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What is Nutrition Science?

Nutrition science is the area of study that deals with the effect of food on human and animals, particularly in regards to health, mental health, behavior, and metabolism. Individuals in this field will be responsible for understanding the various effects different foods may have on a given individual and apply that knowledge to a variety of possible functions, including health care, research, safety and other such applications.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$58,920

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

37.10%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

66,700

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Nutrition Degree

Columbia University in the City of New York (New York, NY) is a private research university recognized as one of the Ivy League members. Columbia offers a wide range of comprehensive academic programs designed to award undergraduate and graduate degrees, including professional degrees. The Institute of Human Nutrition aims to provide quality education, advanced research activities, and training programs to students to improve global health. The university has graduate programs focused on nutrition. The Institute has affiliations worldwide exposing students to a more global perspective. IHN has leading and recognized alumni across the globe. 

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

University of Chicago (Chicago, IL) is a private university composed of one undergraduate college and five graduate research divisions. The university is known for its arts and sciences programs, but it also boasts great programs in business, medicine, law, leadership and governance, and engineering. Some publications describe UChicago’s learning experience as rigorous and intense. The Department of Medicine offers a Fellowship in Clinical Nutrition. This is a training program for medical professionals who aim to gain broader practical and theoretical instructions about Gastroenterology. The fellowship is a fully accredited three-year program that leads to Board Eligibility for Gastroenterology. 

Acceptance Rate

6.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) is a recognized public university providing education with practical benefits and contributions to the state. Cornell applies an interdisciplinary curriculum to its active research program. Some of its popular programs are in social science, life sciences, humanities, sustainability, and international programs. Cornell has a wide variety of academic programs focused on nutrition. The Division of Nutritional Sciences offers both undergraduate and graduate studies. Nutritional Science is an undergraduate major that prepares students to apply nutrition knowledge and expertise to a variety of fields. Interested students can also apply for a nutrition program certificate through eCornell’s online programs. 

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Tufts University (Medford, MA) has a wide range of programs for students to choose from. This private research university fosters active citizenship and public service in all its disciplines. Before turning into a large research university, Tufts was a liberal arts college. The school embraces internationalism and provides opportunities for study abroad programs. TU has a top-rated Nutrition degree program that is offered at the graduate level for qualifying students. The university grants master’s, and doctoral degrees. Students can also opt to get combined programs, or postgraduate certificates online. Aside from theoretical coursework, students are giving specialized training programs for physicians who are pursuing doctoral degrees in human nutrition. It also has programs that prepare undergraduate students to become registered dietitians.

Acceptance Rate

14.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of California-Berkeley (Berkeley, CA) is a public research university under the University of California system. UC-Berkeley has established its academic and research reputation across the United States and the world. The university offers high ranking academic programs. Nutritional Sciences & Toxicology is an undergraduate major under biological sciences. Students can choose a specialization - Dietetics, Physiology & Metabolism, and Molecular Toxicology. All programs under the Rausser College are interdisciplinary allowing students to learn more through academic collaborations and others. 

Acceptance Rate

16.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Emory University (Atlanta, GA) is a private university that provides a long list of academic programs for students of both undergraduate and graduate studies. It is organized into nine schools and colleges. The university has several programs that are focused on nutrition. The Rollins School of Public Health offers a Public Health Nutrition program that focuses on solving nutrition-related issues including malnutrition and communicable diseases. The Laney Graduate school manages the  Nutrition Health Sciences program where students are provided with coursework, and required to go to rotations for clinical practice. Graduate students are also required to attend seminars and conduct thesis writing. 

Acceptance Rate

15.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, GA) is the oldest public university in the state. The university is recognized for its academic excellence and research activities. Popular programs in UM are focused on arts, and sciences. The School of Public Health houses the Nutritional Sciences department. It offers graduate programs focused on nutrition and dietetics. Students are expected to learn through a comprehensive curriculum, several research opportunities, and internship opportunities across different environments. The department also has a program for students and professionals who aim to be a Registered Dietitian (RD). 

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Asheville, NC) is a public university highly regarded for its academic quality, diversity, and international presence. Carolina also ranks among the top research universities in the United States. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Nutrition is a major under the Bachelor of Science in Public Health program under the Department of Nutrition. This undergraduate program is claimed to be one of the best pre-med programs in the United States. Students are required to have a nutrition research. Graduates can get entry-level jobs in public health or dietetics. 

