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Hot Degrees: Nutrition and Dietetics

Hot Degrees: Nutrition and Dietetics

Purdue University says Nutrition and Dietetics programs prepare graduates to "translate the science of nutrition into individualized recommendations to help prevent and manage medical conditions. The major’s rigorous science core ensures you are prepared for graduate school, supervised practice, and success in a career."

Purdue also reminds, "As of January 1, 2024, an advanced degree (master’s degree) is the minimum education requirement for completion of supervised practice (internship) for eligibility for the National Registration Exam for Dietitians credentialing exam" to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

A degree in nutrition and dietetics can open doors to many different career paths. Great paying jobs in this career field have opportunities in both the public and private sectors and include jobs in a wide variety of settings such as:
  • Schools
  • Hospitals
  • Elder care organizations
  • Clinical care
  • Sports and recreation groups
  • Research and development
A degree in nutrition and dietetics can even provide opportunities to work for yourself by starting your own business or working as a consultant.

What Is Dietetics?

Dietetics is the science of how food, diet, and nutrition affect human health. A dietitian (or otherwise spelled dietician) is an expert in dietetics. The terms “dietitian” and “nutritionist” are often used interchangeably, yet there are distinctions.

A registered dietitian (RD) is a specialized certification, whereas a dietitian or nutritionist may or may not require certification or licensing, depending on one’s state.

Dietitians focus specifically on how food and nutrition can impact one’s health, whereas nutritionists have a broader scope of nutrition and health. Dietitians are to specialists what nutritionists are to general medicine.

Associate Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics

An Associate Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics is a great starting point for those interested in nutrition sciences. From nutrition for personal enrichment to specialized diets that promote wellness and help cure disease, earning an associate degree in nutrition and dietetics can set one on a successful career path and prepare for further education and certification.

Jobs with an Associate Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics

  • Dietetic Technician-Assists in the provision of food service and nutritional programs, under the supervision of a dietitian. Average annual salary: $31,000.
  • Wellness Coordinator-Assists individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Average annual salary: $35,000.
  • Nutrition Coach-Instructs groups or individuals in healthy nutrition choices. Average annual salary: $43,000.

Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics

Students can earn a Bachelor’s in Nutrition and Dietetics and choose to focus on various specialties such as geriatric nutrition, pediatric care, diet therapy, and nutrition research. For many, a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics is the first step in becoming a Registered Dietician. After earning a bachelor’s degree in an accredited school and program,  a student will be well prepared to pass the certifying exam and other requirements needed to become an RD.

Jobs with a Bachelor in Nutrition and Dietetics

Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics

An advanced degree in nutrition and dietetics would include at least one specialty focus such as gerontology health and wellness, nutritional research and development, oncology nutrition, etc. Those earning a master’s degree can continue in their current career path with additional earning power, undertake supervisory roles, or transition into teaching postsecondary students about nutrition and dietetics.

Jobs with a Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics

Doctoral Degrees in Nutrition and Dietetics

You can further your education and earn a Doctorate in Nutrition and Dietetics. Doctoral candidates typically focus on research; the possibilities for study and specialties can be tailored to a student’s interests and desired research. Whether looking for a career in research with the government or a private company, starting your own business, or working as a professor, a Doctoral Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics is certain to come with a large paycheck.

Jobs with a Doctoral Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics

VA-Approved Campus-Based Nutrition and Dietetics Degree Programs

Ready to start your degree in Dietetics and Nutrition? Looking for an exceptional campus-based program?

NOTE: Some schools listed have paid for consideration.

The New School (New York, NY)

Their campus is in New York, NY, but they also offer many online options. The New School offers Associates and Bachelors in Foods/Nutrition studies.

Central Washington University (CWU)

CWU offers a dietetic internship program for those seeking to become a Registered Dietitian. The program has full accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Offered in conjunction with or as a stand-alone program from CWU’s Master of Science in Nutrition.

Central Washington is not a Yellow Ribbon School. However, CWU is a state school, so as a veteran, you may not have to pay any money out of pocket (depending on how much of your GI Bill benefit you retain).  They do, however, offer credit for military service.

For the military, CWU is approved for Tuition Assistance.

VA-Approved Nutrition and Dietetics Degree Programs Available Online

If distance learning is your preference, check out the program available at:

Kansas State University Online

Kansas State offers an online Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics; a Master’s in Dietetics; and a Master’s in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Sensory Sciences. Kansas State University is a Yellow Ribbon School, so as a veteran, you may not have to pay any money out of pocket (depending on how much of your GI Bill benefit you retain).  K State also offers credit for military service.

For military, Kansas State is approved for Tuition Assistance.

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