nutrition masters student consulting with patient in hospital

Online Master's in Nutrition

Master of Science (M.S.)

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

UND's well-established graduate nutrition program will help you advance your career in nutrition. Nutritionists are in high demand to develop education and individual programs that improve overall health and wellbeing.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
Online
Est. time to complete:
2 years
Credit hours:
30

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.

UND's online Nutrition master's is designed for those 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).

Master's in Nutrition Online Specialization Tracks

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.

Nutrition Science Track

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 the coursework requirements to become a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS).

Nutrition Education and Counseling Track

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 practicum experience in the field.

Students completing the Nutrition Education and Counseling specialization will be required to visit the UND campus in Grand Forks for one week about half way through their program. This visit will prepare you for the required practicum experience for N&D 596: Nutrition Education and Counseling Practicum. Other benefits of the campus visit are:

  • Interacting in-person with nutrition instructors and classmates.
  • Intensive nutrition training and skill development opportunities.
  • Engaging in additional writing, library and research-related activities.

Students in the Nutrition Education and Counseling specialization will be required to complete 90 hours field practicum experience under the guidance of professionals with expertise in nutrition education and counseling. Through this experience, you'll:

  • Build interviewing, assessment and education skills.
  • Bridge theory to practice.
  • Develop advanced nutrition counseling and/or education skills working with underserved populations.

Interested in becoming a Board Certified Nutrition Specialist?

UND's M.S. in Nutrition 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. The Board for Certification of Nutriition Specialists (BCNS) requires a graduate degree in the field of nutrition from a regionally accredited university and specific coursework. Potential candidates will need to complete 1,000 hours of supervised practice experience beyond the academic requirements. 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%

Projected job outlook for dietitians and nutritionists through 2033

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

70k

Median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists, 2023

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
#4 EDUMED
#11 Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
#15 College Factual

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 15 Nutrition masters program in the nation 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

How does UND's online master's in Nutrition work?

2#

best online graduate programs

EDsmart

1#

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

As part of this program, you will experience a combination of asynchronous (on your own learning) and some live (synchronous) class sessions. We provide opportunities for you to learn in a variety of settings and gain insights from instructors and fellow students.

Regardless of the format of your classes, if you’re the kind of learner that likes active discussion, you’ll enjoy this online course format.

Classes are structured similar to on-campus classes with unique assignments, due dates and opportunities to discuss content with your classmates virtually.

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family, and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Synchronous classes are held in real-time. If you’re the kind of learner who likes active discussion and immediate feedback through live interaction, you’ll enjoy this online course format.

Every class is different, but generally, you’ll log into a virtual classroom at scheduled times to:

  • Listen to a lecture.
  • Ask questions.
  • Participate in class discussions.
  • Conduct group activities.
  • Participate in video-sharing.
  • Have chat conversations.
  • Use interactive whiteboards.
  • Take live polls.

You should prepare for your classes by finishing any assigned readings, compiling questions for your instructor, and thinking about how to contribute to the next live class.

Top-Tier Online Nutrition Master's

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

FAQs

A master's degree in Nutrition opens doors to a variety of careers. You can explore opportunities as a health consultant, nutrition educator, nutrition manager, research nutritionist, nutrition coach or even engage in food regulation and policy-making. These roles span across diverse sectors, offering a wide range of professional avenues.

The value of a master's in Nutrition largely hinges on your personal career objectives. If you aim to progress in nutrition-focused careers or target specialized positions, the advanced expertise and skill set acquired through a master's program can prove to be exceptionally beneficial.

All online Nutrition master's students pay the say affordable tuition rates regardless of their legal residency. Visit our Tuition & Aid page for details.

UND is committed to assisting students in funding their education, providing over $105 million in financial aid annually. A range of financial aid options offered by UND, including scholarships (merit-based), grants (need-based), and loans, help students alleviate college costs.

An online master's program in Nutrition generally takes about two years to complete, although this can vary. The flexibility of online learning enables students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments, potentially extending the time needed to finish the program.

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, would you stay the course? Celibermari Rodriguez did.

Read Celibermari's Story

Explore More Options

Connect with the nutrition and dietetics faculty you'll work with at UND or discover similar programs.

Anne Bodensteiner
Graduate Program Director
P 701.777.3752
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