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Boston University (Boston, MA) is a notable private institution that offers quality education. The university is consistently ranking locally and internationally for its academic programs, services, and research activities. BU maintains small class sizes allowing more hands-on and focused learning. The university offers a bachelor’s and master’s degree in nutrition. The undergraduate program has three tracks - nutrition health, nutrition science, and dietetics. The nutrition health track has courses that are focused on public/global health or mass communications. Nutrition science is for students who aim to pursue graduate studies; and dietetics is for students who want to be Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). 

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Tulane University of Louisiana (New Orleans, LA) operates as a private university. It is organized into 10 schools centered around liberal arts, sciences, and specialized professions. The Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine is one of the oldest public health schools in the country. Its public health programs provide majors like Health Education and Communication, Maternal and Child Health, and Nutrition. These programs grant master’s degrees. MPH in Nutrition, in particular, focuses on addressing complex societal health issues including malnutrition. 

Acceptance Rate

12.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

New York University (New York, NY) is a private research university recognized across the country and around the globe. Programs are organized across 16 colleges, institutions, and schools. The university is also known for its top-notch healthcare professional programs. NYU has a wide range of baccalaureate nutrition programs for interested students. Most programs are designed interdisciplinary allowing students to study a variety of areas of study. Master’s and Ph.D. programs are also offered. Students taking another major can also admit to a minor in nutrition and dietetics. All programs are designed to address the 21st century needs and developments related to nutrition and dietetics. 

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) is a public university and one of the flagship research institutions under the State University System of Florida. The university offers its comprehensive programs across 16 academic colleges and more than 150 research centers and institutes. One of the missions of the university is to provide its students with quality education and encourage them to conduct nationally recognized research studies. All programs under the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department are accredited and recognized  by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Undergraduate students can immediately pursue a career in the industry or continue with comprehensive graduate studies. The university is also open for transfer admissions. 

Acceptance Rate

36.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Pepperdine University (Malibu, CA) is a private university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs. Courses offered in Pepperdine are accessible in several parts of the United States and across the world. Nutritional Science major is an undergraduate program offered at Pepperdine University. It is designed to prepare students to be industry professionals and graduate and professional schools. It leads to a post-baccalaureate certificate. The university has satellite schools in Southern California, a center in Washington D.C. and campuses in Argentina, China, and several parts of Europe. A large percentage of the student population are taking Pepperdine’s study abroad programs. 

Acceptance Rate

31.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

University of Texas in Austin (Austin, TX) is a public research university and the flagship campus under the University of Texas System. The university offers a wide range of programs for both undergraduate and graduate levels. Students who are interested to take careers in nutrition and dietetics can choose from a variety of undergraduate majors. Programs can lead to Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Science and Arts in Nutrition. The master’s degree in Nutritional Science is offered 100% delivered online. A doctoral program is also offered. 

Acceptance Rate

31.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

University of California-Davis (Davis, CA) houses nationally ranked academic programs across a wide variety of disciplines. The university is particularly known for its agricultural and environmental programs. UC Davis also houses recognized health and medical programs. The Department of Nutrition manages two nutrition majors and several minor programs. Interested students can choose from Clinical Nutrition to Nutrition Science. UC-Davis nutrition degree programs are focused on providing comprehensive coursework. Students are taught instructions on biological and physical sciences to more specialized instructions - nutrition principles, human nutrition, diet therapy, experimental nutrition, etc.  

Acceptance Rate

38.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH) is a private research university that houses a wide range of academic programs for students to choose from. The university has programs taught in conjunction with University Circle institutions which includes several medical and art centers. The School of Medicine grants academic degrees in nutrition from bachelor’s up to doctoral level. It also has postgraduate certificates for those who aim to further their knowledge about the area of study. Human Nutrition and Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism are nutrition-related majors under the School of Medicine. Students can choose between BS or BA program curricula for these majors. 

Acceptance Rate

27.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

University of Maryland - College Park (College Park, MA) is a public institution and Maryland’s flagship university. The school is said to be one of the “Public Ivies”. The school offers competitive academic programs that are consistently ranking among the best in the country. Nutritional Science is an undergraduate program at the University of Maryland. Students can pursue a career in various industries, or continue for further studies. The program also meets pre-medical and pre-dental requirements for students who want to pursue professional education. The University of Maryland also offers summer and winter short-term programs which include study abroad opportunities. The student population is diverse with students coming from the 50 states of the United States and over a hundred foreign countries.

