Connecticut Nutrition Programs & Online Degrees

Connecticut offers exceptional opportunities for aspiring nutrition professionals, combining top-tier educational programs with a thriving job market that values specialized expertise. From the state’s renowned academic institutions to its innovative healthcare systems and emerging telehealth companies, Connecticut provides the perfect environment to launch and advance your nutrition career.

With competitive salaries ranging from $40-130 per hour and comprehensive benefits packages, the state rewards nutrition professionals who are equipped with the right education and credentials.

The programs featured below represent Connecticut’s best offerings in nutrition education, from community college pathways to advanced graduate degrees.

2026 Best Nutrition Degree Programs in Connecticut

Looking for the best nutrition degree programs in Connecticut? nutritiondegrees.org has you covered with our expert rankings. We carefully evaluate schools based on factors like curriculum quality, faculty expertise, and career outcomes to help you make an informed choice. Our goal is to guide you toward programs that align with your goals in the nutrition field. For more details on how we rank these programs, check out our methodology at https://www.nutritiondegrees.org/about-us/#ranking.

#1

University of Connecticut

Storrs, CT - Public 4-Year - uconn.edu

Bachelor's - Nutritional Sciences

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Connecticut's Nutritional Sciences bachelor's program, based in Storrs, provides a comprehensive education with tracks in Food and Health Sciences, Dietetics, and Pre-Medical fields. It emphasizes research opportunities with faculty, integrating basic sciences and nutrition courses. Admission requires meeting undergraduate standards, including potential ACT or SAT scores, and focuses on academic achievement for careers in dietetics and healthcare.

• Three specialized tracks available.
• Campus-based program in Storrs.
• Research opportunities with faculty.
• Focus on food and health relationship.
• Prepares for dietetics and pre-med careers.
• Integrates basic science and nutrition.
• Undergraduate research experience offered.
• Tailored curriculum for career goals.
• Comprehensive nutritional sciences education.
• Admissions based on academic achievement.

Master's - Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences

Campus Based - Visit Website

UConn's Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences is a 30-credit campus program requiring a thesis or review paper, with a general exam. It offers interdisciplinary research and specializations, preparing graduates for research and public health roles. Admission does not specify an entrance exam, relying on academic background and prerequisites for advanced study.

• 30 credits required.
• Thesis or review paper.
• Interdisciplinary research opportunities.
• Specializations available.
• Campus-based program.

Master's - Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences

Concentration: Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition - Campus Based - Visit Website

This Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences with a Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition concentration at UConn delves into molecular-level nutrition through coursework and research, offering thesis and non-thesis options. It fosters collaborative, interdisciplinary learning for careers in research and healthcare. Admission requires a strong academic background, with no mention of an entrance exam, focusing on prerequisites.

• Specialized in Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition.
• Offers thesis and non-thesis options.
• Campus-based learning environment.
• Interdisciplinary research opportunities.
• Prepares for careers in research and healthcare.
• Strong academic background required for admission.
• Collaborative learning environment.
• Rigorous coursework combined with research.
• Gateway to advancing nutritional science.
• Details on cost available online.

Master's - Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences

Concentration: Human Nutrition and Metabolism - Campus Based - Visit Website

UConn's Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences with a Human Nutrition and Metabolism concentration explores nutrition's role in health via 30 credits, thesis research, and a comprehensive exam. It supports interdisciplinary collaborations and requires a bachelor's degree with specific prerequisites. Admission does not specify an entrance exam, emphasizing academic qualifications for advanced practice.

• 30 credits required
• Thesis research included
• Comprehensive exam
• Interdisciplinary research focus
• On-campus program
• Human Nutrition concentration
• Advisory committee support
• Bachelor's degree prerequisite
• Financial aid available
• Collaborative research opportunities

Master's - Master of Science in Personalized Nutrition

Online Learning - Visit Website

The online Master of Science in Personalized Nutrition at UConn focuses on nutrigenomics and clinical nutrition, requiring 30 credits for CNS certification. It offers asynchronous flexibility for working professionals, with admission based on a baccalaureate degree, 3.0 GPA, and biochemistry prerequisite, and no entrance exam is mentioned.

• 30-credit online program
• Focus on nutrigenomics
• Prepares for CNS certification
• Asynchronous online format
• Requires baccalaureate degree
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• College-level biochemistry prerequisite
• Combines clinical and nutritional biochemistry
• Flexible for working professionals
• Focus on precision nutrition

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#2

University of Saint Joseph

West Hartford, CT - Private 4-year - usj.edu

Bachelor's - Nutrition, B.S.

