Find your perfect college degree
The sad truth is the world is filled with unhealthy things. With food alone, processed foods are the top cause of illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. In the U.S., the percentage of obese people nationally is already nearing half the population, at a staggering 41.9 percent. This is alarming information, and people need to be keener on the food they consume.
If you have a passion for promoting a balanced lifestyle and encouraging healthy eating, a solid educational path to take is an online bachelor’s in dietetics or nutrition.
Aside from a passion for a healthy lifestyle, it may also be suitable for students who love food or science to pursue a career in nutrition and dietetics. Undergraduate degrees and professional licenses or certifications are often required in this field.
Online Nutrition degree programs focusing on Dietetics have removed the hassles associated with obtaining a lucrative and successful career in nutrition. It’s a great career choice for you if you enjoy the science behind food and want to help people eat better and live healthier. Most graduates of these programs go on to become registered dietitians or certified nutritionists.
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The Lowdown
As a prospective student of online nutrition programs or dietetics degree, it’s essential to search and be familiar with the best online bachelor’s in dietetics programs. This degree can lead to numerous possible job occupations in diverse societies around the world. Wherever you decide to reside and practice your profession, everyone would need and hire a dietician or nutritionist. In an online bachelor’s degree in dietetics, you can expect to learn core courses such as food science, physiology, food and nutrition, biochemistry, and microbiology.
Methodology
A bachelor’s degree in dietetics is available online at some of the best colleges and universities across the country. We have profiled the top online schools in random order, offering a quality education via the web that is more affordable, accessible, and faster than traditional education.
Our list of schools is selected according to certain criteria. The following are the features of each Bachelor’s in Dietetics degree online program offered by a top school:
- Provides convenience and flexibility to learn 100% online or in a hybrid learning format,
- Features online coursework designed to provide healthcare and wellness nutrition therapy in public health nutrition and health science career tracks,
- Prepares graduates for jobs as Clinical Dietitians, Food Service Managers, Community Dietitians, and Sports Nutritionists,
- It may or may not feature transfer credit programs,
- Offers opportunities for financial aid, tuition waivers, scholarships, and grants,
- Obtained approval from the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), meeting Nutrition and Dietetics educational standards,
Check out our Methodology page for more information.
15 Best Online Bachelor’s in Dietetics Degree Programs
Texas Woman’s University
Online Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (Dietetics) (Hybrid)
Texas Woman’s University offers a B.S. in Nutrition: Emphasis in Dietetics. The completion of this hybrid program allows graduates to take the licensure in order for graduates to become Registered Dietitian nutritionists (RDN). This bachelor’s degree in dietetics offers students internships.
- The faculty of this program are knowledgeable, accessible, and supportive of small classes.
- Majors in nutrition can apply for nutrition scholarships.
- Dietetic intern applications from TWU students were accepted 100 percent.
What Makes this Program Unique:
TWU offers a variety of on-campus laboratories where you can get involved in research. In addition to community nutrition education. There are options for evaluation, design, or outreach.
Did You Know?
- Career Connections Centers are located on each campus to provide career advising services and tailored career planning to this program’s current and graduated students.
- Handshake, a unique resume review, and job opening database, has also been implemented in the Career Center.
Purdue University Global
Online Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
Nutrition is increasingly being emphasized as a way to lead a healthier life, and this is being promoted more at Pursue University Global. Their Bachelor’s degree in nutrition prepares them for a rewarding career in which they can significantly improve the health and lives of others.
- It is recommended that you complete your bachelor’s degree in four years.
- The program requires you to complete 120 total credits.
What Makes this Program Unique:
The purpose of this degree program is to provide students with fundamental knowledge and skills in the fields of nutrition and health care. You’ll be able to understand how diet contributes to a healthy lifestyle by exploring the principles and pharmacology of nutrition. As a result, you can land a leadership role in the healthcare industry.
Did You Know?
In this program, you’ll apply your nutrition knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios with an original capstone project.
University of Northern Colorado
Online Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
The Bachelor of Science degree program in Dietetics at the University of Northern Colorado is a valuable and practical program for students interested in maintaining and rehabilitating health. Through this program, you will gain skills in human relations management and expertise in addressing nutritional requirements.
