Cheapest Online Sports Nutrition Degrees
Sports nutrition is a specialized area within the field of nutrition that focuses on providing the optimal fuel and nutrients for athletes and active individuals to help them perform at their best. It is financially rewarding, with a median salary of $61,650, and also in high demand as more individuals recognize the importance of proper nutrition for optimal performance.
Difference Between A Sports Nutritionist And A General Nutritionist
A sports nutritionist is different from a general nutritionist in the following ways:
| Sports Nutritionist | General Nutritionist |
| Specialize in providing nutrition advice for athletes and active individuals. | general nutritionists may provide advice for a wider range of individuals and populations. |
| Have more knowledge about the specific nutritional needs of athletes and how to optimize performance. | Have a broader understanding of nutrition across all populations. |
| Creates plans to enhance endurance and aid muscle/tendon recovery after intense exercise. | Guides clients in healthy eating and safe weight management. |
| More familiar with supplements and ergogenic aids. | Have a more all-around knowledge of nutrition and health. |
Choosing The Right Degree In Sports Nutrition
When choosing a college or university to study sports nutrition, it’s important to look for a program that is accredited (preferably regionally). It is a plus if the program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) formerly known as CADE (Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education).
- Provides hands-on experience, such as internships or practicums,
- Has coursework that covers the latest research and tendencies in the field.
- Offers online or distance learning options for students who have different learning style or schedule constraints
- Has a good reputation and a track record of graduates
Cheapest Online Undergraduate Degrees For Sports Nutrition
#1. University of Houston-Clear Lake
Program: Fitness and Human Performance B.S.
Tuition: $196 per credit (resident); $342 per credit (non-resident)
Credits: 120 credits
Accreditation: Accredited by SACSCOC
Financial Aid: Available, with 67% of students receiving financial aid
Enhance your educational foundation by earning a Bachelor of Science in Fitness and Human Performance from University of Houston-Clear Lake. The program, which is part of the College of Human Sciences and Humanities, provides an in-depth look into the scientific principles of physical activity. This includes taking courses on topics such as exercise physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, resistance training, health promotion, and peak athletic performance, as well as an understanding of overall physical fitness.
#2. Huntington University of Health Sciences
Program: BS Degree in Nutrition
Tuition: $318 per credit
Credits: 120 credits
Accreditation: Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission
Financial Aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid
The Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition prepares students to become practitioners who take an integrative approach to nutrition. Graduates of the program are well-suited for careers in clinical practice or the nutrition and natural products industry. The program includes a strong foundation in nutrition and basic sciences, as well as coursework in topics like Complementary & Alternative Medicine, Nutraceuticals, and Vitamins & Minerals. Elective coursework is also available in areas such as Herbal Sciences and Sports Nutrition.
#3. PennWest California University
Program: B.S. in Exercise Science
Tuition: $328 Per credit
Credits: 120 Credit hours
Accreditation: Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education Accreditation
Financial Aid: Available, with 98% of students receiving financial aid
Penn West California University offers a B.S. in Exercise Science. The program is designed to prepare students for a career in the field of exercise science and provides a strong foundation in the scientific principles of exercise physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition. Students learn about nutrition, health, and the art of motivating people to embrace fitness. Additionally, students will evaluate research in wellness and fitness to gain a deeper understanding of the field. The program is designed to prepare students for a career in the field of exercise science and wellness.
#4. Auburn University Of Montgomery
Program: Minor in Sports Nutrition
Tuition: $343 per credit hour (resident); $363 per credit hour (non-resident)
Credits: 15 Credit hours
Accreditation: Accredited by SACSCOC and ranks #7 for colleges with the Best Professors in Alabama
Financial Aid: Available, with 98% of students receiving financial aid
The Sports Nutrition minor, offered by the Kinesiology Department within the College of Education at AUM, offers a comprehensive understanding of nutrition and its application in the realm of sports. This minor is perfect for those looking to enter or already in fields such as physical education, health and fitness, coaching, and corporate wellness.