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Saint Joseph's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition is an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics, preparing students for supervised practice and the RDN credential. It covers medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition, and food science, with field experiences for practical skills. Admission requires meeting university criteria, including a minimum 'C' grade in major and science courses for verification statement eligibility. As a bachelor's program, entrance exams like ACT or SAT may be required, though specifics are not detailed in the provided data.

• ACEND® accredited program
• Prepares for RDN credential
• Includes field experience
• Minimum 'C' grade required
• Covers medical nutrition therapy
• Focus on community nutrition
• Food science included
• Requires science courses
• Field experience in final year
• Comprehensive exam project

Bachelor's - Nutrition, B.S.

Concentration: Community Nutrition - Campus Based - Visit Website

Focusing on Community Nutrition, this ACEND-accredited Bachelor of Science program at the University of Saint Joseph readies students for the RDN exam through courses in nutrition counseling, food science, and medical nutrition therapy. Field placements provide hands-on experience, and a 'C' grade minimum in key courses is necessary for verification. For bachelor's level admission, ACT or SAT exams might be required, but this is not explicitly stated in the data.

• ACEND® accredited program.
• Prepares for RDN exam eligibility.
• Includes field experience.
• Minimum 'C' grade required.
• Strong foundation in dietetics.

Bachelor's - Nutrition, B.S.

Concentration: Dietetics - Campus Based - Visit Website

With a concentration in Dietetics, this ACEND-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nutrition at the University of Saint Joseph emphasizes medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition, and food science, preparing students for RDN roles. It includes field experience and a comprehensive exam project, requiring a 'C' grade in major and science courses for verification. Entrance exams such as ACT or SAT could be part of admission, though details are not provided in the source material.

• ACEND® accredited program.
• Prepares for RDN credential.
• Includes field experience.
• Minimum 'C' grade required.
• Covers medical nutrition therapy.
• Community nutrition focus.
• Food science included.
• Required science courses.
• Comprehensive exam project.
• Blends theory and practice.

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#3

University of Bridgeport

Bridgeport, CT - Private 4-year - bridgeport.edu

Bachelor's - Health Sciences

Concentration: Nutrition - Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Bridgeport's BS in Health Sciences with a Nutrition concentration provides a 50-credit curriculum focused on evidence-based nutrition science, covering human metabolism, food service management, and exercise nutrition. This on-campus program blends science, business, and health education to prepare students for careers in community wellness, requiring general education prerequisites for admission. As a bachelor's program, it may require ACT or SAT exams, though specifics are not stated in the provided data.

• 50-credit Nutrition concentration.
• Covers human metabolism, nutrition science.
• Includes Food Service Management course.
• Exercise Nutrition course available.
• Prepares for community wellness roles.
• Blends science, business, health education.
• On-campus program in Bridgeport, CT.
• Admission requires general education prerequisites.

Master's - Human Nutrition, M.S.

Online Learning - Visit Website

The online Master's in Human Nutrition at the University of Bridgeport is designed for aspiring clinical nutritionists, offering a pathway to CNS certification with a Virtual Clinic capstone for hands-on experience. This flexible program can be completed in as few as 24 months and includes a comprehensive final exam, but no entrance exam is explicitly required for admission to this master's level program.

• Online program flexibility
• Pathway to CNS certification
• 24-month completion time
• Virtual Clinic capstone
• Taught by expert faculty
• No RD designation
• Three semesters per year
• 15-week semester length
• Prepares for Ph.D. or DHSc.
• Comprehensive final exam

Show 1 More Programs ˅

#4

Connecticut State Community College

Hartford, CT - Public 2-Year - ctstate.edu

Associate - Nutrition and Dietetics

Campus Based - Visit Website

Connecticut State Community College's Nutrition and Dietetics Associate of Science program, accredited by ACEND, equips students for careers as Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians, Registered (NDTR). This two-year campus-based program includes 450 hours of supervised field experience, focusing on healthcare, food service management, and community nutrition. Admission requires a 2.7 GPA, with competitive entry for internships. As an associate degree, it does not require ACT or SAT exams. Graduates are prepared for credentialing through the Commission on Dietetic Registration, offering a solid foundation in nutrition and health.

