Whether you are looking to take the next step in your dietetics career or want to move into the field, chances are you’ve considered a master’s. This degree not only provides the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach and guide others in proper diet and nutrition, but it’s also one of the more popular ways to become eligible to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
But how do you find the best master’s in dietetics for your specific career goals, budget, and learning preferences? And is online learning right for you? This guide can help answer those questions. We’ve listed this year’s best online dietetics master’s programs that excel in key areas such as accreditation, affordability, and student support. See which programs made it to the top of our list in our college rankings below and read further get other helpful information about this degree.
Top Online Master’s in Dietetics for 2023
Based in Greeley, Colorado, the University of Northern Colorado is home to two flexible and affordable master’s in dietetics programs. These 100% online graduate programs are ideal for both working nutritionists and those seeking their licensure. Throughout the 35-credit master’s program, students hone leadership and critical thinking skills while tackling essential classes such as nutrient metabolism, public health nutrition, research methods, and nutrition counseling methods. Additionally, the 55-credit master’s includes an internship that offers the hands-on training required for earning a registered dietitian nutritionist designation. Prospective students can apply online and must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Dietetics
- Credits: 35
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $609/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: ACEND
Master of Science in Dietetics + Internship
- Credits: 55
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $609/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: ACEND
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
Utah State University (USU) is a public research institution that offers an online master’s in dietetics administration. This one-year program has the potential to expand career options for registered nutritionists while focusing on the management and leadership skills applicable to numerous health-related fields. Throughout this 37-credit program, students tackle core classes such as dietetics career essentials, research principles in dietetics, and communication techniques in dietetics. Alongside core classes, students gain extensive hands-on experience and complete a master’s project before graduation. Prospective students must be graduates of an accredited dietetics program with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, applicants must have at least 400 hours of professional experience. USU does not require GRE scores for this program.
Program Highlights:
Master’s in Dietetics Administration
- Credits: 37
- Length: 1 year
- Cost: $500/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: ACEND
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
The University of North Florida is home to a master’s in nutrition and dietetics that offers online coursework and extensive hands-on training through required internships. Students can complete this 35-credit master’s degree in as few as 12 months. Throughout this four-semester program, students complete 23 credits of core classes, including topics such as nutrition education and counseling, clinical nutrition, public health biostatistics, and nutrition and metabolism. Before graduation, students also complete 12 credits work of clinical practice experience. Prospective students can apply online and must include a letter of intent, three letters of recommendation, and must hold a bachelor’s degree from an ACEND-accredited program.
Program Highlights:
MS in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Credits: 35
- Length: 1 year
- Cost: $213/credit (resident); $693/credit (non-resident)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: ACEND
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
The University of Rhode Island serves nearly 10,000 students annually and is home to an online master’s in dietetics. This graduate program leans on online coursework for core classes while requiring extensive hands-on learning experiences before graduation. Students complete 17 online classes, and tackle over 1,000 hours of supervised experiential learning, all while gaining the skills they need to earn their RDN certification. Some courses students encounter include an introduction to clinical practice, food service operations, clinical nutrition management, and community nutrition and health promotion. When applying, prospective students must include three letters of recommendation, a resume outlining work and volunteer experience, and a personal statement.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Dietetics
- Credits: 37
- Length: 1 year
- Cost: $28,000 total
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: ACEND
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NECHE |
South Dakota State University offers a flexible master’s in dietetics that’s ideal for working students. Created with registered dietitians in mind, this 36-credit program is offered entirely online, and online learners complete core classes such as research methods in dietetics, current trends in dietetics practices, graduate statistics, and vitamins and minerals in human nutrition. In addition to 12 credits of core classes, students complete about 24 credits of electives, allowing them to shape their curriculum to mirror their academic and professional goals. As a degree-culminating experience, students can choose between completing a thesis, research paper, or comprehensive exam. Prospective students must be graduates of an ACEND-accredited undergraduate program.