Acceptance Rate

44.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

University of Georgia (Athens, GA) offers a wide range of programs offered from humanities, communications, sciences, education, law, up to health and medicine. The university extends its academic excellence to other parts of the country and several locations around the globe. The university also fosters an active research environment helping students to develop intellectually and professionally. Foods and Nutrition major is a master’s degree program delivered online. Graduates of the program are eligible to take a certification exam for Georgia School Nutrition Directors. Other roles across private and public sectors can also be assumed by MS Nutrition graduates. 

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, CA) is one of two polytechnics in the California State University system. San Luis Obispo campus is more focused on its undergraduate education. The university fosters a combination of technical and professional curriculums with the arts and humanities. The university has a bachelor’s and master’s programs in nutrition under the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. The undergraduate nutrition degree program focuses on providing courses leading to nutrition science. Learning how foods impact health, wellness and disease prevention is one of the aims of this program. Students are provided with practical and theoretical coursework as well as service and research opportunities. Student internships are also encouraged.  

Acceptance Rate

28.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Ohio State University-Main Campus (Columbus, OH) is a public university and is considered the largest single-campus university in the United States. The university is the top university in academics and research in the state. It is recognized as one of the Public Ivies of some publications. Human Nutrition is just one of many undergraduate programs to choose from in the university. The program grants a Bachelor of Science degree. It offers three tracks - dietetics, nutrition sciences, nutrition in industry. Graduate programs focused on nutrition are also offered at Ohio State University. 

Acceptance Rate

53.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT) is a highly recognized public university and considered one of the best higher learning institutions in the United States. The university has a wide range of academic programs from undergraduate majors to graduate studies’ specializations. UConn also has an active research environment. The undergraduate Nutritional Science program has three specialized tracks - Nutrition, Health, and Disease Prevention, Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), and Pre-Medical Profession. Master’s and doctoral programs are also offered. All programs are designed to integrate foods and nutrients in promoting optimal health and treatment of disease. The university will launch a new nutrition-focused academic program in 2021. 

Acceptance Rate

49.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY) is a public research university offering a range of high-ranking degree programs for both undergraduate and graduate levels. A large percentage of the student population experience study abroad programs. Students can choose and customize the experience. Nutrition Science and Dietetics is offered as both a major and minor undergraduate program in the university. Students are trained and prepared to be professionals across a variety of industries - nutritional research, dietetics, nutritional counseling, and community nutrition. Program curriculum includes coursework and practical experiences. MA and MS programs in nutrition are also offered.

Acceptance Rate

44.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Seattle, WA) is a premier public research university. It is also the largest college in the northwestern region of the country. UW is also one of the institutions to receive the biggest amounts of federal funding for university-based research. The university houses several nutritional programs for qualified students. For undergraduate studies, it offers The Bachelor of Arts with a major in Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health as well as a Nutrition minor open for all programs. For graduate studies, the university has a Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences. The program curriculum is efficient and flexible allowing students to train for RND exams while studying for their master’s degree. Students are expected to adapt and learn skills that can be beneficial to both research and community settings.

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Raleigh, NC) is a highly-regarded public university offering a wide range of academic programs for students to choose from. NC State has an active research culture. It is one of the top public universities that receive funding for research.  This state university is known to be “the People’s University” accommodating a large number of faculty and students. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences offers a Master’s degree in Nutrition. The program is delivered online and designed to be a non-thesis, applied degree. It prepares interested students to assume careers that focus on human nutrition or animal nutrition.

Acceptance Rate

45.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL) is the flagship university of the state's higher education system. The university is among the universities with very high activity on research works. The university offers a wide range of academic and professional programs delivered either on-campus or online. Human Nutrition is offered as a pre-health degree. Graduates can pursue professional degrees in medical, dental and physical therapy. Upon completion of the program, graduates can immediately assume roles across a variety of industries. 

Acceptance Rate

59.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

What is an RDN?

A Registered Dietician Nutritionist or RDN is a credential earned by experts to help address complex nutrition and food-based issues for individuals and industry. An RDN designation reflects the academic prowess and aptitude requisite to help others translate the mosaic of nutrition information into actionable steps.

Registered Dietician Nutritionists can work for public corporations or private industry in a variety of institutions such as: universities, clinics, community hospitals, nursing facilities, primary schools, fitness centers, outpatient facilities, research institutions, or private practices. To become an RDN, you will need to:

  1. Earn a degree in nutrition science or dietetics from an accredited college or university.
  2. Get accepted into an accredited dietetic internship (DI) program and complete the required hours of supervised practice.
  3. Successfully pass the RDN national board exam covering community, clinical, and food systems elements to earn your certification.
  4. Apply for licensure and begin work as an RDN in your state of residence.

