What can I do with a nutritional sciences degree?

Graduates of nutritional sciences degree programs often become dieticians. These professionals can work for corporations, such as grocery store chains, and in clinical settings.

Is a nutritionist a doctor?

Unlike doctors, nutritionists cannot diagnose or treat diseases with medications and therapies. Nutritionists typically undergo less clinical training and education than doctors.

What is the highest degree in nutrition?

A doctorate in nutrition is the terminal degree in the field. Most doctoral programs require four to six years to complete.

What schooling do you need to become a nutritionist?

According to the BLS, dieticians and nutritionists need a bachelor's degree to earn entry-level positions. These professionals can earn a graduate degree and certifications to improve their job prospects.

Best Master’s in Nutritional Sciences Degrees 2021

July 30, 2021 | Staff Writers

Are you ready to find your fit?

Professionals in the nutritional science field often pursue a master’s degree to qualify for leadership roles. There is still much to discover about how food impacts the human body, and many master’s programs focus on research contribution. Other nutritional sciences master’s programs prepare learners to become professors. Professionals can also pursue a nutritional sciences degree to facilitate a career change.

Nutritionists perform vital services for the community, including educating patients about ways to achieve particular health goals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dieticians and nutritionists earned a median income of $61,270 as of May 2019. The BLS projects employment for these professionals to increase 8% between 2019 and 2029. This guide explores career options for professionals with a master’s degree in nutritional sciences, along with typical program outcomes, scholarship opportunities, and professional organizations for nutrition students.

FAQ

What can I do with a nutritional sciences degree?

Graduates of nutritional sciences degree programs often become dieticians. These professionals can work for corporations, such as grocery store chains, and in clinical settings.

Is a nutritionist a doctor?

Unlike doctors, nutritionists cannot diagnose or treat diseases with medications and therapies. Nutritionists typically undergo less clinical training and education than doctors.

What is the highest degree in nutrition?

A doctorate in nutrition is the terminal degree in the field. Most doctoral programs require four to six years to complete.

What schooling do you need to become a nutritionist?

According to the BLS, dieticians and nutritionists need a bachelor’s degree to earn entry-level positions. These professionals can earn a graduate degree and certifications to improve their job prospects.

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What Are the Goals of a Nutritional Sciences Degree?

A nutritional sciences degree qualifies holders to obtain state licensure. Each state sets unique requirements for nutritionists, so students should consider attending a school located in the state in which they plan to work.

Curricula vary by school, but most schools list program outcomes on their website. Some nutritional sciences degree programs emphasize research, while others prepare learners to work with patients. Additionally, some curricula cover nutrition for all age groups and dietary preferences. Others focus primarily on one population subgroup. Learners should select a nutritional sciences master’s program that aligns with their career goals.

Why Get a Nutritional Sciences Degree?

Earning a graduate degree can lead to personal and professional benefits, such as higher salary potential and increased job satisfaction. The following list highlights five common reasons to pursue a master’s degree in nutritional sciences.

Opportunities in Higher Education: An advanced nutritional sciences degree may qualify graduates to become professors. However, some colleges and universities require professors to hold a doctorate.
Personally Beneficial Knowledge: Master’s students in the field learn valuable information about nutrition, which they can apply to their everyday lives.
Ability to Help Others: A working knowledge of nutrition can help individuals lead healthy, happy lives. Nutritionists empower individuals and communities with this knowledge.
Increased Job Prospects: While dieticians and nutritionists can practice with a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree can lead to higher-paying positions and leadership roles.
Self-Employment Potential: After building a client base, successful nutritionists often open their own practice. These self-employed professionals set their own rates and business hours.

What Are the Requirements for a Nutritional Sciences Degree?

Nutritional sciences master’s programs typically require 30 to 40 credits, which most full-time learners complete in about two years. Coursework typically involves lectures, textbook readings, and projects. Students often develop meal plans, learn how to assess an individual’s nutritional needs, and conduct research. Some programs require learners to submit research findings to scholarly journals.

Before enrolling in a program, learners should note the thesis or capstone requirement. Students can review their prospective program’s course descriptions and available concentrations to ensure they align with their career goals. For example, students may wish to specialize in an area such as childhood or elderly nutrition.

Professional Organizations for Nutritional Sciences Students

Professional organizations in the field connect learners with experienced dieticians and nutritionists. These groups may offer discounted student memberships and scholarship opportunities. The list below features three organizations that can help students make valuable professional connections in the nutritional sciences field.

American Nutrition Association The ANA welcomes learners in programs related to nutrition and health. Student members pay a discounted membership fee and receive access to a peer-reviewed journal, a resource library, webinars, and discounts on training seminars. The ANA advocates for practice rights and insurance benefits for professional nutritionists.

American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Learners interested in feeding tube nutrition can benefit from joining ASPEN. The society also discusses nutrition through traditional consumption methods. ASPEN offers several membership tiers for students and professionals.

National Association of Nutrition Professionals The NANP welcomes student members and hosts a forum where members can post questions and network. The organization also provides resources to help professionals earn board certification. The NANP delivers webinars and podcasts with up-to-date information on industry advancements.

Scholarships for Nutritional Sciences Students

Even students earning an affordable master’s degree in nutritional sciences can benefit from scholarships. Most scholarship applications require recommendation letters, essays, and official transcripts. To improve their chance of earning a financial award, learners can apply for multiple scholarships. The following list highlights three noteworthy scholarships for nutritional sciences majors.

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Scholarships

Who Can Apply: The Academy Foundation offers a scholarship exclusively for dietetic graduate students. Applicants must attend an accredited U.S. school and a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. The recipient must maintain membership with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Amount: Varies

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Grants

Who Can Apply: Learners conducting research in nutrition can apply for grants from the Academy Foundation. These awards help learners complete research in niche dietetics topics, such as the impact of nutrition on oral health or neurological disorders. The Academy Foundation provides most grant applications on its website.

Amount: $5,000-$20,000

Global Health Fellows Program

Who Can Apply: This fellowship program from the United States Agency for International Development places students in research locations, such as the District of Columbia and developing countries. Recipients work full time for two years, conducting research in health fields such as nutrition. Participants also gain practical humanitarian experience. Applicants must demonstrate analytical and communication skills.

Amount: Varies