Online Nutrition Science Degrees by Program Level

Online nutrition science degree programs offer both undergraduate and graduate-level studies. Becoming a nutritionist generally requires at least a bachelor's degree. For those who wish to pursue further studies, online master's degree programs provide curriculum equivalent to a traditional classroom program.

Online Nutrition Science Bachelor's Degree Program Overview

Students pursuing an online nutrition science bachelor's degree study food systems, nutrition service and the application of food and nutrition to health. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in the nutrition field, as well as state-required certification, licensure or registration. Some programs coordinate with master's level studies to help the transition into an online graduate degree program. Common prerequisite coursework includes classes in chemistry, biology, communication skills and statistics.

Program Information and Requirements

Some online programs provide in-state tuition rates to out-of-state students. Normally a student can take classes and access resources at their own convenience, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Registration, online discussions, material purchases, assignments and tests are all completed online. Some programs also require supervised practice in approved work settings in the student's locality.
Minimal computer specifications include processor speed, memory requirements and modem speed. Students will also need access to an Internet service provider, e-mail account and, with some programs, specific software.

Typical Courses in an Online Nutrition Science Bachelor's Degree Program

Online bachelor's degree programs in nutrition science tend to follow licensure, certification or registration requirements, although students should check with their state. Online general education courses in math, English, humanities, social sciences and biology are typical.

Food and Nutrition Fundamentals Course

Nutritional impact on health, lifestyle and disease is studied in this course. Students also study the role of nutrients in relation to health status, physical performance and disease. Food safety, controversy, processing, storage and fads are explored in the class.

World Food Culture Course

This course examines influences on food habits including society, culture, religion, poverty, population growth and government policy. Intercultural communication and adequacy of world food supply are also explored.

Nutrition Therapy Course

Individual needs in nutrition related to medical issues such as liver disease, weight management, transplant, sepsis, transplants and HIV-Aids are studied. How to develop, implement and evaluate nutritional care plans is also covered.

Online Nutrition Science Master's Degree Program Overview

Although program requirements vary, students can expect four semesters of study along with supervised practical experience to complete this program. A thesis is normally required towards the end of the program, and some programs offer both a thesis option that emphasizes research and a non-thesis, professional development-focused option requiring a research project.

Program Information and Requirements

For entry to an online nutrition science master's degree program, students normally possess a bachelor's degree and may be required to complete an entrance exam. Students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or above and complete prerequisite coursework in areas of science and nutrition. Online out-of-state students are sometimes offered in-state tuition rates, and programs are available from any location in the virtual classrooms. Access to research materials and information, simulations, book purchases and initial registration are also all normally performed via the Web.
Courses offered online can usually be accessed anytime from any personal computer. Courses are designed for flexibility in scheduling, duration and assignments. Online interaction between faculty and students encourages thoughtful sharing on nutrition via e-mail or discussion boards.

Typical Courses in an Online Nutrition Science Master's Degree Program

Online nutrition science master's degree programs provide career-advancing training equivalent to traditional programs. Professional development, research, understanding and principal application in the nutrition field are emphasized in coursework.

Nutritional Biochemistry Course

Biochemistry of kinetics, hormones, vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins and amino acids are studied along with other nutritional areas. The course also emphasizes control and integration mechanisms.

Nutritional Metabolism Course

Nutrient influence on the function of respiratory, urinary, cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine and digestive systems are studied in this class. Imbalances, infection and inflammation are other areas of concentration.

Nutritional Therapeutics Course

Primary and secondary nutritional strategies and implications are surveyed in this course. Disease-related methods of treatment and therapy, along with how nutrition supports other medical interventions, are also studied.

Career Information

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), median annual wages for dieticians and nutritionists were $50,590 in May of 2008, with the lowest 10% earning less than $31,460, and the highest 10% earning more than $73,410. Employment between 2008 and 2018 is expected to grow by 9%, partially due to an increased awareness in both dietary habits and disease prevention.

Continuing Education

Although not required in any state, the Registered Dietician status is available from the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association. To achieve this designation requires coursework, successful passing of an exam and a supervised internship. The internship can be completed concurrently with coursework over a 4-5 year period, or completed separately in 900 hours in 6 months to 2 years, depending on a full-time or part-time schedule.