Tennessee Nutrition Degree Programs, Online Included

Reviewed and updated June 27, 2024 by

Julie O'Connor

Masters in Human Nutrition (National University of Natural Medicine). Certifications as Health and Wellness Coach and CNS. Grant writer for the Human Health Project.

There are currently nine ACEND-accredited didactic nutrition programs in the state of Tennessee leading to a Bachelor of Nutrition degree, and nine Master's programs leading to either a Master of Science in Nutrition degree or a Master of Public Health in Nutrition degree.

Some of those schools offering Master's level programs also have dietetic internship options for a more coordinated experience. There are nutrition-related PhD programs in the state, but none are currently ACEND accredited.

Are there online nutrition degrees in Tennessee?

There are multiple campus based and online nutrition degrees in Tennessee that are ACEND-accredited. As of January, 2024, students earning a Bachelor's degree from an ACEND-accredited DPD program who wish to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD or RDN) can then apply to a Master of Science program, and then complete 1,000 hours of supervisory experience, otherwise known a Dietetic Internship, and then apply for, and pass the CDR exam to earn the credential.

There are other online nutrition programs in Tennessee, including the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, UT Martin, Nashville State, MTSU, and Tennessee Tech University. Not all are ACEND accredited nutrition degree programs. A few schools offer both options for concentration, either a general nutrition science degree or a dietetics (ACEND) degree that can provide a path to the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist program (RDN) credential.

Are there online Dietician degree programs in Tennessee?

Yes, there are online nutrition degree programs at Tennessee universities. Currently only Master's level degrees are attainable fully online, like a Master of Science in Community Health and Nutrition online, or a Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences with a Dietetics concentration. Some of the online Master's degree programs are geared toward individuals who already have previously earned the RD/RDN credential, or are looking to apply to a graduate program with a path to complete requirements to apply to sit for the CDR exam and earn the credential.

Online nutrition degrees in Tennessee

In depth review of top online nutrition degrees in Tennessee

Multiple Tennessee nutrition programs have hybrid options (combination of on-campus and online coursework) with experiential learning done in person, in clinic or in community settings. For example, Nashville-based Lipscomb University's popular Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship (Combined) program can be completed in five semesters. It is accredited by ACEND and is a pathway to become an RDN. The first year can be completed online (didactic program), on campus or in a hybrid format. The second year must be completed in-person on campus to earn the required 1,000+ experiential hours.

University of Tennessee Knoxville - Master of Science in Nutrition

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, offers an online Master of Science in Nutrition degree with a concentration in Community Nutrition through its digital learning platform, Vols Online. Students enrolled in this program take courses in competencies required to become a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). It is not an ACEND-oriented curriculum, so is not ideal of you are seeking to become licensed as an RDN. The curriculum is focused on community nutrition, with graduates entering the workforce in a variety of roles like nutrition educator, WIC nutritionist, worksite health and wellness coach, or wellness program coordinator. Students in the program work in places like the public health department, community agencies, and in state/federal food benefit extension programs such as SNAP or EFNEP.

Some of the courses students will take include: Public Policy in Action, Applied Human Nutrition and Community Nutrition Assessment. Prerequisites required to apply to UT's online program include completion of undergraduate Human Nutrition course and a Statistics course.

UT's Online's programs provide the same education level, faculty, and student support as the on-campus experience, but with the convenience of online learning from any location. Cost per credit hour is $775 for out-of-state and $700 for in-state students (at the time of this publication). UT Online uses the Canvas and Zoom platforms to facilitate online learning.

Tennessee Tech - Master of Science, Community Health and Nutrition

The School of Human Ecology at Tennessee Tech offers a Master of Science in Community Health and Nutrition online. The program has been granted candidacy for accreditation by ACEND, as a Future Education Model (FEM)/Future Graduate program, making it appropriate for those students who wish to become registered dietitian/nutritionists. The FEM designation means the program is designed to offer additional professional training for various community health professionals, including those who are already credentialed registered dietitian/nutritionists, educators, nurses, and others interested in nutrition related health information.

The M.S. in Community Health and Nutrition offers graduate level study in dietetics to two groups of candidates: credentialed Registered Dietitians who seek a M.S. degree only, and to students who seek both credentialing as RD/RDN (FEM program), plus the M.S. Degree. The two degree options are the Master of Science degree in Community Health and Nutrition, and the combined MS degree and the Experiential Learning (EL) track. The Experiential Learning track has different deadlines, as well as additional requirements.

Applicants to the MS plus EL track must provide proof of 300 hours of volunteer or work experience, 200 of those hours being in the nutrition field and have a DPD verification statement from an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). Applicants who do not have a Verification Statement must provide transcripts of prerequisite coursework completed within five years of application from an accredited institution.

Lipscomb University - Master of Science, Nutrition

Lipscomb University is a small, private not-for-profit, faith-based university based in Nashville, Tennessee. It offers a Master of Science in Nutrition that can be completed in-person on campus, fully online, or in a hybrid format. The Master of Science in Nutrition is more geared toward current registered dietitians who want to enhance knowledge and skills, as well as contribute to the field of nutrition science and research. A verified RDN credential granted by the CDR (Commission on Dietetic Registration) and references are required to apply. The GRE is optional.

Lipscomb also offers an MS-DI program incorporating an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship (also reviewed on this page). This program requires students to be on campus and living in the Nashville metro area to complete the experiential/internship portion of the program.

Are there ACEND-accredited nutrition and dietetics degrees in Tennessee?

Yes, there are 16 ACEND-accredited programs at schools across the state. Tennessee-based public institutions offer ACEND-accredited programs that are a mix of both Future Education Model (FEM) and Coordinated Programs, with or without dietetic internships or supervised practice experiences (SPE's). Didactic programs are mostly completed on-campus, and prepare students to apply for a dietetic internship, a graduate program or both (a graduate degree is now required to sit for the CDR exam).

There are nine ACEND-accredited Bachelor of Science programs and seven Master's degree programs offered in Tennessee. Degree types range from Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, to Master of Public Health, and Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences. Most didactic programs in dietetics (DPD- undergraduate) are on-campus programs only, with a few of the Master of Science programs able to be completed online.

There is one dual-degree program where graduates earn both the Master of Public Health and Master of Science in Nutrition degrees. All of the degree programs focus on community and public health, human nutrition, food and nutrition, dietetics, food systems management, or some combination of these.

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist. In addition, the CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). In most states, graduates must also obtain licensure or certification to practice in their specific state. To learn more about state licensure see: Commission on Dietetic Registration- CDR Licensure Map .

University of Tennessee Knoxville - Master of Public Health and Master of Science in Nutrition

The University of Tennessee Knoxville is the University of Tennessee (UT) system's flagship campus. It's College of Education, Health & Human Sciences/Department of Nutrition offers a dual degree program where a student can earn a Master of Science in Nutrition and a Master of Public Health degree simultaneously. UT Knoxville’s public health nutrition masters program is one of only six programs of its kind in the nation. The University of Tennessee Knoxville’s dual MPH in nutrition includes a concurrent practicum working with a public health nutritionist employed at the local Knox County Health Department, as well as field experience that supports the student’s career objectives.

US News recognizes UT Knoxville among its top 52 national public institutions of higher education in the country. More information is below (Top Campus-based Programs section)

Lipscomb - BS in Dietetics; Master of Public Health and Master of Science in Nutrition and DI Internship

In addition to its fully online MS Nutrition degree, Lipscomb offers both a BS in Dietetics (DPD program in dietetics) and a highly-rated ACEND-accredited MS-DI program. The MS-DI is a 5-semester curriculum that incorporates the dietetic internship experience with graduate instruction. First year courses can be taken online but the experiential component (required 1,000 hours) is completed in Nashville and focuses on rotations in Medical Nutrition Therapy, Sports Nutrition and Health Promotion and Wellness. The internship/rotational component takes place in both inpatient and outpatient clinics, private practice, food service, and community health facilities across the Nashville metro area.

Lipscomb boasts an over 90% student placement rate for Dietetic Internships. The dietetic internship is usually 6-12 months in length, or longer if combined with the graduate MS-DI program.

Tennessee Technological University - Master of Science, Community Health and Nutrition

Tennessee Tech is a mid-sized public university located about 79 miles east of Nashville. In addition to its online options, it offers a Future Education Model (FEM)-based Master of Public Health: Nutrition and Dietetics program on campus. It also offers a Master of Science in Community Health and Nutrition. The M.S. degree is a 30-hour degree program. The M.S. degree plus the ACEND-accredited Future Education Model (FEM) FG program requires an additional 12 credit hours in experiential learning practicum courses. Each practicum course requires approximately 54 hours of experiential learning. In addition, approximately 30 hours of experiential learning is integrated into each didactic online course.

In depth review of top campus-based nutrition programs in Tennessee

Middle Tennessee State University- Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science

MTSU is located about 35 miles south of Nashville, in Murfreesboro, TN. The major in Nutrition and Food Science is focused more on public health and community nutrition rather than clinical nutrition. It offers courses in preparation for careers in community and institutional nutrition services, federal and state health departments, food processing, food marketing, or food quality control. It is not ACEND-accredited.

The major in Nutrition and Food Science with a concentration in Nutrition and Wellness prepares students for jobs in the areas of nutrition education with county health departments, the UT/TSU Extension Service, or weight loss/wellness programs.

Graduates with this concentration will meet the requirements to sit for the Nutrition and Wellness Educator Certification exam administered by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. AAFCS

University of Tennessee at Memphis - Master of Science Degree & Dietetic Internship Combined Program

UT Memphis offers an intensive 16-month Master of Science in Nutrition, with a Dietetic Internship (DI) and accompanying Residency Program. The program is a 42-credit hour intensive. The didactic portion of the curriculum focuses on preparing for clinical rotations in the second portion. Students will take 12 hours of coursework each of the first two semesters (fall and spring), and have the opportunity to embark on a 20-hour-per-week paid internship in clinical research or healthcare focused site.

The supervised practice (internship/rotations) program focuses primarily on adult clinical nutrition, with pediatric rotations, community rotations and management rotations occurring in a variety of healthcare sites throughout Memphis metro area. Rotations start in late May/early June after completing the initial fall and spring semesters and take place over the summer and second fall semester. Rotations are 40 hours per week, and classes are approximately four hours per week. After completion of the 28 weeks of rotations, students will have accumulated approximately 1,200 hours of supervised practice including a culminating residency experience.

Students in this program take courses like Cellular Nutrition, Statistics, Counseling Seminars, Nutrition in Acute and Chronic Illness, Pharmacology for Nutrition Professionals and also could write and defend their thesis or participate in a Master's project. The MS program prepares students beyond entry level and graduates will receive a CDR Verification Statement, and then become eligible to apply and sit for the CDR exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).

University of Tennessee at Martin - BS (on campus) and MS (online), Family and Consumer Sciences, Dietetics Concentration

UT Martin in Martin, TN is a primary campus in the University of Tennessee System. It offers an ACEND-accredited undergraduate DPD program (didactic program in dietetics) that is 120-credit hours, with a pathway to continue graduate study and earn a Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences (MSFCS degree). Prospective students complete 32-credit hours of required courses in the Family and Consumer Sciences track that include: Nutrition Assessment and Counseling, Food Science, Lifespan Nutrition, Community Nutrition, Medical Nutrition Therapy and Nutrition for Disease.

Students who successfully complete the DPD will receive a verification statement in addition to a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences (BSFCS degree). Graduates of the DPD are then qualified to apply to an ACEND-accredited graduate program that includes supervised practice, as a pathway to becoming an RD/RDN.

Admission to the Master of Science, Family and Consumer Science program (FCS) is determined by undergraduate GPA and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. The Family and Consumer Sciences program is administered through UT Martin Online, and is completed fully online. This program has two concentrations: General Family and Consumer Sciences and Dietetics.

The first concentration is generalist in nature, and not ACEND-accredited or geared toward dietetics specifically. The Dietetics concentration option incorporates a Dietetic Internship (DI) accredited by ACEND. The DI offers a clinically-based practicum. Students completing the DI portion of the Dietetics concentration become eligible to take the CDR exam and earn the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential. This option incorporates the DI into an advanced-degree program which will lead to an Master of Science degree.

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - Master of Public Health in Nutrition and Dietetics

UT Chattanooga (UTC) is a small school of 11,000 students. It's MPH in Nutrition and Dietetics program prepares graduates for practice as registered dietician nutritionists (RDN's) in a variety of public health and chronic disease settings like research and writing, public health leadership, clinical nutrition and food systems management. It offers a rather unique ACEND-accredited Master of Public Health track for nutrition and dietetics, with an experiential component to earn the 1,000 hours needed to sit for the CDR exam. UTC prides itself on its dual-competency program that follows both the ACEND-accredited Graduate Programs (GP) requirements and the CEPH (Council on Education for Public Health) requirements.

There is no GRE required to apply, and 80% of enrolled students complete program requirements within 3 years. While some of the courses in the graduate program can be completed online, the full MPH degree must be completed on campus in Chattanooga or at an approved supervised internship or experiential site. The experiential hours can be done within 100 miles of the Chattanooga campus.

East Tennessee State - B.S. Nutrition

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) offers an ACEND-accredited DPD program (didactic) 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from their Department of Rehabilitative Sciences. Students follow a set program of study for general requirements the first few years, taking courses in the sciences, sociology, chemistry and psychology along with liberal arts and math requirements. Second and third years continue with courses in advanced chemistry and lab, microbiology, food science, dietetics and community nutrition. The final year is mostly focused on courses in clinical nutrition, nutrition education, nutritional biochemistry and courses in the rehabilitative sciences and food science, for a total of 120 credits.

Students who successfully complete ETSU's DPD program will receive an ACEND Verification Statement and are then eligible to apply for a supervised practice program (dietetic internship). Successful completion of the dietetic internship will allow students to be eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam and become registered dietitian nutritionists.

Campus-based and online dietetics and nutrition degrees in Tennessee

Typical online nutrition coursework at universities in Tennessee

• Clinical Nutrition – Focuses on principles of clinical nutrition therapy, nutrition related terminology, and implementation and monitoring of nutrition care. It introduces the application of principles of clinical nutrition to nutrition assessment and nutrition support, as well as prevention and treatment of chronic disease and drug-nutrient interaction.
• Nutrition Education and Counseling – Covers effective counseling and behavior change theories applicable with individuals and groups in clinical and community settings. This course includes discussion and experiences in applying counseling methods and techniques through simulation. .
• Communication in Nutrition – Introduces a theory-based approach to designing and delivering accurate nutrition communication to the public using a variety of media channels, formats, and social media marketing strategies.
• Nutritional Biochemistry – Studies nutrition as the science that integrates life processes from the cellular level on through the multi-system operation of the total organism. The focus is on current trends in normal biochemical and physiological human nutrition.

What to know about becoming a Registered Dietitian in in Tennessee

To qualify to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and apply for licensure in Tennessee, an ACEND-accredited educational program must commence from a 4-year school that results in a bachelor’s or graduate degree. After completing a dietetic internship and passing the CDR exam, you earn the RDN credential and become eligible for state licensure. The Tennessee Department of Health maintains the Licensure and Regulatory System (TN Dept of Health.).

In the state of Tennessee is illegal to perform individualized nutrition counseling unless licensed, or exempt. It is what is known in the industry as a “red state”, which means it only allows individuals with accredited training to practice nutrition licenses dietitians or dietitian-nutritionists. That means only RD’s and RDN’s are eligible for licensure. It licenses dietitians under the title of Licensed Dietitian or Licensed Nutritionist under an exclusive scope of practice model.

Tennessee is one of the seven states that does not yet recognize Certified Nutrition Specialists, or CNS’s as a path to licensure to perform individualized nutrition counseling. CNS’s are overseen by the Board for Certified Nutrition Specialists (BCNS), part of the American Nutrition Association. For more see ANA.org CNS Scope of Practice.

Only state-licensed individuals may use the titles “licensed dietitian”, “dietitian”, or “LD” in the state of Tennessee.

Below are the steps to becoming a Registered Dietitian in Tennessee:

1. Complete a Bachelor’s degree and receive a verification statement from an ACEND-accredited program (Didactic Program in Dietetics, Coordinated Program, Future Graduate Program). Note, effective January 1, 2024, a graduate degree will be required to be eligible to take the CDR exam.
2. Complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice dietetic internship program, or Individual Supervised Practice Pathway is an option (ISPP). Supervised practice/experiential learning is combined with the Coordinated Program and the Future Graduate Program.
3. Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s dietetic registration exam.
4. Gain licensure in your state of practice, if applicable. Tennessee requires this step.
5. Maintain continuing education.

Organizations to know for nutrition in Tennessee

The following organizations play vital roles in advancing nutrition education, promoting public health, and supporting professionals working in the field of nutrition and dietetics across Tennessee.

The Tennessee Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (TAND) is a professional organization representing registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs), dietetic technicians registered (DTRs), and nutrition students in Tennessee. It offers various resources and opportunities for its members, including continuing education events, networking opportunities, advocacy efforts on legislative issues related to nutrition and health, and access to the latest research and information in the field of dietetics. It also plays a role in community outreach and education, providing nutrition education programs and resources to the public to promote healthy eating habits and prevent nutrition-related diseases. TAND is an affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) TAND.

The Tennessee Public Health Association (TNPHA) is a statewide organization focused on promoting and protecting the health of Tennessee residents. While not solely focused on nutrition, TPHA often addresses nutrition-related issues as part of its broader public health initiatives.

The Tennessee Department of Health (TN.gov) plays a role in public health initiatives across the state, including nutrition programs aimed at promoting healthy eating habits and reducing nutrition-related diseases. They provide resources, education, and support for nutrition professionals and the public.

The Tennessee Nutrition and Consumer Education Program (TNCEP)is part of the University of Tennessee Extension and focuses on providing nutrition education and resources to individuals and families across the state, particularly those with limited resources. TNCEP.

Nutritionist career options in Tennessee

Dietitians in Tennessee have a range of career options available to them, spanning various sectors including healthcare, education, research, public health, food service, private practice and more.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists work in hospitals, clinics and other health-care focused facilities. They also work as traveling dietitians and for organizations that have their own internal corporate wellness and sports nutrition programs (e.g. NCAA, Vanderbilt University). Some examples of positions currently hiring for dietitians in Tennessee are with companies like Summit View Health Services, Nashville General Hospital, TriStar Medical Center and the State of Tennessee.

As of February 10, 2024, dietitians and nutritionists in Tennessee earned an average salary of approximately $59,000/year. Early career professionals earned about $45,125, while seasoned pros with extensive experience earned about $78,940. Experienced dietitians can earn up to $110,000/year. These averages are substantially higher than 2019-2021 data. Data for 2024 was compiled from about 351 salaries reported by Indeed.com, updated at April 28, 2024.

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