Two online degree programs pave the way to a career as a Nutritionist. Aspiring nutritionists have the option of earning a Bachelor in Nutritional Sciences or a Bachelor in Dietetics. A Nutritional Sciences degree takes a broad approach to nutrition, giving students an understanding of the platforms of food and health. Common jobs in nutrition include Food and Nutrition Management, Public Health Nutrition, and Private Consulting. A dietetics degree targets nutrition certification. Its goal is to prepare students to gain the credentials required for science and research-based positions. Common job titles in dietetics include Renal Dietitian, Sports Dietitian, and Pediatric Dietitian.
Why get a nutrition degree online instead of other degrees? Nutrition and diet are always relevant topics in contemporary society because of their impact on physical and mental health. As such, nutritionists and dietitians play crucial roles in society’s quest for healthy populations.
These roles have been highlighted in light of the coronavirus pandemic, not just in the US but worldwide. In addition to perennial concerns and difficulties nutritionists face in helping others achieve stable and good health through good nutrition, the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic has impacted nutrition worldwide. Because normal ways of getting a healthy, balanced diet have been limited because of institutional closures and social distancing, nutritionists are picking up the slack more and more through nutrition education for those at home. Food scarcity and a lack of food security are two major effects of the pandemic. Nutritionists are being called on to act creatively and decisively in coming up with ways for those with limited nutritional resources to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Why a nutrition or dietary degree online instead of an on-campus program? Even without a worldwide pandemic, the benefits of an online undergraduate program cannot be overemphasized. These include high-quality instruction and curriculum comparable, if not the same, as on-campus programs; convenient, self-paced learning environment; and the opportunity to enjoy experiential learning.
Of course, it’s important to choose from among the best online dietitian programs if you want to enjoy all of these benefits. Beware as there are numerous websites that offer undergraduate nutrition and dietitian degree programs without the appropriate accreditation, instruction quality and tuition support.
QUICK LINKS
Best Online Schools for Bachelor of Nutrition Degrees
METHODOLOGY: At OnlineSchoolsCenter.com we strive to bring you the most up-to-date information available to those seeking a career in the field of Nutrition or Dietetics. Through an awesome career in this field, you have the opportunity to change someone’s life, teach them proper nutritional value, and benefit many from your knowledge of good health practice through the skills obtained in an online Bachelor of Nutrition degree program. As you seek a Bachelor’s in Nutrition and Dietetics online degree program, please keep in mind that this list was composed, in no particular order, according to the following criteria:
- Displays regionally accredited online Nutrition degrees,
- Offers an established Online Bachelor in Nutrition or a Bachelor in Dietetics degree program or their equivalents,
- 100% Online or Hybrid availability of coursework,
- Has retention rates (a sign of student satisfaction) of no less than 70% in an online Dietician degree or Nutritionist degree online program,
- Offers the same dynamic coursework experience as the traditional on-campus experience,
- Provides a comprehensive education in an online Nutrition and Dietetics program, such as needed in research, evaluations, preparation for certifications and exams,
- Explores nutritional pharmacology, digestion, as well as absorption and metabolism,
- Provides internship opportunities in Nutrition and Dietetics, where applicable, as well as a capstone project displaying your knowledge and skills learned through an online Nutrition degree program,
- It helps students learn management skills as a Nutritionist or Dietitian, along with administrative and ethical practices.
To learn more, please see our Methodology page.
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UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO
Online BS in Dietetics or DPD-Only
Program Standouts:
The University of Northern Colorado provides distance education students with an online program in dietetics that is offered as either an undergraduate degree or a Didactic Dietetics Education Certificate Program, depending on individuals’ academic and career goals. The curriculum strictly adheres to the principles and guidelines set forth by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and therefore gives students only the most relevant and up-to-date information available today. This online program is identical to its on-campus counterpart but allows more flexibility and personalization to accommodate professional and personal schedules. The focus of this online degree is to train students for internships and entry-level positions of employment.
Students pursuing either the bachelor’s degree or the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) must complete all 30 DPD courses. These are nutrition classes online accredited by HLC that students will find to their advantage, learning-wise.
Students are also required to maintain C or better grades (or a cumulative GPA of 3.0) to earn their Verification Statement. Said statement is a requirement for eligibility to the internship program that, in turn, is a must for dietetic registration.
