Master of Science in Nutrition Education

Master of Science in Nutrition Education

The Critical Need for Nutrition Education

Nutrition-related issues have never been more important to our nation's health than they are right now — five out of 10 chronic illnesses in the U.S. today are nutrition related.

Whether the discussion centers on organic farming, food deserts, nutrition labels, food insecurity, or our nation's obesity epidemic, people crave consumer-friendly, accurate information about nutritional health and the food we eat from a trusted source.

With a master's in nutrition, you can help combat misinformation and empower people in your community and beyond to make healthier food choices and improve their quality of life.

BECOME A TRUSTED SOURCE OF NUTRITION INFORMATION

The online Master of Science (MS) in Nutrition Education from American University is a unique graduate program that focuses on the science of nutrition as well as the educational strategies necessary to impact behavior change at the individual, community, and population level. The advanced degree gives you the knowledge and skills to turn your passion into a life-long career, helping better the lives of others while strengthening the community around you.

THIS ONLINE PROGRAM EASILY SUPPORTS YOUR CAREER GOALS

Delivered through an innovative online platform that allows you to maintain your current career and learn where and when it’s best for you, you'll gain focused theoretical and practical training in the field of nutrition and can prepare for certification to become a nutritionist.

Accepted applicants to the online master’s program in nutrition education may be eligible for scholarship opportunities. Request more information to learn more.

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER AND THE LIVES OF OTHERS WITH NUTRITION

No prior degree in nutrition is necessary to pursue the online MS in Nutrition Education — making it an excellent option for career changers who are passionate about nutrition. As one of only a few nutrition master's programs nationwide that focuses on education, the program is also ideal for those dedicated to using nutrition to better the lives of others.

STUDENTS GRADUATE READY TO:

  • Share their scientific knowledge in nutrition consistent with health recommendations with populations of different ages, genders, and cultures
  • Design and implement nutrition-education programs in corporations, government organizations, schools, and universities
  • Use communication strategies such as social marketing and consumer-friendly health writing to communicate to the public and advocate for nutritional health
  • Design studies and utilize research methods in order to analyze the relationship between nutrition and disease
  • Develop program and intervention skills related to nutrition
  • Understand scientific principles of nutrition with education and program planning for improved health and nutrition behavior

Learn more about the online Master's in Nutrition Education degree at our Virtual Open House from Dr. Anastasia Snelling, Program Director and Chair of the Department of Health Studies.

LEARN NUTRITION EDUCATION FROM LEADING EXPERTS

Our program is taught by an experienced and committed faculty who are:

  • members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  • fellows in the American College of Nutrition
  • conducting and publishing research on the impact of nutrition on chronic disease risk factors, length and quality of life, obesity prevention, and other topics
  • published in the Journal of Nutrition and other leading journals
  • recognized experts on nutrition topics and are regularly featured on top news outlets such as CBS News, C-Span, Washington Journal and others
  • experienced leaders in community gardening and nutrition-education programs in their own communities

Online Graduate Certificate Available

Enhance your skills in just one year with the 100% online Graduate Certificate in Nutrition Education. In this 18-credit program, you'll complete six relevant courses for the next step in your career as a nutrition or public health professional. Topics include life cycle nutrition, education methods, nutrition for health, and more. You can also apply certificate credits toward American's MS in Nutrition Education degree.

Contact an admissions adviser for more information.

Students Graduate Ready to:

  • Share their scientific knowledge in nutrition consistent with health recommendations with populations of different ages, genders, and cultures.
  • Design and implement nutrition-education programs in corporations, government organizations, schools, and universities
  • Use communication strategies such as social marketing and consumer-friendly health writing to communicate to the public and advocate for nutritional health
  • Design studies and utilize research methods in order to analyze the relationship between nutrition and disease
  • Develop program and intervention skills related to nutrition
  • Understand scientific principles of nutrition with education and program planning for improved health and nutrition behavior

Learn How to Nourish Your Community

The online Master of Science in Nutrition Education from American University delivers the most relevant courses in nutrition, education, communication and behavior change to help you understand the current health-related challenges and solutions facing our nation today. Completion of these courses will help students obtain a career in nutrition education.

