Holistic Nutrition Program in Boston Schools
While there are no holistic nutrition programs offered at Boston area schools, a few area colleges and universities do provide nutrition-related training options. Studies can be found in dietetics, food management and nutrition science. Students can obtain certificates, bachelor's degrees or master's degrees in nutrition through these colleges.
Two colleges near the city of Boston and their nutrition programs are discussed at length here. Get curricula and program duration details, and then find helpful facts about each school in the table provided at the beginning of this article.
- Simmons College is based approximately three miles southwest of downtown Boston. The college offers two degrees and one didactic program in nutrition and dietetics.
- Students of North Shore Community College can earn an associate's degree in nutritional science and diet technology. The school is located in Danvers, MA, about 16 miles from downtown Boston.
Comparison of Schools
It is beneficial to consider not only the individual programs, but also what each school has to offer before choosing your studies. Read below to find statistics and facts about each school's tuition, acceptance rates, population, campus setting and more.
| Simmons College | North Shore Community College | |
|---|---|---|
| School Type | 4-year, private not-for-profit | 2-year, public |
| Total Enrollment (2021) | 5,984* | 4,603* |
| Campus Setting | Large city | Large suburb |
| Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (2022-2023) | $44,350* | $5,352 in-state; $10,920 out-of-state* |
| % of First-Year Students Receiving Some Form of Financial Aid (2020-2021) | 100%* | 67%* |
| Acceptance Rate (2021) | 84%* | Open admissions, N/A |
| Retention Rate (2021) | 83%* | 60% |
| Undergraduate Graduation Rate | 86% (for students who began their studies in 2015)* | 58% (for students who began their studies in 2018)* |
Source: *NCES College Navigator.
Simmons College
Simmons College is located in Boston near the Fenway neighborhood and the Longwood Medical area. Its students can complete a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, a Master of Science in Nutrition and Health Promotion or a Didactic Program in Dietetics. Simmons, a 4-year, private not-for-profit college, serves more than 6,500 students annually.
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
The School of Health Sciences at Simmons requires that students in the nutrition and dietetics program complete an introduction to the science of nutrition. This introductory study discusses the body's requirement for a variety of nutrients. The core curriculum includes a course in community nutrition. The community-focused course examines federal programs focusing on health problems caused by nutrition, incorporating field work to explore nutrition education in community settings. Students also explore physiological adjustments to medical conditions.
Master of Science in Nutrition and Health Promotion
Designed for individuals with degrees in nutrition, biology, exercise physiology or health-related fields, this program prepares students for careers in health education, research, personal training or public health. This program requires a research project and 31 credits of coursework. In nutrition, fitness and wellness courses, offered online, students focus on food as fuel and nutrition in terms of athletic performance. Nutritional epidemiology teaches students to analyze research designs for epidemiological studies and to make recommendations for nutrition based on the results.
Didactic Program in Dietetics Certificate
In addition to biology, anatomy, chemistry and statistics, students are required to complete courses in community nutrition, food management, medical nutrition therapy and clinical dietetics. After completing the DPD, students must participate in an internship program in dietetics in order to qualify for registered dietitian certification.
North Shore Community College
With more than 6,000 enrolled students, this two-year public college offers a variety of certificate and associate's degree programs. Interested students looking to study nutrition may want to consider the nutritional science and diet technology program, which is offered as an associate's degree.
Nutritional Science and Diet Technology Program
This program is designed to prepare students for careers as dietetic technicians. Coursework covers such topics as the body in health and disease, chemistry, nutrition science, food preparation and human resource management. Students also learn the skills needed to provide nutrition consulting and assist with nutrition research.
