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By University HQ Staff Writers
Edited by Evelyn Keener
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Overview of a Bachelor’s in Nutrition

A bachelor’s degree in nutritional science, either online or traditional, is the minimum education required to become a registered dietician. Dieticians are state-registered professionals with at least a four-year degree. Nutrition science focuses on promoting well-being, treating, and preventing nutrition-related diseases. It is an evidence-based field, providing safe, practical advice grounded in the best available research.

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences can choose on-campus, online, or hybrid programs, with options for full-time or part-time study depending on the school. Accreditation is essential, with the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) setting the standards. ACEND approval is often required for state licensure or registration and is recognized by employers and educational institutions. Online programs can also receive ACEND accreditation, ensuring they meet industry requirements.

Students looking to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition degree can expect to take classes in a variety of subjects, including:

  • Nutrition Food Science
  • Medical Nutrition Therapy
  • Food Systems
  • Food Service
  • Community Nutrition
  • Nutrition and Exercise
  • Health Nutrition
  • Public Health
  • Food and Nutrition Entrepreneurship

PROS

A bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics, human nutrition, or dietetics education is an entry-level degree that opens paths to careers as a registered or clinical dietician, nutritionist, or specialist in areas like diabetes treatment. The field also intersects with professions like nursing and offers opportunities in education, management, public policy, and community service.

This degree supports certifications in fields like renal dietetics, public health, nutrition and exercise, food entrepreneurship, and corporate dietetics. Specialization and experience are highly rewarded, with entry-level salaries significantly lower than those at mid or senior levels.

CONS

A bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition has limitations, as the broad field often requires specialization for advancement. A master’s degree can provide the equivalent of a bachelor’s plus years of experience, opening doors to higher-level education roles and advanced training opportunities. While a bachelor’s may not set applicants apart for research positions in nutrition or food science, a graduate degree makes candidates more competitive and better suited for these roles.

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Associate vs. Bachelor's

What Degrees are Available?

Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees both require around 120 semester hours, differing in the balance of general education and science courses. An online bachelor's in nutrition often includes 50-56 credit hours in the major and about 20 hours in supplemental science courses. Due to these science requirements, fully online programs may be less common than hybrid options.

  • Bachelor of Arts
    Bachelor's degrees such as this are liberal arts courses of study. These programs have a broad base of liberal education subjects. Both traditional and online students will select from social studies, English language, history, and literature categories. The subject focus on nutrition and dietetics will be strong but balanced out with general education. Students can use electives to develop a concentration or focus.
  • Bachelor of Science
    Bachelor's degrees in this field emphasize nutrition and dietetics, with electives in areas like gerontology, lifestyle coaching, or public nutrition policy. They typically have fewer general education requirements than BA programs. Science-focused online bachelor's degrees require a strong technical foundation in math, science, and technology. Program titles vary by institution and may include options like Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietetic Technology, or Food Science.

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Typical Admission Requirements for a Food and Nutrition Program

The basic requirements for admission to an online bachelor’s degree program in nutrition is a high school diploma or an equivalent, such as a GED. Students must submit transcripts of high school work and test scores from the ACT or SAT. Selective schools may prefer higher GPAs and that students complete a list of high school courses such as biology, chemistry, and mathematics.

Students with an associate degree in nutrition may have to submit high school and college transcripts along with past test scores. An online associate degree can reduce the overall credits needed for a four-year degree to as little as four semesters of full-time attendance.

How long does it take to complete these programs?

Most students can complete a four-year bachelor of Science degree in eight to 12 semesters. The on-time graduation time frame is four years or eight semesters of full-time attendance. Many online students attend school part-time. Some students can complete the BS program in less than four years by taking an extra course and attending during summer sessions. Many schools offer some credit for lifetime achievements and other personal attributes, such as prior military service. By using a combination of life credits and extra coursework, students can accelerate graduation by as much as one-year.

Potential Careers in Nutrition with a Bachelor’s

The field of nutrition has many branches and related fields. An online bachelor’s degree makes undergraduate concentrations possible, and students can continue to specialize with on-the-job training and further formal education. The below-listed occupations describe some of the popular nutrition careers.

  • Registered Dieticians are experts in the field of food, nutrition, and nutrition research. They can assess nutritional status, provide education, and guide clients on a path to good eating, healthy nutritional balances, and wellness.
  • Dietetic Technicians work with nutritionists and dieticians and assist with treatment and patient care. The technician can perform intake surveys and gather information for a nutritional assessment. The tasks frequently include medical histories and gathering medical information from other treatment providers.
  • A Licensed Nutritionist is a college trained professional that typically must have a state license or registration. They work with patients to assess their nutritional situation and help them improve. They can guide diets for better health, weight loss, and chemotherapy.
  • Registered Clinical Dieticians work as independent consultants, entrepreneurs, and for a wide range of employers. Depending on the organization, they promote a healthy and sustainable diet and lifestyle in their patients or patient groups.
  • Director of Food and Nutrition Services is the management role that incorporates dietary and nutritional education into the practice of running a food facility. The tasks must balance state and federal requirements with the demands of working with a specific population.

Options to Advance

Professionals in diet and nutrition can advance through experience, formal education, and specialization. Experience often starts with internships or supervised practice under seasoned professionals. By taking on greater responsibilities and working with diverse client groups, individuals can build expertise. Over time, mastering complex assignments can open doors to new roles within or across different nutrition fields.

