Online bachelor’s in nutritional science programs offer a more flexible way to earn this degree — they’re perfect for students balancing their education with other commitments. Graduates can pursue roles such as registered dietitian (median salary of $69,680) and health education specialist ($62,860). Beyond these options, this degree can open up opportunities in public health, food science, sports nutrition, and corporate health consulting.
Whether you’re interested in clinical nutrition, promoting healthy lifestyles, or developing innovative food products, these programs will provide the necessary skills to thrive in a growing field.
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The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
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How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Nutritional Sciences degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 6 Online Bachelor's in Nutritional Sciences Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Eastern Michigan University
Intelligent Score: 99.06In-state: $13,500
Out-of-state: $13,500
In-state: $14,868
Out-of-state: $14,868
SAT: 980-1200
ACT: 19-26
$466 per credit
Online, On-campus
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
58 credits
The University of Alabama
Intelligent Score: 94.74In-state: $10,780
Out-of-state: $30,250
In-state: $10,780
Out-of-state: $10,780
SAT: 1070-1330
ACT: 23-31
$375 per credit
Online
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
120 credits
Arizona State University
Intelligent Score: 89.86In-state: $10,710
Out-of-state: $28,800
In-state: $11,720
Out-of-state: $11,720
SAT: 1100-1320
ACT: 21-28
$561 - $661 per credit
Online
Higher Learning Commission
120 credits
University of Arizona
Intelligent Score: 89.67In-state: $10,990
Out-of-state: $33,273
In-state: $11,938
Out-of-state: $11,938
SAT: 1090-1350
ACT: 21-29
$525 per credit
Online
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
120 credits
Rutgers University
Intelligent Score: 88.69In-state: $12,230
Out-of-state: $29,012
In-state: $17,736
Out-of-state: $17,736
SAT: 1180-1410
ACT: 25-32
$461 per credit
Online
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
122 credits
Weber State University
Intelligent Score: 83.99In-state: $5,090
Out-of-state: $15,272
In-state: $7,935
Out-of-state: $7,935
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$278 per credit
Online
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
120 credits
What You Should Know About an Online Bachelor’s in Nutritional Science Degree
“Nutrition science” is often used interchangeably with “food science,” despite them being two very different fields of study. Both programs closely examine the biological and chemical makeup of food. However, food science focuses on the manufacturing and storage of food products, while nutrition science looks at the relationship between food and health.
If you hope to be a registered nutritionist or dietitian, it’s important that you attend an institution accredited by an organization such as the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
The rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes in the United States has led to a greater need for nutritional experts. By 2033, the nutrition field is projected to undergo a 7% increase in employment.
If you wish to become a registered dietitian, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program, complete an internship, and pass a registration examination. There are also several nutritionist certifications you can pursue depending on your career goals.
Finding the Right Online Program
Here are some questions to ask when researching online nutrition degree programs:
- What licensing or certifications are required? Licenses or certifications are typically required for more advanced career roles, such as that of a registered dietician or certified nutritionist. The exact requirements vary amongst different states, but students are generally expected to gain in-field practice and pass a licensing exam. Most licenses require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree, although some may expect a master’s degree.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Most students complete an online bachelor’s in nutritional sciences program in four years. However, those enrolled in accelerated programs can finish in three years, and part-time students may take up to six years to get their degree.
While applying to schools, be sure to consult the institution’s website or admissions department to learn about deadlines and required application materials. You should also research financial aid opportunities and submit applications on time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor’s in Nutritional Science Programs
What career opportunities are available with an online bachelor’s in nutritional science degree?
With a bachelor’s in nutritional science, you can pursue careers like a registered dietitian, where graduates design nutrition plans in healthcare, community, or food service settings. With over 6,000 new jobs annually, this field is growing faster than average.
Others may pursue careers as health education specialists, focusing on public health initiatives and teaching communities about healthy habits rather than providing individualized dietary care like RDs. This profession is also experiencing significant growth, driven by increased awareness of preventative health.
Both roles offer meaningful ways to improve well-being, with unique focuses: RDs focus on clinical nutrition and health education specialists on community outreach and education.
Are online bachelor’s in nutritional science degree programs as credible as on-campus programs?
In many ways, online bachelor’s in nutritional science degree programs are just as credible as on-campus programs, provided they are accredited by recognized accrediting bodies like ACEND. Accreditation ensures the program meets academic and professional standards, offering the same quality of education and preparation for certification as on-campus programs.
Reputable universities offer many online programs with the same curriculum and faculty as their in-person programs. Yet, it’s still important to verify each program’s accreditation to confirm its credibility and to make sure it aligns with your career goals.
How long does it take to complete an online bachelor’s in nutritional science degree program?
These degrees typically take four years to complete, identical to the timeline of traditional programs. But, as an online student, you may finish sooner or later, depending on your circumstances.
For instance, accelerated programs can help you complete your degree faster, often in two to three years, while part-time options offer flexibility for those balancing work or family commitments, potentially extending completion to five or six years. Online programs are designed to adapt to varying needs, helping you maintain your schedule while achieving your educational goals.
Are there specialization options within online bachelor’s in nutritional science degree programs?
Many of these programs offer specialization options, which can help you customize your studies to better align with your professional goals. Choosing a specialization can lend you expertise in a specific area, potentially boosting your competitiveness in the job market. While specialization options may vary by school, many offer options like clinical nutrition, public health nutrition, sports nutrition, and food science — all of which can prepare you for different careers.
For example, focusing on clinical nutrition will prepare you for registered dietitian roles, while sports nutrition will better support a career within athletic organizations. Public health nutrition emphasizes community wellness initiatives, and food science leads to roles in food safety and product development.
What is the cost of an online bachelor’s in nutritional science degree?
For the 2022-2023 academic year, the average annual tuition for an undergraduate program was $14,688, but several factors can cause this figure to fluctuate. In particular, residency status can impact costs, with in-state students often paying less than out-of-state students. Attending part-time may lower semester costs but extend the timeline, potentially increasing overall expenses. Public institutions typically offer lower tuition than private schools, though some private school programs may include more robust financial aid packages to balance the extra cost.