#5. Concordia University St. Paul
Program: B.A. in Exercise Science
Tuition: $420 per credit hour
Credits: 120 credits
Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Financial Aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid
The Exercise Science degree program offered online provides a comprehensive education by including liberal arts courses in its General Education core, in addition to 44 credit hours of courses specific to the major. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including nutrition, anatomy, psychiatry, sports business, motor development, biomechanics, and more.
#6. University of Arizona
Program: Minor in Sports Nutrition
Tuition: $500 to $610 per credit
Credits: 18 total units
Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ranks #1 for colleges with the Best Professors in Arizona
Financial Aid: Available, with 95% of students receiving financial aid
The Minor in Sports Nutrition at the University of Arizona is designed for students who are interested in the intersection of nutrition and athletic performance. The minor provides students with a strong foundation in the principles of sports nutrition and equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess and improve the nutritional status of athletes and active individuals.
#7. University Of Arizona
Program: B.S in Nutritional Sciences
Tuition: $500 to $610 per credit
Credits: 120 credits
Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ranks #1 for colleges with the Best Professors in Arizona
Financial Aid: Available, with 95% of students receiving financial aid
The Nutritional Sciences BS program offers a multi-disciplinary approach to food and nutrition. It has two areas of specialization, one of which is the Nutrition emphasis. Students start with a science core and can tailor their coursework to their interests. Sample courses include sports nutrition, applied nutrition and disease and nutrigenomics.
#8. Arizona State University
Program: BS in Health Sciences – Healthy Lifestyles and Fitness Science
Tuition: $552 per credit
Credits: 120 credits
Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ranks #1 Best Colleges in Arizona
Financial Aid: Available, with 94% of students receiving financial aid
The online health sciences degree program uses an interdisciplinary approach to provide students with the skills needed to work in preventative healthcare. Students will learn about lifestyle coaching, physical activity, and health education to improve the health of their community. The program also covers fitness, nutrition, healthy eating, stress management, cultural aspects of health, and research-based health and wellness coaching practices.
Cheapest Online Masters Degrees In Sports Nutrition
#1. Lamar University
Program: Master of Science in Nutrition with a Specialization in Sports Nutrition
Tuition: $324 per credit hour
Credits: 30 Credit Hours
Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
Financial Aid: Available, with 85% of students receiving financial aid.
You’ll learn how to analyze diet and health status expertly, assess nutritional deficiencies, and provide evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle advice. Theoretical and practical concepts for the development and monitoring of training programs for strength, fitness, and conditioning; weight management; and an examination of the scientific method and its application to the study of nutrition-based research are all covered in the coursework.
#2. Bowling Green state University
Program: Master Food Nutrition Degree
Tuition: $332.85/ Per Credit Hour
Credits: 31 Credit hours
Accreditation: Accredited by Council for Education of Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
Financial Aid: Available, with 95% of students receiving financial aid
The M.A in Food Nutrition degree aims to combine evidence-based theories of nutrition education and principles of program evaluation. Students will learn how to apply an evidence-based approach to nutrition and health. An important aspect of the program is to evaluate the research design and methods and select appropriate statistical analysis. Additionally, students will develop effective communication skills, both oral and written, pertaining to food and nutrition would be developed
#3. Southeast Missouri State University
Program: Masters in Applied Nutrition
Tuition: $386.00/ Per credit hour
Credits: 36 Credit hours
Accreditation: Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
Financial Aid: Available, with 97% of students receiving financial aid
Southeast’s Applied Nutrition program prepares students to become leaders in the field and provides the prerequisite requirements to take the credentialing exam. Graduates of the program can work in various settings such as hospitals, corporate wellness, community and public health, universities, medical centers, private practice, and food and nutrition-related businesses.
