Nutrition Degrees

Associates Degree

Associate degree programs in nutrition cover basic concepts in dietetics and may help prepare students for entry-level careers in the field. They may also serve as a step along the path toward entering a bachelor’s degree in nutrition. Earning a degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics can also fulfill the educational qualifications for registered dietetic technicians.

Associate Degree Programs in Nutrition: Coursework

Students who pursue an associate degree in nutrition will become familiar with the fundamentals of nutrition science, and may take courses such as:

  • Human Nutrition — a look at the principles of human nutrition and the impact of food on overall human health. Topics within this course could include the role of food in disease and disease prevention, the basics of human metabolism and the function of different macro-nutrients (i.e., fat, carbohydrates, protein), healthy weight maintenance, dietary guidelines and recommendations, and the role of food in culture and society.
  • Developmental Nutrition — an exploration of the different nutritional needs of humans at various life stages, from infancy to childhood to adolescence to adulthood into old age.
  • Nutrition, Food, and Culture — an examination of the relationship between different cultures, the foods they eat, and their dietary habits. Topics might include how the typical Western diet differs from the diets of other cultures and regions.
  • Nutrition and Weight Management — understanding the importance of sound nutrition and calorie balance in successful weight management.
  • Nutrition and Disease — an analysis of the role of food in the promotion and prevention of various diseases and health conditions; for example, the role of saturated and trans fats in heart disease, the impact that pesticides may have on cancer risk, and the effect of antioxidants in certain foods on cancer and other conditions.
  • Food Preparation, Sanitation and Safety — building knowledge about the essential principles of food preparation and safety, including cooking methods, kitchen skills, and proper sanitation.

Careers with an Associate Degree in Nutrition

Earning an associate degree in nutrition through a program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) can fulfill one of the requirements for working and receiving licensure as a dietetic technician, registered (DTR).

Dietetic technicians support and are supervised by registered dietitians in various professional settings, such as hospitals, wellness centers, and private clinics. DTRs have responsibilities that may include but are not limited to planning menus for patients or clients, monitoring clients’ meals and nutrient intake, or supervising the production and delivery of food to organizations.

Bachelors Degree

Dietitians and nutritionists guide clients through the process of building a healthy diet. They create meal plans for individuals and organizations, and also counsel clients on how to optimize their health through dietary changes.

Bachelor’s degree programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics can fulfill the academic requirement for working and receiving licensure as a registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).

Accredited bachelor’s degree programs in nutrition and dietetics generally give students a solid understanding of the essential principles of human nutrition, as well as social and cultural issues surrounding food and human health.

Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Nutrition: Potential Coursework

Bachelor’s degree programs in nutrition may include but are not limited to the following courses:

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology — human body systems and their functions, including the cardiovascular, pulmonary, digestive and endocrine systems. Study topics may also cover common disorders and diseases associated with each system and the study of environmental factors in the development of certain diseases and disorders.
  • Biochemistry — the fundamentals of chemistry, including stoichiometry, chemical bonds and reactions at the atomic and molecular levels and thermochemistry. Coursework is likely to address chemical reactions within the human body and how they relate to the function of various body systems.
  • Nutrition and Food Science — the science of different foods and how their nutrients interact with the human body. Students may examine the structure and function of macronutrients (fats, carbohydrates and protein) and micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals.
  • Psychology — human thought and emotion and how it develops from infancy to adulthood. Coursework may also address how cognition and emotion relate to human behavior and relationships.
  • Nutrition and Human Metabolism — how the human body metabolizes fats, carbohydrates and protein. Students are likely to look at what determines the different metabolic rates of different people.
  • Nutrition as Therapy — using nutrition as therapy for certain diseases and conditions, such as heart disease, high cholesterol and diabetes.
  • Food Preparation, Production and Service — food preparation, production and service best practices, such as menu planning, food budgeting, food preparation methods and proper sanitation.
  • Food Culture — different cultural cuisines and their nutritional merits; for example, how the meals and dietary habits of French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese and Indian cultures differ from the traditional Western diet.
  • Disordered Eating — the definition and development of different eating disorders, ranging from bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder and eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS). Coursework on this topic may also address how to treat eating disorders from a nutritional standpoint.


Careers with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition

Individuals with an accredited bachelor’s degree in nutrition and, depending on their state, a license, can qualify for registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) jobs. These professionals advise patients on healthy diets and can work in a variety of settings — hospitals, clinics, and schools, to name a few. They also create meal plans and may counsel adolescents, the elderly, or other groups of people on nutrition and good eating habits.

Students who do not want to start a career right after college can use their bachelor’s degree in nutrition as a starting point to pursue graduate coursework or research in nutrition, nutrition science, or a related field.

Masters Degree

There are a wide variety of master’s degrees in the field of nutrition to choose from, depending on your experience and career goals. Those who have already attained their bachelor’s degree, either in nutrition or in any number of related health care fields, are eligible to study for their master’s degree.