Campus Location: Greeley, CO
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Accreditation Commission for Dietetics and Nutrition Education
Sampling of Coursework:
- Medical Nutrition Intervention
- Management of Organizations
- Foodservice Systems Management
Acceptance Rate: 89.1%
Retention Rate: 71%
Graduation Rate: 46.7%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO’S ONLINE DIETETICS DEGREE
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RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
Bs in Nutrition & Dietetics Online Program
Program Standouts:
Rutgers University is a prestigious, popular, and highly successful American educational institution, wherein the online school offers a Bachelor degree in Nutrition and Dietetics online with various pathways to completion. The program is designed to accommodate students who have previous degrees, experience in Nutrition and Dietetics, or who are dietetic technicians registered. The curriculum includes both lecture-based and clinical approaches to education in the field of nutrition, and students who complete the degree are ideally suited to sit for the Credentialing Examination for Dietitian Nutritionists. The flexible coursework is accommodating of working schedules and is intended to make immediate changes to students’ skills and knowledge of the practice.
The credit requirements for Rutgers’ online BSc nutrition degree ranges from 42 to 58 credits. Depending on your status – full-time or part-time – you can complete the degree in two to three years. Aside from academic coursework, you must complete 1,200 hours of supervised clinical exposure in your local area.
The graduate outcome for this BSc food and nutrition distance learning program is quite impressive, too. Graduates not only have an 80% pass rate on CDR’s RDN exam on their first attempt but also find viable employment within the first year.
Campus Location: Newark, NJ
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Program Options:
- Second Bachelor’s Degree Program Option
- Second Bachelor’s Degree Program for NDTR
- Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics Joint Degree
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Retention Rate: 93%
Graduation Rate: 80%
LEARN MORE ABOUT RUTGERS UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS DEGREE PROGRAM
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PURDUE UNIVERSITY GLOBAL
BS Degree in Nutrition ONline
Program Standouts:
There are outstanding advantages to completing a Bachelor in Nutrition degree with Purdue University Global. This online school allows students to simultaneously complete one of several accelerated masters degrees alongside their undergraduate coursework, such as Health Informatics, Public Health, or Health Education. There are start dates throughout the school year, so students don’t have to feel pressure to begin their degree at any one specific time. Graduates of this online program will have the skills and knowledge to sit for any certification examination in the nutrition industry, such as the Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition, the Certified Clinical Nutritionist, or the Certified Dietary Manager exams.
Other reasons that make Purdue’s program among the best online nutrition degree programs are its manageable course effort and lengths as well as affordable tuition. The 10-week terms and 15-18 hours per week of recommended course effort fits in well with traditional students and working professionals. The $371 per credit cost is reasonable and it can be further reduced through financial aid, such as Title IV federal aid, military discounts and corporate partner benefits.
Students who want to earn Purdue’s online school nutrition degree must complete an original capstone project. The university also provides students with an internship option counted as an elective.
Campus Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - National Association of Nutrition Professionals
Sampling of Coursework:
- Food Safety and Microbiology
- Nutritional Analysis and Assessment
- Nutrition Planning and Management
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 26%
Graduation Rate: 33%
LEARN MORE ABOUT PURDUE UNIVERSITY GLOBAL’S ONLINE BACHELOR’S OF NUTRITION PROGRAM
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THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA ONLINE
Online BS in Nutritional Science Degree
Program Standouts:
The University of Arizona Online Bachelor in Nutritional Sciences is one of the few fully accredited undergraduate distance education programs in dietetics in the country. Students of this major have the option to focus their coursework in one of two emphasis areas: Nutrition or Dietetics. The Nutrition Emphasis provides a broader approach to the discipline and is an excellent foundation for careers in food and health or to enter into graduate degrees. The Dietetics Emphasis is more focused on training students to complete the examination and become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, which prepares them for careers that require certification. Graduates have gone on to work in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, health and wellness centers, and more.
Regardless of the chosen concentration, students of the University of Arizona online nutrition and dietetics program must complete 120 credits for graduation. The tuition is $525 per credit, which initially seems expensive for a public research university but financial aid is available.
Students in one of the best online bachelors in nutrition and dietetics programs build a wide range of useful core skills. These include medical nutrition, nutrition assessment and counselling, and therapeutic diets. The acquisition of these skills as part of the bachelor of nutrition online program results in a competitive edge in several areas including clinical dietetics, food and nutritional management, and education and research.
