Phoenix Nutrition Programs & Online Degrees

ASU's 30-credit Master of Science in Nutritional Science, based at the Downtown Phoenix campus, fuses biology, chemistry, and sociology to equip students for roles in dietetics, research, and public health. The program offers two specialized concentrations—sports nutrition and maternal-child health—with flexibility to choose between an applied project or thesis capstone. Students gain hands-on experience through internships and faculty-guided research, supported by the College of Health Solutions. A standout feature is the accelerated bachelor's-to-master's degree, plus STEM-OPT extension eligibility for international learners. Admission does not list a GRE or other entrance exam; instead, applicants should anticipate prerequisite coursework, a 3.0 GPA minimum, and one letter of recommendation. Graduates commonly pursue RD credentials or doctoral studies.

• 2 concentration options
• 30 total credit hours
• Starts fall
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Prerequisite courses required
• Thesis or capstone option
• Financial aid available
• STEM-OPT extension eligible
• Two focus areas available

For students targeting athletic performance nutrition, ASU's MS in Nutritional Science with a Sports Nutrition concentration delivers 30 credits covering exercise physiology, hydration science, electrolyte balance, and sports supplement evaluation. The curriculum integrates core biostatistics and nutrition policy with specialized electives, allowing for deep expertise. Students choose between a thesis and an applied project, complementing coursework with internship and research experiences. Program highlights include the accelerated bachelor's-plus-master's pathway and STEM-OPT eligibility for up to 24 months of work in the U.S. Graduates find careers in hospitals, community health, corporate wellness, sports organizations, or continue to doctoral education. No GRE or other graduate entrance exam is mentioned in the program description; however, minimum GPA, prerequisites, and recommendations are required.

• 2 concentration options
• 30 total credit hours
• Starts fall
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Prerequisite courses required
• Thesis or capstone option
• Financial aid available
• STEM-OPT extension eligible
• Accelerated bachelor's plus master's option

ASU's Maternal-Child Health concentration in the Nutritional Science MS combines advanced nutrition with policy, advocacy, medical nutrition therapy, and leadership, emphasizing the health of women and children. This 30-credit program at the Downtown Phoenix campus includes core courses in biostatistics and nutrition policy, enriched by focused electives. Students complete an applied project or thesis and participate in internships and guided research, preparing for work in community health, hospitals, government, nonprofits, or further medical/doctoral study. An accelerated bachelor's-plus-master's option and STEM-OPT extension for international students add flexibility. The program does not cite an entrance exam requirement; instead, applicants need a 3.0 GPA, one recommendation, and prerequisite courses.

• 2 concentration options
• 30 total credit hours
• Starts fall
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Prerequisite courses required
• Thesis or capstone option
• Financial aid available
• STEM-OPT extension eligible
• Accelerated bachelor's plus master's

Grand Canyon University's campus-based BS in Nutritional Sciences requires 120 credit hours and a minimum 2.8 GPA. The curriculum covers biology, chemistry, human nutrition, and medical nutrition therapy, culminating in a capstone on ethical health planning. Students gain hands-on research experience and prepare for dietitian/nutritionist roles in hospitals, public health, or private practice. This biblically rooted, military-friendly program from the College of Natural Sciences supports transfer of up to 90 credits and emphasizes mentorship. Financial aid and scholarships are available. Median salary is $73,850 with 6% job growth. ACT/SAT entrance exam requirements are not specified.

• 120 total credit hours
• 2.8 GPA minimum
• Capstone required
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Research opportunities with faculty
• Careers as dietitian or nutritionist
• Median salary $73,850
• 6% job growth
• Biblically rooted education

Mesa Community College's Associate in Arts with an Emphasis in Nutritional Science is a two-year transfer pathway for those pursuing careers in nutrition, dietetics, or healthcare. Coursework spans human nutrition, food science, anatomy, physiology, and chemistry, with a focus on evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and cultural competence. Students can attend full-time or part-time and must earn a grade of C or better in all courses. The degree aligns with Arizona State University's bachelor's program, enabling a seamless transfer. Graduates often continue toward Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) certification or advanced studies in medicine, physician assisting, or physical therapy. With Academic Plan Code 8115 and effective Fall 2025, this program prepares students as future health professionals.

• Full-time and part-time options
• Transfer alignment with ASU
• Prepares for Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
• Grade of C or better required
• Field of Interest: Health Sciences
• Academic Plan Code: 8115
• Effective Term: Fall 2025

Estrella Mountain Community College's Associate in Arts with an Emphasis in Nutritional Science offers a strong foundation for students aiming to transfer into a four-year nutrition degree. The curriculum includes core courses such as Introductory Nutrition, Principles of Human Nutrition, and Science of Food, while also covering anatomy, food science, safety, and ethics. Students learn to analyze nutrition literature and apply principles in wellness, sports nutrition, and dietetics. The program is designed as a transfer pathway, particularly to Arizona State University's Dietetics and Nutritional Science bachelor's programs. Graduates often pursue careers as registered dietitian nutritionists or continue into graduate studies in medicine, physical therapy, or physician assistant fields. A grade of C or better is mandatory in all courses, with both full-time and part-time scheduling available.

