15 Best Online Dietetics Degree Programs [2024 Guide]
By Joy Miller
Updated on September 5, 2024
Getting your online dietetics degree can open new doors and jumpstart your career path.
The link between healthy eating and a fulfilled lifestyle is well understood, and plenty of people want to learn how to enhance their lives through food choices.
Dietitian degrees can allow you to work with the public and create real change.
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Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer bachelor’s degree programs in dietetics or related fields, either fully online or in a hybrid format.
Arizona State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Applied Nutrition and Health, that requires 120 credits. The curriculum focuses on nutrition fundamentals, food safety, and health policy. Graduates are equipped for careers in community health education and food safety regulation, but the program does not lead directly to licensure.
Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Committee of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
Arkansas State University’s fully online B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics allows up to 90 transfer credits and requires a total of 120 credit hours. The curriculum includes courses in food science and medical nutrition therapy and emphasizes practical skills for diverse roles. Graduates are prepared for careers in healthcare nutrition, food safety inspection, and wellness consulting.
Arkansas State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Bowling Green State University offers a 100% online Didactic Program in Dietetics, designed for those with a prior degree who want to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. This asynchronous program, which can be completed in as little as 4 semesters, covers nutrition principles, human health, and disease prevention. It includes specialized courses, like Nutritional Biochemistry and Food Science.
BGSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Eastern Michigan University offers a comprehensive online B.S. in Dietetics. The program requires 120 credits and includes courses such as Nutrient Metabolism and Community Nutrition. It prepares students for diverse careers in healthcare, community programs, and food service industries, with a focus on achieving the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential post-graduation.
Eastern Michigan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Immaculata University’s online B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics requires 126 credits. It includes a comprehensive curriculum covering medical nutrition therapy, food service management, and nutrition counseling. This program prepares students for careers like health coach or sports nutritionist and includes a 1,000-hour internship for practical experience. Graduates are eligible to take the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist exam.
Immaculata University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Kansas State University offers an online Bachelor’s in Dietetics, integrating the science of nutrition with practical applications to improve health. This 120-credit program includes a rigorous curriculum and a required internship, preparing students for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist exam. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in clinical, community, and management settings within the dietetics field.
Kansas State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
North Carolina Central University offers a comprehensive online B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics through its Didactic program. The 120-credit curriculum prepares graduates for entry-level positions and includes foundational courses in nutrition, food sciences, and dietetics. This program also qualifies graduates for the supervised practice necessary to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN).
NC Central University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Alabama offers an online B.S. in Food and Nutrition that is accredited by ACEND. This 120-credit program equips students with foundational knowledge in human nutrition, dietetics, and food service systems, preparing them for diverse careers in health-related fields. It is fully online, ideal for working adults, and leads to various nutrition-focused roles.
The University of Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Alaska – Anchorage offers a B.S. in Dietetics and Nutrition that combines online and campus-based courses. This ACEND-accredited program prepares students for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists. It focuses on management, clinical and community nutrition, food science, and therapeutic nutrition. The program also emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the dietetics profession.
The University of Alaska – Anchorage is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
The University of Arizona offers an online B.S. in Nutritional Sciences, with the option to focus on Dietetics or Nutrition. This 120-credit program is ACEND-accredited and prepares students for diverse careers in health-related fields or further studies. The Dietetics track is a pathway to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, while the Nutrition track opens opportunities in various health and science sectors.
The University of Arizona is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
The University of North Florida’s online Didactic Program in Dietetics (BS) requires 120 credits and is designed to prepare students for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential. This rigorous program includes extensive coursework and a 1,000-hour supervised internship. It integrates core dietetic education with practical experiences to foster professional readiness in the nutrition field.
The UNF is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Northern Colorado offers a distance-based Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) through its Extended Campus. Students can choose from two options: a BS degree completion in Dietetics or a DPD-only certificate, both ACEND-accredited. The program’s flexible coursework accommodates those with employment or other commitments, covering all required DPD courses necessary for either path.
