nutrition masters student consulting with patient in hospital

Master's in Nutrition

Master of Science (M.S.)

Get advanced training in nutrition education, nutrition counseling and nutrition science.

UND's well-established and accredited graduate nutrition program will help you advance your career in nutrition. Nutritionists are in high demand to develop prevention and treatment solutions for a wide range of health conditions. No GRE required.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
Online
Est. time to complete:
2+ years
Credit hours:
30 (one campus visit may be required)

Why earn a master's in nutrition online?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
August 1
Spring:
Dec. 1
Summer:
May 1

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

The University of North Dakota's online master's degree in nutrition prepares you for leadership roles that address nutrition problems. At UND, you'll:

  • Assess nutrition education needs of unique populations.
  • Apply educational theory, research and experiential knowledge in nutrition education and counseling activities.
  • Demonstrate advanced professional practice skills in nutrition education and counseling.
  • Learn in-depth knowledge of the biochemical pathways of the major nutrients and their essential role in maintaining health.
  • Utilize nutrition research to make informed recommendations.

Master's in Nutrition Online

Earn your master's in nutrition on your own time with flexible online classes. UND's online nutrition master's is designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree in nutrition or related field. Admission to the master's in nutrition does not require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

UND offers two specialization tracks in a part-time, online format: Nutrition Science and Nutrition Education and Counseling. Both options provide unique opportunities to strengthen your understanding of human nutrition and give you an edge in the field. 

  • The nutrition science track allows students to advance their knowledge in human nutrition by taking unique courses in nutrigenomics and clinical nutrition care. Students do not attend a week-long session on campus, nor do they complete a practicum experience. You will round out your studies completing an independent study project. This track aligns strongly with requirements to become a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS). 
  •  Students in the nutrition education and counseling track will take courses in nutrition coaching and nutrition education. Additionally, a week-long session on campus at the University of North Dakota is required to prepare students for their 90-hour practicum experience in the field.

Interested in becoming a Board Certified Nutrition Specialist?

The University of North Dakota’s Master of Science in Nutrition program fulfills the current educational requirements for the CNS with the allowance that the three-credit Anatomy & Physiology and a three-credit Biochemistry course are a prerequisite to the program. BCNS requires a graduate degree in the field of nutrition from a regionally accredited university, specific coursework, and 1,000 hours of supervised practice experience. BCNS reviews the candidate individually, including current course descriptions, transcripts, and experience, to determine eligibility. 

Certificate in Health and Wellness Coaching

A national coaching certification (NBC-HWC credential) is available for nutrition graduate students.

The National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) awarded UND approval status for the Certificate in Health and Wellness Coaching . This means that students who successfully complete the 3-course sequence (N&D 545, 550 and 560), attend all live training, and 50 coaching sessions meet the requirements to take the Health and Wellness Coaching Certifying Examination.

UND's Master's in Nutrition Online

  • Learn at one of the most affordable and accredited online master's degrees in nutrition in the nation.

  • Get personal attention with small class sizes.

  • Accommodate your schedule with our part-time, semester-based program with live web classes.

  • Enhance your professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies. Our goal is to provide you with the workforce skills and job search strategies to succeed.

  • Study at a Carnegie Doctoral Research Institution ranked #151 by the NSF. Students are an integral part of UND research.

  • Get hired! At UND, you'll receive help perfecting your resume, practice interviewing, and learn effective job-hunting strategies.

What can you do with a master's in nutrition online?

7%

Estimated job growth for nutritionists/dietitians through 2031

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

61K

Median annual income for nutritionists

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The U.S. News & World Report ranks nutritionists/dietitians as one of the 100 Best Jobs. A master's in nutrition opens the door to a number or job opportunities, including:

  • Health consultant
  • Nutrition educator
  • Nutrition manager
  • Research nutritionist
  • Nutrition counselor
  • Food regulation/policy maker

A Nutrition master's gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Nutrition education
  • Nutrition counseling
  • Health promotion
  • Strategic planning

UND Nutrition & Dietetics alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • Altru Health System
  • Public School Systems
  • UMN Extension Service
  • University of Minnesota Extension
  • Mayo Clinic
  • North Dakota Department of Health

Master's in Nutrition Online Courses

N&D 554. Nutrigenomics. 3 Credits.

This course explores to the interactions between nutritional factors, genomics, and health. The course also explores the potential roles of the nutrition professional in developing personalize dietary prescriptions to optimize health, reduce disease risk, or improve management of chronic disease. Prerequisite: Undergraduate courses in biochemistry or advanced nutrition and human physiology. On demand.

N&D 560. Nutrition and Health Coaching. 3 Credits.

This course develops and strengthens advanced nutrition coaching skills and nutrition counseling interventions using the evidence-based motivational interviewing style. The focus will be on attending to client-centered orientation and building therapeutic relationships through engaged communication skills. Core competencies explored with an emphasis on enhancing practical skill development through video demonstrations, real play, case studies, creative reflection, practice sessions with instructor feedback, and facilitated group discussions. Prerequisite: Admission into the program. F.

N&D 545. Nutrition in Disease Prevention and Wellness. 3 Credits.

An exploration of prevention and wellness models specifically designed to decrease the mortality and morbidity of chronic disease in the United States population. The course focuses on the involvement of optimal nutrition and health behaviors in prevention of disease and promotion of wellbeing that encompasses a whole person perspective. Prerequisite: Admission to the program. SS.

N&D 544. Obesity and Eating Disorders. 3 Credits.

The course examines the obesity epidemic, eating disorders, and prevention and treatment approaches at multiple levels: individual, social, environmental, and policy. Obesity, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating, and disordered eating will be discussed and evidence-based interventions explored with emphasis on role of the nutritionist as part of an inter-professional care team. Prerequisite: Admission to the program. On demand.

N&D 541. Biochemical and Physiological Basis of Nutrition: Macronutrients. 3 Credits.

Integration of the molecular, cellular, and physiologic aspects of macronutrient and energy metabolism in humans. Dietary energy, carbohydrates, fiber, lipids, proteins, nutritional interactions and metabolic consequences with emphasis on recent advances in macronutrient nutrition are explored. Prerequisite: Undergraduate or graduate biochemistry and physiology. F, even years.

N&D 550. Nutrition Education and Program Planning. 3 Credits.

Theoretical, research and applied aspects of adult nutrition education. Curriculum design models, instructional tools, program planning and evaluation of education interventions will be discussed in the context of chronic disease prevention. Effective teaching strategies and procedural models for designing effective nutrition education programs targeting the general public will be presented. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor. S, odd years.

Best Online Master's in Nutrition Programs

#3 Sports Management Degree Hub

#3 Best Medical Degrees

#7 Intelligent – Best Live Online Classes

#8 EduMed – Top Online Master's in Nutrition

#13 Intelligent – Best for Out-of-State Students

#16 College Factual

#31 College Values Online

Every nutrition master's program offers education, but not every program prepares students to make a real impact the way UND does. UND ranks in the Top 25 among the best programs for educational quality, affordability and career outcomes.

Ranking sites vary in their methodology, but are generally based on the following criterion:

  • Financial data such as net cost, loan default rate, and return on investment
  • Academic rigor including curriculum standards, accreditation status, and faculty reputation
  • Student gratification, retention rate, and support services
  • Employment rate and graduate salary
 
photo of Celibermari Rodriguez

Leader in Nutrition

Imagine enduring one of the worst natural disasters in history, killing thousands and leaving many homeless. You have no power. No internet.

If you were in an online master’s program, delivered some 2,500 miles away, would you stay the course? For Celibermari Rodriguez, the answer was clear.

READ Her Story
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