Master's Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for registered dietitian nutritionists would grow 15 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.

As the competition grows for such positions, graduates of programs such as Ball State’s master of science in nutrition and dietetics will typically transition into two occupation groups—larger mid-level healthcare therapists and fitness and wellness.

Potential Positions

The growing demand for nutrition and dietetic professionals will exceed supply for the next several years. Nationwide, there’s a promising job market for positions such as . . .

• Dietitian
• Registered dietitian nutritionist
• Clinical dietitian
• Nutritionist
• Director of wellness
• Health coach
• Clinical nutrition manager
• Fitness manager
• Pediatric dietitian
• Health wellness coordinator

Job postings suggests that these positions will require skills in a number of areas, including:

• Nutrition and diet
• Basic patient care
• Advanced patient care
• Medical support
• General medicine
• Public health and disease prevention
• Building effective relationships

Credits
Total: 36

Research Core (non-thesis, 9 credits) or Thesis (15 credits)

Statistics (6 credits)

• HSC 683 Epidemiology (3 credits)
• HSC 687 Statistical Methods in Health Science (3 credits)

Research Methods (3 credits)

• NUTR 697 Research Methods in Nutrition and Dietetics (3 credits)

Nutrition Core (6 credits)

• NUTR 647 Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Lipids (3 credits)
• NUTR 648 Vitamins and Minerals (3 credits)

Directed Nutrition Electives (9-12 credits)

• NUTR 642 Nutrition Assessment (3 credits)
• NUTR 643 Energy, Balance, Obesity, and Weight Control (3 credits)
• NUTR 644 Nutrition for Exercise and Sport (3 credits)
• NUTR 645 Nutrition and Food Policy (3 credits)
• NUTR 650 Maternal and Infant Nutrition (3 credits)
• NUTR 651 Pediatric Nutrition (3 credits)
• NUTR 652 Geriatric Nutrition (3 credits)
• NUTR 660 Advanced Healthcare Administration (3 credits)
• NUTR 663 Renal Nutrition (3 credits)
• NUTR 664 Nutrition in Cardiovascular Diseases (3 credits)
• NUTR 683 Advanced Practice in Dietetics (3 credits)
• NUTR 696 Seminar in Foods and Nutrition (3 credits)

Elective Courses (9-12 credits)

• Courses inside or outside the Department of Nutrition and Health Science (no more than 6 credits from 500-level courses)
• The NHS Graduate Program Advisor must approve all non-NUTR elective courses.

View Catalog

Take Note:

• You can transfer up to 9 graduate credits into the program.
• You have six years to complete the degree.

As you consider a master’s in nutrition and dietetics, it’s important to find a program that provides both quality and value.

Ball State Online is known for its prowess and innovation in online learning. Online classes are subject to a peer-review process to assure they meet national, best practice standards. Each year our online programs rank among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. And online is how we offer a number of student support services—such as academic support, study skills and strategies, technology support, even career planning—all geared to online, working adults.