Edited By Lauren Monser
Review & Contribution By Dr. Mia Roberts
Earn an Associate’s Degree in Nutrition and gain foundational knowledge in nutrition science, dietetics, and wellness, preparing you for a rewarding career in health and wellness.
Nutrition is essential to health and development. Those pursuing this field will counsel clients on nutrition issues and help develop excellent and sustainable eating habits. A good nutrition educational background can help individuals pursue a career in this field. Students can take up an online nutrition associate’s degree to prepare for entry-level jobs in nutrition and dietetics. Some students want to understand their interest in studying nutrition full-time; for such individuals, an online associate’s degree in nutrition helps get an overview of the field. They can also transfer credits to a four-year institution and complete their undergraduate degree requirements.According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this field is expected to grow by 7 percent[1], which is a rate much faster than the average for other occupations between the decades of 2022 and 2032.
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Featured Online Associates Programs
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Southern New Hampshire University
PROGRAM: Best & Affordable Online Associates Programs
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on campus students, over 170,000 online students, making it one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.
We’re proud to provide affordable, accessible education that students can pursue on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, or via our innovative online platform.
SNHU has earned the GetEducated.com Best Buy and Best of Business – Best Online Degree awards and is consistently ranked as a top Military Friendly® School by G.I Jobs®.
Find the Best Associate’s Degree in Nutrition Programs
There are many institutions offering associate’s degrees. A good school education can significantly impact students’ professional and personal careers. There are many factors students need to evaluate, like the quality of faculty, school accreditation, courses, and specializations offered, etc. FBD teams have evaluated many colleges and programs in nutrition from all over the U.S. and, using a proprietary methodology, prepared a list of institutions offering the best online nutrition associate’s degrees:
| Univ | Address |
| Cincinnati State Technical and Community College | 3520 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45223 |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from an Associate’s Degree in Nutrition
An associate degree in nutrition online enables individuals to use their knowledge to work with clients about their health and wellness, community behaviors, lifestyle, and appropriate food choices. It typically takes two years, prepares students for nutrition-related positions, and serves as a pathway to advanced degrees. Degree requirements vary, but an online associate degree in nutrition usually entails around 60 credits and offers online, offline, and hybrid learning options. Graduates can earn higher salaries than those with just a high school diploma and can expedite their pursuit of an undergraduate degree, enhancing their job prospects. Coursework opens doors to various opportunities, including roles in dietary aid, food co-ops, nutrition product sales, wellness education, health food stores, nutrition support services, and dietary management.
Curriculum and Coursework
The nutrition programs’ curriculum generally helps students achieve outcomes of nutrition education through comprehensive coursework and focusing on scientifically sound practices in the field. Many general education courses like written communications, mathematics, behavioral science, etc. The curriculum is a mixture of nutrition-related major courses, nutrition-related electives, and other general education courses. Some natural science subjects are mandatory as they help strengthen the basics, including anatomy and physiology, human biology, general chemistry, organic and biochemistry, etc. Coursework that students are expected to take in an associate’s program in nutrition or a related field includes:
Introduction to Human Biology
This introductory course to human biology examines different aspects of human organisms like genetics, ecology, anatomy, physiology, anthropology, development, and nutrition. It also helps students understand how humans function and their role in the natural world.
Nutrition Assessment
In this course, students can understand the systematic process of interpreting and collecting information to make decisions about the nature and various nutritional causes related to health issues affecting individuals. It also involves examining other components of nutritional assessment, such as biochemical, dietary, clinical, and anthropometric types.
Foods Lab
The execution of this course may vary from school to school, depending on the art tools available in their laboratory. Students learn how to use these tools for sample preparation, physical, biological, and chemical analyses, and lead data management.
Community Nutrition
This course prepares students to understand and help solve nutritional problems in communities and families. It provides practical training in both public health nutrition and hospital dietetics. It involves learning about different nutritional assessment methods of individuals and groups indirectly and directly.
Foodservice Purchasing and Production
This course involves learning about tools of management relating to food services. The topics under study include safety, master menu development, recipe standardization, facilities, design and equipment, and more. It includes using current nutrition informatics technology to develop and disseminate data and information.
Some of the other standard courses students can pursue are:
- Dietetic Practicum
- Medical Nutrition Therapy
- Eating Disorders and Weight Management
- Medical terminology
- Bio-organic chemistry
- Intermediate Algebra
- Vegetarian Nutrition
- Environmental Challenges and Solutions
- Introduction to Psychology
- Nutritional Counseling Skills
- Computer Fundamentals and Applications
- Interpersonal Communication
- Eating Disorders and Weight management
Many electives are offered in nutrition, including exercise physiology, sports nutrition, pregnancy nutrition, women’s unique health concerns, introduction to herbal science, current weight management theory, herbs and body systems, and more. Some associate programs in nutrition require students to complete a food or dietetic-supervised internship or practice. In this supervised work program, students will work under the direct supervision of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist or RDN. This can be completed in different settings like medical or healthcare facilities, community nutrition centers, schools, etc. To understand the requirements, refer to the guide to associate programs.
