A bachelor’s degree in nutrition requires completing an ACEND-accredited program (typically 4 years) plus a supervised internship for RD certification. Dietitians and nutritionists earn a median salary of $74,770. Other roles, such as wellness consultants or food safety specialists, may vary and are not officially tracked by the BLS.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics opens doors to a rewarding career helping others achieve optimal health through proper nutrition. As the foundation for most nutrition careers, this comprehensive degree prepares you for diverse opportunities in healthcare, wellness, food service, and public health.
The following bachelors and Master’s programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by trained nutritionists with experience in the field. Find out more what each individual course of study offers through the locations below.
Purdue Global's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Program is an approved holistic nutrition education program through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP).
Arizona State University - Online offers an Online Masters in Medical Nutrition
UNC's MPH Nutrition concentration prepares students to provide, evaluate and communicate nutritional and dietary guidance that improves individual and population-wide health outcomes. In addition to developing their knowledge of nutrition science, students will explore behavior change, communication, counseling and the effects of dietary culture on individuals and communities.
Walden University's Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Studies - Health Promotion and Wellness gains job-ready, immediately applicable skills today's employers want.
The University of Texas at Austin offers an Online Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences.
Grand Canyon University offers an M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Each state regulates its dietitians and nutritionists differently, with varying education requirements and examination standards. A bachelor’s degree was the minimum educational requirement for national certification through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) until December 31, 2023. Beginning January 1, 2024, the CDR requires a master’s degree for new RDN candidates; however, students can complete a master’s degree after obtaining their bachelor’s degree.
Table of Contents
Why Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition
A bachelor’s degree in nutrition provides the essential foundation for understanding human nutrition science, food systems, and health promotion. Even if you’re unsure about becoming a registered dietitian, this degree opens multiple career pathways in the growing field of nutrition and wellness.
Key benefits include:
- ACEND Accreditation Requirements: Only ACEND-accredited programs qualify graduates for dietetic internships and RD certification
- Flexible Learning Options: Available online, on-campus, or hybrid formats to accommodate different lifestyles
- Career Versatility: Prepares you for multiple nutrition-related careers beyond clinical dietetics
- Strong Job Growth: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7% job growth for nutritionists and dietitians through 2032
- Graduate School Preparation: Provides the foundation for advanced degrees in nutrition, public health, or food science
Career Opportunities Available
While many graduates pursue the registered dietitian pathway, a bachelor’s degree in nutrition opens doors to numerous rewarding careers across various sectors.
| Career Path | Work Setting | Education Requirements | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Dietitian | Hospitals, clinics, schools | Bachelor’s + internship + exam | $74,770 |
| Corporate Wellness Consultant | Corporate offices, remote | Bachelor’s degree | $65,000-$85,000 |
| Food Safety Auditor | Food facilities, restaurants | Bachelor’s + certification | $70,000-$90,000 |
| Public Health Nutritionist | Government agencies, nonprofits | Bachelor’s degree | $60,000-$75,000 |
| Nutrition Educator | Schools, community centers | Bachelor’s degree | $55,000-$70,000 |
Additional career options include health coaching, food service management, nutrition research support, and specialized roles in sports nutrition or eating disorder treatment. Many states also offer paths to become a licensed nutritionist with specific state requirements.
Degree Program Examples & Requirements
When choosing a bachelor’s degree program in nutrition, ensure it holds accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) if you plan to pursue RD certification.
Common Bachelor’s Degree Program Types
- Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science – Research-focused with a strong chemistry and biology foundation
- Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics – Clinical practice emphasis with food service management
- Bachelor of Science in Human Biology – Nutrition Emphasis – Broader biological sciences with nutrition concentration
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Nutrition Science – Combined fitness and nutrition approach
- Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition – Food systems and community nutrition focus
Admission Requirements
Most nutrition programs require:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0 (varies by institution)
- Prerequisite courses in chemistry, biology, and mathematics
- SAT or ACT scores (for traditional students)
- Letters of recommendation and personal statement
Find Bachelor’s Degree Nutrition Programs
The following bachelor’s and master’s programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by trained nutritionists with experience in the field:
The following bachelors and Master’s programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by trained nutritionists with experience in the field. Find out more what each individual course of study offers through the locations below.
Purdue Global's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Program is an approved holistic nutrition education program through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP).
Arizona State University - Online offers an Online Masters in Medical Nutrition
UNC's MPH Nutrition concentration prepares students to provide, evaluate and communicate nutritional and dietary guidance that improves individual and population-wide health outcomes. In addition to developing their knowledge of nutrition science, students will explore behavior change, communication, counseling and the effects of dietary culture on individuals and communities.
Walden University's Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Studies - Health Promotion and Wellness gains job-ready, immediately applicable skills today's employers want.
The University of Texas at Austin offers an Online Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences.
Grand Canyon University offers an M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Coursework and Internship Requirements
Bachelor’s degree programs in nutrition typically include 120-130 credit hours completed over four years of full-time study. The curriculum combines foundational sciences with specialized coursework in nutrition.