Campus Location: Tucson, AZ
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Program Options:
- Nutrition
- Dietetics
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Retention Rate: 68%
Graduation Rate: 43%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA ONLINE’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (BS) IN NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES DEGREE
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EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Dietetics Distance Learning Degree Program
Program Standouts:
Eastern Michigan University’s online Bachelor in Dietetics is a well-accredited degree that includes a registered dietitian credential upon completion of the coursework. Students are deeply engaged in experiential learning programs and projects in community-based environments. The curriculum consists of a broad and diverse array of classes and real-world experiences that prepare students for numerous positions of employment in the field of nutrition. Graduates of the Coordinated Program in Dietetics have gone on to work in hospitals, specialized healthcare facilities, long-term care facilities, and insurance companies. Students of EMU have an excellent opportunity to enter into the Master in Dietetics program after finishing their undergraduate coursework.
While the acceptance rate into EMU’s nutrition bachelor degree online program is fairly high, applicants still undergo a stringent admissions process. Applicants must have at least 3.0 GPA, both cumulative and on their pre-application phase courses, as well as submit reference forms and a personal statement.
An online assessment and committee input are also required. Students admitted to the online nutrition degree program must also maintain at least 2.0 cumulative GPA for graduation purposes. If a student fails to do so, his or her place in the program may be revoked.
Campus Location: Ypsilanti, MI
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Sampling of Coursework:
- Nutrient Metabolism: Macronutrients
- Nutrition Therapy
- Foodservice Systems Management
Acceptance Rate: 44.7%
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 39%
LEARN MORE ABOUT EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR IN DIETETICS
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ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
Online BS in Nutrition
Program Standouts:
Arizona State University’s online Bachelor in Nutrition is not only an accelerated undergraduate degree, but it is also offered at one of the lowest tuition rates in the nation. Students complete their coursework over 7.5-week terms, which is faster than most other accelerated programs, and pay about $130 per credit hour, a price that is rarely rivaled at other online schools. The curriculum allows students to choose one of three exciting concentration options to further specialize their knowledge of the discipline. Graduates have gone on to fill a wide variety of roles in both nutrition and business. U.S. News and World Report revers this online school as one of the most innovative and excellent distance education institutions available.
ASU’s BSc nutritional science distance learning program is unique in that it’s a platform for budding food and nutrition entrepreneurs. Here, they can gain vital knowledge and skills in finding innovative solutions to the current issues in their field. These skills include business and entrepreneurship; food manufacturing, marketing and service management; and media and communication. The combination of academic and experiential learning opportunities strengthens their leadership capacity, too.
But it’s a competitive BS Nutrition Science online program, too, with freshmen applicants required to complete core curriculum courses in high school. Applicants must also be in the top 25% of their high school graduating class, have at least a 3.0 GPA in competency courses, and a minimum standardized test score.
Campus Location: Tempe, AZ
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Program Options:
- Food and Nutrition Management
- Nutrition Communication
- Food Studies
Acceptance Rate: 84.1%
Retention Rate: 87%
Graduation Rate: 65.4%
LEARN MORE ABOUT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NUTRITION DEGREE PROGRAM
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K-STATE GLOBAL CAMPUS
Bachelor in Nutrition and Health Online Degree Program
Program Standouts:
Kansas State University Global Campus online Bachelor of Nutrition and Health is one of the most affordable online degrees of its kind in America. Offered through the College of Human Ecology’s Department of Nutrition, this curriculum includes in-depth research on the myriad of effects of good and bad nutrition on the human body and psyche. The coursework is well-suited to students who either want to earn the certification to enter into public health positions of employment or prominent master’s programs in health sciences. The program is also perfect for students who are pursuing more specific career paths, such as dental, nursing, health information management, and others.
Among the reasons for its inclusion in the best online nutrition programs is its affordable tuition. Online students pay an undergraduate base tuition of $292.65 per credit hour while military servicemen pay a reduced rate of $250 per credit hour. Not only are these rates among the most affordable but K-State also offers financial aid packages.
Many of K-State’s best accredited online nutrition courses are also geared toward students earning its topnotch dietetics bachelor’s degree. Completion is a step toward becoming a registered dietitian.
Campus Location: Manhattan, KS
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Food and Health: Safety, Allergies, and Intolerances
- Nutrient Metabolism
- Life Span Nutrition
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Retention Rate: 85.8%
Graduation Rate: 41.6%
LEARN MORE ABOUT K-STATE GLOBAL CAMPUS’ ONLINE BACHELOR IN NUTRITION AND HEALTH PROGRAM
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UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA’S
BAMA BY DISTANCE
Online Food & Nutrition Bachelor’s Degree Program
Program Standouts:
The University of Alabama’s online school—Bama By Distance—offers a Bachelor in Food and Nutrition that is one of the only distance education degrees of its kind in the country that is accredited by the ACEND, and provides a curriculum that is based on the guiding principles of the agency. The coursework is designed to adapt perfectly to working adults’ busy schedules and is also an excellent foundation for certification as a dietitian. Alumni of this program go on to work in medical centers, community agencies, consulting firms, hospitals, and other distinctive areas of employment. Students of this major gain an in-depth understanding of the correlation between proper diet and the health of individual clients.