- You can complete your bachelor’s degree in four years if you follow their full-time four-year plan.
- A UNC student must earn 120-semester credits to earn a bachelor’s degree.
What Makes this Program Unique:
Completing the program prepares students for entry-level careers in business, health care, and industry in community, clinical, and consultative dietetics.
Did You Know?
This online Dietetics bachelor’s degree program allows experiential learning. Students will be assisted by faculty members in finding appropriate sites.
University of Alaska Anchorage
Online Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Dietetics is an undergraduate degree that prepares students to take the Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, which is a registered exam. Students earning a B.S. in Dietetics are also designed for graduate coursework and supervised practice programs, which allows them to take the dietician exam.
- This degree requires a minimum of 120 credits, of which 39 must be upper-division credits.
- Upon graduation, you can provide individuals, groups, and populations with nutritional information, products, and services.
- You’ll learn to provide nutrition-related services to individuals and organizations based on principles of management and systems.
What Makes this Program Unique:
It is possible for students to be conditionally accepted to the program if they are taking any of the prerequisite courses. A minimum grade of C will be required before students can begin the program.
Did You Know?
At the end of the program, you can demonstrate your professional dietitian nutritionist beliefs, values, attitudes, and behavior.
Eastern Michigan University
Online Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
EMU’s Bachelor of Science in Dietetics can be earned on campus and online from virtually anywhere in the country. Online undergraduate courses are available to out-of-state students at in-state tuition rates in Michigan. They provide evidence-based programs that employers and the general public respect. At Eastern Michigan University, the faculty has a combined experience of 5 to 21 years in both in-class and online teaching.
What Makes this Program Unique:
It is the goal of the program to teach you the following things:
- To be an effective beginner dietitian in diverse sectors of healthcare, community, and food service dietetics.
- To assist your future clients and patients in making healthy food choices.
Did You Know?
For those unsure what program to take, EMU provides a 5-year BS+MS which saves you time and helps you land a better job earlier.
Kansas State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (Dietetics)
Kansas State University offers the country’s best online dietetics and nutrition degree programs. One of which is the online bachelor’s degree in Dietetics. There is something for every student looking for professional success in the food, nutrition, dietetics, and health department at K-State. Their 100% online programs will teach you how to help people live healthier lives.
What Makes this Program Unique:
You can customize this program to fit your background and career goals while learning the science of food and nutrition and how food affects our health.
Did You Know?
As a bachelor’s in Dietetics graduate, you can explore sports nutrition and corporate wellness, as well as food and nutrition-related businesses and research and education in universities and corporations.
Arizona State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition
The Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition program is a prerequisite for dietetics professionals. In order to become a registered dietitian, students must complete an internship to prepare for the registration exam.
- The 120 credit hours include nutrition courses, as well as science, management, and communication classes.
- Some of the courses in this program are business and entrepreneurship, food marketing, food manufacturing, food service management., sustainability, and media and communication.
What Makes this Program Unique:
Through this degree program, you will learn how to develop an online presence backed by evidence-based principles and discover innovation and research trends in nutrition and food.
Did You Know?
The food and nutrition degree applicants are also trained in finding innovative solutions to food and nutrition problems. Food and nutrition degrees prepare you for a bright future in a growing field.
University of Alabama
Online Bachelor of Science in Food Nutrition (Dietetics)
The Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition is available online at the University of Alabama. In this program, you’ll learn about the importance of human nutrition while combining your love of science. The University of Alabama’s online Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition program is the first step to becoming a registered dietitian. Your career will be enhanced by your understanding of nutrition and human health gained through this program.
- The program requires 59 hours of major courses, 20 hours of science courses, and 44 hours of general education courses.
- It is possible for graduates of this program to work in several different work environments, such as major medical centers, smaller hospitals, public health departments, community agencies, and private consulting firms, as well as the business sector.
What Makes this Program Unique:
This program is one of the only six distance learning programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) in the United States.
Did You Know?
Early registration is key to getting a virtual seat since there’s a limitation of students getting admitted. This bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition program has no time limit; however, completing all requirements within five years is strongly encouraged.
