What Jobs Can You Get With a Nutrition Degree?

Author: University of North Dakota
June 20, 2024

Just like how too little or too much of anything can be harmful, the same holds true for food and nutrients.

Consuming too little can lead to deficiencies and health issues while consuming too much can result in obesity and related diseases. This is where the expertise of those with an education in nutrition becomes invaluable. Professionals who study and train in this field play a crucial role in helping individuals maintain their health. They can create tailored diets to optimize athletes' performance, develop nutrition plans for patients with medical conditions, and more.

So, what jobs can you get with a nutrition degree? Read on to explore the career opportunities available to those with a background in nutrition and how they can make an impact on health and well-being.

What is Nutrition?

Nutrition is essentially the science of how the body uses food in order to sustain life and health. It involves understanding the role of nutrients—such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals—essential for growth, energy, and bodily functions. A balanced diet, which includes a variety of foods in the right proportions, is crucial for providing these nutrients. 

So, good nutrition supports overall health and well-being, whereas malnutrition, including undernutrition and overnutrition, presents significant threats to human health.

What Jobs Can You Get With a Nutrition Degree?

A nutrition degree provides knowledge of food science, dietetics, and human health, opening doors to a variety of careers. While many of these careers require additional training, certifications, and licensure, it all begins with a strong foundation in nutrition.

1. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

A RDN is a healthcare professional specializing in dietetics and nutrition. They assess patients' nutritional needs, develop meal plans, and provide education on healthy eating habits. RDNs often work in hospitals, clinics, schools, and private practices, ensuring individuals receive proper nutrition to manage diseases, improve health, and maintain well-being. 

To become a RDN, you must complete coursework from an accredited program and earn a master’s degree, complete 1,000 hours of supervised practice,  and pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam. Afterward, obtain a state license if required to practice and maintain it through ongoing education and compliance with state requirements.

2. Clinical Nutritionist

A clinical nutritionist focuses on the relationship between food and health on a clinical level. They work with patients to design and implement nutrition interventions tailored to specific medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and gastrointestinal disorders. Clinical nutritionists often collaborate with other healthcare providers to integrate nutritional therapy into comprehensive treatment plans. 

For this role, most states will require a certification as a RDN or a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS). Both certifications require obtaining a master’s degree, completing 1,000 hours of supervised practice, and passing a national exam.After earning your degree and obtaining this certification, many states require licensenure to provide specific individual nutrition recommendations It is important to review state licensure and practice laws as some nutrition practices require specific certification.

3. Community Nutritionist

Community nutritionists promote community health and well-being by developing and implementing nutrition programs. They work with public health organizations, schools, and community centers to educate groups about healthy eating, food safety, and nutritional practices. Through preventive nutrition and health education, they aim to improve public health outcomes.

Becoming a community nutritionist requires a bachelor's degree in nutrition or a related field. Many employers prefer candidates with several years of experience or the title of RDN. There may be extra requirements for working in a government office.

4. Sports Nutritionist

This kind of nutritionist specializes in optimizing athletes' performance and recovery through tailored nutrition plans. They work with professional sports teams, individual athletes, and fitness enthusiasts to help them enhance endurance, strength, and overall performance. Sports nutritionists guide nutrient timing, hydration strategies, and dietary supplements to support athletic goals. 

Certifications like the Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) are beneficial, and many sports nutritionists also have the RDN credential. Other requirements may vary by state and employer.

5. Food Service Manager

This manager oversees the operations of food service establishments, such as restaurants, cafeterias, and catering services. They are responsible for ensuring food quality, managing budgets, and maintaining health and safety regulations compliance. Food service managers also supervise staff, plan menus, and manage inventory to deliver efficient, cost-effective food services.

While formal certification isn't always required, obtaining a credential like the Food Protection Manager Certification (FPMC), obtained by passing a food safety exam, can be beneficial. Similarly, receiving the credential of Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) or Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP) provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to effectively carry out the various responsibilities of a dietary manager and become an expert in managing food service operations and ensuring food safety.

