In Georgia, aspiring nutrition professionals have a variety of affordable and specialized degree programs to choose from. The state’s public universities offer cost-effective pathways for students at all levels—from bachelor’s to master’s degrees—while providing strong academic foundations and accredited programs.
Universities like Georgia Southern, Georgia State, and the University of Georgia stand out for their commitment to both quality and affordability. Students can find programs that prepare them for a wide range of careers, with specialized tracks in areas like food science, community nutrition, and dietetics.
Additionally, for those seeking a unique, holistic approach, Life University offers programs focused on integrative and functional nutrition. These institutions provide a clear roadmap for students to pursue their career goals without financial barriers.
2026 Best Nutrition Degree Programs in Georgia
University of Georgia
Athens, GA - Public 4-Year - uga.edu
Bachelor's - Nutritional Sciences
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Georgia's Nutritional Sciences bachelor's program on campus prepares students for health science careers, including medicine and dentistry, by exploring diet's impact on human physiology and disease. It includes biology, chemistry, and tailored electives for professional prerequisites, focusing on disease prevention. An ACT or SAT entrance exam is required for admission.
- Prepares for health science careers.
- Covers diet and nutrient impact.
- Includes biology and chemistry.
- Electives for professional prerequisites.
- Focus on disease prevention.
Master's - Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
Concentration: Community Nutrition - Online Learning - Visit Website
UGA's online Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences with a Community Nutrition concentration requires 30 credits, completable in one year, and prepares graduates for roles like school nutrition directors. No GRE is required; admission needs a bachelor's degree, 3.0 GPA, and foundational coursework in biology, chemistry, and nutrition.
- 30 credit hours required.
- Can complete in one year.
- Online program format.
- No GRE scores required.
- Minimum 3.0 GPA for admission.
- Accredited by SACSCOC and AAFCS.
- Prepares for school nutrition director certification.
- Focus on community nutrition.
- Hands-on real-world experience.
- Flexible for working professionals.
Master's - M.S. Thesis/Dietetic Internship
Campus Based - Visit Website
The M.S. Thesis/Dietetic Internship at UGA is a two-year campus program training students to become registered dietitian nutritionists with 1,200 hours of supervised practice, emphasizing medical nutrition therapy and research. It has a 100% exam pass rate and offers stipends up to $30,000. An entrance exam is not specified as required for this master's level program.
- Two-year comprehensive program
- 1,200 hours supervised practice
- 100% registered dietitian exam pass rate
- Medical nutrition therapy emphasis
- Assistantships with $14k-$30k stipends
- Master's degree required for RDN certification
- Local and Atlanta practice sites
- Professional development opportunities
- ACEND-accredited program
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA - Public 4-Year - gsu.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
Concentration: Nutrition Science - Campus Based - Visit Website
Georgia State University's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with a concentration in Nutrition Science integrates food science, physiology, and genetics to explore diet's impact on health. This campus-based program prepares students for careers in dietetics and research, covering functional foods and dietary interventions for chronic diseases. Admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with ACT or SAT scores typically needed for undergraduate programs. It offers hands-on learning in a diverse community, ideal for aspiring nutrition professionals.
- Concentration in Nutrition Science.
- Campus-based program.
- Prepares for dietetics careers.
- Focus on functional foods.
- Diverse community learning.
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
Concentration: Nutrition and Wellness - Campus Based - Visit Website
Georgia State University's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with a concentration in Nutrition and Wellness integrates food science, physiology, and social behavior to understand health impacts. This ACEND-accredited campus program prepares students for the CDR exam to become registered dietitian nutritionists. Admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with ACT or SAT scores typically needed. Located in Atlanta, it offers a comprehensive curriculum for dietetics and research careers in a culturally diverse setting.
- Concentration in Nutrition and Wellness.
- Accredited by ACEND.
- Prepares for CDR exam.
- Located in Atlanta, GA.
- Comprehensive nutrition curriculum.
- High school diploma required.
- Focus on dietetics and research.
- Integrates food science and physiology.
- Cultural diversity emphasis.
- Urban Life Building location.
Master's - Master of Science in Health Sciences
Concentration: Nutrition - Online Learning - Visit Website
Georgia State University's online Master of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration in Nutrition is a 36-semester hour program focusing on functional foods, nutrient metabolism, and dietary interventions for chronic diseases. It prepares students for advanced careers or doctoral studies, emphasizing research methods and leadership skills. No entrance exam is explicitly required, making it accessible for those without a Didactic Program in Dietetics verification, with financial aid available for flexibility.