Bama’s program is considered among the best online nutrition degree programs by working professionals because of its affordable tuition and rolling applications. Graduates are more than prepared to become registered dietitians, too, with most of them finding work soon after gaining their license.
The accredited nutrition courses distance learning curriculum includes 120 credit hours. These comprise 44 hours of general education courses, 59 hours of major subjects, and 20 hours of science subjects.
Campus Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Sampling of Coursework:
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Purchasing, Design, and Risk Management in Food Service Systems
- Experimental and Functional Food Science
Acceptance Rate: 53%
Retention Rate: 87%
Graduation Rate: 53%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA’S ONLINE FOOD AND NUTRITION DEGREE
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These eight online schools each provide students with excellent opportunities in Nutritional Science or Dietetics. For applicable positions and certifications, the curricula give students all of the necessary knowledge to pass a certification examination in the field. There are excellent dietetics and nutrition science degree online programs available for either those who already have previous experience in nutrition or for newcomers to the discipline. Earning a degree in nutrition or dietetics provides graduates with an excellent foundation upon which to start a gratifying and stable career in the field of health and wellness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between nutrition and dietetics?
As nutritionists and dietitians are both considered to be essential professionals in the healthcare field, there are numerous differences and similarities between the two titles. Perhaps, the main distinction between the two is that the role of a Registered Dietitian (RD) is more strictly regulated and requires a certification for practice.
There’s also another way of looking at the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian. In US states where the term “nutritionist” isn’t regulated, you don’t necessarily need an online college nutrition degree to call yourself as such. But keep in mind, nonetheless, that a nutrition degree will establish your credibility.
But calling yourself a registered dietitian requires national certification that, in turn, demands a specific degree from an accredited institution.
Just be sure that the online bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics program you’re enrolled in meets current education standards. You don’t want to spend four years of your life in a bachelor’s program only to know that your degree is just a piece of paper!
Nutritionists can give health and nutritional advice, whereas dietitians can treat medical conditions by designing specific diet plans and can also diagnose health problems. They are both experts on the effects of a healthy diet and are tasked with improving one’s overall well-being. There are certification examinations available for both dietitians and nutritionists with advanced degrees. Dietitians are generally a part of a medical team and tend to work in healthcare facilities.
Accredited online nutrition degree programs are typically offered in either Bachelor of Nutrition or Bachelor of Dietetics programs. Depending on your interests and career aspirations, choose a program carefully to fulfill the requirements mandated by your state.
Will I have job security as a nutritionist/dietitian?
In today’s world, being fit and healthy is very important to most people. As one with a nutritionist degree or dietitian certification, your services will be quite valuable to many. The BLS projects an 11 percent increase between the time period of 2018 and 2028, which is much faster than the average of other career options.
As the need for preventative health practices and overall wellness trends continue to grow, so will the need for a knowledgeable nutritionist to fill the positions. Due to the large population of obese children and adults in the U.S., along with many weight-related issues such as heart disease and diabetes, patients can benefit significantly from the services of qualified nutritionists or dieticians. Your accredited online Bachelor of Nutrition degree program will teach you how to save lives.
In fact, colleges and universities offering the best nutrition programs online acknowledge the crucial importance of nutrition in daily life. Their curricula then enable students to address individual and community issues related to diet and nutrition. Even a short stint in a nutrition school online certification program highlights such importance.
Where can you apply your degree in nutritional science online? There are many job opportunities available in this field; however, hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics are the most popular choices. Often, human services positions and community centers, as well as, grocery stores provide knowledgeable and skilled personnel to help their customers or clients with healthier food choices. The higher your degree and certification you own in the field of dietetics or nutrition, the better your career opportunities will be, without a doubt. Job security in this field looks positive!
Do I need to have previous experience to enter into one of these online programs?
Some, not all, of the nutritional science degree distance learning programs listed above do require that students have prior experience upon applying for the degree. However, the Bachelor in Nutritional Science programs typically does not require any previous experience. It is advisable for applicants to have worked in a health and nutrition environment, or to have some educational background, before attempting to enter into one of these online schools.
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