Nutrition consultants develop nutrition plans and advise clients on better eating habits, and may work in hospitals, nursing care centers or as self-employed, contract consultants. Aspiring and professional consultants who are passionate about nutrition may enroll in bachelor's or master's degree programs in nutrition or dietetics at 4-year colleges and universities.
10 Schools with Nutrition Programs
This list of colleges and universities identifies some schools offering nutrition programs.
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Tuition* (2018-2019) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia University | New York, NY | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Graduate Certificate | Undergraduate $59,430; Graduate $48,390 |
| University of Chicago | Chicago, IL | 4-year, Private | Master's, Doctoral | Graduate $58,968 |
| Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | Undergraduate $58,188; Graduate $29,584 |
| University of California - Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | In-state Undergraduate $14,184; Out-of-state Undergraduate $43,179; In-state Graduate $14,131; Out-of-state Graduate $29,233 |
| University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | 4-year, Public | Master's, Doctoral | In-state Graduate $23,456; Out-of-state Graduate $47,006 |
| Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland, OH | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | Undergraduate $49,042; Graduate $45,204 |
| Tufts University | Medford, MA | 4-year, Private | Master's, Doctoral | Graduate $52,192 |
| University of North Carolina | Chapel Hill, NC | 4-year, Public | Master's, Doctoral | In-state Graduate $12,212; Out-of-state Graduate $29,423 |
| University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | 4-year, Public | Doctoral | In-state Graduate $12,737; Out-of-state Graduate $29,302 |
| Boston University | Boston, MS | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Graduate Certificate | Undergraduate $53,948; Graduate $53,572 |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
School Selection Criteria
There are a number of things to consider when selecting a program in this field.
- Think about career goals when deciding between nutrition and dietetic programs.
- Those looking to become nationally registered as a nutrition expert should find a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE).
- Concentrations in a program may be education, public health, an emphasis on the culinary arts or a greater foundation in research and scientific principles.
- Some schools may offer internships.
Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition or Dietetics
Schools may offer a variety of nutrition-based bachelor's degree programs, including food and nutrition science and dietetics, with concentrations in culinary arts and exercise science. Students interested in laboratory research can find programs where students use food-testing equipment and study food at the microscopic level.
Master's Degree in Nutrition or Dietetics
Professionals looking to advance their career into research or the public health industry will likely benefit from graduate degree programs in nutrition. Prospective students may expect to analyze public health trends and develop ways to educate communities. Courses examine how nutrition affects behavior and introduce students to research methods. Some graduate programs may also train students to become registered dietitians, and are either thesis or non-thesis programs, with non- requiring students participate in clinical practicums or fieldwork experiences.
Studying nutritional science or dietetics can prepare individuals to pursue a career as a nutritional consultant. Degrees are offered at undergraduate and graduate levels, and some schools also offer graduate certificates in this field.
