Online Schools for Aspiring Dietitians: How to Choose

Online dietetics programs are found at the bachelor's and master's degree levels and prepare students for the registered dietician national examination. Upon graduating from a dietetics degree program and becoming licensed, individuals can pursue careers as dieticians or nutritionists.

Selecting an Online Dietetics Program

Award Level

A bachelor's degree in dietetics is required to become a registered dietician; bachelor's programs are available online in 4-year and completion degree formats. There are also online master's degrees for registered and registration-eligible dieticians who want to advance to high-level positions, teach or do dietetics research.

Program Type

Fully online dietetics programs are available and allow students to complete classes at a distance. Hybrid programs feature online courses as well as requiring clinical practice time at a local school or partner facility. It's important to choose a program that's accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, which is part of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), formerly called the American Dietetic Association. The AND website provides comprehensive information on the dietetics profession, as well as a list of accredited programs, available internships and mentoring programs.

List of Online Dietetics Programs

Online Bachelor of Science in Dietetics

Some bachelor's programs are available fully online, but it's also common to see requirements for local clinical activities. Basic courses like biochemistry, organic chemistry and biology form a scientific framework for studies. Dietetic training focuses on food science, human nutrition, metabolism, food systems management and nutrition therapy. Professional dietetic practice within the context of traditional and alternative medicine is also examined, sometimes through internships and clinical practice, and the role of food in culture is explored. Students graduating with an online Bachelor of Science in Dietetics will be ready to take the national registration exam and seek work in public and private healthcare settings, as well as in commercial and noncommercial food service operations.

Online Master of Science in Dietetics

Online master's degree programs in dietetics are designed for registered dieticians who want to broaden their professional knowledge or specialize in an area of dietetics. Some schools allow dieticians who are eligible for registration to enroll as well. In both thesis and nonthesis options, students develop research and critical thinking skills through exploring topics in food and nutrition, human behavior and the biomedical sciences. Mother and child nutrition, the effect of nutrition on human performance, micronutrients, nutritional counseling and food education are possible focus areas. Graduates will be prepared to pursue high-level work in nutrition and food management, or apply for a doctoral program to continue their studies.