Nutrition professionals often enjoy a great deal of success after earning a bachelor's degree in the field, but in order to obtain the best career opportunities, an online Master's in Nutritional Science is needed. This is the degree that provides students with the ability to move into management or education positions, diversify or specialize their interests, and more. Graduate work also makes earning credentials in the field far easier and is a distinction that employers love to see on resumes.
But nutrition professionals often work full-time and do not have the time to enter into a traditional program. They need online programs that are flexible, affordable, and provide them with some say over their curriculum or final project decisions. That's where online graduate programs provide a boost: with a selection of accelerated program options, final projects that don't require a thesis, and low tuition rates, the online program format is a better fit for working adults.
Most Affordable Master's in Nutritional Science Online
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This list was created by researching all online graduate programs in nutritional science. The National Center for Education Statistics and its publicly available College Navigator database provided all of the source material for the ranking. Looking strictly at online and blended degrees, an initial pool of 90 potential schools was considered. From those 90 schools, the final 10, which are listed below, were chosen.
Explore these promoted online degree programs.
These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master's or PhD programs.
Ranking Low-cost Online Nutritional Science Master's
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for an Online Master's in Nutritional Science Degree?
Most professionals who earn this degree become Registered Dietitians or Nutritionists. This is one of the best careers possible in this field because it requires licensure and is an in-demand profession. It also takes a lot of work and commitment; graduate education and the successful completion of the registration exam is needed in order to become a Registered Dietitian or Nutritionist.
But those are not the only options available to these professionals. Many of them go on to open their own businesses, working with clients or building their own meal subscription plans to sell to the general public. In some cases, these professionals go on to work with private clients as a chef, provided they go to cooking school. It can be very challenging and rewarding to work as an entrepreneur, and while it is not for everyone, it is possible to have a satisfying career.
Others may choose to work as writers or researchers, focusing their work on the new and emerging trends in the field. They can work for large publications, universities, research firms, pharmaceutical companies, restaurants, and more. They often work on contracts, giving them the freedom to choose how and with whom they work.
There are still other options, such as working as a nutritionist in a school or for a sports team. Some go on to work as personal nutritionists for celebrities or entertainers, working with a team to ensure that individual is looking their best. Still others write self-help books on nutrition. The list is endless.
How Much Can You Earn in this Field?
The current salary range for this field is $40,000 to $95,000. This includes a variety of career options, different levels of work experience, public and private sector jobs, employee and contract work, the region of the country, and more. Students should expect to begin at the lower end of the salary range, particularly if they are not Registered Dietitians or Nutritionists; salaries rise as the work experience level increases.
What are the Various Disciplines of Nutritional Science?
Nutritional science is the science of nutrition, food, and human nutrition. It is a scientific discipline that continues to grow the more research is done within the field. It is made up of the disciplines of chemistry, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, botany, physiology, math, and more. It should also be noted that there are subfields in each discipline that play a role in nutrition science.
In the wider view of things, nutritional science and its professionals also come into contact with other disciplines, namely medicine, public health, sociology, psychology, and economics. Since nutrition is something that affects all individuals, it makes sense that nutrition scientists play a large role in how nutrition is viewed by society.
Why is it Encouraged to Take on a Thesis for a Degree in this Field?
Nutrition science is an unfolding field still; science has not uncovered all of the secrets that the field has to offer. Research is needed to learn more about how food affects humans, how the environment affects food, and how nutrition needs and resources have changed throughout history. The best way to put more research into the field is to encourage graduate students to partake in research.
Many programs provide a non-thesis option for students who are just too busy to write and defend a thesis. This is a good thing since so many professionals work full-time while earning their degree. Allowing students the choice between a creative project and a thesis enables them to make a decision based on what's best for them and their schedule.
However, a thesis is still a good idea for most professionals. Research and analysis is a major part of the field and conducting research for a thesis paper is a great way for students to demonstrate that not only do they have a grasp of the field but they also understand how to communicate their own ideas. The defense of a thesis is important as well because many professionals would benefit from preparing and defending their own research and paper in front of a committee.
Very few programs require a thesis, but it's still an option that students should consider. It takes time, a lot of planning and a lot of research, but it can be fulfilling in various ways. If a professional has time, they should consult with an academic advisor about the time required for a thesis.
Why Do Some Degree Programs Require Students to be a Registered Dietitian?
The programs that require students to be registered dietitians are professional degrees, meaning that the main purpose is to prepare students to earn advanced credentials as a Registered Dietitian. These programs would not be a good fit for anyone who didn't have the credentials because the subject matter would be too advanced and nuanced for someone who comes from a different educational background.
Many schools also require that their students provide evidence that they are a Registered Dietitian because practicums and internships at the graduate level will not take students without the credential. These are real-world workplaces and they need to protect their clients, their staff, and their company from those who are not qualified to work in those spaces. In many cases, these field experiences are necessary for the completion of the degree and so students without the credential would not be able to graduate.
Nutritional science is a field that affects everyone on a daily basis. The human body is a delicate thing and it requires balance, especially in the food that individuals introduce into their system. With an online Master's in Nutritional Science, professionals are arming themselves with the best education possible in order to help all individuals maintain their health, something that is the driving passion for all of these professionals.
