Virginia Nutrition Degree Programs, Online Included

Reviewed and updated November 20, 2024 by

Melissa Darlow, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Personal Trainer (NASM), Masters in Clinical Nutrition (New York University).

There are 7 universities in Virginia that offer degrees in Nutrition. Out of these 7 schools, 4 offer a masters degree, with one nutrition degree available online in Virginia. Many of these nutrition programs are ACEND (Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics Education) accredited. Thus, they meet the requirements to move onto the dietetic internship.

Once the DI is complete and a Master's degree is obtained, students can sit for the CDR exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Becoming a nutrition professional is a popular career path. Employment for dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow by 7% from 2022 to 2032, which is above average.

Are there online nutrition degree programs in Virginia?

Yes, there is one online nutrition dietitian degree available in Virginia, at Liberty University. While that is the only online program with a campus based in Virginia, students based in Virginia can still enroll in a program out of state and remain in Virginia. There are over 50 other online nutrition related degrees spread out across the US students can choose from.

In depth review of top online nutrition degrees in Virginia

Liberty University - multiple online nutrition degrees

Liberty University has numerous online Nutrition degrees. Students can choose between a Master of Public Health in Nutrition, Master of Science in Exercise Science and Wellness, MS in Human Performance, MS in Nutrition and a Graduate Certificate in Nutrition. Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools).

The MS in Exercise Science and Wellness - Nutrition and Wellness degree is 100% online and taught in 8 week-courses. There are 33 total credit hours. Students will learn about public health and physical activity, nutrition and chronic disease and ways to promote healthy living. Graduates of the program have gone on to become Wellness coaches, Health care specialists and Human performance specialists.

The online MPH in Nutrition and Wellness is 42 credit hours and can be completed in 2 years. The program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The program dives into the principles of nutrition, food-borne illness techniques, chronic diseases and more. Graduates of the program have pursued careers as Health educators, Public health specialists and Food inspectors.

The MS in Human Nutrition is different from the other Nutrition degrees at Liberty as it is integrated with a Christian worldview. Courses focus on nutrition for an active population and ways to fuel oneself with increased physical activity. Students will also learn more about eating disorders, chronic disease and diabetes all with a Christian lens. There are 35 total credit hours.

The MS in Nutrition provides a comprehensive background in health and nutrition knowledge suitable for all health professionals. There are 36 credit hours with room for electives and population-specific courses. These courses further customize the degree to clients you want to work with and tailor the experience. Career opportunities include Nutrition counselors, Wellness consultants or Health educators. This is not an ACEND accredited nutrition degree.

Online nutrition degrees in Virginia

Are there ACEND accredited nutrition and dietetic degrees in Virginia?

Yes, there are 7 ACEND nutrition degrees in Virginia. The ACEND degrees are both at the Masters and Bachelors level. Virginia ACEND accredited schools include: George Mason University, James Madison University, Norfolk State University, Virginia Commonwealth, Radford University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and Virginia State.

Norfolk State University - BS of Health Services Management/Food Science and Nutrition Concentration-

Norfolk State University offers a Bachelors degree in Food Science and Nutrition. It is ACEND accredited and prepares students to become Registered Dietitians. All students will receive a verification student upon graduation and become eligible for the DI. Courses include Science of Human Nutrition, Scientific Food Development and Nutrition in Disease.

To be admitted into the program, students must complete the pre-professional courses in the Health Service Management/ Food Science and Nutrition concentration. Pre-professional phase courses include Anatomy, Chemistry and Community Health. A minimum GPA of 2.7 is required. The program accepts applicants in the fall and spring semester.

Virginia State University - BS Family and Consumer Sciences, Concentration in Dietetics and Certificate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics

Virginia State University has a BS in Family and Consumer Sciences with a Concentration in Dietetics. Application requirements include transcripts, a fee and letters of recommendation. Students can also apply to the DPD (Didactic Program in Dietetics) program if they have completed another BS elsewhere but want to pursue the RD. To apply to the program students must complete Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology and College Algebra. The DPD takes two years and is capped at 30 students. There are fall and spring admission dates. It is an ACEND accredited program.

To accompany the program, Virginia State University also has an internship program that provides 1,000 supervised practice hours and 16 graduate credit hours. Dietetic interns at VSU have the opportunity to work directly with researchers in the Agriculture Research Station and conduct research on food microbiology. Students who complete the VSU DI will obtain a Graduate Certificate in Food and Nutrition allowing them to sit for the RD exam.

In depth review of top campus based nutrition programs in Virginia

George Mason University graduate nutrition degrees

George Mason University has a robust Department of Nutrition and Food Studies (NFS) with multiple graduate degrees. Students can choose between a MS in Nutrition and Dietetics, MS in Community Nutrition, Nutrition and Performance or Nutrition with no concentration. GMU is the only university in Northern Virginia that addresses nutrition and food access.

George Mason's Nutrition Dietetic concentration meets the criteria for the Future Education Model by ACEND. It is only offered full time and can be completed in 2 years. There are 45 credit hours. Degree requirements include Nutrition Education, Medical Nutrition Therapy and Supervised Practce. Upon completion, graduates will obtain their MS in Nutrition and a verification statement to sit for the RD exam. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. No GRE needed.

The MS in Community Nutrition teaches students how to assess and intervene in relevant nutrition issues. The curriculum prepares graduates for a career in organizations that work to enhance nutrition at a national level. Courses include Foundations of Public Health, Food Systems and Nutrition Program Evaluation. It can be completed on a part- or full-time basis. There are 39 credit hours.

The MS in Nutrition and Performance is tailored to the relationship of nutrition and performance needs. The curriculum focuses on the interdisciplinary approach between the two and how to support an active population. Many students of the program go on to pursue the International Society for Sports Nutrition (ISSN) certification.

The last Masters program in the NFS Department is a MS in Nutrition with no concentration. This curriculum provides a broad framework of nutrition education. Courses include Nutrition Assessment, Food Systems and Nutrition Education. This path is recommended for students interested in pursuing a career in nutrition research.

Students in the Community Nutrition, Nutrition and Performance or those who do not select a concentration must complete a Practicum or Thesis option. Only students in the Dietetics path are excused. The practicum is a supervised practical application of studied theory through fieldwork. A minimum of 200 contact hours per practicum in a nutrition-related organization is required. Students are paired with a preceptor and faculty advisor to secure placement. Enrollment into the nutrition practicum is in the final semester of coursework. Practicum sites include nonprofits, school districts and community centers.

The thesis option is a research project conducted to test a studied theory. The thesis must fall within the following domains: food science, global nutrition, chronic disease and nutrition, food studies or public health nutrition. An advisor will approve the student's topic, which they can only register for after completing 18 credit hours. Students will develop a proposal and have it approved by a committee such as the Humans Subjects Review Board before beginning the project.

Campus-based and online dietetics and nutrition degrees in Virginia

Typical online nutrition coursework at universities

• Nutrition Counseling – This course provides an understanding of patient-centered counseling models. Students will practice active listening, motivational interviewing and goal setting to encourage positive behavior changes.
• Human Nutrition – Explores the fundamentals of macro and micronutrients and how they impact bodily processes.
• Medical Nutrition Therapy – This course covers diet related to various disease states. Through case studies and lectures, students will learn how to provide medical nutrition therapy for a variety of chronic diseases such as diabetes and oncology.

What to know about becoming a Registered Dietitian in Virginia

To become a credentialed Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in Virginia a few steps are required:

1. Completion of an ACEND accredited dietetics program
2. A minimum of 1,000 hours of an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.
3. As of January 1, 2024 a Master’s degree (in any subject)
4. Passage of the Commission on Dietetic Registration exam

Virginia is a state in which dietitians do not have to be registered, licensed or certified to legally work within the commonwealth. Since there is no licensure or certification in Virginia, there is no renewal fees or continuing education courses of concern. However, the Board of Health Professions mandates certain education and training requirements to practice in Virginia. As does being registered through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

Organizations to know for nutrition in Virginia

Virginia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (VAND) is a non-profit organization of food and nutrition professionals. There are over 1,000 members in the greater Virginia area. VAND membership is open to Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN), Dietetic Technicians, Registered (DTRs) and students. VAND hosts various events such as webinars, new member happy hours and networking panels.

Dietitian career options in Virginia

There are many job opportunities for nutrition professionals in Virginia. Registered Dietitians can work in private practices, health care settings, schools, community organizations and more. According to the Commission on Dietetic Registration, there are over 2,500 RDs in Virginia.

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