Learning Outcomes and Skills Gained
Through the curriculum of an associate’s degree in nutrition, students understand different ways to promote health and manage diseases. They also conduct and plan food service, nutritional campaigns, or programs that help people lead healthy and well-balanced lives. With the skills gained in this program, graduates can work in government and nonprofit agencies, health maintenance organizations, public health clinics, etc. On completing an associate’s degree in nutrition, graduates will gain many skills, including the ability to:
- demonstrate critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills while solving the challenges of the clients;
- apply mathematical formulas to calculate different nutritional components;
- apply concepts and principles from behavioral, social science, and biological components into decision-making about food and nutritional
- demonstrate and apply knowledge of clinical and general nutrition to diseases and health challenges;
- promote practices of healthy nutrition for clients by educating them about nutrition;
- create individualized nutritional programs that are based on the health needs of counsel clients and monitor their health through nutrition;
- develop programs and curricula based on nutrition, health, and food topics.
Types of Degrees Nutrition Students Can Obtain
Different types of associates in nutrition online programs are available in the United States. Generally, three degrees are popular at the associate level, including an online Associate of Science in Nutrition, an online Associate of Applied Science in Nutrition, and an online Associate of Arts in Nutrition. All of these programs will allow students to transfer to an online bachelor’s degree in the future.
Associate of Science or AS in Nutrition
The Associate of Science or AS in nutrition typically provides a traditional track to academics in nutrition. It prepares students for the more technical and scientific-oriented subjects. Students can learn how to analyze nutrients, plan menus, create individualized diets, calculate nutritional supplements, and intake nutritional data.
Associate of Applied Science or AAS in Nutrition
This degree incorporates different topics of nutrition and provides a comprehensive curriculum. After completing this degree, students achieve a thorough education in the scientific principles of nutrition and scientifically oriented alternate practices in the field.
Associate of Arts or AA in Nutrition
The Associate of Arts or AA in nutrition is useful for those who want to plan a career in nutrition as a registered dietitian nutritionist and provides a gateway for students to pursue a dietitian’s transfer plan. It helps them learn about foundational nutrition principles that can be applied to careers in healthcare, wellness and prevention, food and nutrition management, etc.
Areas of Specialization for Nutrition Students
Concentrations in these programs allow students to delve deeper into specific areas of nutrition. By specializing in one area, they can choose a niche and develop expertise and strengths in those specialized courses, significantly enhancing their career prospects. While the nutrition associate’s degree does not offer specializations, the field of nutrition offers a wide range of domains to explore through advanced degrees.
| Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
|---|---|---|
| Clinician Nutrition | This concentration deals with diagnosing, managing, and preventing nutritional and metabolic changes related to chronic and acute diseases and challenges caused by excess or lack of nutrients and energy. It gets students involved in clinical nutrition research as well. | Various roles as a clinical nutritionist, management dietetics, nutrition research scientist, nutrition product manager, nutrition sales executive, etc. |
| Dietitian | In this specialization, students learn to identify and treat disease-related malnutrition and conduct medical nutrition therapy. It also helps students understand what medical and nutritional interventions can provide for acute and chronic conditions. | Various roles as clinical dietitians, community dietitians, food service dietitians, neonatal dietitians, gerontological dietitians, etc. |
| Nutrition and Policy | This specialization comprehends the various interventions and public policies in nutrition that have impacted populations globally. It evaluates the formulation and implementation of complex nutritional policies. | Work in local, state, and federal agencies; health advocates and policymakers; community groups; schools and childcare facilities; etc. |
| Nutrition and Exercise | This concentration emphasizes learning about the importance of exercise and the necessity to replenish nutrients. It may include knowledge about calorie deficit, dietary modifications, reducing chronic diseases, improving mental health, etc. | Various roles as sports nutritionists, fitness nutritionists, metabolic specialists, fitness trainers, etc. |
Full-Time and Part-Time Programs
The associate’s degree in nutrition online prepares students to transfer into four-year programs successfully and, in most cases, share their credits. Obtaining an associate degree typically requires 60 semester or 90 quarter credit hours. Generally, it takes two years to complete an Associate program in nutrition when taken up full-time. Some colleges provide a short-term duration of 12 months or less or a long-term period of more than 12 months of program completion. A part-time option that takes more than two years to complete is available for those who want more time to finish their curriculum. Most institutions across the U.S. now provide an option of taking courses online, where students can complete the learning in asynchronous or synchronous learning formats.
