. The program's science focus trains majors in nutritional biochemistry and nutrition at the cellular level. Graduates with a nutrition degree work in medical centers, public health settings, and community agencies. Prospective students should hold a minimum 2.0 GPA to gain admission. Applicants with more than 24 transfer credits do not need to submit standardized test scores. UA's food and nutrition program holds programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). University of Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Ypsilanti, MI
$$$$$
A public institution in Ypsilanti, EMU dates back to 1849. EMU offers an online bachelor's degree in dietetics for students seeking a registered dietician credential. The online program teaches students how food and nutrition affect the body, while cultivating the skills necessary for helping future patients make healthy dietary choices. At EMU, dietetics majors can complete their coursework through an online learning format. The curriculum includes coursework in nutrition therapy, food service systems management, and nutrition of the life cycle. Degree-seekers also study community nutrition and integrative medicine. Graduates pursue careers in hospitals, specialized healthcare settings, and insurance companies. Government programs also hire professionals with a dietetics degree. EMU also offers an online master's degree in human nutrition. Out-of-state students taking online courses at EMU pay in-state tuition rates. The dietetics program holds programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Eastern Michigan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
A bachelor’s in nutritional science degree typically covers STEM topics, including organic chemistry and biochemistry. They also cover topics like nutrition and metabolism, nutritional anthropology, and nutrition research.
Many online nutrition science programs offer specializations in areas like dietetics and sports nutrition. These specializations can help students prepare for specific career paths after graduation.
A nutritional science degree offers many benefits, several of which we outline below.
Admission requirements for nutritional science bachelor’s programs vary by school. Applicants typically must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and submit transcripts. They may also need to submit recommendation letters, a resume, an essay, and/or standardized test scores.
Once admitted, students must complete general education and major courses. They may also need to complete an internship or practicum and/or a capstone course during their final semester. Many schools require students to maintain a certain GPA to graduate.
Professional organizations help nutritional science degree-seekers research careers, explore state licensure and certification requirements, and network with experienced professionals nationwide. Other benefits include access to publications and professional development courses.
Students pursuing an online nutrition science degree can apply for scholarships to help offset the cost of their degree. Unlike loans, scholarships do not require repayment, making them ideal forms of financial aid. The following list outlines several scholarship opportunities for nutrition science students.
Who Can Apply: First-generation college students majoring in a STEM field with a minimum 3.5 GPA can apply for the scholarship. The scholarship committee does not require but highly recommends that applicants submit one teacher recommendation letter.
Amount: Up to $5,000
Who Can Apply: High school seniors or undergraduates with a minimum 3.75 GPA can apply to this competitive scholarship opportunity. Degree-seekers must major in a STEM field, take courses full time, and possess at least a 1290 SAT score or 28 ACT score.
Amount: Up to $5,000
Who Can Apply: The Vegetarian Resource Group awards three scholarships to graduating high school seniors who promote vegetarianism in their school or community. Application materials include high school transcripts, an essay, and three recommendation letters. Applicants must also submit supporting documents detailing their involvement in promoting vegetarianism.
Amount: $5,000-$10,000
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