The program can be completed in as little as 20 months. The exclusive curriculum provides focused theoretical and practical training in the field of nutrition. It will prepare you to:

Learn More

Become a Health Advocate Within Your Community

The need for nutrition education is surging, and the nationwide campaign for healthy nutrition and better lifestyle choices is picking up momentum. Whether it's addressing chronic illness, the obesity epidemic, or the needs of the ever-increasing aging population, highly-credentialed nutritionists are needed in a wide variety of areas. Employment of dietitians and nutritionists is expected to increase 16 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than average for all occupations.

Learn More

At American University, our online MS in Nutrition Education faculty have an understanding of nutrition science, behavior change strategies, education and communication strategies, and are proven agents of nutritional and behavioral change.

Meet Our Faculty

Carolina Espinel

Carolina Espinel, MS in Nutrition Education, '16

"...it has been wonderful to count on the instructor and other classmates' expertise."

Being online, it allowed me to pursue the MS all the way from Ecuador! Additionally, I have been able to work while studying. Of course it has been a challenging task, but the structure of the courses and the guidance of the instructors have ensured a rewarding academic experience. I realize work and study complement each other, and it has been wonderful to count on the instructor and other classmates’ expertise.

A HELPFUL NETWORK IS DEDICATED TO YOUR CAREER GOALS

Faculty, students, and alumni in the online Master’s in Nutrition Education program are dedicated to helping you reach your education and career goals through ongoing mentorship, education, and networking opportunities. Offerings include:

  • Mentorship Program
    Halfway through the online graduate program, you will be matched with a faculty mentor who will be available to work with you on resume development, job search navigation, and making connections based on your location and professional interests. Faculty mentors also serve as a valuable resource for any program or course-related items.
  • Student Webinars
    Webinars are hosted every semester on popular topics and trends such as Health Literacy in the Federal Government Nutrition Policy, Food Access and Nutrition Education Insights, and Creating and Running an Online Business and Food and Nutrition Writing.
  • Networking Events
    Events are available to students who are local or willing to travel to meet peers, faculty and industry experts.
  • Social Media
    Students, alumni and faculty share open dialogue about the program as well as provide information about jobs and industry trends on dedicated Facebook and LinkedIn groups.

Become a Certified Nutrition Specialist ®™

This online degree program provides a stepping stone to the Certified Nutrition Specialist®™ credential. Additional coursework in clinical nutrition, bio/life sciences, and biochemistry, as well as supervised practice experience, are necessary for CNS® eligibility.

95% of American University’s Nutrition Education master's graduates are working in the field, in graduate school or both within six months.

LOOK FORWARD TO CAREER SUCCESS AFTER GRADUATION

Post-graduation, you can expect to look forward to a successful career in nutrition education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for the field is expected to grow 15 percent from 2016-2026, much faster than average.* Having your master’s degree will give you the competitive advantage you need to succeed and will set you apart from others in the field. In fact, in the field of dietetics, registered dietitians and nutritionists only need a bachelor’s degree to work in their field; however, effective January 1, 2024 the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics will require all registered dietitian candidates to have a master’s degree. Further indication that the bar is being raised for nutrition professionals.

"Our graduate census shows that 93 percent of our master's graduates in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) were employed within six months of graduation." - American University

SOURCES

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, accessed at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dietitians-and-nutritionists.htm

Faqs

What are the admissions requirements for the online Master of Science in Nutrition Education?

You will need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and submission of your GRE test score (waivers considered). A 3.0 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate work is recommended.

Can I transfer credit for previous graduate work?

We may accept up to six hours of graduate work from another institution that applies directly to the degree.

Is there provisional admission?

Students with a weak academic background may be admitted with provisional status. Students who are admitted provisionally must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 after the completion of the first nine credit hours of graduate study at American University or they will be academically dismissed.