Requirements for Getting into an Associate’s Degree in Nutrition Program
The admission requirements for an online nutrition associate’s degree can differ from institution to institution. Generally, schools have criteria like official high school transcripts, placement test scores, admission essays, and much more. Students must review the admission guidelines and get documentation before applying for programs. However, some standard requirements for an online nutrition associate’s degree include the following:
- Application form and fee
- High school diploma and its equivalent
- Official transcripts acquired from previous schools
- Letters of recommendation
- Standardized test scores may be required for admissions like the ACT and SAT
- Admissions essay is required for students
How to Ensure an Associate’s Degree in Nutrition Is Accredited
With a degree from an accredited institution, students have the assurance of receiving quality education and gaining recognition by other schools and employers for the degree received. Attending unaccredited degrees could mean students cannot transfer credits, be eligible for federal financial aid, or obtain legitimate professional licensure in their study field.
The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics[2] is the accrediting body for academic programs preparing graduates who are training to become nutrition and dietetics technicians or registered dietitian nutritionists. Students can refer to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation[3] or the U.S. Department of Education[4]. to understand legitimate accrediting organizations. Universities can also be accredited nationally or by one of six regional accrediting agencies:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Those wanting to pursue an online associate’s degree in nutrition can also refer to the guide to college accreditation to get more details.
Where to Find Free Online for Associate’s Degree in Nutrition Students
To understand more about nutrition, individuals can take free courses to gain additional knowledge. The regular curriculum provides essential insight into the field, but individuals should take a course that adds to their basic nutrition knowledge to keep up with developments. Here are a few free nutrition courses students can explore:
| Course | Description | Provided by |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Food and Health[5] | This free course helps explore the global epidemics of obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related diseases. The curriculum also delves into innovative strategies to promote healthy eating. Students are provided with information and practical skills to optimize their dietary habits. | Coursera |
| Nutrition and Health: Macronutrients and Overnutrition[6] | This course explores topics about macronutrients and overnutrition and how they impact humans as well. This self-paced course helps students address the relationship between human health and nutrition while focusing on overnutrition-related health problems. | edx |
| Starter Nutrition Course[7] | This course comprehensively covers many topics related to wellness, nutrition, and diet. It helps individuals complete exercises and reading materials, take quizzes, and listen to lectures. Students also learn about different components of a balanced diet, superfoods, and much more. | The Health Science Academy |
Ways to Pay for an Associate’s Degree in Nutrition
An associate’s program costs considerably less than other degrees. However, individuals may still wonder how to pay for college. Many applicants fund their education through part-time or full-time jobs. However, besides jobs, various financial aid options can ease the burden of students’ education. Here are a few ways individuals pursuing an associate degree in nutrition online can fund their program:
Scholarships
Scholarships are monetary student awards based on various criteria such as academic achievement, athletic prowess, community service, or specific talents. They do not require repayment and can be awarded by schools, organizations, companies, or individuals to help fund education expenses.
Grants
Grants offer financial aid to students based on need or merit, often not requiring repayment. Federal grants like Pell Grants and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) assist low-income students. State, institutional, and private grants supplement educational expenses for eligible students.
Private Student Loans
Banks, credit unions, and online lenders offer private loans to cover educational expenses. Unlike federal loans, private loans typically require a credit check and may have higher interest rates. They can supplement federal aid or cover remaining costs after exhausting other options.
FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form students complete annually to determine eligibility for federal financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study programs. It assesses the student’s and their family’s financial situation to determine the amount of aid they qualify for.
For further details, please refer to the financial aid guide.
