If you’re looking to take the next step in your dietetics and nutrition career, a master’s degree is a sensible investment. After all, it will advance your skills, and it is required for becoming a Registered Dietician Nutritionist (RDN). Moreover, your degree will help you pursue higher positions in a rapidly expanding field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for dieticians and nutritionists is expected to grow 7% over the next ten years, which is more than twice the average growth rate for all professions (3%).
Clearly, earning a master’s is a sound move. And if you’re considering studying online, you might just find your perfect school on our list of 2024’s best online dietetics master’s programs. We’ll also further clarify your options by giving you an inside look at specific programs and courses, exploring possible careers, explaining the ins and outs of costs and accreditation, and more. So, if you’re ready to digest the facts, let’s dig in.
2024’s Top Online Dietetics Master’s Programs
Deciding to pursue a master’s is an exciting step, but it can also feel overwhelming when it comes to determining which school is the best fit. But don’t worry; we are here to help you sift through the options. Exhaustive research of the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) has enabled us to identify 2024’s ten best online master’s degree programs in dietetics. Our findings hinge on multiple factors, including accreditation, affordability, availability of a variety of online programs, favorable student-to-faculty ratios, and more. Continue reading below to learn which programs deserve a gold star in 2024.
University of Northern Colorado offers an online master’s degree in dietetics that can lead to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Courses focus on nutrient metabolism, nutrition counseling methods, and public health nutrition and research methods, among other areas of study. Students can also pursue the Dietetics Master of Science with a dietetic internship, which takes 55 credits to complete. The one-year internship begins in the summer immediately following completion of the master’s degree. Students must also complete 20 credit hours of supervised practice. Graduates will be prepared to work in hospitals, public health departments, and schools as RDNs.
Program Highlights:
Dietetics Master of Science
- Credits: 35
- Length: Two years
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: ACEND
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
The Master’s Degree in Food and Nutrition Sciences at Ohio University is meant for working professionals seeking a flexible, self-paced program. Students can earn their degree entirely online in as little as one year. If they choose, students can also enroll in one course per year until they graduate. Coursework covers topics such as diet and chronic disease, statistics, and research and delves into pediatric nutrition, geriatric nutrition, sports nutrition, and food biotechnology. Students can also pursue a graduate certificate in certain areas of study, including diabetes, veteran’s health, or clinical informatics. Students do not need to complete a thesis to graduate.
Program Highlights:
Master’s Degree in Food and Nutrition Sciences
- Credits: 56
- Length: 12-18 months
- Mode: Fully online, in-person
- Accreditation: ACEND
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
Eastern Michigan University’s Coordinated Program in Dietetics is designed to provide both the academic coursework and supervised practice experiences students need to take the national registration examination for dietitians. The program trains students in the knowledge and skills necessary to help patients and clients make healthy dietary decisions. Additionally, students learn how food and nutrition affect the health and performance of the human body. To graduate, students must complete lecture courses and 1,040 hours of supervised practice in clinics or other community and food service management settings. Students also have a chance to work with faculty on research projects.
Program Highlights:
Coordinated Program in Dietetics
- Credits: 67-70
- Length: Three years
- Mode: Fully online; in-person
- Accreditation: ACEND
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NECHE |
An In-Depth Look at Accredited Online Dietetics Programs
When searching for a quality, affordable online dietetics master’s program, it can be helpful to take a deeper look at individual programs. To paint a clearer picture of what you’ll learn, how long the degree takes, and the types of specializations available, we’ve outlined three of 2024’s top online dietetics master’s programs below.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
At the University of Alabama at Birmingham, students follow the Coordinated Program in Dietetics model to become RDNs. Specifically, they can enroll in the ACEND-accredited Dietitian Education Program, which leads to a Master of Science in Nutrition Sciences and a curriculum that contains the necessary coursework and supervised learning experiences to sit for the exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
The curriculum is designed for full-time study, consisting of 58 credit hours that can be completed in two years, including a summer term. During the summer, fall, and spring terms, students will take between 10 and 13 credits, with 24 total credits allotted for supervised learning experiences. Even though the coursework can be completed online for maximum flexibility, the supervised learning is in-person. However, UAB allows students to earn the supervised learning requirements at a location convenient to them.
Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University’s Online Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics is designed for current RDNs as well as students who will receive a DPD verification statement or have been accepted into a dietetic internship. Centered around a practice-based focus, the program aims to help students apply advanced knowledge, skills, and research directly to their work.
The program’s curriculum consists of 33 credits and does not include a thesis. Furthermore, its 100% online format makes it easy for students to earn their degree on top of working full time or completing an internship. No campus visits are required. Regardless of their chosen track, all students take courses to prepare for work in a wide range of practice areas, such as geriatrics, maternal health, pediatrics, and eating disorders. However, students can specialize by choosing one of three concentrations:
- Nutrition and Healthy Weight
- Nutrition and Sports
- Nutrition in the Lifecycle
Logan University
The Master’s of Science in Applied Nutrition and Dietetics online program at Logan University consists of 42 credits. Notably, Logan was one of the first institutions in the country to offer a comprehensive graduate nutrition program under the Future Education Model, which changed the minimum educational requirement for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree as of January 1, 2024. Students in the program complete two main curriculum components. First, they complete their online core coursework and specialized RDN courses. This consists of classes such as:
- Lifecycle Nutrition
- Nutritional Science
- Clinical Nutrition in Human Systems
- Nutrition Epidemiology and Health Promotion
Second, they complete 30 weeks of supervised experiential learning (SEL) experiences that allow them to apply their learning in real-world situations. Students fulfill the SEL curriculum component at a variety of sites around the St. Louis area. Upon successful completion of the entire curriculum, students are eligible to sit for the registration exam to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.
Why Earn an Online Master’s in Dietetics?
The master’s in dietetics online degree is well worth the time and effort. Not only is this degree convenient to earn, but it is also essential to taking full advantage of a dietetics and nutrition education. Let’s look at the benefits of earning a master’s degree that a bachelor’s degree just can’t provide you:
Learning flexibility
Except for the curriculum’s supervised practice component, most of the classwork can be completed online. And in most cases, it can be completed asynchronously, allowing students to attend class at a time that’s most convenient for them, even if it’s in the middle of the night or on weekends.
Required to become an RDN
As of January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration began requiring applicants to hold a master’s degree to become Registered Dietician Nutritionists. The CDR has updated the eligibility requirements for the RD exam to reflect this change.
Obtain an advanced level of knowledge
Whether it’s the desire to learn more about a topic commonly seen in practice or to earn sufficient knowledge to be eligible for the Certified Nutrition Specialist credential, an online master’s in dietetics degree makes it possible for students to dive deep into a particular area of nutrition.
What You’ll Learn in a Master’s in Dietetics Online Programs
The curriculum in online master’s programs in dietetics can vary widely. Some can include a thesis, capstone, or internship – or none of the above. It largely depends on what the goals are for the program, such as being qualified to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. However, there are many similarities across dietetics master’s degree online programs, like classes that focus on certain populations’ nutrition needs.
Popular Courses
Advanced Medical Nutrition
This class provides information about the importance of proper nutrition to maintain health and medical issues that have causes rooted in poor nutrition. Course content also addresses interactions between nutrients and medications.
Nutrition Internship
This class can usually be found in the Dietetic Internship or supervised experiential learning component of an online dietetics master’s degree program. Students will obtain practical experience in how nutrition principles apply to real-world situations, such as with athletes, preventing disease, and research.
Micronutrients
This course examines what micronutrients are in relation to human processes. For example, students will see how human cells use micronutrients and how the metabolic process is affected by them.
Practicum in Medical Nutrition Therapy
Students will apply their nutritional knowledge in a therapeutic context, such as hospitals or long-term care settings. During this practicum, students will monitor the diets of their patients and how those diets affect the patients’ overall health.
Geriatric Nutrition
This course will explain what the nutritional needs are for older individuals. Topics covered include the relationships between diet and human aging and how lifestyle changes associated with aging can change a person’s nutritional needs.
ACEND Accreditation for Master’s in Dietetics Online Programs
Accreditation is the process by which schools and programs request a review from an independent organization that assesses their educational offerings and confirms they meet a minimum level of quality. Employers typically only recognize accredited degrees. Furthermore, an accredited degree may be needed to be eligible for a credential or certification.