It's important to choose institutions accredited by the American National Standards Institute for the FPMC, ensuring the certification meets national standards. Compliance with local health and safety regulations is mandatory, and having this certification can help ensure managers meet those standards.

6. Food Scientist

Food scientists apply scientific principles to study and improve food products and processes. They work in research and development to create new food items, enhance nutritional content, and ensure safety and quality. Food scientists may also be involved in food preservation, packaging, and regulatory compliance, contributing to innovations in the food industry.

Generally, a degree in food science or a related field is usually sufficient for this role. Licensing is not required, but there are various professional certifications available that can enhance career opportunities.

7. Health Coach

A healthcoach helps individuals achieve their health and wellness goals through personalized coaching and support. They focus on a holistic approach to health, encompassing nutrition, exercise, stress management, and lifestyle changes. Wellness coaches work in various settings, including corporate wellness programs, private coaching practices, and wellness centers.

Such coaches do not need a state license to practice. They can be certified by organizations such as the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC), which has strict standards for health and wellness coach training and education and ensures the programs they approve meet or exceed those standards. However, even after certification, health coaches must avoid certain regulated activities, like diagnosing medical conditions or using the titles of RDN or licensed nutritionist, which require specific licenses.

8. Nutritional Therapist

Nutritional therapists use a holistic approach to address health issues through diet and lifestyle changes. They assess clients' nutritional status and create individualized plans to support health and well-being. Nutritional therapists often focus on underlying causes of health problems, such as food intolerances, digestive issues, and metabolic imbalances, aiming to restore optimal health through natural means.

Licensure requirements vary by state, but the role typically requires completing a bachelor's degree in nutrition or a related field as well as earning the status of RDN.

9. Food and Nutrition Writer/Communicator

Food and nutrition writers/communicators create content to educate and inform the public about nutrition and healthy eating. They write for magazines, newspapers, blogs, and other media outlets, translating complex nutritional information into accessible, engaging articles. Their work helps to raise awareness about nutrition-related topics and promotes healthy lifestyle choices.

While formal certifications aren't required, having a background in nutrition, such as a RDN credential, can enhance credibility.

10. Food Technologist

A food technologist works on the technical aspects of food production and processing. They develop new food products, improve existing ones, and ensure products meet safety and quality standards. Food technologists often work in laboratories and manufacturing facilities, conducting experiments and trials to optimize food formulations, shelf life, and sensory attributes.

A bachelor's or master's degree in food science or a related field is usually sufficient. However, some employers may prefer or require you to obtain certification or licensure from a professional organization such as the Institute of Food Technologists.

Essential Skills for a Nutritionist

To be successful in the field of nutrition, professionals need a diverse set of skills and abilities, including:

• Deep understanding of the science behind food and how it affects the body
• Ability to communicate well with others and convey complex information clearly
• Strong analytical abilities to assess dietary needs and make evidence-based recommendations
• Excellent interpersonal skills to build rapport and motivate clients
• Problem-solving skills to create and adapt customized nutrition plans
• Attention to detail when considering clients' dietary habits and nutritional requirements
• Organizational skills to manage multiple clients, schedules, and follow-ups efficiently
• Willingness to stay updated with the latest research and trends in nutrition

Job Outlook

"Nutrition is really something that affects everyone. It's very much a global conversation," says Brendan Kesler, a recent Master of Science in Nutrition alum from UND. This quote highlights the universal importance and demand for nutrition professionals.

The employment of nutritionists and dietitians is projected to grow by 7% from 2022 to 2032. This growth, faster than the average for all occupations, is driven by an increasing awareness of the importance of dietetic and nutrition services in preventing and managing certain diseases and a growing interest in promoting health and wellness. 

Bottom Line

Any of the roles highlighted in this blog—whether it's working as a dietitian, a nutritionist, or in food science—would be excellent options for those passionate about helping others with their food choices. It all starts with accessing basic nutrition resources and continues with formal education and degrees, such as UND's Master's in Nutrition. This educational journey equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to help others through informed and effective nutrition practices. Choose wisely and nourish your future.

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