Formal education is an effective way to gain advancement and expand opportunities. The online bachelor’s degree is an entry-level degree, and a nutrition master’s degree will support area expertise and open educator opportunities. Certifications can also add to skills and knowledge, as the coursework will add depth of knowledge and the certification will demonstrate a high level of professional skill in a specific area of practice.

Specialization in the broad fields of nutrition and dietetics can provide advancement, higher salary, and can expand the range of opportunities. The below-listed items describe categories of work and study for specialization.

  • Nutrition and Diet Education
  • Physiology and Metabolism
  • Food & Nutrition Business
  • Public Health Policy (Nutrition and Diet)

Find Online Colleges Offering Nutrition Majors

Best Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BSND) Programs

Colleges offer nutrition and science education with concentrations in dietetics and specialized areas. Traditional or online nutrition degree programs can fall into two categories: didactic and coordinated types. Coordinated nutrition programs include a built-in hands-on training component as required by ACEND accreditation and most states laws. The didactic type of coursework leaves the internship requirement to the student for completion after an online nutrition degree. The internship requirement must meet the requirements of the licensing state or jurisdiction.

  • Auburn University
    Auburn, Alabama

    The Auburn University offers a didactic nutrition program in dietetics. In this type of program, the coursework leads to an undergraduate degree. To qualify for registration, the student must also take an approved supervised internship.

    Degrees Offered:

    • Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
    • Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Sciences

  • California State University, Los Angeles
    Los Angeles, California

    The California State - Los Angeles program, is a coordinated nutrition program in dietetics. By completing all of the nutrition program elements, the graduates will meet state requirements for the California registered dietician procedures.

    Degrees Offered:

    • Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science Degree

  • College of Bachelor Degrees - University of California at Berkeley
    Berkeley, California

    The Berkeley program is an educational program that does not include the California requirement for internship and practical experience. Students must complete an internship before qualifying for state registration.

    Degrees Offered:

    • Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science: Dietetics

  • University of Connecticut, Storrs
    Storrs, Connecticut

    The ACEND-certified program will prepare students for careers in dietetics and nutrition. UConn offers a bachelor of science program that requires further study by the student to complete an internship and gain the required practical experience.

    Degrees Offered:

    • Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science: Dietetics

  • Howard University
    Washington, D.C.

    This ACEND-accredited program meets the CDR requirements for registration in the District of Columbia. Students will take the required coursework and perform a supervised internship to meet registration requirements.

    Degrees Offered:

    • Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science

Traditional Schools Offering a BS in This Field

Many major colleges and universities offer nutrition education, both online and in traditional on-campus formats. The below-listed schools offer online degrees that may also be available on-campus or in a hybrid mix of online and on-campus learning. Accreditation is key to the value and usefulness of an online degree in nutrition. ACEND accredits online nutrition programs.

  • Arizona State University
    Phoenix, Arizona

    Arizona offers an educational type of degree in nutrition with a concentration in dietetics. This ACEND-accredited program permits students to apply for an internship. The internship must precede the state registration for a CDR designation.

    Degrees Offered:

    • B.S. in Health Sciences (Healthy Lifestyles Coaching)
    • B.S. in Nutrition

  • Eastern Michigan University
    Ypsilanti, Michigan

    EMU offers a BS degree entirely online. The BS program is a coordinated program which prepares the student for many nutrition careers and for registration under Michigan law as a registered Dietician.

    Degrees Offered:

    • B.S. in Nutrition Science.

  • Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
    Newark, New Jersey

    Rutgers University offers on-campus programs in dietetics and nutrition and related aspects such as a healthy lifestyle. They also offer a fully-accredited degree program online. This ACEND-accredited program is available to qualified transfers and high school graduates, and it’s entirely online.

    Degrees Offered:

    • B.S. in Nutrition

  • Arizona State University ONLINE
    Phoenix, Arizona

    This ACEND-accredited program offers a BS degree program completely online. ASU uses innovative techniques to offer a broad range of concentrations and a core of nutrition and dietetics basics.

    Degrees Offered:

    • B.S. Community Health
    • BS Health Education and Health Promotion
    • BS Nutrition
    • BS Healthy Lifestyles Coaching

  • Purdue University - Global Campus
    Indianapolis, Indiana

    Purdue Global campus offers a BS in Nutrition Science on campus and online. The university has accreditation from the Higher Learning Council and from the Northcentral Association of Colleges and Schools. The program does not have ACEND accreditation, and students must determine if they can use this program to meet the requirements of the state in which they intend to work.

    Degrees Offered:

    • BS in Nutrition Science

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a difficult degree?

Nutrition is a complex field that involves the study of the science of food and its relationship to human health. It might be considered as a challenging major because of the requirement for a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and other sciences required for nutrition professionals.

The curriculum for a nutrition major typically includes courses in subjects like the following.

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Physiology
  • Metabolism
  • Clinical Nutrition Science
  • Food Technology
  • Sports Nutrition

Some classes may also include laboratory work and research, which can be demanding and time-consuming, and nutrition majors must have a good understanding of research methods and be able to critically evaluate scientific literature. The degree requires a good amount of critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

However, it’s important to recognize that what might be difficult for one student might not be as complicated for another. Those who are naturally good at science or who have a great work ethic and study habits might have no problems at all with nutrition as a major.

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