As First Lady Michelle Obama pointed out, America is suffering from an obesity and nutrition problem. Increasingly, more Americans are seeking healthier lifestyles and there is a growing need for people educated in Health and Wellness and Nutrition. Employers are looking for people with degrees in this field to develop wellness programs, schools are looking for nutritionists to improve school lunch choices, and government agencies and insurance companies are working to improve overall health and reduce general healthcare costs.
Recommended Online Nutrition Degrees
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggests careers in health, wellness and nutrition are growing at a 13% rate over the next ten years, which is much faster than average. Salary ranges for nutritionists and wellness experts range at about $43,840 per year. Masters degrees and certification are often required by states for this career.
Tuition Assistance
While there is little federal or state financial assistance for graduate students, there are loans and some schools offer merit based scholarships for qualifying masters' candidates. You may want to check with your program to see if there is any financial aid available for you.
Employee Tuition Assistance
Many employers offer employee benefits which includes tuition assistance for those working towards an advanced degree that will benefit you in your job. Check with your Human Resource department to determine if such a benefit is available to you and how to apply.
Federal Student Aid
There are federal student loans available for graduate students. Information and applications may be found on the Department of Education website Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Veterans, Spouses and Dependents
Military discounts for active, or retired, military personnel are sometimes offered by schools. These benefits may include discounts for spouses and legal dependents, as well. To qualify, contact the school's bursar's office. Veterans discounts may also be found on the school's website.
Best Medical Degrees has assembled a list of the cheapest, online Health and Wellness and Nutrition masters degrees that are offered online. This list was created using information from U.S. News and World Report, Bureau of Labor Statistics and other higher education sources (i.e., accrediting organizations).
1. Texas Woman's University
Opening in 1901 as the Girls Industrial College, located in Denton, Texas, the school did not enroll men until 1972. The school's named was changed in 1957 to Texas Woman's University. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges currently has an enrollment over 15,000 and offers five colleges and bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees.
TWU offers an online MS in Nutrition that requires coursework in human nutrition and metabolism, human nutrition and disease and major studies in women's nutrition and health, nutrition and gerontology, advanced nutritional care, eating disorders and eating behavior. Graduates will complete a capstone project at the end of their studies.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Year: $4,518
2. North Dakota State University
Through it's Distance and Continuing Education Department, North Dakota State University, located in Fargo, North Dakota, provides a MS in Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Science for students interested in coaching or teaching physical education. This 100% online program is accredited by North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report at #185 in National Universities, #147 Best Colleges for Veterans and #103 in Top Public Schools.
The program is a concentration in physical education leadership and sport option. Coursework includes study in research in physical education and sport, supervision and management, sport in American society and legal liability in Health Physical Education and Recreation (HPER).
Length of Program: 30 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Year: $4,635
3. University of North Dakota
The oldest university in North Dakota, the University of North Dakota was established in 1883, six years before the state was admitted to the Union. The university has over 15,000 students and 225 fields of study, with almost 40 online degrees offered through its Extended Learning Division. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). UND has been ranked #180 in National Universities by U.S. News and World Report.
UND offers an online Master of Science in Nutrition Education and Counseling that can be completed in a little over two years and is offered as a part-time program. There is one week campus visit required to the campus in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Students will study the application of educational theory to nutrition in education and counseling, assessment of nutritional needs and education for at risk groups and evaluation of nutritional intervention for individuals and groups.
Length of Program: 32 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Year: $5,762
4. Kansas University Medical Center
This Master of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition is a collaborative, online degree program through a consortium of eight universities. The program is limited to current Registered Dietitians or registry eligible applicants only. This graduate program is accredited by Accreditation Council for Education in Dietetics and Nutrition (ACEND). Kansas University Medical Center had humble beginnings in 1880, when it offered a medical preparatory course, with the medical school officially opening in 1905.
Taking two courses per semesters (summer included) should allow a student to complete this degree in approximately three years. Courses include studies in current issues and trends in dietetics, advanced medical nutrition therapy, clinical aspects of nutrition support, food culture, international nutrition and world hunger, maternal and child nutrition, nutritional counseling and education, among others.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Year: $6,540
5. Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University, located in Starkville, Mississippi, was founded in 1878 as part of the 1862 Morrill Act which established land grant universities. With a current student enrollment of over 20,000 students and has been ranked #161 in U.S. News and World Report's National Universities rating, #131 in its Best Colleges for Veterans and #88 in Best Colleges for Veterans. The university holds accreditation from The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and this MS degree is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND ®).