• Associate of Science degree
• 2+ years program length
• Hybrid and on-ground study
• 450 hours supervised experience
• ACEND accredited program
• Health careers focus
• Gateway campus location
• Credentialing exam preparation

*Source: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/, IPEDS 2023 release.

Choosing the Right Program for You

Quick Program Selection Guide

Choose University of Connecticut for comprehensive research-focused education and diverse specializations.

UConn offers the most extensive program portfolio from bachelor’s to master’s levels with three specialized undergraduate tracks, no-GRE graduate options, and cutting-edge online Master’s in Personalized Nutrition featuring nutrigenomics. The programs provide interdisciplinary research opportunities, flexible thesis/non-thesis options, and preparation for diverse career paths in research, healthcare, and public health.

Select University of Saint Joseph for ACEND-accredited professional preparation and hands-on experience.

USJ’s Bachelor of Science in Nutrition features ACEND accreditation, comprehensive field experiences, specialized concentrations in Community Nutrition and Dietetics, and rigorous preparation for RDN credentials. Ideal for students seeking traditional campus-based professional training with strong practical components.

Consider University of Bridgeport for innovative online graduate training and CNS certification preparation.

UB offers unique online Master’s in Human Nutrition with Virtual Clinic capstone, 24-month completion timeline, CNS certification pathway, and flexible three-semester yearly format. Perfect for working professionals seeking clinical nutrition specialization and functional medicine preparation.

Choose Connecticut State Community College for affordable ACEND-accredited technician training.

CSCC provides Associate of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics with ACEND accreditation, 450 hours supervised experience, NDTR preparation, and hybrid study options. Exceptional value for students seeking immediate career entry in nutrition and dietetics support roles.

Types of Programs

Associate Level Professional Training

Connecticut State Community College: Offers ACEND-accredited Associate of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics with 450 hours supervised field experience, hybrid and on-ground study options, credentialing exam preparation for NDTR certification, and 2.7 GPA admission requirement.

Bachelor’s Level Comprehensive Programs

University of Connecticut: Features Bachelor’s in Nutritional Sciences with three specialized tracks:

• Food and Health Sciences concentration
• Didactic Program in Dietetics for RDN preparation
• Pre-Medical Profession track for medical school preparation

University of Saint Joseph: Provides ACEND-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with specialized concentrations:

• Community Nutrition focus for public health roles
• Dietetics concentration for RDN credential preparation
• Comprehensive field experiences and practical training

University of Bridgeport: Offers BS in Health Sciences with Nutrition concentration (50 credits) integrating science, business, and health education with courses in Food Service Management and Exercise Nutrition.

Graduate Level Advanced Studies

University of Connecticut: Multiple Master’s options including:

• MS in Nutritional Sciences (30 credits) with thesis or review paper options
• Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition specialization
• Human Nutrition and Metabolism concentration
• Online MS in Personalized Nutrition featuring nutrigenomics

University of Bridgeport: Online Master’s in Human Nutrition designed for CNS certification with Virtual Clinic capstone and 24-month completion timeline.

Admission Standards and Requirements

Entrance Exam Policies

Connecticut programs show varied approaches to standardized testing:

• ACT/SAT Required: All bachelor’s degree programs (UConn, USJ, UB)
• GRE Required: UConn’s Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition and Human Nutrition concentrations
• No GRE Required: UConn’s general MS program, Personalized Nutrition program, and UB’s graduate program
• Community College: Accessible admission with 2.7 GPA requirement

Academic Performance Standards

Undergraduate Programs:

• University of Saint Joseph: Minimum ‘C’ grade required in major and science courses for verification statement
• University of Bridgeport: General education prerequisites required
• University of Connecticut: Competitive admission based on academic achievement

Graduate Programs:

• University of Connecticut: 3.0 GPA minimum for Personalized Nutrition program
• Prerequisite requirements in nutrition, biochemistry, and related sciences
• Strong academic background required for research-focused programs

Professional Prerequisites

Programs typically require specific foundational coursework:

• Biochemistry (required for UConn’s Personalized Nutrition program)
• Nutrition and related sciences for graduate admission
• Science course completion with minimum grades for professional programs

Financial Investment

Public University Excellence

University of Connecticut: In-state public university pricing with comprehensive research opportunities, financial aid availability, and strong return on investment through diverse career preparation and graduate program options.

Connecticut State Community College: Outstanding affordability with ACEND accreditation, providing immediate career entry pathway and professional certification preparation at community college pricing.

