Chicago Nutrition & Dietetics Programs

Dominican University's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics is ACEND-accredited and STEM-designated, blending physical, biological, and social sciences with the psychological and social dimensions of nutrition. Hands-on projects—like creating menus and developing food products—build practical skills. The curriculum includes 1,000 hours of supervised practice, preparing graduates for the CDR credentialing exam and careers in clinical dietetics, sports nutrition, food service management, and public health. Small classes and mentoring relationships support student success. International students benefit from the STEM designation, and graduates often work in hospitals, clinics, fitness companies, and community settings. No standardized test requirement is listed for admission; however, applicants should confirm current policy with the university.

• ACEND accredited
• Prepares for CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists
• STEM-designated program
• 1000 hours supervised practice
• Mentoring from professors
• Real-world learning opportunities
• Prepares for RDN credential
• Graduate program options
• Career: Clinical Dietetics

Dominican University offers a hybrid Master of Science in Nutrition with a Coordinated Program in Dietetics, combining online evening classes with on-site supervised practice. ACEND-accredited, the program provides two concentration options—public health or clinical nutrition—and requires 1,000 hours of supervised practice in hospitals, clinics, and community organizations. Students can complete the 39-credit curriculum in four semesters full-time or partially part-time. Unique advantages include a GRE waiver for qualified applicants and a 20% tuition discount for Dominican alumni. The program prepares graduates for the RD/RDN credential and careers in healthcare, schools, government, and private practice. Evidence-based community nutrition, leadership, and clinical skills are core components.

• ACEND accredited
• 2 concentration options
• 4-Semester program
• Complete in four semesters as a full-time student
• 39 total credit hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• 1000 clinical hours
• Financial aid available
• 100% online evening graduate classes
• 1,000 hours of supervised practice

Dominican University's 30-credit Master of Science in Nutrition is designed for working professionals, offering full- and part-time options with most courses online. The curriculum covers research methods, community nutrition, counseling, advanced metabolism, and electives from business, education, and social work. Students gain hands-on experience with diverse families and develop leadership through evidence-based practice, with a strong emphasis on social justice and multicultural approaches. Faculty advisors provide personalized career planning, and a GRE waiver is available for qualified applicants. Alumni receive a 20% tuition discount. Graduates pursue roles as dietitians, nutritionists, and public health professionals in hospitals, clinics, schools, and community organizations, supported by growing demand in the field.

• Complete in three semesters and a summer session
• 30 total credit hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• Starts fall
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Prerequisite courses required
• Financial aid available
• Majority of courses offered online
• Faculty advisor assists career planning

The MS in Nutrition at the University of Illinois Chicago offers two distinct pathways: a coordinated program for career changers seeking RDN credentials, and a traditional program for current dietitians or those pursuing a PhD. The curriculum spans clinical dietetics, community nutrition, and public health, preparing graduates for healthcare, government, and private practice. With a 100% employment rate within one year and an 11% projected growth in dietitian demand, the program positions students for success. Faculty research addresses obesity, diabetes, and alternate day fasting, while a teaching garden integrates food education. Located on UIC's urban campus, the program provides a vibrant learning environment. The program description does not specify an entrance exam requirement; applicants should verify current admission policies.

• 2 concentration options
• 100% job placement rate
• 11% demand growth projected
• Coordinated program for career changers
• Teaching garden for food education
• Faculty expertise in alternate day fasting

The MS in Nutrition Coordinated Program at UIC combines advanced coursework with supervised practice, directly preparing students for RDN certification. ACEND accreditation ensures the curriculum meets professional standards, including rotations in inpatient, outpatient, community, and foodservice settings. Students gain hands-on experience through 40-hour weeks at practice sites, completing 4-6 rotations. The program fulfills the master's degree requirement for the CDR credentialing exam, enabling graduates to pursue licensure in hospitals, clinics, and food service management. This full-time, campus-based track offers a seamless path to practice. No entrance exam is explicitly mentioned in the program description; applicants should check with the department for admission requirements.

• Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics accredited
• Prepares for CDR credentialing exam
• ACEND-accredited program
• Prepares for registered dietitian exam
• Supervised practice in 4-6 rotations
• Full-time supervised practice experience
• Master's degree required for RDN

The MS in Nutrition Traditional Program, housed in UIC's Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, emphasizes evidence-based science, applied skills, and research methods. This campus-based degree prepares students for clinical nutrition, community health, or doctoral study, with rigorous technical standards covering cognitive, physical, and professional competencies. Students benefit from UIC's urban location and College of Applied Health Sciences resources. The traditional track suits those pursuing advanced certifications or academic careers, offering a comprehensive foundation in nutrition science. The program description does not indicate an entrance exam requirement, so prospective students should confirm admission criteria directly with the university.