A Master of Science in Health Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion, the program requires studies and coursework in theory and practice of health education, health promotion techniques, design and administration of health programs, behavioral epidemiology, prevention and control of disease, etc. The program is 100% online.
Length of Program: 33 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition Per Year: $7,442
6. Arizona State University
Located in Tempe, Arizona State University has achieved #1 in U.S. News and World Report's For Innovation and #62 in among it's Public Universities rankings. The largest public university in the United States was established in 1885 and has a current enrollment of over 39,000 undergraduate, graduate and online students.
This MS Nutrition is a non thesis option for those currently registered dieticians who want to advance their educational degree and improve their skills as a practitioner. Applicants must have one, full year of work experience as a registered dietician for application. The program focuses on research and statistics with coursework in vegetarian nutrition, pediatric nutrition and policies, environment and obesity prevention as well as evidenced-based nutrition studies. Arizona State University also offers graduate, online programs in Medical Nutrition and Nutrition Dietetics.
Length of Program: 30 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Year: $11,580
7. Maryland University Institute of Integrative Health
This is a unique Master of Arts in Health Wellness Coaching is offered by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredited Maryland University Institute of Integrative Health. The institute, was founded in 1974 and became affiliated with Maryland University in 2013 and is one of the few accredited integrative health programs in the country.
Students will study base courses in fundamentals of health and wellness coaching, practice management in coaching, introduction to complementary and integrative health and applied healing strategies. Additional courses in herbal studies, integrative health practices, medical herbalism and nutrition. Graduates of this program will be able to find employment in hospitals, private practices, corporation wellness programs and health educational facilities.
Length of Program: 30 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Year: $12,052
8. Benedictine University
With a current enrollment of over 31,000 students, Benedictine University was founded in 1887 and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). U.S. News and World Report consistently recognizes Benedictine University for its programs and awarded it one of its Best Colleges and Universities in the Nation ranking. The school is also known as a military friendly university. Benedictine University offers an online Master of Science in Nutrition and Wellness degree. Coursework will include studies in theory and practice of
This program may be completed in 24 to 30 months and offers courses in Public Health Education, Advanced Metabolism: Lipids and Carbohydrates, Obesity: Theory and Practice, Complementary Nutrition Therapies, Health and Wellness Research Planning, Advanced Nutrition Topics in Micronutrients: Bone Health Advanced Metabolism: Proteins and Data Analyses and Interpretation.
Length of Program: 38 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Year: $13,015
9. University of Wisconsin Health & Wellness Management
The University of Wisconsin is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Founded in 1838 near Madison, Wisconsin and now hosts 13 colleges and over 30,000 students. The online Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management is a multi-campus program providing the best instructors in the field across the Wisconsin state system. Courses are all online with no on-campus visit required.
Coursework includes studies in strategic management for wellness managers, exercise and nutrition in health and disease, contemporary health and wellness perspectives, biopsychosocial aspects of health, wellness law, health and wellness management capstone course, etc. The 36 credit hour degree is completed in 12 courses over the academic years. The University of Wisconsin is ranked #41 in National Universities, #33 Best Colleges for Veterans and #11 Top Public Schools by U.S. News and World Report.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Year: $13,050
10. UMassOnline
Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the University of Massachusetts Boston was founded in 1964 and currently boasts an enrollment of over 16,000 students in 11 colleges. UMass Online is a division of the state system of the University of Massachusetts and offers a Master of Public Health in Nutrition.
Following 15 hours of required coursework in public health core courses (principles of epidemiology, introduction to U.S. health system, environmental health practices, etc.) students will take 17 hours in core nutrition courses (community nutrition, nutritional problems in the U.S., public health nutrition, and nutritional assessment, etc.). There are 3 hours each in a practicum (conducted in your home area) and 3 elective hours. Students must complete a final independent study course. Due to state regulations, students who live in Arkansas and Alabama are ineligible for this program.
Length of Program: 44 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition Per Year: $13,310