Top Degrees for Nutritionists

A variety of accredited degree options exist in nutrition science online or in class that you may consider for your future.  Each school will have variations to their program and degree options to consider as you look for the perfect college for you.

Depending on the degree track, a nutritionist may be able to select an area of concentration in the field such as gerontology nutrition, pediatric nutrition, sports nutrition, or oncology nutrition to name a few options.  Degree options in nutrition can include online or classroom-based programs or hybrid programs that combine both on-site and online learning modalities.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition

Nutritionists seeking an online bachelor’s degree will find them listed in a course catalog as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) depending on the program’s design.  Typical BA and BS degree programs in nutrition are four-year programs offering a mix of general education courses like psychology, communications, and philosophy with core coursework to help students think differently about the world around them.

The core classes in nutrition from school to school will vary but generally include foundational courses such as: principles of nutrition, nutrition & biochemistry, fundamentals of dietetics, world nutrition, food science, life cycle nutrition, medical nutrition, dietetic management, sports nutrition, applied dietetic management of nutrition programs, nutrition counseling, community health, and clinical physiology.  Students earning a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or nutrition science will be equipped to sit for their state’s examination and apply for licensure after all state-based requirements are met.

Online Master’s Degree in Nutrition

The master’s degree track in nutrition science offers students advanced coursework in nutrition and dietetics to prepare student for advanced positions in the field of nutrition or the opportunity to pursue a doctorate degree in the field.  The master’s degree in nutrition is most frequently conferred as an MS or Masters of Science which takes 2-3 years to complete of full-time matriculation depending on the school’s curricular design and thesis requirements.

Upper level courses in nutrition may include the following examples: nutrient bioavailability, clinical nutrition, nutritional energetics, dietetics & behavior, community nutrition, child nutrition, maternal nutrition, endocrinology, international nutrition, physiology of digestion, obesity, chronic diseases, gene expression, aging, food preference, immunity, dietary assessment, lipid and protein metabolism, nutrition education, and advanced research methodology.

Doctorate Degrees in Nutrition

Doctorate degrees in nutrition, nutrition biology, or nutrition science are conferred as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at most accredited universities and colleges.  The PhD program in nutrition can take four to six years of full time matriculation dependent upon the course load and time taken to complete your dissertation project.

Advanced doctoral classes in dietetics will include a host of leading edge courses.  Examples of these dietetics courses include: research methods in nutrition, clinical research, advanced qualitative research, health statistics, nutritional assessments, vitamin functions, epidemiological methods, metabolism, nutritional biochemistry, community nutrition, pathophysiology, micronutrients, and macronutrients along with advanced chemistry and biology courses.

PhD students will be uniquely equipped to assume management and leadership roles in higher education, research, community-based organizations, and private corporations of all types.

Educational Requirements for Nutritionists

Individuals seeking a degree in nutrition science will typically seek out at minimum a bachelor's degree, with programs preparing students for careers that involve the use of nutrition science. Higher level degrees offer more options, including research positions and teaching opportunities. Programs require students to understand the effect of food on the body through the use of multiple scientific disciplines. Individuals should have strong science and math backgrounds when considering this field.

A curriculum in nutrition science may include courses in:

How to Become a Nutritionist

To become a nutritionist, you will need to successfully complete a series of discrete steps in order.  A summary of those steps can be found below to help you understand the milestones required as part of the process and actionable steps associated with each.  The steps to become a nutritionist include:

  1. Establish a priority list – Starting with a list of priorities that is near and dear to you is a perfect place to begin.  Create your own list or find a sample list of questions on our College Admissions Guide to build your priority list.
  2. Request feedback – Ask for feedback from family members, counselors, school alumni, teachers, and friends.  The input you receive about your priority list will help refine and improve your list before moving forward to step number three.
  3. Perform a self-assessment – Carefully analyze your strengths, opportunities, likes, and weaknesses.  Placing each in a quadrant will provide a visual representation of what you are good at doing and what you like to do in nutrition science.
  4. Gather information – Collecting admissions information from accredited universities is the next step to tackle.  Carefully overlay what the school offers with what you find important in a career.  Prioritizing your goals will lead to better outcomes and a more efficient decision about your future.  Trustworthy digital portals like MatchCollege help millions of students every year to research schools and degrees.  Get matched to online colleges and campus-based schools with our proprietary matching technologies.
  5. Getting matched – With quality information in-hand, narrow your school choices and assess probability of admissions.  Analyzing admissions policies and requirements with your profile will help you get down to a few school choices.
  6. Financial aid – Once your application for admissions is in queue, you will need to quickly gather financial aid options.  Connect with the school's financial aid team and examine scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans while you wait for a decision on admissions.
  7. Acceptance – Aligning your priorities and career goals with the school’s nutrition degree and overall cost allow for a better decision for your future.  After accepting a school, you must attend orientation, schedule a time to meet with an academic counselor, and register for nutrition classes.
  8. Degree - Diligently work hard to learn all you can and focus on completing your degree.  This phase ends with you earning a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree in nutrition from a CADE accredited college nutrition, nutrition biology, or nutrition science.
  9. State Requirements - Verify any and all requirements to become a nutritionist with your state of residence.  Typical work requirements will include six to twelve months of experience in a state-approved program.
  10. Standardized Exam - Prepare to sit for the nutrition board’s examination and pass the standardized test to earn your nutrition certification.
  11. Licensure - Apply for a nutritionist or dietetic license from your state of residence.  During this phase, you will begin looking for work in the field at large or small organizations that fit your aspirations.
  12. Professional Development - While working, keep a keen eye on growing your transferrable skills.  Adding tools and skills to your proverbial toolbox will help grow your career year over year.  Plan to register for continuing education credits even if your state licensing board does not require it annually.
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Employment Opportunities for Nutritionists

Individuals who complete a bachelor's degree in nutrition science will be able to pursue employment in a number of areas relating to health and nutrition. Some may choose to become private nutritionists, others may work with community or other government programs to promote awareness, some may work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices as registered dietitians who assist individuals in finding a diet that best serves the specific needs of the clients. Individuals with higher levels of education may take on research positions, either through private firms or in conjunction with educational institutions or government agencies.

Where Do Nutritionists Work?

A nutritionist can work in a number of industries and sectors of the marketplace.  In fact, nutritionists can be found working in a variety of industries for various private corporations, non-government organizations, government research facilities, public agencies, and community health providers.  Below you will find the top five largest employers of nutritionists as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Top Employers of Nutritionists

  1. Medical and Surgical Hospitals 17,840
  2. Outpatient Care Facilities 6,870
  3. Nursing Care Facilities 4,790
  4. Local Government Agencies 3,960
  5. Specialty Food Services 3,780

Graduates from an accredited college or university with a degree in nutrition science, nutrition biology, or nutrition be employed in the following sectors of the economy providing coaching, counseling, education, research, and mentoring on food nutrition and well-being.

  • Insurance Carriers
  • Teaching
  • Media
  • Federal Government
  • Schools
  • Recreation Centers
  • Community Health Clinics
  • Clinical Nutritionist
  • State Government
  • Food Safety
  • Menu Development
  • Local Government

Job Growth, Salary, and Related Fields

Job growth for nutrition science related professions is expected to remain steady over the next decade. Opportunities will increase as demand for better health becomes more common place. Greater opportunities will be found in densely populated areas, and urban centers due to the higher concentration of individuals seeking better nutrition. The average salary of a nutritional scientist is approximately $53,000 annually, and varies based on education, certification, location and experience.

Top Job Responsibilities of a Nutritionist

Information gathered via a recent survey administered by the U.S. Department of Labor reveals a list of common job duties performed by nutritionists around the country.  We have summarized the list and condensed it into a bite-size list to help prospective students understand daily duties.  The top 5 job responsibilities of a nutritionist include the following:

  1. Counseling clients on proper eating habits, principles of nutrition, and overall behaviors associated with personal wellness
  2. Consulting with doctors and medical providers to understand restrictions, limitations, restrictions, or known patient allergies before creating a treatment plan
  3. Monitoring food service operations to ensure adherence to mandated standards such as: nutrition, safety, sanitation, and quality
  4. Advising patients, corporations, and families on dietary plans, nutritional principles, food preparation, diet modifications, and while food selection
  5. Assessing the nutritional needs, diet restrictions, and current health plans of individuals in an effort draft treatment plans and counseling benchmarks

States with the Highest Employment of Nutritionists

  • California          7,860
  • New York          4,960
  • Texas                 4,610
  • Florida               2,950
  • Pennsylvania    2,860

Top Paying States for Nutritionists

  1. California        $71,430
  2. Maryland        $67,440
  3. Oregon            $67,040
  4. Hawaii             $66,870
  5. New Jersey     $66,540

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