There are two primary types of accreditation, institutional and programmatic. Institutional applies to an entire educational institution. Programmatic accreditation applies to a specific program. Within the context of master’s in dietetics online degree programs, the primary accrediting body is the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. Students wishing to become Registered Dietician Nutritionists must complete coursework and supervised training from an ACEND-accredited program.
What You Can Do with a Master’s in Dietetics
The master’s in dietetics degree is a required step toward becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. It also provides the opportunity to focus on a particular specialty or obtain the academic credentials for a new career, such as one in education. As a result, graduates from online master’s degree programs in dietetics can expect to find work in many settings, including higher education, primary education, healthcare, community services, and private industry.
Dietician
In most states, a dietitian will need a license to practice. And due to the 2024 change in academic eligibility requirements, a master’s degree is now the minimum requirement for becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. But even if becoming an RDN is not the goal, a master’s degree in nutrition offers additional professional opportunities, including the possibility of teaching or specializing in a particular area of dietetics or nutrition.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$44,910 | $69,680 | $98,830 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
Community Health Worker
Community health workers serve as an intermediate between lay individuals in a community and doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. They help teach individuals how to improve and maintain their health and create programs to convey healthy lifestyle habits to the community. Earning a master’s degree in dietetics can be quite helpful for those providing the most effective and up-to-date nutrition advice possible.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$35,560 | $48,200 | $75,980 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
Career/Technical Dietetics Teacher
A graduate degree is often required to teach at a technical or vocational school. Because a doctorate usually isn’t necessary, the master’s in dietetics online degree offers the perfect option for individuals who already have extensive training and experience in the nutrition and dietetics field.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$39,120 | $62,060 | $105,200 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
Food Service Manager
Food service managers handle the day-to-day operations of establishments that serve food, including restaurants, hospitals, and schools. Part of these duties relates to food production and acquisition oversight, including dealing with suggested changes in the food being served. The master’s in dietetics online degree offers knowledge that can help food service managers make better decisions concerning the nutrition level of the food offered.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$42,990 | $63,060 | $101,240 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
Athletic Trainer
Athletic trainers focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries relating to athletic activities. A critical component in staying injury-free or recovering from an injury is the athlete’s nutrition. The proper diet is critical to the proper healing of tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. By earning a master’s degree in dietetics, an athletic trainer will have the advanced knowledge in nutrition to provide well-rounded treatment for the athlete.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$43,180 | $57,930 | $80,640 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
Costs and Financial Aid for Online Master’s Degrees in Dietetics
Earning a graduate degree can be expensive, but there are many financial aid options available to help. Among the most common are scholarships, grants, fellowships, employer tuition assistance, and student loans. These can come from various providers, including federal and state government, corporations, charities, and the student’s employer. To find out more about these and other financial aid opportunities, look at our financial aid page.
How Affordable Your Online Master’s in Dietetics Could Be
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
30 | $950 | $28,500 | |
36 | ~$756.75 | $28,000 | |
31-32 | $1,300 | $40,300–$41,600 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Dietetics Master’s Degrees
What are the admissions requirements for an online master’s in dietetics?
Each online dietetics master’s degree program will have admissions requirements that reflect the school’s desire to find the best potential students. However, there are parallels among most programs concerning what applicants must submit. These common components typically include:
- Application
- Application fee
- A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA
- Personal statement or statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- Resume or curriculum vitae
Some schools will have variations in the above requirements. For instance, a school may not require incoming students to have a bachelor’s degree in a particular area of study. Still, they will require students to have completed certain prerequisite courses. Some require GRE scores, while others don’t even mention them. Depending on the program’s learning outcomes, students may need to provide evidence that they are RDNs.
How long will it take to finish my master’s in dietetics online?
A master’s in dietetics online degree will usually consist of 30 to 39 credits. However, some may require far more classes, like at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, which consists of 58 credit hours. Typical dietetics programs will include both the coursework and supervised experience necessary to become an RDN. Most students will complete these requirements in two to three years by taking a part-time course load.
Can I earn a master’s in dietetics 100% online, or do I need to visit campus?
While most, if not all of the coursework can be completed online, the Dietetic Internship or supervised experiential learning cannot. This is the program where students will complete their 1,200 hours of supervised practice to become eligible to apply for the RDN credential. Depending on the school, students can complete their supervised hours at a predetermined location or another approved site.