- Online 36-semester hour program.
- Concentration in Nutrition.
- Covers functional foods and nutrient metabolism.
- Prepares for doctoral studies or career advancement.
- Financial aid and scholarships available.
- Prerequisites for students without DPD verification.
- Focus on dietary interventions for chronic diseases.
- Skills in research and leadership.
- Designed for advanced career preparation.
- Online format for flexibility.
Master's - Master of Science - Coordinated Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Georgia State University's Master of Science - Coordinated Program is a rigorous full-time campus-based pathway to becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist. It blends advanced coursework with supervised practice, covering nutrition assessment, intervention, and counseling. With a 100% completion rate and 95% exam pass rate, it includes research and leadership training. No entrance exam is explicitly required, offering a hybrid format with thesis or project options for aspiring healthcare professionals.
- 100% program completion rate
- 100% graduate employment rate
- 95% national exam pass rate
- Hybrid online/campus program
- Full-time 4-6 semester track
- Thesis or project capstone option
- Accredited by Academy of Nutrition
- Diverse practice specialization options
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA - Public 4-Year - georgiasouthern.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition and Food Science
Campus Based - Visit Website
Georgia Southern University's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science offers a comprehensive education with emphasis areas in Community Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science/Food Systems Administration. The ACEND-accredited Dietetics track prepares students for certification, while hands-on learning through labs, projects, and internships equips graduates for careers in nutrition, dietetics, and food management. This bachelor's program may require ACT or SAT entrance exams for admission.
- Three emphasis area options
- ACEND-accredited Dietetics track
- Hands-on learning experiences
- Real-world projects and internships
- Prepares for multiple career paths
Master's - Combined Master of Science in Nutrition and Foods Plus Dietetic Internship
Campus Based - Visit Website
Georgia Southern University's Combined Master of Science in Nutrition and Foods Plus Dietetic Internship is a 20-month, non-thesis graduate program blending classroom and online learning with 1,000 supervised practice hours across Georgia. Focused on clinical dietetics, community nutrition, and food service management, it prepares students for the ACEND Core Competencies and eligibility for the CDR exam. This master's program may require an entrance exam such as the GRE for admission.
- 20-month program duration
- 45 credit hours required
- 1,000 supervised practice hours
- Blend of classroom and online learning
- Financial aid eligible
- Prepares for ACEND Core Competencies
- Focus on clinical dietetics
- Community nutrition emphasis
- Food service management training
- Eligible for CDR exam
Life University
Marietta, GA - Private 4-year - life.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
Campus Based - Visit Website
Life University's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition program provides a holistic education focusing on diet's impact on health, performance, and disease prevention. It includes hands-on training in state-of-the-art kitchens and community field rotations, preparing graduates for careers in holistic health and education. This campus-based program requires ACT or SAT for admission, as it is a bachelor's level degree, and emphasizes sustainable eating practices and mindful decision-making.
- Holistic health focus
- Hands-on kitchen training
- Culinary amphitheater demonstrations
- Community field rotations
- Sustainable eating practices
- Mindful decision-making curriculum
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Real-world practice opportunities
- Career in diverse settings
- Focus on disease prevention
Master's - Clinical Nutrition, M.S.
Concentration: Integrative and Functional Nutrition - Campus Based - Visit Website
Life University's Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition with a concentration in Integrative and Functional Nutrition is a 52-credit hour program blending nutrition science with holistic health. It offers research and practitioner tracks, requiring a thesis or comprehensive exam, and admission necessitates a science or allied health background. Entrance exams are not explicitly waived, so the GRE or similar may be required for this master's level program.
- 52-credit hour program.
- Concentration in Integrative and Functional Nutrition.
- Research and Practitioner tracks available.
- Requires thesis or comprehensive exam.
- Prerequisites in sciences or allied health.
- Electives in culinary nutrition, public health.
- Emphasis on evidence-based practice.
- Prepares for careers in nutrition and health.
- Customizable with various electives.
- Advanced nutritional biochemistry included.
Master's - Clinical Nutrition, M.S.
Concentration: Research - Campus Based - Visit Website
Life University's Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition with a Research concentration is a rigorous 52-credit hour program focusing on advanced nutritional biochemistry, functional nutrition, and biostatistics. It includes hands-on thesis research, preparing graduates for roles in research and academia. Admission requires a science background, and entrance exams such as the GRE may be necessary for this master's level program.
- 52-credit hour program.
