Nutrition

M.S. – Online or Hybrid
Choice This program is available either online or in a hybrid format that requires one year of online coursework and one year of a site-based internship in Oregon.*
delivery
$609 Based on current tuition rates. No additional charge for nonresident students. Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.†
per credit
Varies Program start term varies. The advanced dietetics option accepts students each term, while the professional option only admits students for fall term.§
start term

A master’s degree in nutrition was once considered optional for registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs). Now, it’s a requirement. Earn an online master’s degree in nutrition from Oregon State University, and position yourself to meet the profession’s evolving expectations and expand your impact as a dietitian.

Through advanced practice content, you’ll deepen your understanding of the connection between food and health and gain the expertise you need to translate the science of nutrition into evidence-based practice.

This program features two options: a professional dietetics option with an accredited dietetic internship in Oregon that provides the qualifications to sit for your registered dietitian nutritionist exam; and an advanced dietetics option that is ideal for current RDNs who want to upskill with a master’s degree but don’t need to complete an internship.

Skills you’ll gain in OSU’s online master’s degree in nutrition

As a student in Oregon State’s master’s degree in nutrition online program, you’ll gain the in-demand skills, advanced knowledge and professional credibility to make a difference in your community. You’ll learn from expert Oregon State faculty who have real-world industry experience.

  • Statistical data analysis
  • Health program evaluation
  • Public health assessment
  • Nutrition research design
  • Health systems navigation
  • Patient-centered counseling
  • Dietary policy evaluation
  • Health evaluation administration
Woman in lab coat studying nutrition data with healthy foods arranged around her

Program details

Grounded in science, research and applied practice, the courses in Oregon State’s online master’s degree in nutrition will deepen your understanding of nutrition and dietetics practice. The coursework includes medical nutrition therapy, biostatistics, public health, health systems, counseling and program management. Each course will help prepare you to care for your patients and your community with up-to-date research and best practices in nutrition.

The online master’s degree in nutrition program is offered by Oregon State’s College of Health.

Degree requirements

You must complete a total of 44 quarter credits in the advanced dietetics option or a total of 46 quarter credits in the professional dietetics option to graduate with your master’s degree in nutrition online. Degree requirements and curriculum information for both options are available on Oregon State's academic catalog.

A person in a white coat, wearing a stethoscope, holds a bottle while talking to a parent and child.

Additional program features

Advanced dietetics
If you intend to become a registered dietitian, the 44-credit advanced dietetics option allows you to learn online without traveling to Oregon to earn your master’s degree. To sit for your RDN exam, you’ll need to complete an ACEND-accredited, supervised internship. But you’re in charge of where and when it takes place.

If you’re already working as a registered dietitian, the advanced dietetics option enables you to sharpen your skills without completing an internship.

Professional dietetics
The 46-credit professional dietetics option includes an internship that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. It must be completed on-site in Oregon. See more internship details below.

The professional dietetics option culminates in a supervised, ACEND-accredited practice internship. You’ll work 40 hours per week in Oregon. With your education and internship, you’ll be qualified to sit for your RDN exam and obtain the license you need to work and serve your patients. Oregon State students have a 97% exam pass rate, proving the value of this program and internship opportunity.

The advanced dietetics option includes no internship.

State of Colorado: This program requires an internship. Although Oregon State University participates in the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA), due to Colorado’s Workers’ Compensation Act, we have limited authorization to offer programs that require internships in the state of Colorado. The Colorado internship site must provide workers’ compensation. In some cases, a proposed internship site may not provide workers’ compensation insurance and, as a result, is not available as an internship site. Please contact Shannon Riggs, associate vice provost for educational programs and learning innovation, with questions.

Instead of a traditional thesis, you’ll complete a capstone project to complete your master’s degree. This project can be tailored to your coursework, internship or workplace and your area of interest as an RDN.

Many faculty in the nutrition master’s program are registered dietitians who sit on state boards and are involved in current practice- and industry-relevant organizations. You will join a strong alumni base in Oregon, as many active dietitians were trained in programs at Oregon State. Opportunities for professional connections are plentiful.

Professional dietetics option
Explore the detailed admissions information for the professional dietetics option, including any application deadlines and required documents, on the College of Health website.

Advanced dietetics option
Eligibility for the advanced dietetics option is based on your prior training and credentials. Read the admissions requirements to ensure you’re eligible to enroll before you choose this option.

Professional dietetics option
Students are admitted to this option once per year, and you can begin your studies in fall term. Visit Oregon State's academic calendar for term start dates.

Advanced dietetics option
Students are admitted to this option four times per year, and you can begin your studies in fall, winter, spring or summer. Visit Oregon State's academic calendar for term start dates.

You can gain highly specialized skills that are in demand by employers — and do it with less of a time and financial commitment — when you earn a certificate or microcredential online from Oregon State. Choose from a large collection of short-form offerings that can help you upskill quickly.

Careers in nutrition

The knowledge you acquire in Oregon State’s online master’s degree in nutrition will help you fill in-demand jobs in the global marketplace. You’ll graduate ready to showcase your abilities and provide insights in economic sectors that need nutrition experts.

Job market outlook

Use the interactive tool on this page to discover employment trends, top occupations and salary details for professionals who have skills related to nutrition. Please be aware that completing a program related to the job market information shown here does not guarantee employment or a specific salary.