Nutritionist and Dietitian Education

What degrees are necessary to become a Nutritionist or Registered Dietitian?

An accredited two or four-year degree in nutritional science or related field is necessary to become a Nutritionist or Registered Dietitian. Moreover, a degree in one of the following, or a related degree, would be a necessary first step to taking and passing the Registered Dietitian (RD) or Dietetic Technicians, Registered (DTR) examinations authorized by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

A common undergraduate or graduate degree in nutritional science would traditionally include courses in nutrition, institution management, biology, chemistry, and physiology. Additional courses of study could include business, mathematics, psychology, sociology, or economics.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 281 bachelor’s degree programs and 22 master’s degree programs approved by the American Dietetic Association’s Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education in 2007. Many of these can be located through this website.

The following is a list of degrees offered from accredited online and campus universities available on this site that would prepare an individual for a career in the nutritional sciences as a Nutritionist or Registered Dietitian:

• Bachelor's (BBA) - Healthcare Management
• BA/Social Science - Health Studies
• MBA - Health Care Management
• BS in Health and Wellness
• BS in Health Science
• BS in Nutrition Science
• BS in Health and Wellness
• BS in Health Science
• BS in Nutrition Science
• Graduate degree in Life Care Planning
• Graduate degree in Health Services - Health Promotion & Education
• Graduate degree in Public Health
• Graduate degree in Public Health - Community Health Education & Promotion

What preparations are necessary to prepare me for a degree in Nutritional Sciences?

A background in science is not necessary, although a healthy appetite for learning is a definite plus. High school students or those considering a degree in nutrition may want to learn about biology, chemistry, mathematics, health, and communications to better prepare themselves for university course study.

What can I expect from a campus or online degree in nutritional science or related field?

A variety of online and campus based degrees are available through this site. With the abundance of options in college and university programs today, a degree to fit an individual schedule, budget and lifestyle is becoming easier to find. Most universities available here provide personalized instruction with small groups and interactive professors. Between an abundance of campuses and online class times, many of these programs have been designed to adapt to a growing population of non-traditional university students.

All accredited universities employ instructors and professors with highly relevant, advanced degrees in the field in which they teach. Course curriculums have been maintained by academics within the industry, in order to maintain the highest possible integrity of the coursework. Moreover, support facilities such as libraries, research labs, conferences, lectures and events, both physical and online, are available to students enrolled in specific programs.

Generally able to interact with each other as well as the teacher, students in these universities have the ability to review lecture information and coursework, share ideas and discuss issues pertaining to their chosen course of study while instructors provide constant guidance, review and feedback.

How much does a two or four year degree in nutrition science cost?

Tuition at an accredited campus or online university can begin from US $299 to US $400 per credit. A two or four year associate’s or bachelor’s degree will consist of roughly 64 and 120 credits, respectively. Master’s degrees or PhDs begin between US $350 and US $450 per credit.

Individual schools vary, and can be accessed through this site for specific university’s tuition, fees and materials.

Nutritionist & Dietitian Continuing Education Units/Credits CEU CE

Professionals looking to complete continuing education units are encouraged to find courses and programs through Nutritionist World’s network of top institutions to find CEU’s that work with their specific organization. We encourage our visiting professionals to request information from as many schools as they would like to find the information and institution that not only matches the needs of their continued certification, but their professional development as well. Find Continuing Education Credits