The University of Northern Colorado is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at Ursuline College is a 120-credit hybrid program, blending in-person and online coursework. The curriculum covers nutritional sciences, medical nutrition therapy, food service systems management, and community nutrition. The program equips graduates for various roles in healthcare, wellness, and public health.
Ursuline College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Weber State University offers a Bachelor’s in Nutrition Education with options in Integrative Nutrition, fully online, and Sports Nutrition, which includes some in-person courses. The program covers core nutrition education, while the Sports Nutrition track, coupled with additional courses, prepares students for graduate programs aimed at the Registered Dietician examination.
Weber State is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
The online Bachelor of Science in Dietetics at Western Illinois University prepares students for careers as registered dietitians. The program includes coursework in nutrition, food science, and medical nutrition therapy, combined with hands-on learning experiences. Graduates are eligible to apply for dietetic internships and take the RDN exam.
Western Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
People who work in the field of dietetics have a powerful and fulfilling link to the public and can prompt real and meaningful change through diet and lifestyle changes. There are plenty of careers you can pursue. You can even get your master’s degree in dietetics and work in a managerial or consulting capacity.
Dietetics graduates typically work in community health, establishing plans for local or regional geographical groups to obtain better health through access and education. Alternatively, you could work one-on-one with private individuals who may have unhealthy relationships with food or food-related illnesses that can be helped with a healthy diet and lifestyle.
If you have an analytical mind as well as a love for nutrition, you could become a food scientist and aid people in learning about nutrition on a macro level. You could also get your master’s in dietetics and work in a managerial or consulting capacity. Those who work in an advisory or scientific capacity generally need a lot more schooling and must rise through the ranks.
Jobs in food science can be lucrative, and there is usually a high demand for qualified candidates. This career path can be perfect for those who love to work with people and those that have diplomatic and interpersonal skills to inspire others.
Additionally, the ability to communicate effectively and an interest in the basics of food science and how the human body works to metabolize different ingredients will serve you well in this field.
Although every school is different, there are some standard courses that dietetics degrees typically include. The following is a list of what you can reasonably expect from your curriculum.
Of course, you will have the option to take electives and fine-tune your educational preferences as well.
If these classes sound interesting to you, you might be a good candidate for a degree in dietetics.
There are plenty of different ways that you can use your degree in dietetics. Those who decide to get more schooling can advance to more elite positions in the field, but even entry-level or fresh graduates can generally find fulfilling work.
Many people start off working in nutrition or under the wing of other dieticians. Dietetics is a popular major choice because there is so much that you can do with your degree, and many of the higher-level positions are quite lucrative.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these are the average salaries for jobs that can be pursued with a dietetics degree. Of course, salaries will vary depending on your job market and experience, but this should give you a starting point.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Health Services Manager | $104,280 |
| Medical Scientist | $91,510 |
| Microbiologist | $84,400 |
| Epidemiologist | $74,560 |
| Food Scientist | $73,450 |
| Nutritionist | $63,090 |
| School Counselor | $58,120 |
| Social Worker | $51,760 |
| Eating Disorder Counselor | $47,660 |
| Community Health Worker | $42,000 |
Your degree in dietetics can help open many doors to lucrative and fulfilling career paths.
While getting your degree in dietetics, you can fine-tune your major to focus on one or two key areas. If you choose to do this, it’s essential to think about what kind of job you want to get upon graduation.
Although there are plenty of different paths to choose from, these are some of the most common concentrations for those who study dietetics.
You can take your dietetics degree in numerous directions. This list is just one jumping-off point, and you can create your own plan easily.
There are plenty of places where you can get your dietetics degree online, but before you make your choice, you will want to consider a few key points.
By covering all your bases, you can be confident in your decision and feel better about your education overall.
Regional accreditation is one of the most crucial things you should look for when choosing a school. Accreditation gives the school credibility and shows potential employers that you have been given the education necessary to take on careers in your field of study.
Accreditation is essentially a stamp of approval from governing bodies that says that your school is providing quality education and knows what they are doing. Programmatic accreditation is also important. For your dietetics degree, you will want to ensure that the Accreditation Council for Education accredits your school of choice in Nutrition and Dietetics or ACEND. This influential and acclaimed body only puts its name on the best schools, and their endorsement carries a lot of weight.
