Online Nutrition Programs

Nutrition is relatively new field but the demand for nutritionists is already increasing. As more and more people are becoming conscious about having a more healthy lifestyle, they look for advice from dieticians and other nutrition professionals. Individuals interested in nutrition can become licensed as registered dietitians or pursue nutrition specialist careers.

Nutritionists are expected to have an expertise in diet, foods, and nutrition. They typically help people take proper diet. They also research how the body's functions are affected by nutrients and examine the process of nourishment. Nutritionists’ work also includes educating people about health issues.

Nutrition programs are offered at associate to master’s level. In addition to traditional schools, online institutes also offer programs in this concentration. Online nutritionists programs are particularly designed for busy individuals who cannot spare time to attend regular classes due to personal or professional commitments. They have the same curriculum as the regular degrees in nutrition but classes in the online programs are conducted online. Learners are not required to visit campus or attend classes at fixed timings. The flexibility of the online classes allows students to earn a degree at their own pace and from any location that suits them. A master's and Ph.D in nutrition is geared towards providing the students a thorough education for improving the prospects for having a career as a Registered Dietitian.

Nutrition Degrees

• Associate Degree in Nutrition
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition
• Masters Degree in Nutrition
• PhD in Nutrition

Associate Degree in Nutrition

An associate degree in nutrition typically takes 2 years to complete. You will require a GED to enter into this program along with basic level courses in chemistry, biology and algebra. Coursework would revolve around topics such as biochemistry, metabolism, physiology, nutrition therapy, culinary studies and food science.

Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition

A bachelor’s degree in nutrition can be earned in 4 years. You might be required to have completed a minimum number of credit hours in general education coursework, particularly in the sciences. You can choose from various majors such as dietetics, nutrition science and dietetics and nutrition.

Masters Degree in Nutrition

A master’s degree may be earned in 1-2 years in traditional programs, but online degrees may require shorter or longer periods since online students earn the degree according to their individual schedules. To enroll in a master’s program, you will require a bachelor’s degree, though not necessarily in a related subject. As part of this program, you would be taught courses such as culture and nutrition, minerals, vitamins, therapeutics and nutrition, metabolic diseases and exercise and nutrition.

PhD in Nutrition

A PhD in Nutrition can take between 4 and 7 years of time to complete. It requires practical, hands-on education and excellent research skills to graduate with this degree. You will need a bachelor’s or a master’s degree to be eligible for enrollment in this program. Common courses taught as part of this program include nutritional epidemiology, community nutrition, cellular nutrition, statistics and kinesiology.

Before enrolling in a program, students must make sure it is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

Nutrition degrees provide instruction in the basics of nutrition, nutrition therapy and holistic human development. Students should focus their coursework on physiology, food service management, and culinary arts. Some of the courses of study they can pursue include disease prevention by means of diet, natural treatments, weight management, antioxidants and natural health remedies.

Students can also specialize in an area within this field such as dietary management, food science, human nutrition or clinical nutrition.

Students may need to apply for a license after successfully completing a nutrition degree. Most states require registration or certification while others do not have any state regulations. The requirements for state licensure include having a bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition or a related area. Students should also have supervised practice, and pass an exam.

Jobs for nutritionists are expected to grow by 21% from 2012 to 2022 as according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS further reports that dieticians and nutritionists earned a median salary of $56,950 a year in May 2012.