[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nutritionists are experts in healthy food, healthy eating habits, and using nutrition to help people lead healthy lives. They help clients and patients maximize their health by eating an appropriate diet and avoiding obesity and related health conditions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn how to earn a nutritional science degree online and what you can do with it after graduation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]10 Best Online Nutrition Degree Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Rank Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we pride ourselves on our proprietary ranking methodology to help prospective students like you find the best fit. Our ranking system uses official government data to present schools without bias, taking into account key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This list has been updated for 2024. Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Should You Get a Nutrition Degree Online?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, you’ll gain the skills and qualifications to coach people in healthy eating. And pursuing your nutrition degree online can help you develop these skills and competencies at your own pace from the comfort of your home.[/hen-ui-text]

• Earning a nutrition degree online provides increased flexibility, allowing you to more easily balance school with other obligations, like a job or family.
• Accredited online nutrition programs qualify and prepare you for master’s programs, which is the minimum degree requirement to enter the field of dietetics.
• An online nutrition degree helps you enter an in-demand field that’s projected to grow 7% between 2023 and 2033, according to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dietitians-and-nutritionists.htm” target=”_blank”]Bureau of Labor Statistics [/hen-ui-link](BLS).
• Accredited online nutrition programs can help prepare you for the industry certifications you need for entry-level nutrition coach and educator positions.

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What You Can Expect From an Online Nutrition Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In an online bachelor’s degree in nutrition program, you can expect to take a combination of general education courses, core nutrition courses, and electives. You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of topics like digestion, absorption, and metabolism.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You’ll also study the pharmacology of nutrition and lifestyle choices. In addition, you’ll build ethical, administrative, and professional skills for diverse positions in healthcare or public health.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accredited bachelor’s programs prepare you for further education in nutrition, which is required for industry certification. Some online nutrition programs are 100% online, whereas others may have in-person requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Here are some examples of classes you may take for your online nutrition degree:[/hen-ui-text]

• Animal nutrition
• Food laws and regulations
• Food microbiology
• Food science
• Human biochemistry
• Human nutritional needs
• Nutrition across the lifespan
• World hunger and malnutrition

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Do Nutritionists Make?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nutritionists and dietitians earned a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dietitians-and-nutritionists.htm” target=”_blank”]median annual salary[/hen-ui-link] of $73,850 in May 2024, according to the BLS. Nutritionists can earn advanced degrees and optional certifications to increase their salary potential.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.jandonline.org/article/S2212-2672(24)00919-5/abstract#:~:text=sponsored%20by%20the%20Academy%20of,of%20January%201%2C%202024).” target=”_blank”]2024 survey[/hen-ui-link] by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) earned a median annual salary of $79,000. RDNs employed full-time for more than a year earned a median salary of $80,400. Meanwhile, nutrition and dietetics technicians earned a median salary of $54,700 per year.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What you’ll earn with a nutrition degree will depend on factors like your title and location. Some positions in the field require a master’s degree.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Nutrition Degree Salary and Career Paths[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Careers [/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Annual Average Salary (2024)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Minimum Degree Required[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”]Dietetics Technician [/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Average Salary (2024)”]$39,560 [/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Minimum Degree Required”]Associate[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”]Health Education Specialists[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Average Salary (2024)”]$71,700[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Minimum Degree Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”]Food Health and Safety Specialists[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Average Salary (2024)”]$88,660 [/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Minimum Degree Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”]Food Scientists and Technologists[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Average Salary (2024)”]$92,190[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Minimum Degree Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”]Registered Dietitian (RD)[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Average Salary (2024)”]$74,770[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Minimum Degree Required”]Master’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”]Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Average Salary (2024)”]$60,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Minimum Degree Required”]Master’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your location can also affect your earning potential as a nutritionist. Explore below to see the median nutritionist salary by state.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nutritionist Certification and Licensure[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many states require nutritionists to hold a license. Check with your state for more information on licensure requirements for nutritionists.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]State licensure requirements usually include a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in food, nutrition, or a related area from an [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]accredited institution[/hen-ui-link]. You’ll also likely need to complete a supervised practice and pass an exam.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aside from state licensure, nutritionists can pursue optional certifications in specialized areas. Earning an additional certification can open new career prospects and increase your salary potential and scope of practice.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Common nutritionist certifications include:[/hen-ui-text]

• Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
• Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN)
• Diplomate, American Clinical Board of Nutrition (DACBN)
• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
• Registered Nutrition and Dietetics Technician (NDTR)
• Certified Food Manager (CFM)
• Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Online Nutrition Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What degree is best for a nutritionist?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You need at least a master’s degree in nutrition to enter the field of nutrition and dietetics. The highest-level certification from the American Nutrition Association, [hen-ui-link href=”https://theana.org/certify/CNScandidate” target=”_blank”]Certified Nutrition Specialist[/hen-ui-link], requires a master’s in dietetics, healthcare, or related areas. Becoming a registered dietitian also requires a master’s degree in dietetics or a related area.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a nutrition degree hard?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nutrition is a science-based degree, so you’ll need to be comfortable with coursework heavy in math and science. Even if you find math and science difficult, you can successfully earn a bachelor’s degree in nutrition with persistence and support from your professors and university.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What’s the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A dietitian is a nutritionist with extra qualifications that allow them to work with patients in clinical settings. A dietitian is a more highly regulated credential than a nutritionist. If you become a dietitian, you’ll be able to work with clients to treat clinical conditions like eating disorders.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a nutrition degree worth it?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The return on investment of a nutrition degree, such as a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, depends on your goals and interests. If you are looking for a career with above-average job growth and salary, options of working in a variety of settings, and the opportunity to make a difference in peoples’ health and lives, a nutrition degree online or on-campus program could well be worth the effort.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What can you do with a nutrition degree?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, you can pursue entry-level roles as an educator or coach, helping individuals and communities improve their well-being through an advanced understanding of the effects of diet and lifestyle.