Program Highlights:
Master’s in Dietetics
- Credits: 36
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $470/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: ACEND
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
Eastern Michigan University is a public research institution that offers a master’s in dietetics that students can complete either in person or entirely online. Throughout this extensive graduate program, students complete a mix of foundational courses and required courses, often graduating in as few as 28 months. While the curriculum can vary slightly, core classes include topics such as fundamentals in nutrition therapy, food service systems management, community nutrition, and nutrient metabolism. Before graduation, students complete a degree-culminating experience, choosing between a thesis, non-thesis, and research writing. Applicants can apply online and must include transcripts, two references, and a personal statement — and distance students will need to secure specific preceptors.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Dietetics
- Credits: 68-71
- Length: 28 months
- Cost: $939/credit (can vary due to incorporation of undergrad courses and resident vs. non-resident)
- Mode: Online and on-campus
- Accreditation: ACEND
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
The University of Alaska-Anchorage serves over 15,000 students and is home to an online master’s in dietetics and nutrition. This flexible online program is ideal for both working RDNs and career-changers wanting to jumpstart a career in the field. Online students tackle a 30-39 credit curriculum depending on their background, and tackle core classes such as public health nutrition, applied research in dietetics and nutrition, advanced clinical nutrition, and the business of dietetics. Before graduation, online degree-seekers complete either a thesis or a graduate research project. Prospective graduate students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Applicants must also include a current resume, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition
- Credits: 30-39
- Length: 2 years+
- Cost: $513/credit (resident); $1,079/credit (non-resident)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: ACEND
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
In-Depth: Accredited Online Dietetics Master’s
College rankings lists are a great place to begin your search for a quality, affordable online dietetics master’s program. However, it can also be helpful to take a deeper look at individual programs to get a clearer picture of what you’ll learn, how long the degree takes, and the types of specializations available. Read about the three accredited online dietetics master’s programs we’ve spotlighted below to see what they offer and compare them to other programs you’re considering.
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 for students interested in learning about dietetics and nutrition, regardless of their professional background or future goals. This is unique because other online masters in dietetics programs are designed for individuals who are already RDNs.
This curriculum consists of 33 credits and does not include a thesis. It is for students who are already RDNs or plan to complete the Dietetics Internship on top of the non-thesis 33 credit curriculum. Regardless of the chosen track, students will take courses to prepare for work in a wide range of practice areas, such as geriatrics, maternal health, pediatrics, and eating disorders. Students can choose among the following 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 40 credits. The curriculum is in line with the Future Education Model, which requires Registered Dietitian Nutritionists to possess a master’s degree by 2024. As a result, the curriculum consists of two primary components.
First, there’s the coursework, which students can complete fully online. It consists of classes such as:
- Health Education Concepts and Theories
- Health Policy
- Survey of Sustainable Food Systems
- Nutritional Assessment of Athletes
Second, there are the supervised experiential learning (SEL) experiences. This will help students meet the practice requirements to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Students can complete the SEL requirements in the St. Louis area. Upon completing the entire curriculum, students will be 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
Starting on January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration will require applicants to hold a master’s degree to become a Registered Dietician Nutritionist. A bachelor’s degree will no longer be the standard for becoming an RDN, so earning a master’s degree is essential.
-
Obtain an advanced level of knowledge
Whether it’s the desire to learn more about a topic commonly seen in practice or earn sufficient knowledge to be eligible for the Certified Nutrition Specialist credential, the 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 as someone gets older can change the 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 recognize only accredited degrees, sources of financial aid, and other schools. 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 the required and all-important 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 in education. As a result, graduates from online master’s degree programs in dietetics can expect to find work in many settings, such as higher education, primary education, healthcare, community services, and private industry.
Dietician
In the majority of states, a dietitian will need a license to practice. Currently, only a bachelor’s degree is needed to meet the academic eligibility requirements to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. However, starting in 2024, a master’s degree will be necessary. Even if becoming an RDN is not the goal, the master’s degree will offer 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
$38,890 |
$61,270 |
$87,360 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021
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 |
|---|---|---|
|
$26,660 |
$40,360 |
$68,350 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
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 |
|---|---|---|
|
$32,840 |
$54,620 |
$99,230 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
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 |
|---|---|---|
|
$33,210 |
$55,320 |
$93,040 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021
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 |
|---|---|---|
|
$31,300 |
$48,440 |
$73,470 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
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 include 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 | Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
|
30 |
$950.00 |
$28,500 |
|
|
36 |
$444.44 (est.) |
$16,000 |
|
|
40 |
$1,280.00 |
$51,200 |
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.