• Full-time and part-time options
• First two years of Nutrition degree
• Transfer pathway to ASU programs
• Prepares for RDN career path
• Grade of C or better required
• Foundational nutrition principles
• Careers in wellness and prevention

Phoenix College's Associate in Arts with an Emphasis in Nutritional Science is a 60-64 credit transfer pathway, mirroring the first two years of a nutrition bachelor's degree. Students explore human nutrition, food science, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and microbiology, while learning to assess research, implement food safety protocols, and strengthen communication skills. This campus-based program prepares graduates for registered dietitian nutritionist credentials or advancement into PA, medical, or physical therapy programs, with careers spanning healthcare, sports nutrition, wellness, and food service management. Full- and part-time course sequences, a minimum grade of C, and transfer partnerships with Arizona State University support seamless progression toward a four-year degree and nutrition-focused careers.

• Full-time and part-time options
• Designed for university transfer
• Transfer partners include ASU
• Prepares for Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
• C or better required in all courses
• Careers in health, wellness, prevention
• Gateway to PA, MD, PT programs
• Foundational nutrition principles

Paradise Valley Community College provides an Associate in Arts with an Emphasis in Nutritional Science, a campus-based program that serves as the first two years of a four-year curriculum. Students explore human nutrition, food science, anatomy, and chemistry, gaining a robust science background. The curriculum emphasizes practical communication of nutritional ideas, adherence to food safety standards, and critical evaluation of nutrition research, skills applicable to wellness, sports nutrition, and healthcare. With both full-time and part-time scheduling, the program requires a grade of C or better in every course. It offers a seamless transfer pathway to Arizona State University's Nutritional Science BS, enabling graduates to progress toward careers as registered dietitians or to pursue advanced degrees in fields like medicine, physical therapy, or physician assistant studies. Ideal for those devoted to food science and health.

• Full-time and part-time options
• Transfer pathway to ASU Nutritional Science BS
• First two years of a four-year curriculum
• Pathway to Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
• C or better required in all courses
• Foundation for graduate healthcare programs

Rio Salado College offers an online Associate in Arts with an Emphasis in Nutritional Science, a 60-64 credit pathway blending nutrition, biology, and chemistry. Coursework covers human nutrition, food science, anatomy, and microbiology, emphasizing connections between science and health, food safety, and evaluating nutrition research. Designed for flexibility with full- and part-time enrollment, the program prepares students for careers in healthcare, wellness, sports nutrition, or food management, and establishes a foundation for transfer to Arizona State University’s bachelor’s in Dietetics or Nutritional Science. Graduates may also pursue paths toward Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, physician assistant, physician, or physical therapist. Students must earn a C or better in all major courses. The program is military-friendly.

• Full-time and part-time options
• First two years of a four-year curriculum
• Transfer to ASU Dietetics or Nutritional Science
• Careers in nutrition, healthcare, wellness
• Prepares for Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
• Also prepares for Physician Assistant, MD, PT
• Dietitians and Nutritionists avg salary $62,720
• Field of Interest: Health Sciences
• Earn a grade of C or better in all courses

Glendale Community College’s Associate in Arts with an Emphasis in Nutritional Science is a transfer-focused program for future nutrition and health professionals. Across 60–64 credits, students explore introductory nutrition, human nutrition principles, food science, anatomy and physiology, and microbiology, with an emphasis on critical thinking and evidence-based practice. Courses align with Arizona State University’s Nutritional Science and Dietetics bachelor’s degree, facilitating smooth transfer. A grade of C or better is required in each course to ensure upper-division readiness. Offered on campus with both full-time and part-time sequencing, the program accommodates working students. Small classes and dedicated faculty support personalized learning. Graduates often proceed to dietetics careers or advanced study in medicine, physical therapy, or physician assistant programs.

• Full-time and part-time options
• 60-64 total credits required
• Transfer to ASU Nutritional Science BS
• Prepares for healthcare careers
• Grade of C or better required
• Field of Interest: Health Sciences
• First two years of bachelor's
• Catalog year 2025-2026

South Mountain Community College's Associate in Arts in Nutritional Science is a transfer degree designed to cover the first two years of a four-year curriculum in nutrition. The campus-based program blends human nutrition, food science, biology, chemistry, and evidence-based practice, providing a strong scientific foundation. Coursework includes introductory nutrition, principles of human nutrition, science of food, and human anatomy and physiology. This pathway prepares students for continued study in dietetics, nutritional science, or healthcare fields like physician assistant and medicine, with career opportunities in dietetics, sports nutrition, and food management. The degree offers both full-time and part-time enrollment, requires a C or better in all courses, and aligns with transfer partners such as Arizona State University.

• Full-time and part-time options
• First two years of four-year curriculum
• Prepares for nutrition-related healthcare
• Transfer pathway to ASU
• C or better required in all courses
• Learn food safety and food science