Nutrition Science Degrees: Bachelor, Associate & Online Course Info

About this article
What will you learn in a nutrition science degree program? Read about degree requirements, the pros and cons of an associate's and bachelor's degree and potential careers.
  • At a Glance
  • Associate's
  • Bachelor's

Studying Nutrition Science: Associate's and Bachelor's Degrees at a Glance

View available schools

Associate's and bachelor's degree programs in nutrition science exist for students who are interested in pursuing careers in the food science and nutrition fields. Most associate's degree programs can be completed in 2 years, but career choices are limited to technician roles.

Individuals who hold bachelor's degrees are qualified for significantly more jobs than those who have completed associate's degree programs. If you earn a bachelor's degree and want to become a registered dietician, you'll also need to meet state licensing, registration or certification requirements.

Here's a side by side comparison of these degrees:

Associate's Bachelor's
Who is this degree for? Individuals wishing to obtain an entry-level position in the nutrition field as a dietetic or food science technician High school graduates who want to become dieticians, nutritionists, health educators or food scientists, and associate's degree holders who want to advance their education
Common Career Paths (with approximate mean annual salary) - Dietetic Technicians ($29,000)*
- Agricultural and Food Science Technicians ($36,000)*
-Dietitians and nutritionists ($55,000)*
- Health educators ($52,000)*
- Food scientists and technologists ($64,000)*
Time to Completion 2 years full-time 4-5 years full-time
Common Graduation Requirements Approximately 60 credits of course work Roughly 130 credit hours
Prerequisites High School Diploma or GED High School Diploma or GED
Online Availability None found at this time Yes

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures)

1
/3
  • At a Glance
  • Associate's
  • Bachelor's

Popular Schools

Featured Schools

Grand Canyon University

  • Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Trauma
  • B.S. in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Childhood and Adolescence Disorders

What is your highest level of education?

Purdue Global

  • Bachelor: Nutrition Science
  • BS in Nutrition - Holistic Nutrition
  • Bachelor: Health and Wellness

Which subject are you interested in?