#4. University of Central Missouri
Program: Master of Science in Nutrition
Tuition: $394.00/ Per credit hour
Credits: 43 Credit hours
Accreditation: Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
Financial Aid: Available, with 94% of students receiving financial aid
This program offers a unique opportunity to carry out a thesis on the university student-athletes. The program provides students with real-life experiences in the sports industry to find out which nutrition strategy works best. If you pick the non-thesis alternative, you will need to take an additional elective course from the options provided. Both choices permit you to obtain your master’s degree in Sports Nutrition from UCM online.
#5. Jacksonville State University
Program: MS Physical Education – Nutrition
Tuition: $410 per credit hour
Credits: 36 Credit hours
Accreditation: Accredited by SACSCOC
Financial Aid: Available, with 99% of students receiving financial aid
The graduate program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the science of nutrition and its role in maintaining health and preventing disease. The curriculum is tailored to prepare students for advanced study in nutrition and future employment in the field of nutrition and related careers in wellness and corporate fitness. Special attention is also given to the knowledge and skills necessary for students preparing for the ISSN Certified Sports Nutrition exam and potentially preparing for a program leading to becoming a Registered Dietitian.
#6. Graceland University
Program:Ms Nutrition and Human Performance
Tuition:$470.00/ Per credit hour
Credits: 48 Credit hours
Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Financial Aid: Available, with 97% of students receiving financial aid
Graceland University’s MSNHP is a cost-effective and personalized program that equips students with the skills to excel in the healthcare and related fields. The program features a cutting-edge curriculum that covers the evidence-based foundations of nutrition and human performance. Students can also choose from specialized concentrations in sports nutrition and performance or health and wellness promotion to align with their interests and work with like-minded professionals.
#7. Concordia University Chicago
Program: MS in Applied Exercise Science Concentration in Sports Nutrition
Tuition: $475/ per credit hour
Credits: 18 Credit Hours
Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Financial Aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.
The program emphasizes the use of evidence-based principles in the design and implementation of exercise and nutrition programs, as well as the interpretation of research in the field of exercise and sport nutrition. This strand prepares students for the International Society of Sports Nutrition’s Certified Sports Nutrition (CISSN) exam.
#8. University of Central Arkansas
Program: Master of Science in Nutrition
Tuition: $497.36/ Per credit hour
Credits: 30 Credit hours
Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Financial Aid: Available, with 97% of students receiving financial aid
This program enables individuals to enhance their capability to function proficiently as leaders in the realm of nutrition and dietetics.The program offers courses in a variety of topics, including biochemistry, human nutrition, food science, and research methods. Graduates of the program will be prepared for careers in nutrition research, public health, and sports nutrition.
#9. Logan University
Program: MS Nutrition & Human Performance
Tuition: $525 per credit hour
Credits: 37 Credit hours
Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission & ACEND
Financial Aid: Available, with 90% of students receiving financial aid
Logan’s MSNHP program combines cutting-edge research with practical clinical applications to equip you with the skills to evaluate a patient’s dietary and health needs, identify nutritional deficiencies and food sensitivities, and offer scientifically-backed nutrition and lifestyle recommendations. The program is completely online and offers a flexible, cost-effective way to advance your current profession or pursue a new career path in the field of chiropractic, fitness, or education.
#10. Liberty University
Program: M.S. in Human Performance – Nutrition
Tuition: $565/ per credit hour
Credits: 35 Credit Hours
Accreditation: Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC
Financial Aid: Available, with 85% of students receiving financial aid.
This program will examine the human body’s reactions to exercise and training. You’ll also learn about the physiological factors that influence athletes’ anaerobic and endurance performance. With this knowledge, you can prepare to provide amateur, collegiate, or professional athletes with the best equipment possible.
#11. Nova Southeastern University
Program: Master of Science in Nutrition
Tuition: $628 per Credit
Credits: 30 Credits
Accreditation: Accredited by Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
Financial Aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.