You can check to see if your school is accredited, and by whom, by simply checking their website. They will have a link to their accrediting body right online. If you can’t find information online, don’t hesitate to call the school itself to check.
Once you get your degree in dietetics, you can work in several different fields. These are some jobs you can pursue with a dietetics degree and certification.
There are plenty of paths that you can take once you get your degree in dietetics, but these are some of the most popular.
College can be expensive, but fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities for federal, state, and collegiate financial aid. It’s essential to explore your options before committing to a program. Financial aid can ease your financial burden and help you keep a good school and life balance, especially if you are an adult learner.
The federal government offers plenty of student aid through the US Department of Education. To get started, you’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Doing so will let you know what federal grants and loans you are eligible for. You may also be able to participate in work-study programs that allow you to shave a little bit off your tuition costs while you are attending school. Similarly, you can get scholarships and grants through your individual state.
Unlike loans, scholarships, and grants don’t need to be paid back. They are in high demand, so you will need to apply for them early to be considered. Make sure that you apply for several different grants and scholarships.
Colleges and private foundations also offer aid. To find out your options, research the college of your choice and see what’s available.
Yes, you can get your dietetics degree online. You can get your bachelor’s, master’s, or certificate right from the comfort of your own home.
As an added benefit, online courses are generally much more flexible and offer different learning options so that you can get your degree at your own time and pace.
You have a few options when it comes to getting your degree in dietetics. You can get it in the traditional way, where you physically go to a brick-and-mortar university, or you can get it online.
Some students prefer to do a mixture of both. The best choice for you will depend on your learning style, scheduling restraints, and other needs.
To become an RDN online, you need to take online classes and get a credential from the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.
You may have to complete an internship as well.
Yes, becoming a dietician is considered a good career goal for many professionals. According to the BLS, jobs for dietitians and nutritionists are projected to have a growth rate of 7% over the next 10 years, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
With a degree in dietetics, you could become an eating disorder counselor, nutritionist, school counselor, food scientist, or health services manager. Becoming a dietician can be an excellent career choice for many different reasons, but especially because it is always in such high demand. There’s also a lot of room for growth, and many people find the work to be exceptionally rewarding.
Yes, there are specifically didactic programs that you can take online. Plenty of schools offer this concentration, and you can complete your entire coursework on the internet.
Depending on your concentration and what kind of degree you get, there are many job opportunities. Even most entry-level candidates find that they can get work in nutritional fields and consulting.
Those with higher-level degrees may be able to work on larger scale community initiatives or in management.
All colleges with nutrition majors vary in price, but you can certainly find affordable options online if you look for them. You can also offset your educational bills with loans, scholarships, and grants.
Check with your preferred institution to see what you can do to make tuition costs more palatable.
There is one primary difference between the two disciplines—a dietician is held to slightly higher standards than a nutritionist is.
Some people think that there is a little bit more science involved when it comes to working as a dietician.
It’s not required, but it can be recommended depending on how competitive your market is. Pursuing an online master’s in nutrition and dietetics can help give you a leg up on the competition.
Yes, pursuing an online bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics is worth it for many students. Common careers in this field include community health worker, dietitian, nutritionist, social worker, food scientist, and health services manager.
Most people feel that it’s worth it to get their degree online because there are so many different things that you can do with it and jobs opportunities are above average in the field. Even entry-level positions usually pay more than average, and there is plenty of room for advancement for those who are committed to the work.
Most students take plenty of courses in biology and some in psychology for their didactic degrees, although all schools vary in what they have to offer.
Dietetics is a growing field with plenty of great opportunities. Getting your degree in this field is a good way to get ahead in your life and really enhance your earning potential.
These days, it’s easier than ever to get your degree online, and plenty of people are finding that it leads to rewarding and lucrative careers. It’s easier than ever to take the plunge. All you need to do is make the decision to get started and start looking for the school that is right for you.
Why not apply today and start a new chapter in your life?
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