What are the admission requirements for International students?

A TOEFL score of 600 (or 100 on the Internet-based test), a minimum score of 68 on the Pearson Test of English, or a minimum IELTS score of seven (7) is required. Additionally, applicants with international transcripts must have them evaluated course-by-course. For a list of acceptable evaluators, go to NACES.org.

How long does it take to complete the degree?

The Master of Science in Nutrition Education can be completed in as little as 20 months.

Do you require submission of test scores?

Yes, submission of your GRE test result is required.

Can the GRE be waived?

GRE waivers are eligible for students who obtained a 3.5 or above in your last 60 credit hours of undergrad, or a 3.2 or above in a previous Master’s degree.

What documents are required when applying?

The required application documents include:
• A completed graduate application
• A $55 application Fee
• Phone Interview with Admissions Advisor
• Résumé
• Statement of purpose
• Two letters of recommendation, which may be from former professors as well as current or former employers
• Transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate coursework (If a degree was earned outside the U.S., a course-by-course evaluated transcript is required.)
• GRE test scores

When is the deadline for application?

Our application deadline will change depending on which term you are applying for. Please contact our online admissions staff for a specific timeline your application file needs to be fully submitted.

Is financial aid available?

Graduate students enrolled at least part time in a Master's program may be eligible for federal loans. To apply, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Where do alumni of the MS in Nutrition Education program find employment?

Graduates with a MS in Nutrition Education have the credentials needed work in a variety of fields including public health, nonprofits, schools, government, health clubs, and food companies. Learn more about our graduates’ success and their testimonials about the nutrition education program.

What type of career assistance is available in the program?

Faculty, students and alumni in the online Master’s in Nutrition Education are dedicated to helping you reach your career goals. Resources available to you include a dedicated faculty mentor to provide career assistance, networking events, industry webinars, social media groups and access to American University’s career center.

Will I be able to take advantage of the same resources as on-campus students do?

Yes, online students are encouraged to obtain a Student ID and take advantage of all of the same resources as our on-campus students.

How is this program different from others?

The American University MS in Nutrition Education program is unique in ensuring that its graduates have the nutrition science coupled with behavior change theories. This approach is necessary for the implementation of innovative healthy eating campaigns and programs in the community that lead to healthy consumers. Ultimately, graduates will have sound nutrition knowledge and will be successful educators at the individual, organizational and societal levels.

Does this program prepare me to be a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)?

This program provides a stepping stone to the Certified Nutrition Specialist® ™ credential. Additional coursework in clinical nutrition, bio/life sciences, and biochemistry, beyond what is included in this program, as well as supervised practice experience, are necessary for CNS® eligibility.

Does this program prepare me to be a registered dietitian?

No, this does not prepare you to be a registered dietitian. However, there are currently registered dietitians in this program for professional development and career advancement.

In order to become a registered dietitian, do I need to have a Master’s degree?

Effective January 1, 2024 the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics will require all registered dietitian candidates to have a master’s degree.

Are there scholarships available for the program?

American University is pleased to offer the Online Merit Scholarship to students who demonstrate undergraduate excellence and continue on to graduate studies. Scholarships are available to students who meet the eligibility requirements.

Rankings & Accreditation

#4 College Gets High Marks

Princeton Review
Best Colleges (2021)

#15 Best Online Masters in Nutrition

BestColleges.com, 2020

#47 Best Colleges for Veterans

U.S. News & World Report
America's Best Colleges (2021)

#79 Best National University

U.S. News & World Report
America's Best Colleges (2022)

#91 Best Value Schools

U.S. News & World Reports America’s Best Colleges (2022)

Among 387 Best Colleges

Princeton Review
Best Colleges (2022)

Get the Details of the Nutrition Education Program Now

Be a positive, nutrition-education role model within the community. Click here to learn more about the online Master of Science in Nutrition Education or call 855-725-7614 to speak with an admissions adviser today.