Nutrition Degree Program Information by Degree Level

Nutrition degree programs teach students about nutrition, human anatomy, physiology and food preparation. This knowledge helps Dietetic Technicians, Registered (DTR), Registered Dietitians (RD) and clinical nutrition therapists guide consumer nutrition and fitness choices. Associate, bachelor's, master's and doctorate degree programs in nutrition are available throughout the U.S.

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Associate Degree in Nutrition

An associate degree program in nutrition covers fundamental nutrition and fitness via classroom and technical, hands-on experiences. Many of these students complete supervised internships with registered dietitians (RD). This internship, coupled with the successful completion of the registered dietetic technician (DTR) examination, results in the official DTR designation.

Educational Prerequisites

Although associate degree program prerequisites vary according to institution, most require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED. Many also request SAT or ACT scores.

Program Coursework

Courses typically associated with the associate nutrition degree include the following:

  • Basic nutrition
  • Chemistry
  • Human biology
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Medical nutrition therapy
  • Food service management

Popular Career Options

There are a variety of professional directions that can follow a 2-year degree in nutrition. The jobs listed here are just a few of the possibilities:

  • Food inspector
  • Nutrition counselor
  • Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR)

Continuing Education Information

An associate's degree program often acts as a catapult for continuing education. Many programs offer 2+2 programs with cooperating colleges. This enables students to advance their associate's degree into a bachelor's degree upon completion. If graduates of an associate's degree program desire the DTR designation, they must successfully pass the DTR examination given by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition

Students interested in becoming registered dietitians (RD) primarily seek a bachelor's degree in nutrition. This degree program delves into biology, advanced chemistry and physiology of the human body and its related nutritional processes. Graduates of a 4-year bachelor's in nutrition are provide nutritional and fitness expertise to hospitals, schools, healthcare facilities and public health agencies.

Educational Prerequisites

Most bachelor's degree programs in nutrition require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED. Applicants are also required to submit their high school transcripts illustrating completion of college-prep chemistry, biology, English and mathematics. Many also require SAT or ACT scores, written personal essays and letters of recommendation.

Program Coursework

The curriculum for a degree in nutrition will be heavily weighted in science subjects, such as:

  • Microbiology
  • Physiology
  • Food production
  • Clinical dietetics
  • Nutritional chemistry
  • Fitness nutrition

Popular Career Options

Registered dieticians can apply their expertise to careers that focus on health or on food; possibilities include:

  • Nutritionist
  • Registered Dietitian (RD)
  • Food service director

Continuing Education Information

Registered dietitians must complete 75 credit hours of accredited continuing education courses every five years in order to maintain licensure. Therefore, many decide to pursue graduate degrees.

Master's Degree in Nutrition

A graduate degree in nutrition prepares dietitians and nutritional therapists for advanced clinical studies, research and public health advocacy. A master's degree program trains students to understand developmental nutrition and metabolic diseases. Often, graduates offer expert opinions on public health nutrition issues.

Educational Prerequisites

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. They also must submit college transcripts indicating completion of appropriate chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology courses. Applicants may also be required to submit GRE scores.

Program Coursework

The following advanced topics are typically covered as part of a graduate degree in nutrition program:

  • Metabolic diseases
  • Nutritional biochemistry
  • Developmental nutrition
  • Vitamins and minerals
  • Public health nutrition

Popular Career Options

Nutritionists and dieticians can pursue research, teaching, management or other upper-level jobs, such as:

  • Public health nutritionist
  • Registered Dietitian
  • Associate professor in nutrition

Doctorate Degree in Nutrition

A doctoral degree program in nutrition is generally geared toward professionals who are pursuing research or academic opportunities. This degree program examines the clinical components of nutrition and its supplements, such as vitamins and minerals. It also dissects molecular nutrition and the effects of exercise physiology and chronic disease on the human body.

Educational Prerequisites

Doctoral degree program admission requirements include completion of an accredited bachelor's or graduate degree program in nutrition or food science. Many doctoral degree programs require successful completion of entrance examinations as well as graduate and undergraduate transcript submissions.

Program Coursework

Although doctoral candidates may choose a very narrow focus within the field of nutrition, their studies will often touch on these subjects:

  • Clinical exercise physiology
  • Advanced nutrition
  • Human integrative physiology
  • Molecular nutrition
  • Chronic disease and nutrition

Popular Career Options

Individuals who complete the highest level of education in the nutrition field will be sought for leadership roles such as:

Continuing Education Information

Researchers who study molecular nutrition, human structure and form and chronic nutritional diseases are expected to maintain expertise through taking continuing education courses. In addition, these professionals must present and publish their own nutritional research findings periodically.

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