Private University Premium Options

University of Saint Joseph: Private institution investment justified by ACEND accreditation, comprehensive field experiences, small class sizes, and personalized attention for professional preparation.

University of Bridgeport: Premium online graduate education with innovative Virtual Clinic experience, flexible completion timeline, and specialized CNS certification pathway.

Career Outcome Projections

Connecticut programs demonstrate strong professional prospects:

• ACEND accreditation ensuring RDN eligibility and professional recognition
• CNS certification pathways for clinical nutrition specialization
• NDTR preparation for immediate technician-level career entry
• Research and healthcare opportunities in Connecticut’s robust healthcare sector

Learning Formats and Flexibility

Comprehensive Online Options

University of Connecticut: Innovative online Master’s in Personalized Nutrition with asynchronous format, nutrigenomics focus, and flexible scheduling for working professionals.

University of Bridgeport: Online Master’s in Human Nutrition with Virtual Clinic capstone, expert-led courses, and three-semester yearly format enabling 24-month completion.

Campus-Based Comprehensive Experience

Traditional campus programs featuring:

• Research opportunities with faculty collaboration
• Laboratory experiences and hands-on practical training
• Field placements and supervised clinical experiences
• Interdisciplinary collaboration across health sciences

Hybrid Learning Approaches

Connecticut State Community College: Hybrid study options combining online convenience with hands-on supervised field experience requirements for professional preparation.

Career Specializations

Clinical and Medical Nutrition

University of Connecticut: Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition specialization with research focus, Human Nutrition and Metabolism concentration, and preparation for healthcare careers.

University of Bridgeport: Clinical nutrition emphasis with CNS certification preparation, functional medicine focus, and Virtual Clinic practical experience.

Community and Public Health Nutrition

University of Saint Joseph: Specialized Community Nutrition concentration with field experiences, public health focus, and comprehensive preparation for community wellness roles.

University of Connecticut: Community/Public Health Nutrition specialization within graduate programs.

Food Science and Technology Applications

Multiple programs address:

• Food and health sciences integration
• Food service management and operations
• Exercise nutrition and sports applications
• Evidence-based nutrition practices

Research and Advanced Practice

University of Connecticut: Comprehensive research opportunities with thesis options, interdisciplinary collaborations, and preparation for doctoral studies.

Nutrition Technology and Innovation

University of Bridgeport: Technician-level preparation with NDTR certification, healthcare sector focus, and immediate career entry pathways.

Program Comparison Table (the basics)

Local Career Market Analysis

Connecticut’s position in the Northeast corridor provides access to diverse practice settings, from major academic medical centers to innovative telehealth companies. The state’s proximity to pharmaceutical and insurance companies creates unique opportunities in corporate wellness and nutrition consulting. With starting salaries ranging from $39-70 per hour and comprehensive benefits packages, Connecticut offers competitive compensation that reflects the state’s higher cost of living while providing excellent career growth potential for nutrition professionals.

High-Demand Specializations and Salary Ranges

Connecticut offers diverse opportunities for nutrition professionals, with specialized roles commanding premium salaries.

Remote positions offer the highest earning potential, with Fay paying up to $130 per hour for remote registered dietitians, while Foodsmart offers $56,000-$104,000 annually for full-time remote positions.

Clinical specializations also pay well, with positions at major health systems like Hartford HealthCare, Yale New Haven Health, and St. Vincent’s Medical Center offering competitive compensation.

Specialized care areas show strong demand and higher pay rates. Bariatric nutrition specialists at New You Bariatric Group earn $55-60 per hour, while behavioral health dietitians at Discovery Behavioral Health and Newport Healthcare work in growing mental health treatment facilities. Long-term care specialists at companies like NEXDINE and NutraCo earn $50-70,000 annually with comprehensive benefits.

Key Employers and Market Drivers

Major healthcare systems dominate the Connecticut market, including Hartford HealthCare (operating Hartford Hospital, Backus Hospital, and St. Vincent’s Medical Center), Yale New Haven Health, and Trinity Health. These organizations offer clinical dietitian positions with full benefits, continuing education support, and career advancement opportunities.

Emerging opportunities exist in telehealth and technology-driven nutrition companies like Foodsmart and Fay, which leverage digital platforms to provide nutrition counseling. These positions often offer flexible scheduling and the ability to work remotely while serving underserved communities and Medicaid populations.

Educational Requirements and Career Progression

All positions require a Bachelor’s degree in Food and Nutrition/Dietetics from an accredited program, completion of an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship, and registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Connecticut also requires state licensure as a Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist (CDN) within 90 days of hire.