• Technical standards required

Benedictine University's BS in Nutrition and Dietetics is an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program designed to launch you toward a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist career. The 120-credit curriculum (68-71 in the major) blends medical nutrition therapy, food science, and biochemistry with practical experiences including a food science laboratory and capstone mentoring course. You'll explore community health, nutritional counseling, and food service management while maintaining a 3.0 minimum GPA. This evidence-based program emphasizes professional ethics and prepares graduates for dietetic internships and the RDN exam, with career opportunities spanning hospitals, clinics, and public health agencies.

• ACEND accredited
• 120 total credit hours
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Capstone required
• Prepares for Registration Examination for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
• Prepares for RDN credential
• Medical Nutrition Therapy I & II
• Food Science Laboratory
• Community Health and Nutrition Programs
• Nutrition Counseling course

Benedictine University's hybrid Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics offers flexible advanced training without an entrance exam—the GRE is optional, with grades and references weighted more heavily. The 33-credit curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and field application, covering biostatistics, research methods, obesity prevention, complementary nutrition therapies, and public health program planning. You can choose an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship track for RDN eligibility or a non-internship track for advanced knowledge without supervised practice. Faculty include registered dietitians and public health experts, and classes take place on the Lisle campus with independent study and research internship options. This degree also provides a solid foundation for doctoral study.

• No entrance exam required
• Exams: GRE
• Test optional
• 33 total credit hours
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Careers in health promotion and community education
• ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship track
• Faculty include registered dietitians
• Evidence-based practice and field application

This on-campus Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Benedictine University requires no entrance exam—a test-optional policy means your application is evaluated on other merits. The 33-credit program dives into nutritional science, medical nutrition therapy, and community health. Track A pairs coursework with an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship, including 1,200 clinical hours, preparing you for the CDR exam and RDN credential. Track B allows electives like sports nutrition, maternal and child health, and public health. Hands-on experiences include labs, community engagement, and research internships. A $250 lab fee applies, and external interns may receive work/life credit. Experienced RD faculty with doctorates provide personalized instruction on the Lisle campus, preparing graduates for hospitals, wellness centers, or further doctoral study.

• ACEND accredited
• 2 concentration options
• No entrance exam required
• Test optional
• 33 total credit hours
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 1200 clinical hours
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for CDR Registration Exam
• Lab fee of $250

Illinois Institute of Technology offers an on-campus Master of Science in Nutrition Science that integrates human physiological sciences, technology, and regulatory science to address modern food, nutrition, and health challenges. Students gain hands-on clinical research experience at the university’s Center for Nutrition Research, preparing for careers in the food and supplement industry, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, public health, and preventive healthcare. The curriculum emphasizes advanced nutrition coursework with a regulatory focus, making it suitable for those pursuing doctoral or professional degrees such as medical school. The multidisciplinary program also supports F-1 visa students and is military-friendly. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field with a minimum 3.0 GPA; no entrance exam is specified.

• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Clinical research at Center for Nutrition Research
• Multidisciplinary: physiological sciences, technology, regulatory
• Career paths: food, biotech, public health
• Prepares for doctoral and professional programs
• Meets F-1 Visa Requirements
• On-campus program at Illinois Tech

Harper College offers an Associate in Science in Nutrition designed for seamless transfer to a four-year institution, with a pathway to a bachelor’s in nutrition or dietetics. The campus-based curriculum covers foundational sciences, nutritional assessment, client counseling, and dietary planning, preparing graduates for roles as dietitians or nutritionists in hospitals, schools, public health, and the food industry. Students can access the Multicultural Scholars Program in partnership with Benedictine University, plus scholarships, faculty advising, student organizations, and a job placement resource center. Career outcomes for nutrition graduates in the region include a median salary of $63,525 and projected job growth of 2.8%, with 414 recent job postings, reflecting solid demand in the Chicago area.

• Scholarships available
• Transfer to a four-year university
• Multicultural Scholars Program available
• Career outcomes: Dietitians and Nutritionists
• Median salary: $63,525
• Projected job growth: 2.8%
• Job postings: 414

Triton College's 60-credit-hour Associate in Science with a Pre-Nutrition/Dietetics Emphasis is designed for students aiming to transfer to a four-year institution and pursue a bachelor's degree in dietetics or nutrition. As an Illinois Articulation Initiative participant, the program ensures general education credits transfer seamlessly, while coursework builds a strong foundation in the science of food and its impact on health. This pathway prepares graduates for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists or in food industry roles like marketing, management, and research and development. Students benefit from personalized advising, a dedicated transfer center, and career resources that share job outlook and salary data. It's an affordable, guided starting point for those committed to the nutrition field.

• 60 total credit hours
• Seamless transfer to four-year schools
• Illinois Articulation Initiative participant
• Prepares for careers in dietetics and nutrition
• Supported by dedicated advisors and transfer center