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SAMPLE COURSES
Understanding Nutrition, Nutritional Counseling, Weight Management, and Vegetarian Nutrition
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COMMON MAJORS
Applied Nutrition, Nutrition and Dietetics, Nutrition Science, and Health and Wellness
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POTENTIAL JOBS
Weight Loss Counselors, Food Technologists, and Nutritional Assistants
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AVERAGE INCOME
$30,900
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EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS
18% increase in the next 10 years
Online Nutrition Degrees
The global nutrition and supplement industry has boomed over the past decade as new diet fads and scientific research have emerged, encouraging more people to focus on their health and the role that nutrition plays. As a result, there is an increasing need for professionals who can provide guidance on proper eating regimens and supplement choices.
Nutrition professionals work directly with clients or patients to improve their overall nutrition through targeted meal plans and evaluation. Graduates of online nutrition degrees may pursue careers as health educators, nutritionists, dietitians and public health professionals, among others. Candidates should have strong communication skills, a passion for working with others, technical knowledge of tools used to assess general health, and a knowledge of medical software and analytical databases. Prospective students should seek programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nutritionists and dietitians face a much higher than average rate of job growth at 16% between 2014 and 2024. Those who earn their online degree in nutrition stand to enter a strong job market with the knowledge and tools necessary to secure jobs that are both enjoyable and beneficial to public health.
“The online program gave me the perfect opportunity to reach my goals as well as maintain my busy, structured life.”
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Online Nutrition Degree Overview
Degree | Avg Degree Cost | Avg Loan Default Rate | Time Commitment | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Unemployment Rate |
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Associate | $11,167 | 15.25% | 2 years | $30,900 | $52,100 | N/A |
Bachelor's | $17,351 | 12.42% | 4 years | $41,700 | $57,700 | 6.4% |
Master's | $17,401 | 4.35% | 2 years | $49,800 | $70,400 | 2.9% |
Most entry-level nutritionists have a bachelor’s degree, and though advanced degrees are not required, the additional education gained from an online nutrition degree will prepare professionals for conducting research or teaching. Professionals holding higher degrees enjoy higher salaries and return on investment (ROI), but this depends on experience and job location. Job availability in the nutrition and dietetics field is predicted to increase 16% by 2024.
Online Nutrition Degrees
Online Associate’s Degree in Nutrition
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition
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SAMPLE COURSES
Nutrition Counseling, Human Metabolism, Human Nutrition Counseling, Food Safety and Microbiology, and Capstone In Nutrition
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COMMON MAJORS
Human Nutrition, Dietetics Management, Nutrition Science, and Public Health
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POTENTIAL JOBS
Nutritionists, Registered Dietitians, Community Nutritionists, Home Health Care Aid, and Nutrition Consultants
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AVERAGE INCOME
$41,700
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EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS
21% increase over the next decade
Online Master’s Degree in Nutrition
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SAMPLE COURSES
Community Nutrition, Environmental Health Practices, Nutritional Assessment, and Practicum In Nutrition
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COMMON MAJORS
Food and Nutrition, Nutritional Science and Dietetics, and Human Nutrition
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POTENTIAL JOBS
Research, Teaching, Obesity Prevention, Nutrition Science, and Pregnancy Health
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AVERAGE INCOME
$49,800
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EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS
16% increase by 2022
Online Doctorate Degree in Nutrition
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SAMPLE COURSES
Advanced Topics In Food Studies, Advanced Nutrition, Advocating For Community Health, and Doctoral Seminar and Dissertation
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COMMON MAJORS
Public Health, Nutrition and Food Studies, Human Nutrition, and Nutritional Sciences
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POTENTIAL JOBS
Researchers, Faculty Positions, and Administrative and Leadership Roles
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AVERAGE INCOME
Varies based on position and field, typically starts at $49,800
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EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS
16% increase by 2022
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Average Nutrition Salaries
Food Quality Assurance Manager
Growth Rate 2014-2024 | Number of Jobs: 2014 | Degree | Certifications |
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N/A | 469,600 | High School Diploma or Equivalent | None |
A food quality assurance manager or specialist evaluates food products throughout the production cycle and ensures that they meet all standards for safety and quality. With an average annual salary of $35,000, food quality specialists must rely on developed communication skills and should be extremely detail-oriented. Though there’s a reported zero percent growth rate, this is still a viable career path with opportunities available. Professionals who earn a nutrition degree online are potentially qualified for a higher salary.
Food Technologist
Growth Rate 2014-2024 | Number of Jobs: 2014 | Degree | Certifications |
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5% | 36,100 | Bachelor's | None |
A food technologist focuses on ensuring the safety and quality of food. These professionals research new or existing product recipes, create fat-free or ready-to-eat items, and sample products. All of these duties are subject to strict regulations, requiring these professionals to be well-versed in the legislation that impacts the food industry. Food technologists who earn their nutrition degrees online can be employed in both private or public sectors. The average salary for a food technologist is $61,000 and job growth in this field is projected to increase by over 10% by 2022.
Personal Trainer
Growth Rate 2014-2024 | Number of Jobs: 2014 | Degree | Certifications |
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8% | 279,100 | High School Diploma or Equivalent | Certified Personal Trainer |
Professionals in this field have a desire to help others commit to a healthier lifestyle, and must know how to motivate clients. Using tailored exercise programs and client evaluation, personal trainers prescribe effective exercise strategies based on a client’s current state and future health goals. These professionals typically maintain their own exercise and diet program to optimize health and fitness levels. Personal trainers who earn an online degree in nutrition can pull in average annual salary of $34,000.
Nutrition Professor
Growth Rate 2014-2024 | Number of Jobs: 2014 | Degree | Certifications |
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13% | 1,313,700 | Masters | Registered Dietitian |
Nutrition professors typically work in teaching or research positions, meaning a master’s degree is required. Nutrition professors give lectures and conduct lab sessions in an undergraduate or graduate setting. Salaries in this field vary greatly based on the institution, but average around $39,000 for lecturers, $67,000 for associate professors, and up to $71,000 for professors. Researchers typically work at higher education-based medical centers or food science labs and can earn anywhere from $31,000 to $58,000 a year. A doctorate degree is further required to become a tenured professor, and can be earned with a nutrition degree online.
Clinical Dietitians
Growth Rate 2014-2024 | Number of Jobs: 2014 | Degree | Certifications |
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16% | 66,700 | Bachelor's | Registered Dietitians |
Clinical dieticians typically work in hospitals or nursing homes and deal with patients directly to assess dietary needs and goals. Clinical dietitians also work closely with doctors, nursing staff, and other health professionals. Some specialties in this career track include focusing on overweight patients or the critically ill, while some professionals work in corporations where they assess the nutritional content of products. Though entering the clinical dietitian field typically requires a bachelor’s degree, those who pursue an advanced nutrition degree online have stronger credentials and can earn a higher salary.
Online Nutrition Degree in Action
Shawna Kunselman Nutrition
Shawna Kunselman is about to graduate with a Master’s in Applied Clinical Nutrition, where she has taken the entire two-year program through New York Chiropractic College online. It has been a great experience and a great program. She is a strident proponent of the online format: “Some people think there is not enough interaction through online courses, yet this is not true. Through discussion posts, email correspondence, conference calls, creating YouTube projects, and group projects, there has been a great deal of personal interaction and it has been a remarkable learning experience.”