Career Opportunities and Salaries After Graduating With an Associate’s Degree in Nutrition
After graduating with an associate’s degree in nutrition, individuals can explore diverse career opportunities across various sectors. Salaries vary depending on factors like location, experience, and specific roles. It’s important to remember that an online associate’s degree in nutrition is entry-level; therefore, individuals will typically obtain entry-level jobs in the field. However, some of the typical jobs in this profession can include:
- Nutritionist
- Health Educator
- Physical Therapist
- Health and Wellness Product Sales Representative
- Fitness Trainer
- Registered dietitian
Here are a few more occupations explored:
| Occupation | Job Description | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2032) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dietitians and Nutritionists [8] | Dietitians and nutritionists use food and nutrition to enhance health and manage illnesses. They assess clients’ nutritional needs, offer guidance on healthy eating habits, and create personalized meal plans. Additionally, they educate groups on nutrition, conduct research, and monitor clients’ progress to ensure optimal health outcomes. | Analytical, listening, organizational, problem-solving, speaking, and compassion skills. | $69,680 | 7% (faster than average) |
| Health Education Specialists [9] | Health education specialists focus on promoting wellness through teaching and community outreach. They assess needs, develop programs, and create educational materials. They evaluate program effectiveness, connect people with health services and provide training. They also analyze data to enhance community health initiatives and advocate for improved resources and policies. | Analytical, communication, instructional, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. | $62,860 | 7% (faster than average) |
| Social and Human Service Assistants [10] | Social and human service assistants offer vital support across various fields, aiding families and individuals. They collaborate with professionals to devise treatment plans, assist with daily tasks, and research available services. They coordinate client services, aid in paperwork completion, and ensure the proper delivery of assistance programs. | Communication, interpersonal, organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills. | $41,410 | 9% (much faster than average) |
| Fitness Trainers and Instructors[11] | Fitness trainers and instructors guide individuals or groups through exercise routines to improve cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility. They ensure proper technique, monitor progress, and provide options for success. Additionally, they enforce safety regulations, offer nutritional advice, and may perform additional tasks like facility management or promotional activities. | Communication, customer service, listening, motivational, physical, and problem-solving skills. | $46,480 | 14% (much faster than average) |
Certifications and Licensing for Associate’s Degree in Nutrition Graduates
In nutrition, individuals must take many steps to keep advancing with the updated information in the domain. There are many professional certifications available that are provided by national boards. However, it’s important to remember that such certificates do not qualify for licensing. Nonetheless, these certifications can help in boosting both personal and professional careers. Here are a few certifications that graduates of an online nutrition associate degree can pursue:
Certified Nutritional Consultant [12]
Certified Nutritional Consultant certification provides entry-level credibility in nutrition without requiring a state license. Applicants undergo an 11-part exam with a minimum score of 85 percent. Membership in the certification and a high school diploma or GED are prerequisites for qualification.
Certified Nutrition Coach Certification [13]
The Certified Nutrition Coach Certification is a credential that validates expertise in nutrition coaching. It signifies proficiency in guiding individuals to make healthier dietary choices and achieve their wellness goals. Candidates undergo rigorous training and examination to earn this certification, demonstrating their commitment to promoting nutrition and well-being.
American Fitness Professionals Association (AFPA) Certifications[14]
The American Fitness Professionals Association (AFPA) offers various certifications in fitness and wellness fields. These certifications cover many topics, including personal training, nutrition, yoga, and more. AFPA certifications are recognized for their comprehensive curriculum and practical training, providing professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their careers.
Many states have different requirements to become licensed to practice. Even though the requirements differ, having an undergraduate degree is essential to obtaining licensure; therefore, generally, associate students are not eligible for licensure and can work in entry-level positions.
Additional Resources Associate’s Degree in Nutrition Graduates
Students pursuing an online associate’s degree in nutrition can enhance their learning by utilizing additional resources such as online forums, webinars, and academic journals. Engaging with peers and professionals in these platforms can facilitate knowledge exchange and networking opportunities, helping students stay updated with industry trends, gain insights, and build connections within the field. Here are a few legitimate resources students can explore:
| Title/Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| National Association of Nutrition Professionals | This organization is one of the primary resources for providing information about holistic nutrition. It aims to support professionals who are practicing individually as well as in larger firms. They also offer their certification program, which maintains resources. |
| Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics | This organization provides many resources that are tailored to sex and age range and are essential to maintaining good wellness and nutrition. They aim to promote safe and healthy eating practices that apply to individuals’ everyday lives. |
| American Nutrition Association | The American Nutrition Association conducts an annual personalized nutrition summit to demonstrate the recent scientific solutions from the world’s leading nutrition clinicians and researchers. They also train their practitioners in the science and practice of individualized nutrition. |
| American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition | ASPEN is an organization that focuses on good nutrition and is integral to patient care. They are a large funded organization with high regard within the medical community. It offers elaborate resources on promoting a healthy lifestyle and patient health through good nutrition. |
| American Council on Science and Health | The American Council on Science and Health is a research, pro-science, and educational organization operating under the Internal Revenue Code. It aims to garner public support and utilize evidence-based scientific strategies to educate and debunk misinformation. |
FAQs About Associate’s Degree in Nutrition Programs
Why should you do an associate’s degree in nutrition online?
Online programs offer comparable learning outcomes and professional opportunities upon completion. They are often more affordable and allow for completing more credits per semester. Additionally, the flexibility of online learning enables study from any location, making it convenient for students.
Is an online degree in an associate’s program in nutrition considered valid?
Are there accelerated online nutrition associate degrees?
What can you do with a nutrition associate degree?
Is being a nutritionist stressful?
Is an associate degree in nutrition worth it?
Citations:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Dietitians and Nutritionists
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Council for Higher Education Accreditation
Coursera-Introduction to Food and Health
edx-Nutrition and Health: Macronutrients and Overnutrition
The Health Science Academy-Starter Nutrition Course
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Dietitians and Nutritionists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Social and Human Service Assistants
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Fitness Trainers and Instructors
Certified Nutritional Consultant
Certified Nutrition Coach Certification
American Fitness Professionals Association (AFPA) Certifications