University of Arizona
Online Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences
As a student in the Online Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences program, dietetics or nutrition will be your specialty. You can pursue dietetic internships through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and become a registered dietitian. Nutrition can lead to careers in nutrition, medicine, food science, and food service.
- This program can be completed online.
- You’ll be trained to examine the effect of nutrition and food on health and disease throughout life.
- Topics covered include nutritional biology and metabolism, therapeutic diets, food science and safety, and nutrition assessments.
What Makes this Program Unique:
With this undergraduate degree, you are also prepared to pursue graduate studies and research.
Did You Know?
- Those who complete the Dietetics emphasis are eligible to take the exam.
- An accredited dietetic internship is required for graduates to become RDNs.
- Competitive programs can be entered after graduation.
Weber State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Education
Their Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Education gives you the option to choose concentrations between integrative nutrition or sports nutrition. Prepare for postgraduate studies in nutrition, with an emphasis on diet design and current issues. Graduating from this program prepares you for graduate studies or careers in sports and health clubs, research laboratories, and more.
The common topics covered by nutritional education majors include food values, cultural sensitivity, lifespan, diet design, health, fitness, and current issues. In addition, you will be able to customize your studies based on your field of interest.
What Makes this Program Unique:
Upon completion of this program, you will be prepared to work in the field of integrative nutrition. Many organizations regularly employ graduates.
Did You Know?
You can prepare for a career in nutrition as a non-registered dietitian nutritionist at Weber State by earning a degree in nutrition education.
Benedictine University
Online Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (Hybrid)
Benedictine offers an online bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. This program prepares you for your career path by providing real-world experiences such as case studies, nutritional assessments, and professional mentoring.
- Benedictine offers scholarships and community leadership developments.
- Students can also engage in study abroad and have hands-on experience at work sites.
What Makes this Program Unique:
If you have completed our DPD, MS, or DI programs, you qualify to sit for the registration examination to become a licensed and registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).
Did You Know?
Alumni and students consistently praise our program. The college’s RDN exam pass rate has averaged 98% in the past three years. We have also matched 100% of Dietetic Internship placements for the past three years.
Rutgers University
Online Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
Rutgers offers a bachelor’s degree in Dietetics. The Rutgers University DPD offers courses in social and behavioral sciences, humanities, physical sciences, nutrition, food service, and food. After completing the program, students can communicate effectively with clients and employees. Curriculum changes have been made to this dietetics program.
What Makes this Program Unique:
As part of their commitment to being transparent and supportive, they provide guidance for all students in planning their academic coursework.
Did You Know?
The DPD coursework for individual students will be completed on a need-to-know basis, if necessary.
The State University of New York ONEONTA
Online Bachelor of Science in Dietetics (Online)
SUNY ONEONTA offers the online Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. The study of dietetics combines the study of human biology and biochemistry, food science, and nutrition to determine how the body utilizes nutrients and other substances for optimal health. Health and wellness are the primary concerns of registered dietitians, whether they are administering medical nutrition therapy or directing food services.
- The Dietetics program is nationally accredited at SUNY Oneonta, which prepares students to understand nutrition’s relation to health and disease.
- This program is focused on providing a solid foundation in nutrition, food, and food systems management.
- Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply for dietetic internships.
What Makes this Program Unique:
You will have the opportunity to work with coaches to develop eating plans for Oneonta athletes, and you’ll get plenty of hands-on learning experience both in and outside the classroom.
Did You Know?
SUNY Oneonta offers a Pre-Select Option for 50 percent of the online M.S. Nutrition and Dietetics Program seats to seniors.
California State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Food Administration, Nutrition
Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Food Administration, Nutrition consists of two concentrations: Dietetics and Nutritional Science. Nutritional Science is good for you if you want a career in research, industries, and public health. Graduate school applicants, medical school applicants, or students interested in health-related programs should consider this concentration.
What Makes this Program Unique:
Also known as the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), this option provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills they need to apply to and complete a dietetic internship after graduation successfully.
Did You Know?
These degree options prepare students for rewarding careers in diverse sectors. If you’re interested in sports nutrition, you can offer consultation to professional and collegiate athletes.
