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.
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.
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 an online bachelor’s 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.
********************
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.
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
______________________________
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 in Nutrition and Dietetics 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.
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
______________________________
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.
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
______________________________
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.
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
______________________________
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.
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
______________________________
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.
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
______________________________
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.
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
______________________________
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.
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
______________________________
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 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.
*************************
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.
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 courses 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.
Where can these essential positions as a nutritionist be found? 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 online Bachelor in Dietetics 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.
********************