A big part of what constitutes our health is how we take care of our body, and a big part of how we take care of our body is what we put inside of it. If you’d like to help humanity become healthier by creating better food habits, then a career as a nutritionist or dietician is exactly for you. But, first, you’re going to need a top-notch education.

With so many schools offering degrees in nutrition, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top nutrition schools in the world, complete with information on each school’s programs and degrees offered. Whether you’re interested in undergraduate studies or looking to pursue a Ph.D., here’s what you need to know when it comes to nutrition education abroad.

Are Nutritionists in Demand?

Yes, there is a high demand of nutritionists these and there are many reasons behind this fact. First, there is a growing interest in healthy living, allowing nutritionists to provide advice on diet and managing health conditions, such as obesity, heart diseases, and diabetes. Additionally, the increase in mass consumption has driven nutritionists to become in demand food production, where they develop and analyze nutritional information on products. Even the sports industry have a high demand for nutritionists, as their expertise on proper nutrition help sports trainers come up with plans to enhance the athletes’ performance.

See Also: Best Countries to Study Nutrition

What Type of Nutritionist Make the Most Money?

Some types of nutritionists earn a more modest salary than others who work in private practice, where they can earn more through consultations and other services. In the US, a Public Health Nutritionist can earn up to $72,000 annually, while Nutrition Technicians make up to $54,000. Additionally, some nutritionists may work in specialized areas, such as sports or pediatric nutrition, offering higher salaries due to the technical knowledge and skills required to work in these areas. Sports Nutritionists and Pediatric Nutritionists can get an average annual wage of $90,000 and $120,000, respectively.

Top Nutrition Schools in the World

1. New York University (NYU)

Founded in 1831, the private research university New York University is a top university for nutrition across the globe and has been a leading figure in innovating higher education. Its Department of Nutrition and Food Studies tops the list in the world’s best schools for nutrition. The department focuses on two different but highly related areas of study – Nutrition and Dietetics, and Food Studies.

Each area of study offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The undergraduate degrees offered are in Nutrition and Food Studies, Global Public Health, and even a dual BS/MPH degree. MS degrees are offered in Nutrition and Dietetics as a pre-professional or a post-professional degree, depending on whether you’re already a registered dietician nutritionist (RDN), but also as an MA in Food Studies. Each area also offers a doctoral degree for research-oriented individuals.

See Also: New York University Scholarships for International Students

2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)

As the first public university in the US, UNC is one of the best institutions for nutrition around the world, catering to a diverse student body and training them to become the world’s next leaders and innovators. Its Gillings School of Public Health is consistently top-notch when it comes to the leading schools in public health and consists of many departments like the Department of Nutrition. Thanks to its location in both a school of public health and a school of medicine, this department has become a world leader in research, education, and public policy.

Undergraduate public health students are prepared for further studies in nutrition and pharmacy among others and can choose between 2 tracks – Nutrition Science and Research, and Nutrition Health and Society. There are 2 Master’s programs in the department – an MPH wherein students either take a Nutrition concentration or a Nutrition/RD concentration and an MS in Nutrition for research-oriented students. The Ph.D. program then further develops graduates’ skills in research and teaching.

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3. University of Texas at Austin

Founded in 1833, the University of Texas at Austin is an excellent school for nutrition around the world and is a public research university that has been known to provide excellent education to its students. Its Department of Nutritional Sciences, which falls under the School of Human Ecology in the College of Natural Sciences, aims to nurture a diverse community of staff and students and help them explore the human system.

The department offers 2 undergraduate degrees – BS Nutrition and BSA Nutrition for those interested in combining nutrition and another field of study. BS Nutrition students can choose between 6 specializations which include Dietetics and Nutritional Sciences. For the MS degree, students are taught biochemical, molecular, and clinical aspects of nutrition to gain skills for careers like teaching and research. Ph.D. students are trained to become researchers, professors, and administrative leaders.

Learn More: University of Texas at Austin Scholarships for International Students

4. Ohio State University

Ohio State University is not only the highest-ranked public university in the state, but it also ranks among the best in the whole of the USA. Under the College of Education and Human Ecology is the Department of Human Sciences, which offers interdisciplinary programs focused on how nutrients can provide optimal health. Students are taught by experts in the faculty and are given the opportunity to train as they study.

It has 4 undergraduate programs. Three of which are BS Human Nutrition but with different concentrations – Dietetics, Nutrition in Industry, and Nutrition Sciences – and the last being BS Health Promotion, Nutrition and Exercise Science. It also has two Masters’ programs – a research-intensive MS in Human Nutrition, and a Master of Dietetics and Nutrition for those who want to earn the RDN title. Finally, its Ph.D. program trains its students in the interdisciplinary nature of human nutrition.

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5. Texas A&M University (TAMU)

Founded in 1876, Texas A&M University is the state’s first public university and is currently an institution oriented towards research. Its mission is to design solutions to the world’s problems by combining knowledge and research with innovation. Its Department of Nutrition is newly established from the older Department of Nutrition and Food Science, and its aim is to promote health for humanity through food.

The Nutritional Science major gives students comprehensive scientific knowledge in order to understand the relationship between nutrients, food, and human health. It has 3 tracks, namely General Nutrition, Molecular and Experimental, and Didactic Program in Dietetics. The department has 3 Master’s programs – an MS in Nutrition, a dual MS in Kinesiology and Nutrition, and a Master’s of Clinical Nutrition. Its Ph.D. program focuses on biochemistry, physiology, and statistics alongside a foundational base in Nutrition.

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6. Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech is the US a leading university for nutrition in the world, and a public research university popular for its engineering degrees, beautiful campus grounds, and community spirit. However, it also prides itself on the scientific progress and advancements supported by its Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise. The department provides high-quality training to its students and pushes for innovation through its teaching and research.

Its undergraduate program in HNFE can be separated into 3 concentrations – Dietetics or Science of Food, Nutrition, and Exercise. Students are prepared for careers in healthcare and research and other related fields. The department also offers an MS in HNFE and another MS in Nutrition and Dietetics. Its Ph.D. level is divided into 3 tracks – Behavioral and Community Science, Clinical Physiology and Metabolism, and Molecular and Cellular Science.

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7. Cornell University

As one of the selective Ivy League schools, Cornell University is known to provide a world-class nutrition program in the world and outstanding education to the students who do make it through the application process. Its Division of Nutritional Sciences falls under both the College of Human Ecology and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and because of this, the department is able to combine nutritional knowledge from different scientific disciplines.

It has 3 undergraduate majors – BS in Human Biology, Health and Society, BS in Nutritional Sciences, and BS in Global & Public Health Sciences. For students who want to pursue the RDN credential, the Didactic Program in Dietetics may be of interest. On the other hand, its graduate degrees are categorized into four concentrations – Molecular Nutrition, Human Nutrition, Community Nutrition, and International Nutrition. One can pursue an MS or a Ph.D. or even a Ph.D./RD in any of these specializations.

 

With the abundance of scientific research telling us that what you eat hugely influences your health and people becoming more health-conscious these days, a career as a nutritionist or dietician will get you far. If you are looking for the best training and education you can get in the field of nutrition, then these universities are the ones you should be aiming for. And if you want to further expand your horizon, check out these best countries to study Nutrition abroad.

 

We hope that this article on Best Nutrition Schools in the World was helpful. Make sure to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

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