Texas Tech University
Online Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (Hybrid)
Texas Tech University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition degree, where students can gain the specialized knowledge they need to pursue careers in medicine, education, fitness, food service, or other healthcare fields. There are two concentrations you can choose from for your nutrition degree: A nutrition degree with a Pre-Professional Health concentration provides you with knowledge and training essential for medical, dental, and health-related schools.
On the other hand, you can go for a Secondary Teacher Certification concentration if you want to lead and teach nutrition classes.
What Makes this Program Unique:
- This program makes it possible for you to teach nutrition education to students.
- Human Nutrition Laboratory at Texas Tech offers research opportunities.
- They have a world-class obesity research facility, and faculty and students conduct many nutrition research projects.
Did You Know?
They provide you with strong scientific backgrounds in all of their nutrition concentrations. There is an excellent acceptance rate for our medical, dental, pharmacy, and nursing graduates.
Career Outcomes for Dietetics Graduates
Nutritionists and dietitians are the most common career paths among nutritional science majors. Though both roles advise patients about diet, they are distinct. According to disease management guidelines, dietitians practice medical nutrition. Professional credentialing requirements are more stringent for dieticians than for nutritionists, who promote wellness through diet in a more holistic manner.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dietitians and nutritionists work in various environments and settings. Their estimated projected growth of jobs is at 7% for the next decade. Additionally, nutrition science can prepare you for research, public health, and policy careers.
Online Nutrition or Dietetics Courses
Students who earn an online bachelor’s degree in nutritional science or dietetics program study different courses. An online nutrition degree might include the following courses:
Food Service Management
In this management course, students will learn about the administrative and professional aspects of leading a food service operation. There are usually several topics covered in the course that can be applied in real-life food service scenarios. In this course, professional ethics are woven throughout the material.
Nutrition Science
Nutrition is the focus of this introductory science course. Students may gain an understanding of internal food systems and how food is processed chemically by the body. This course may also cover allergies and intolerances, healthy dietary habits, energy balance, and nutrition information availability and presentation.
Anatomy and Physiology
In this course, we will cover the most essential concepts and terms related to the structure and function of the human body. In addition, students will be exposed to various diseases, organ systems, digestion, metabolism, and a wide range of nutritional needs throughout the life cycle of a typical human. This course may include a virtual lab component, with some online programs including applications-oriented labs.
Microbiology
Nutrition is studied intensively in a microbiology course, which typically requires lab work. They also explore how these microorganisms affect health. Online students will have to perform experiments using everyday household items or kits provided by the school.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Nutritionists and Dieticians differ from each other?
Perhaps you’re wondering about the differences between nutritionists and dieticians as you consider a career in Nutrition and Dietetics. It is important to note the differences between those words, as people seem to use them interchangeably.
In addition to studying how diet can affect overall health, nutritionists and dieticians are both considered health professionals. However, dieticians usually have more certifications and regulations. As well as providing nutritional advice, a nutritionist can diagnose eating disorders and treat medical conditions.
Who is the best online Bachelor’s in Dietetics student candidates?
Online students who pursue a Bachelor of Dietetics should have a research interest. People with an educational or professional background in Dietetics and students who enjoy volunteering in health organizations are at an advantage.
Is taking an online Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics valuable and worth it?
There will always be a need for food, and people will never be able to live without it. As a result, assisting people or organizations in managing it will always be needed. The job opportunities you’ll have post-graduation are endless. The industry is experiencing tremendous growth at the moment, making it a great time to get involved.
Summary Points
Undergraduate nutrition science programs teach you professional clinical skills and how foods and nutrients affect health – essentially, all you need to know to become a nutrition professional. Upon graduation, students can evaluate diets, offer dietary advice, and plan dietary programs for patients.
Studies in chemistry and biology are part of most bachelor’s degrees in nutritional science. Human nutrition and food science form the basis of most core coursework. Taking courses like Food and Consumers and Issues in Human Nutrition will give you a basic understanding of nutritional science. As a nutritionist, you will learn many skills and sit for the licensure to become a licensed dietician.
Additional Information:
