Pursuing a health and wellness degree online at the bachelor's level allows learners to build the knowledge and competencies required for entry-level positions. Graduates of these programs work as health educators, dieticians, and fitness managers. Health and wellness professionals work with individuals across the lifespan and at every socioeconomic level.
Completing a health and wellness bachelor's degree online provides learners with the flexibility needed to balance professional and personal responsibilities alongside academic deadlines. Affordability also plays an important role in the decision-making process. Fortunately, many online programs cost less than campus-based options.
Lastly, students should remember to find an accredited program. Schools with accreditation offer smoother transfer processes, feature curricula that align with certification requirements, and signal competence to employers. View our ranking methodology and check out the best health and wellness bachelor's online degrees for 2020.
Top 5 Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees in Health, Wellness, and Nutrition
| 1. | Kansas State University |
| 2. | University of Arizona |
| 3. | Eastern Michigan University |
| 4. | Arizona State University-Skysong |
| 5. | The University of Alabama |
What to Expect From an Online Bachelor's Degree in Health, Wellness, and Nutrition Program
An online health and fitness degree introduces learners to critical topics within the world of health, wellness, and nutrition. Outcomes can vary substantially based on student interests, but most programs share similar courses. Commonly required classes include concepts of health promotion, strategies for health communication and wellness, planning and evaluating public health programs, and behavioral and cultural issues in healthcare.
Learners enrolled on a full-time basis typically graduate in four years, while part-time students usually need six years. Outside of coursework, many programs also require the completion of an internship to build professional skills. Licensure requirements vary based on location and each individual's ideal career. Dieticians and nutritionists, for example, must hold licensure to practice in many states.
Career Outlook for Health, Wellness, and Nutrition Professionals
Individuals who complete a health and wellness degree online can take their career in many different directions.
Health educators, for example, use their knowledge to teach others how to live healthy lives. They frequently work in nonprofits, gyms, or other service-oriented organizations to develop training programs and disseminate information. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects roles for these professionals to grow by 11% from 2018-28, much faster than the average for all occupations. Health educators earned median annual salaries of $46,910 as of 2019.
Graduates also find work as dieticians or nutritionists. BLS data indicates that these wellness experts earned a median salary of $61,270 in 2019. Those in the highest echelons of earners brought home more than $87,360 during the same period. The BLS projects employment in this field to grow by 11% from 2018-28.
Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees in Health, Wellness, and Nutrition 2020
1. Kansas State University
Kansas State University (KSU) offers a 120-credit nutrition and health bachelor's degree. Available fully online, KSU focuses on providing a flexible program of study that meets the needs of busy students.
This online health and wellness bachelor's degree explores research methods and scientific communication in health sciences, introduction to health and nutrition professions, public health nutrition, and the science of food. Learners also select from three electives to help personalize their educational experience. KSU does not require an internship at this time, but students can complete voluntary training.
Admission requirements include high school transcripts or a GED certificate, SAT/ACT scores, and evidence of a 2.0 or higher GPA. Other required materials include letters of reference, a personal essay, a list of extracurriculars, and a nonrefundable $40 application fee.
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2. University of Arizona
The online BS in nutritional sciences at the University of Arizona (UArizona) provides concentrations in dietetics and nutrition to help learners develop niche skills tailored to future career goals. This fully online program takes four years to complete on a full-time schedule. UArizona's health and wellness online degree maintains accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Topics covered in this 120 credit program include nutritional education and counseling, food service organization and management, fundamentals of food science, and nutrition communication and scientific literacy. Learners in both tracks must take part in an internship during their final year of study.
Admission requirements include a completed online application, ACT/SAT scores, official transcripts from any schools attended, answers to essay questions, and letters of recommendation. The program admits new students three times each year.
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3. Eastern Michigan University
Eastern Michigan University's college of health and human services offers an online bachelor's in dietetics and human nutrition degree that comprises 124 credits. The dietetics track leads to registered dietician nutritionist credentialing, while the human nutrition path does not.
Coursework in this online health and wellness bachelor's degree explores metabolism of macronutrients and micronutrients, foodservice systems management, nutrition of the life cycle, and development of the entrepreneurial dietician. Students must also participate in internships before graduating. Each enrollee must maintain a 2.0 or higher GPA to graduate. This program maintains full accreditation status.
Admission requirements include submission of all official school transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation. Candidates must complete prerequisites, reference forms, and a program-specific application.
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4. Arizona State University
The online bachelor of science in nutrition at Arizona State University requires 120 credits. With each class lasting only 7.5 weeks, students can plan on finishing this degree in under four years. Interested learners should note that this health and wellness online degree does not lead to becoming a registered dietician or dietitian nutritionist.
Required classes include development of healthy cuisines, nutrition in the life cycle, digital technologies in nutrition communication, and pre-professional preparation in nutrition. The school also provides a food entrepreneurship concentration. Each enrollee must complete at least 60 hours of fieldwork experience during their final year.
First-time student admissions requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA, SAT/ACT scores, official transcripts, and FAFSA information. Each learner must also submit a personal essay and letters of recommendation, along with a $70 nonrefundable application fee ($50 for Arizona residents).
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5. University of Alabama
University of Alabama (UA), located in Tuscaloosa, provides an entirely online BS in food and nutrition that requires four years of study to complete. This health and wellness bachelor's online program comprises 120 credits and maintains accreditation through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Coursework covers nutrition at the cellular level, intro to research in food and nutrition, management of food service systems, and quantity food production and service. Students must also take chemistry, organic chemistry, anatomy and physiology I/II, and microbiology. This program ends with a directed professional independent study.
Admission requirements to UA include SAT/ACT scores, official transcripts from any school previously attended, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Learners must apply to the food and nutrition program after completing at least 24 college-level credits.
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