A master’s in dietetics is a required credential for becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and a gateway to leadership roles in a field projected to grow at more than twice the national average over the next decade. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance, an online program gives you the flexibility to earn your degree without putting your career on hold. This guide ranks the best online dietetics master’s programs, and goes deeper with program breakdowns, career options, and everything you need to know about costs and accreditation.
Author: Shannon Lee
Expertise: Graduate Ed.CareersOnline LearningEditor: Kristin Marino
- Program Spotlights
An In-Depth Look at Accredited Online Dietetics Programs
Read more - Degree Benefits
Why Earn an Online Master's in Dietetics?
Read more - What You'll Learn
What You'll Learn in a Master's in Dietetics Online Programs
Read more - Accreditation
ACEND Accreditation for Master's in Dietetics Online Programs
Read more - Career Options
What You Can Do with a Master's in Dietetics
Read more - Top Schools
Top Online Dietetics Master's Programs
Read more
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 today’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), allowing 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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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. Due to the 2024 change in academic eligibility requirements, a master’s degree is now the minimum requirement for becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. However, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| $48,830 | $73,850 | $101,760 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
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 |
|---|---|---|
| $37,930 | $51,030 | $78,560 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
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 |
|---|---|---|
| $45,110 | $62,910 | $101,510 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
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 |
|---|---|---|
| $42,380 | $65,310 | $105,420 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
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 |
|---|---|---|
| $45,380 | $60,250 | $84,100 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
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
| Program | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arizona | 30 | $950 | $28,500 |
| University of Rhode Island | 36 | $918 | $33,048 |
| Simmons University | 31-32 | $1,315 | $40,765–$42,080 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Dietetics Master’s Degrees
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. 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 the 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.