This program delves into recent developments and tendencies, such as genetic utilization and plant-based diets, and trains you in behavioral principles and evidence-based methods. Enhance your proficiency by opting for specialization in areas like sports nutrition or herbal therapy. Upon graduation, you will be a well-versed professional in nutrition with the specialized training and credentials to rapidly advance your career.
#12. University of Saint Joseph
Program:MS in Nutrition with a Concentration in Sports Nutrition
Tuition: $811 Per credit
Credits: 30 Credit hours
Accreditation: Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and ranks #6 Best Value Colleges in Connecticut
Financial Aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid
USJ’s online Nutrition Master of Science program is tailored to enhance the knowledge of nutrition professionals with a background in the field. The program allows you to customize your curriculum to suit your professional goals and can be tailored to help those with a science background become proficient in the science of Nutrition. The program covers topics such as health promotion, nutrition throughout the lifespan, and the latest research on nutrition-related diseases.
How To Become A Sports Nutritionist
When considering a career as a sports nutritionist, one of the initial considerations should be the level of education required. The following chart indicates the degree levels attained by sports nutritionists who are currently working in the field.
Steps Required To Become A Registered Sports Nutritionist.
Step 1: Get Educated
The first step in becoming a sports nutritionist is to earn a bachelor’s degree. It’s important to make sure the Accreditation Council for Education accredits the program you choose in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). This will ensure you receive a comprehensive education in the field and be eligible for further steps.
Step 2: Gain Experience
While working on your degree, taking every opportunity to learn more about sports nutrition and dietetics is a great idea. This could include volunteering with a local sports team, joining organizations related to the field, and participating in research projects or other extracurricular activities.
Step 3: Complete an Internship
After you’ve graduated, you’ll need to complete a supervised internship to become a registered sports nutritionist. This typically involves 1,200 hours of hands-on training and can be done in conjunction with your undergraduate program or as a separate program.
Step 4: Pass the RD Exam
Once you’ve completed your internship, you’ll be eligible to take the RD exam. This national exam tests your knowledge and skills in sports nutrition. After passing the exam, you’ll be able to call yourself a registered sports nutritionist and begin working in the field.
Step 5: Get a Job
With your degree, internship, and RD certification, you’ll be ready to start applying for jobs as a sports nutritionist. It’s important to note that some states may require additional licensure, so check the requirements in your area.
Career Opportunities With A Degree In Sports Nutrition
There are various career opportunities available to those with a degree in sports nutrition. Some popular options include working as a sports nutritionist for a professional sports team, a college or university sports program, or a health and fitness facility. Additionally, many sports nutritionists work in private practice, providing personalized nutrition plans to individual clients.
Job Demand In The Field Of Sports Nutrition
The sports nutrition field is growing as more people are becoming interested in optimizing their health and performance through proper nutrition. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the employment rate for dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow by 7% between 2021 and 2031. This means there will be approximately 5,600 new job openings each year for the next decade. In addition, as the popularity of various sports and other physical activities increases, so does the demand for sports nutritionists.
Earning Potential With A Degree In Sports Nutrition
The earning potential for sports nutritionists can vary widely depending on the specific job and location. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists, including sports nutritionists, is $61,650 annually. However, sports nutritionists who work for professional sports teams or other high-profile organizations may earn significantly more.
The following chart shows a comparison of dietician and nutritionist salaries compared to other occupations in healthcare.
Additional Certifications In Sports Nutrition
In addition to a degree in sports nutrition, many sports nutritionists earn additional certifications to enhance their knowledge and credibility. Some popular certifications include the Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) and the Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD).
Is A Career In Sports Nutrition Right For You?
A career in sports nutrition can be extremely rewarding for those passionate about helping others achieve their performance goals through proper nutrition. It requires a strong understanding of the science of nutrition and an ability to create personalized plans that meet the unique needs of each individual. If you’re considering a career in sports nutrition, it’s important to research the various programs and certifications available and to gain experience through internships or other hands-on opportunities.