Many master’s degrees are split up into various groups, including Applied Nutrition and Experimental Nutrition.

Master’s Degree In Applied Nutrition

Applied nutrition includes the areas of public health, clinical nutrition, community nutrition and nutrition education. Those that are interested in either pursuing a career in one of these areas, as well as those who are currently practicing nutrition in these areas already but wish to advance their career are encouraged to look into a master’s program in one of the following areas:

  • Master of Nutrition Science (MS)
  • Master of Science in Nursing/Healthcare Administration
  • Masters of Health in Administration
  • Master of Public Administration – Health Policy
  • Master of Public Health (MPH)
  • MBA/Health Care Management
  • MS Health Care Management
  • Master of Science Natural Health


Master’s Degree In Experimental Nutrition

Experimental nutrition includes the areas of nutrition and dietetic research. This field is vast, and can lead to laboratory or clinical work in any number of areas including nutrient metabolism, nutritional biochemistry, nutritional molecular biology and nutrition and physiology, to name just a few.

Graduates of a master’s degree in experimental nutrition are prepared to work in an academic, research oriented environment in graduate or health professional institutions, the biotechnology, biomedical or pharmacy research industries, the food industry, and even in health safety organizations and government agencies.

A master’s degree in nutrition with an experimental nutrition focus allows students to spend more of their time and energy on scientific research and development instead of patient interaction.

For some, this is much more practical. For those who desire this type of expertise, the following degrees and focus areas are available:

  • Masters Of Nutritional Sciences With Dietetics Emphasis
  • Masters Of Nutritional Sciences With Pre-Medicine Emphasis
  • Masters Of Biology/Microbiology With A Focus On Nutrition
  • Masters Of Biochemistry With A Focus On Nutrition
  • Masters of Chemistry With A Focus On Nutrition

Master’s Degree In Nutrition – Areas Of Focus

A strong nutritionist master’s degree program will focus on the utilization of food and its relationship to human growth and metabolism. Programs discuss, in further detail than an undergraduate degree, an interdisciplinary perspective of the major areas of nutrition and dietetics and their affects on the human body, in both normal and non-normal states of growth and working order.

Although many master’s degrees may vary between specific programs, graduates will most likely complete courses in the following areas of study:

  • Food & Nutrition Science
  • Food Studies (Agriculture, Meat, Processed Food, Organic Food, GMO’s, etc.)
  • Nutrition & The Digestive System
  • Human Physiology
  • Biological & Biomedical Sciences
  • Biochemistry
  • Physiology
  • Advanced Dietetics
  • Biotechnology/Biophysics
  • Clinical Sciences
  • Epidemiology* (MPH)
  • Public Health* (MPH)
  • Health Education* (MPH)
  • Nutritionist Industry Outlook

A master’s degree in nutrition, public health or health care administration or management is a recognized throughout the world as a symbol of knowledge and excellence in the field for those who wish to practice nutrition in a position of authority in many areas including the private or public health care industry, governmental, nonprofit and research and academia. Graduates of a master’s degree in nutrition or a nutrition related field have the option of a wide variety of industry positions as well as a solid foundation for further academic aspirations.

Nutritionist Certification

To become a Nutritionist you first will need at minimum a bachelor’s degree. Any Nutritionist with requirements above and beyond that specific states recommendations such as various training, more advanced or graduate degrees certifications, Licensures, and registration.

What requirements are there for Nutritionist Certification?

Once you have received your degree such as a nutrition science / health science degree your next step will vary by state requirements to get certification. It helps to get additional academic courses and internships once your education is completed. Although not required for a nutritionist, the American Dietetic Association (ADA) has a certification exam taken by many registered dietitians but also can be taken by nutritionist to increase their chances at a rewarding career and is recommended by the commission on Dietetics.

According to the Department of Labor, 46 states have a law related to the standards for nutritionists. Out of these 46 states, 30 need licensure, 15 need certification, and 1 requires a registration with the state upon graduation from an accredited program. Along with the exam a supervised internship is required for this certification.

There are two ways to get this internship completed:

Nutritionist and Dietitian Internship options for Certification

  • This option is sometimes done at the same time as your education. Mainly done for applicants interested into becoming a registered dietitian. This program is accredited by the commission on Dietetic Registration. The completion of this program is usually done in 4-5 years along side your education. This requirement was created Sept. 2009 and has over 51 accredited programs throughout the country that combines academic practices and hands on experiences.
  • This option requires 900 hours of hands on supervised experiences and practices in any of the 243 internships throughout the country. If full time can be completed around 6 months and part time can take anywhere from 1-2 years for completion.

There is room for advanced and higher level dietitians and nutritionist to move into management positions such as assistant and/or directors of dietetic departments. There is also the option of being self employed or contractor specializing in many various advanced areas such as diabetic, cardiovascular, renal, or pediatric dietetics.