Core Coursework Areas
| Subject Area | Example Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Sciences | General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology | 24-30 |
| Nutrition Science | Advanced Nutrition, Nutritional Biochemistry, Life Cycle Nutrition | 18-24 |
| Food Systems | Food Science, Quantity Food Production, Food Safety | 12-15 |
| Clinical Applications | Medical Nutrition Therapy, Community Nutrition, Counseling | 15-18 |
| Management | Food Service Management, Research Methods, Professional Practice | 9-12 |
| General Education | Mathematics, Statistics, Psychology, Communications | 30-36 |
Dietetic Internship Requirements
To become a registered dietitian, graduates must complete a dietetic internship consisting of at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice. This competitive program includes rotations in:
- Clinical Nutrition: Hospitals and medical centers (minimum 450 hours)
- Food Service Management: Institutional kitchens and dining services (minimum 150 hours)
- Community Nutrition: Public health agencies and wellness programs (minimum 150 hours)
- Elective Rotations: Specialized areas like sports nutrition or private practice (250+ hours)
Credentials and Specialization Options
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Credential
The RDN credential represents the gold standard in nutrition credentials, requiring:
- Bachelor’s degree from an ACEND-accredited program
- Completion of a dietetic internship
- Passing the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam
- Ongoing continuing education for credential maintenance
Important Change: Beginning January 1, 2024, the CDR requires a master’s degree for new RDN candidates. Those with bachelor’s degrees earned before this date can still qualify through the traditional pathway.
Specialty Certifications
After obtaining RDN credentials and gaining experience, nutritionists can pursue advanced specializations:
CDR Board Certifications:
- Renal Nutrition (CSR): Kidney disease and dialysis nutrition
- Pediatric Nutrition (CSP): Infant, child, and adolescent nutrition
- Sports Dietetics (CSSD): Athletic performance and sports nutrition
- Gerontological Nutrition (CSG): Older adult nutrition and aging
- Oncology Nutrition (CSO): Cancer patient nutrition support
Additional Professional Certifications:
- Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)
- Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC)
- Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
- Certified Food Manager (CFM)
Salary and Job Market Outlook
The field of nutrition offers competitive salaries with strong growth potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered dietitians and nutritionists earned a median salary of $74,770 in May 2023 (latest BLS data available).
Salary by State (Top 5)
| State | Average Annual Salary | Employment Level |
|---|---|---|
| California | $94,390 | 8,000+ |
| Oregon | $86,800 | 1,200+ |
| Connecticut | $85,190 | 1,400+ |
| Alaska | $84,150 | 200+ |
| Maryland | $84,080 | 2,100+ |
Top-Paying Industries
- Colleges and Universities: $100,130 average salary
- Merchant Wholesalers: $96,520 average salary
- Office Administrative Services: $93,480 average salary
- Therapy Offices: $93,360 average salary
- Federal Government: $91,060 average salary
Job Growth Outlook
The nutrition field shows strong growth potential with:
- 7% job growth projected through 2032 (faster than average)
- 5,400 new positions expected annually
- An aging population is driving increased demand for nutrition services
- Preventive healthcare focuses on creating new opportunities in wellness and disease prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete a bachelor’s degree in nutrition?
A bachelor’s degree in nutrition typically takes 4 years of full-time study. Accelerated programs may take 3 years, while part-time options can extend to 5-6 years. Online and hybrid formats offer flexibility for working adults.
Can you still become an RD with just a bachelor’s degree?
Students who completed their bachelor’s degree before January 1, 2024, can still qualify for RD certification through the traditional pathway. New applicants after this date must hold a master’s degree to be eligible to sit for the CDR exam.
What’s the difference between a nutritionist and a registered dietitian?
Registered dietitians must complete ACEND-accredited education, supervised internship, and pass a national exam. Nutritionist requirements vary by state, with some requiring licenses and others having no specific regulations.
Are online nutrition degree programs legitimate?
Yes, many accredited institutions offer online bachelor’s degrees in nutrition. Ensure the program has ACEND accreditation if you plan to pursue RD certification. Some hands-on components may require in-person attendance.
What prerequisites are needed for nutrition degree programs?
Common prerequisites include high school chemistry, biology, and algebra (typically in mathematics). Some programs require specific science courses to be completed before admission or during the first year.
How much does a bachelor’s degree in nutrition cost?
Tuition varies widely by institution type and location. Public in-state tuition averages $10,000 to $15,000 annually, while private institutions may charge $30,000 to $50,000 per year. Financial aid and scholarships can significantly reduce costs.
Key Takeaways
- A bachelor’s degree in nutrition requires ACEND accreditation for RD eligibility
- The degree typically takes 4 years and includes 1,000+ hours of supervised internship
- Career options extend beyond a registered dietitian to include wellness, food safety, and education roles
- Starting January 2024, new RD candidates need a master’s degree
- The field shows strong 7% job growth with competitive salaries averaging $74,770
- Multiple specialization options exist after gaining experience and credentials
Ready to Start Your Nutrition Career?
Take the first step toward a rewarding career in nutrition and dietetics. Research ACEND-accredited programs, explore scholarship opportunities, and connect with current students to learn more about this growing field.
The following bachelors and Master’s programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by trained nutritionists with experience in the field. Find out more what each individual course of study offers through the locations below.
Purdue Global's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Program is an approved holistic nutrition education program through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP).
Arizona State University - Online offers an Online Masters in Medical Nutrition
UNC's MPH Nutrition concentration prepares students to provide, evaluate and communicate nutritional and dietary guidance that improves individual and population-wide health outcomes. In addition to developing their knowledge of nutrition science, students will explore behavior change, communication, counseling and the effects of dietary culture on individuals and communities.
Walden University's Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Studies - Health Promotion and Wellness gains job-ready, immediately applicable skills today's employers want.
The University of Texas at Austin offers an Online Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences.
Grand Canyon University offers an M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for dietitians and nutritionists and dietetic technicians reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed September 2025.
