Nutritionist Graduate Programs: Essential Info
Applicants to these programs who don't have an undergraduate background related to nutrition may need to complete prerequisite courses in nutrition principles, anatomy, and chemistry. Graduate certificate programs in nutritional science are considerably shorter in length than master's or doctoral degree programs. Admission requirements for graduate certificate programs are similar to those of graduate degree programs.
Prerequisites for Nutrition Graduate Programs
Different nutrition graduate programs have different admission requirements and prerequisites. The prerequisites do vary depending on the program level. However, some common prerequisites for students who want to pursue nutrition graduate programs may include an entrance exam, such as the GRE, or professional experience, which may include something like work experience in a hospital or community health organization. If you have a master's degree in another field, the professional experience requirement may be waived. A bachelor's degree would also be required before admission to a nutritional degree program. Some schools may prefer that the bachelor's degree be in the same field, while other schools may consider applicants with coursework in areas like chemistry, biology, and statistics. Some schools also prefer applicants with a certain undergraduate grade point average, such as 3.0 and above.
Graduate Certificate in Nutritional Science
Graduate certificate programs in nutritional science typically require completion of 4-6 classes covering advanced practical and theoretical approaches to nutrition. Many graduate certificate programs in nutrition are available online. Students gain research skills and learn to develop effective health programs.
Applicants to a graduate certificate program in nutritional science must have a 4-year degree from an accredited college, preferably in health, nutrition, science or a related field. Prerequisite coursework covers nutritional foundations. Graduate students must typically maintain a 3.0 GPA for successful completion of a nutrition science certificate program. Topics of study include:
- Nutrients
- Fats
- Supplements
- Food regulations
- Trends in nutritional science
Graduate Certificate in Nutrition Education
Nutrition education graduate certificate students generally complete six classes. Programs are often geared toward current health educators seeking advanced training, as well as nutrition program developers.
Nutrition education certificate candidates must have a relevant undergraduate degree, preferably with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Applicants are generally required to submit recommendation letters, a personal statement, and a resume. To earn the nutrition education graduate certificate, students must usually maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 in classes that cover topics like:
- Nutrition for athletes
- Nutritional issues affecting public schools
- Diet and nutrition instruction
- Nutritional programs for communities
- Regulations in health care
Getting a Masters Degree in Nutrition
Nutrition master's degree programs usually take two years to complete. In addition to readying students for work as nutritionists, master's degree programs also prepare individuals for work in public health administration or education. Graduate students may specialize in nutrition for particular life stages, such as pregnancy or infancy.
Master's degree-seeking students need a bachelor's degree, preferably with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Reference letters are usually required. Master's degree students complete a thesis project. Many applicants to a master's program must have taken courses in anatomy, chemistry, biology, and nutrition. These courses prepare them for studying topics such as:
- Human nutrition and disease
- Nutrition and metabolism
- Nutrition and exercise
- Vegetarianism
- Preventative nutrition
- Eating disorders
Getting a PhD in Nutrition
Doctoral nutrition programs are largely research-based. Students learn how nutrients, drugs, toxins, and other environmental factors affect human health. Doctoral nutrition programs typically consist of traditional coursework, research problems, group discussions, seminars, and teaching assistantships.
A minimum of a bachelor's degree is required for acceptance into a doctoral-level nutrition program. Students who do not have a related master's degree must complete prerequisite coursework before beginning the doctoral program, and submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are normally required as well.
Nutrition doctoral students conduct original research and complete a dissertation. However, before they can prepare for their graduate dissertation, they must prove competency in the discipline of nutrition through a verbal and written assessment. Graduate students also take required courses in:
- Food safety
- Metabolism
- Food toxicology
- Nutritional evaluations
- Biostatistics
Popular Career Options
Professionals already working in nutrition or weight management may earn a graduate certificate in nutrition science as part of a professional continuing education program. The graduate certificate program typically assists:
- Personal trainers
- Sports medicine athletic trainers
- Nutrition therapists
- Dietitians
- Nurse practitioners
Graduates of a doctoral degree program in nutrition may work for government agencies, private institutions and non-profit organizations. Specific job titles include:
- Food science researcher
- Nutrition professor
- Nutrition consultant
- Food and dietary policy developer
- Scholarly writer
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, www.bls.gov), the employment of dietitians and nutritionists was predicted to grow by 8% for the period between 2019 and 2029. As the demand for treating people with various medical conditions is going to be one of the drivers of employment for dietitians and nutritionists. The median pay for dietitians and nutritionists was $61,270 in May 2019 as the BLS report 2019 indicates. Graduates of a nutrition master's degree program may find work in food or pharmaceutical laboratories, schools, or medical facilities. As the demand for these occupations increases there is a likelihood that the median income can increase even beyond the projected levels. People have become more and more aware of the benefits of healthy eating and they will need the advice of these professionals.
Professional Certification and Continuing Education Information
Nutrition master's degree program graduates interested in becoming dietitians or nutritionists may need to obtain state licensure. Voluntary certifications, such as the Registered Dietitian credential, are available through nutritional organizations, including the American Dietetic Organization and the Commission on Dietetic Regulations. To qualify, applicants must have completed an approved educational program, participated in a professional work experience and pass an exam.
Schools Offering Nutrition Graduate Program
Below are some of the schools that offer nutrition graduate programs and their location.
| School | Location |
|---|---|
| North Carolina State University | Raleigh, RC |
| University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA |
| University of Georgia | Athens, GA |
| Rutgers University | New Brunswick, NJ |
| University of Utah | Salt Lake City, UT |
| University of Wisconsin - Madison | Madison, WI |
Career Options with Graduate Program in Nutrition
Having a master's degree in nutrition prepares one for a number of career options including:
- Dietitians
- Child or Adolescent nutritionists
- Weight loss consultant
- Sport nutritionists
- Holistic nutritionists
Dietitians
Dietitians provide counseling to patients on planning healthy eating programs and nutrition and implementing these programs in their daily lives. Their work is to evaluate the overall health status of the patients, take note of any medical condition, deficiencies in nutrition, and recommend the easting program that would improve the patient's health.
Child or Adolescent Nutritionists
Earning a graduate degree in nutrition equips one with skills and knowledge to assess the nutritional needs of children as they grow up and the adolescents. The nutritionists working in this occupation help the children and adolescents to optimize their physical health by recommending the right diet.
Weight Loss Consultant
Graduates of master's of nutrition programs play a key role in helping people with obesity and other weight loss issues regain their health status. They may be self-employed or work in clinics. They assess the nutritional challenges of the patients and recommend changes in diet.
Sport Nutritionists
The athletes need sport nutritionists to guide them on the best diets to take in order to remain physically fit. The sensitivity of sports and bearing in mind that any poor nutrition programs can mess the career of an athlete, the services of a nutrition graduate are needed so that the athletes get professional advice.
Holistic Nutritionists
A nutrition graduate can also work as a holistic nutritionist where they counsel clients on general nutritional needs such as physical health goals such as exercises, healthy food choices, and change of lifestyles to address nutritional imbalances, as well as recommending the necessary supplements. To work effectively in this occupation, getting a master's degree in nutrition would come in handy.
There are other career options for graduates of nutrition because when they earn a master's degree in nutrition, they can gain access to leadership, management, and clinical roles. They have the capacity to manage staff and also take administrative roles.
| Career | Role |
|---|---|
| School Counselor | Help students in elementary, middle, and high school students meet their nutritional needs. This helps them to focus on schoolwork. |
| Epidemiologist | Investigation of human diseases and inquiry, checking on allergens and diseases that bring issues with food. The goal is to mitigate the negative effects of some food. |
| Microbiologist | investigating how microorganisms found in food can affect humans, whether they can harm or improve human health conditions. |
| Social Worker | To identify individuals who need help with nutritional needs and then refer them to the appropriate caregivers. They help manage the client's overall health. |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | Working in physician's offices, large hospitals, nursing homes, and they oversee medical and health services from a nutritionist's point of view. |
Students interested in a graduate program in nutrition need a background in nutritional foundations, along with other prerequisites depending on the degree program pursued. Students will be required to do a thesis at the master's level, and dissertations, research projects, and a teaching assistantship for a Ph.D.