Advanced degrees are increasingly preferred, with many employers favoring candidates with Master’s degrees in nutrition or related fields. Clinical experience, particularly in acute care, long-term care, or specialized areas like bariatrics or behavioral health, significantly enhances employment prospects and earning potential.

Examples of Roles Available

Clinical Nutrition Expertise

Hartford HealthCare operates multiple facilities across Connecticut, seeking clinical dietitians for Hartford Hospital, Backus Hospital (Norwich), and St. Vincent’s Medical Center (Bridgeport). These positions require comprehensive nutrition assessment, malnutrition screening, medical nutrition therapy, and collaboration with healthcare teams. Salaries range from $39.40-$42.72 per hour for full-time positions. A Bachelor’s degree in Food and Nutrition/Dietetics is required, with Master’s degrees preferred and one year of clinical experience desired.

Yale New Haven Health (New Haven) offers pediatric clinical dietitian positions requiring specialized knowledge in growth and development across the lifecycle. The role involves managing dietetic intern education and provides crossover opportunities into education and mentorship. Minimum one year of acute care experience is preferred, with Bachelor’s degree required and state CDN certification within six months of hire.

NutraCo provides clinical nutrition services to long-term care facilities in Southport and Danbury, offering $70,000+ annually with comprehensive benefits. Dietitians conduct clinical assessments, EMR documentation, and coordinate with facility teams. This role offers crossover into healthcare administration and quality assurance, requiring CDR registration and state licensure.

Specialized Medical Nutrition Therapy

NEXDINE (Simsbury) seeks nutrition care managers at $50 per hour for long-term care settings, requiring expertise in MDS 3.0 documentation, PDPM reimbursement models, and malnutrition identification. The position offers crossover into healthcare management and regulatory compliance. Bachelor’s degree with ACEND-accredited coursework required, plus minimum one year in long-term care or healthcare settings.

New You Bariatric Group (Stamford) offers $55-60 per hour for registered nutritionists specializing in bariatric care, requiring expertise in pre and post-operative nutrition counseling for gastric procedures. This role provides crossover opportunities into surgical support and medical weight management. Bachelor’s degree in nutrition required, with preference for five years clinical experience and three years with bariatric patients.

Discovery Behavioral Health (Greenwich) provides $62,000-71,000 annually for part-time registered dietitians specializing in eating disorder treatment. The role requires knowledge of medical consequences of eating disorders, re-feeding protocols, and family therapy facilitation. This position offers crossover into mental health treatment and family counseling, requiring Bachelor’s degree with completed dietetic internship.

Telehealth and Technology-Driven Nutrition

Fay offers remote positions throughout Connecticut paying up to $130 per hour, focusing on building private practice nutrition counseling through their platform. The company provides AI-powered EMR systems, insurance credentialing, and billing support. This role offers crossover into entrepreneurship and private practice development, requiring CDR registration and professional liability insurance.

Foodsmart provides $56,000-$104,000 annually for remote registered dietitians serving diverse populations including Medicaid members. The position involves addressing food insecurity through SNAP benefit support and digital grocery marketplace guidance. This role offers crossover into public health and social services, requiring active CT licensure and willingness to obtain additional state licenses.

Community and Preventive Nutrition

Hartford Hospital seeks community health dietitians for evening/weekend flexibility, focusing on nutrition education, health promotion, and community outreach programs. The role involves developing culturally appropriate materials and participating in health fairs. Bachelor’s degree required with Master’s preferred, offering crossover opportunities into public health education and program development.

Newport Healthcare (Seymour) provides full-time positions for registered dietitians in psychiatric healthcare settings, requiring expertise in disordered eating and body image challenges. The role involves treatment team collaboration and community education, offering crossover into mental health treatment and clinical psychology support.

Private Practice and Consulting

Nutrition Balance, LLC (West Hartford) offers $40-65 per hour for part-time positions in private practice settings, requiring expertise in chronic disease management and health coaching techniques. The role involves both in-person and virtual consultations, providing crossover opportunities into wellness coaching and preventive medicine. Bachelor’s degree in dietetics required with RDN credentialing and CT licensure.

Amy Plano, Registered Dietitian provides remote work opportunities at $42-55 per hour, focusing on private nutrition counseling with flexible scheduling. This position offers crossover into telehealth and independent practice development, requiring registered dietitian credentials and professional liability insurance.