Texas Nutrition Degree Programs, Online Included

There are over 20 nutrition degrees in Texas, with many different options to find an online nutrition degree at a university in Texas. Every degree level is available.

There are 14 universities in Texas that offer a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition. These programs are a four-year track leading towards a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Degree. After graduation, students can apply to an ACEND supervised practice program, also known as a Dietetic Internship. Beginning January 1, 2024 the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a Master's degree to become a RD.

Of the online ACEND accredited programs in Texas, 5 offers a Master's degree in Nutrition. One program offers a Bachelor's degree. There are other online nutrition degrees available, however they are not accredited by ACEND.

Are there online Dietician degree programs in Texas?

Yes, there are many online Nutrition degrees in Texas. Lamar University, University of Texas at Austin and University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley all offer advanced nutrition degrees. While these programs are based in Texas, both students in and out of state can benefit from the flexibility online platforms offer.

One common online Dietitian degree is a Master of Science in Nutrition. Example courses students will take include Research in Nutrition and Dietetics, Medical Nutrition Therapy and Clinical Nutrition.

Online nutrition degrees in Texas

In depth review of top online nutrition degrees in Texas

Lamar University- MS in Nutrition and Dietetics

Lamar University has a 100% online Masters of Science in Nutrition Program. The applied nutrition program is 36 credit hours and can be completed in as few as 12 months. Students will choose one of the two tracks when entering the program: Applied Nutrition or Sports Nutrition. Depending on the track chosen, there are also various elective courses such as Sports Nutrition, Nutrition in Pregnancy and Infancy, Food Principles and Preparation, Nutrition in Aging and Eating Disorders.

Admission requirements include a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5, an online application, a $25 application fee and the necessary prerequisites. The program features multiple start dates to accommodate student's busy schedules. Students who match to the DI program at Lamar University must also apply for the online MS in nutrition.

University of Texas at Austin - MS in Nutritional Science

The University of Texas at Austin has an online Master of Science in Nutritional Science (MSNS) program in the Department of Nutritional Sciences. It can be completed in 1-2 years. No thesis is required. The program features 2 main concentrations: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Biochemical and Functional Nutrition. There are 30 credit hours to complete and all courses are 7 weeks long. Example courses include Advanced Nutrition in Macronutrients and Micronutrients, Experimental Design and Statistics and Molecular Nutrition.

Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree in a nutrition-related field with a GPA of at least 3.0. A statement of purpose, current resume, application fee and 3 references are also needed. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The MSNS program is not ACEND accredited but fulfills part of the current academic requirements for the Board Certified Nutrition Specialist (BCNS) certification.

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley - MS in Health Science

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers a MS in Health Sciences with a concentration in Nutrition online. There are 36 total credit hours. Required courses include Research in Health Science, Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare and Healthcare Policy. The program's nutrition concentration is 18 credit hours and includes Integrative Nutrition, Nutrition in Diabetes Patient Care and Prevention and Treatment of Obesity.

The degree program is the only online accelerated online MSHS Nutrition program in Texas. To apply, students need a bachelor's degree with an undergraduate GPA of a 3.0. Two letters of recommendation, a letter of intent and 3 hours of undergraduate coursework in anatomy or physiology are also needed. It is not ACEND accredited.

Are there ACEND accredited nutrition and dietetics degrees in Texas?

Yes, there are online ACEND accredited nutrition and dietetic degrees in Texas. There are ACEND accredited online Masters of Science in Nutrition programs.

University of Houston - MS in Nutrition

The University of Houston offers a fully online non-thesis Master of Science degree in Nutrition. The program is designed for currently enrolled dietetic interns, students accepted into a dietetic internship and credentialed Registered Dietitians. The degree requires 30 credits. Example courses include Clinical Aspects of Nutrition Support, Research Methods and Advanced Nutrition Counseling and Education. There is a final capstone project required to graduate. The capstone is submitted in the form of a literature review, research project or education program and approved by a course instructor.

To be admitted, students must have a completed bachelor's degree, major GPA of at least 3.0, and submit an application. The GRE is also required.

Stephen F. Austin State University - MS in Nutrition and Integrative Health/ Dietetic Internship

Stephen F. Austin offers a 36-credit hour Master of Science degree in Nutrition and Integrative Health with two concentration: Registered Dietitian and General. The RD concentration is an ACEND accredited combined MS/DI program. This program focuses on combining integrative and functional nutrition with medical nutrition therapy. Example courses include Functional Nutrition I & II, Public Health Nutrition and Women's Health and Private Practice.

The program is designed to be completed in 2 years. Year one includes 6-9 credit hours and can be done online or hybrid. Year two is a combination of graduate courses and on-site supervised practice. The DI rotates through multiple sites in East Texas and has 5 weeks of elective rotations in eating disorder clinics, food banks and clinical settings.

To be admitted, students need a verification statement indicating completion of the DPD and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.2. GRE scores are not required.

Texas Tech University - MS in Nutrition and Dietetics

Texas Tech University offers an online graduate degree for those completing the dietetic internship or those who are a licensed RD. The program is a 33 hour non-thesis fully online degree. Students can choose between three different concentrations within the degree: Nutrition and Healthy Weight, Nutrition and Sports or Nutrition in the Lifecycle. Required courses include Biostatistics in Nutrition, Introduction to Nutrition Research and Clinical Applications: Carbohydrates, Proteins and Lipids.

To qualify for admission, all students need an undergraduate transcript with at least a 3.0 GPA. The GRE is required, as well as one of the following: Acceptance into a DI, DPD verification statement or proof of RD credentials. There are fall, spring and summer admission dates.

Texas Woman's University - MS in Nutrition

Texas Woman's University offers a 100% online MS in Nutrition program. The degree requires 30 credit hours and can be completed in one year. Students are able to manage and complete coursework at their own pace. Courses include Human Nutrition in Disease, Applied Statistics in Health Promotion and Nutrition and Gerontology. A capstone seminar and final thesis is required in the last semester.

Admission requirements include a minimum 3.25 undergraduate GPA and proficiency in prerequisite classes such as Chemistry, Human Anatomy and Physiology and upper-level Nutrition. No GRE necessary. There are fall, spring and summer deadlines to apply.

In depth review of top campus based nutrition programs in Texas

Texas has many ACEND accredited nutrition programs offered on campus. The programs include a Bachelors of Science in Didactic Programs in Dietetics, Masters of Science in Nutrition, and combined BS/ MS. On campus learning allows students to forge connections with other students, professors, extracurricular activities, and more. Texas A&M University, University of Texas at Austin, Texas Southern University, Texas Christian University and University of Texas at San Antonio are some of the top campus based nutrition programs in Texas.

Texas A&M University- B.S. Nutrition

Texas A&M University offers a B.S. in Nutrition. The department has three specialized tracks. The first track is the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) which is ACEND-accredited and prepares students for a dietetic internship. There is a General Nutrition Track which provides a more wide range of nutrition, biochemistry, genetic and immunology courses. Lastly, a Molecular and Experimental track which covers health-related biological and physical sciences with independent study and research opportunities.

The Department of Nutrition offers high-impact learning experiences. Students can choose to study abroad or participate in Operation Border Health and Preparedness which provides free medical services to uninsured communities. The program also offers annual networking workshops and invites current and future DPD students across Texas.

Applicants can apply as a freshman, transfer or international student. An essay, admission application, fee and academic record are needed.

University of Texas at Austin- B.S. Nutrition

University of Texas offers a B.S. in Nutrition. The degree program includes five options, including an opportunity to complete an honors thesis. There is a DPD track (Option I) which qualifies students to apply for a dietetic internship, which leads to the RD credential. The Nutritional Science track (Option II) requires courses in science and research. The Public Health Nutrition track (Option III) includes courses in public health and psychology. Option IV is for students in the Dean's Scholars Honors Program within the College of Natural Sciences.

Option V is the Integrated Coordinated Program in Dietetics (ICPD). Students can apply after completing 60 semester hours of prerequisite coursework. The program includes 1,200 hours of supervised practice and graduate coursework. Graduates from this program will obtain both a B.S. in Nutrition and M.S in Nutritional Sciences. Example courses include Advances in Nutritional Sciences, Nutrition Biochemistry and Professional Development. Graduates are eligible to become an RD after completing the program.

Applicants must apply to the College of Natural Sciences through freshman or transfer admission.

Texas Southern University - B.S. Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics

Texas Southern University has a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics degree. The program is in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Students will receive their DPD verification upon completion of the program. Required courses include Nutrition Counseling, Food Systems Management and Medical Nutrition Therapy.

Program admission requirements vary for freshman, transfer, international and readmission applicants. Once admitted to TSU, admission to the Dietetics program requires a 3.0 GPA and a submission of a Declaration of Major form signed off by a faculty member.

Campus-based and online dietetics and nutrition degrees in Texas

Typical online nutrition coursework at universities in Texas

What to know about becoming a Registered Dietitian in Texas

To become an RDN in Texas, many steps are required. The first step is to earn a degree in the area of nutrition and obtain a verification statement from ACEND. Currently, either a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an ACEND-accredited school will suffice. All ACEND- accredited programs include the required DPD coursework. However, beginning January 1, 2024 a masters degree will be the minimum requirement to sit for the CDR exam.

Once the ACEND program is complete, graduates are eligible to apply for the dietetic internship. Both individuals who have earned a master’s degree or bachelor’s degree must complete the DI to become an RDN. ACEND also offers coordinate programs which combines the DPD coursework and internship.

After completing the degree and internship, there is an exam administered by the CDR. Those who pass the exam will earn the official title of Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

To be eligible to apply for a dietitian license in Texas there is an additional Jurisprudence Exam. The Texas Dietitian Jurisprudence Exam content covers state and federal laws and rules and regulations based on the practice of RDs. It is a “no fail” exam. There is a 30 day window to take the test and a $108 fee. The dietitian license in Texas is valid for two years and may be renewed biennially. Before Texas license renewal, RDs must complete at least 12 CEUs and pay a $90 renewal fee. To maintain RD credentials with the CDR, 75 continuing education credits are required every 5 years.

Organizations to know for nutrition in Texas

The Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the leading organization for nutrition and dietetic professionals in Texas. The Texas Academy includes 5 regions throughout the state. Membership is available to current Registered Dietitians, Dietetic Technicians, Registered and dietetic students in Texas. The organization hosts networking events, cooking classes and lunch and learn webinars.

Dietitians of Central Texas (DCT) is another organization for nutritional professionals in Texas. Membership is open to dietetic students and RDs. DCT hosts an annual Wellness Symposium featuring guest speakers from various fields of dietetics and 6.0 CEUs are offered. The organization also offers many events throughout the year to network with other members.

Nutritionist career options in Texas

There are many different job opportunities in the field of nutrition and dietetics. Registered Dietitians can work in sports nutrition, schools, corporations, private practice, health care, non profits and more.

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