- Concentration in Research available.
- Requires thesis completion.
- Prerequisites in sciences needed.
- Focus on integrative nutrition.
- Includes biostatistics coursework.
- Covers nutritional epigenetics.
- Global health topics included.
- Evidence-based practice focus.
- Prepares for research careers.
Master's - Clinical Nutrition, M.S.
Concentration: Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website
Life University's Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition with a Practitioner concentration emphasizes Integrative and Functional Nutrition in a 52-credit hour curriculum. It requires a comprehensive exam for graduation and admission with specific undergraduate courses. Designed for clinical practice enhancement, entrance exams like the GRE are not explicitly stated as waived, so they may be required for this master's level program.
- 52-credit hour program.
- Practitioner concentration available.
- Emphasis on Integrative and Functional Nutrition.
- Requires Comprehensive Examination.
- Admission requires specific undergraduate courses.
- Elective options tailored to track.
- Designed for clinical practice enhancement.
2026 Most Affordable Nutrition Programs in GA
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Programs by City
Athens, GA
University of Georgia
- Bachelor's - Nutritional Sciences
Campus Based - Website
- Prepares for health science careers.
- Covers diet and nutrient impact.
- Includes biology and chemistry.
- Electives for professional prerequisites.
- Focus on disease prevention.
- Master's - M.S. Thesis/Dietetic Internship
Campus Based - Website
- Two-year comprehensive program
- 1,200 hours supervised practice
- 100% registered dietitian exam pass rate
- Medical nutrition therapy emphasis
- Assistantships with $14k-$30k stipends
- Master's degree required for RDN certification
- Local and Atlanta practice sites
- Professional development opportunities
- Master's - Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
Concentration: Community Nutrition - Online Learning - Website
- 30 credit hours required.
- Can complete in one year.
- Online program format.
- No GRE scores required.
- Minimum 3.0 GPA for admission.
- Accredited by SACSCOC and AAFCS.
- Prepares for school nutrition director certification.
- Focus on community nutrition.
Atlanta, GA
Georgia State University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
Concentration: Nutrition Science - Campus Based - Website
- Concentration in Nutrition Science.
- Campus-based program.
- Prepares for dietetics careers.
- Focus on functional foods.
- Diverse community learning.
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
Concentration: Nutrition and Wellness - Campus Based - Website
- Concentration in Nutrition and Wellness.
- Accredited by ACEND.
- Prepares for CDR exam.
- Located in Atlanta, GA.
- Comprehensive nutrition curriculum.
- High school diploma required.
- Focus on dietetics and research.
- Integrates food science and physiology.
- Master's - Master of Science - Coordinated Program
Campus Based - Website
- 100% program completion rate
- 100% graduate employment rate
- 95% national exam pass rate
- Hybrid online/campus program
- Full-time 4-6 semester track
- Thesis or project capstone option
- Accredited by Academy of Nutrition
- Diverse practice specialization options
- Master's - Master of Science in Health Sciences
Concentration: Nutrition - Online Learning - Website
- Online 36-semester hour program.
- Concentration in Nutrition.
- Covers functional foods and nutrient metabolism.
- Prepares for doctoral studies or career advancement.
- Financial aid and scholarships available.
- Prerequisites for students without DPD verification.
- Focus on dietary interventions for chronic diseases.
- Skills in research and leadership.
Marietta, GA
Life University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
Campus Based - Website
- Holistic health focus
- Hands-on kitchen training
- Culinary amphitheater demonstrations
- Community field rotations
- Sustainable eating practices
- Mindful decision-making curriculum
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Real-world practice opportunities
- Master's - Clinical Nutrition, M.S.
Concentration: Integrative and Functional Nutrition - Campus Based - Website
- 52-credit hour program.
- Concentration in Integrative and Functional Nutrition.
- Research and Practitioner tracks available.
- Requires thesis or comprehensive exam.
- Prerequisites in sciences or allied health.
- Electives in culinary nutrition, public health.
- Emphasis on evidence-based practice.
- Prepares for careers in nutrition and health.
- Master's - Clinical Nutrition, M.S.
Concentration: Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- 52-credit hour program.
- Practitioner concentration available.
- Emphasis on Integrative and Functional Nutrition.
- Requires Comprehensive Examination.
- Admission requires specific undergraduate courses.
- Elective options tailored to track.
- Designed for clinical practice enhancement.
- Master's - Clinical Nutrition, M.S.
Concentration: Research - Campus Based - Website
- 52-credit hour program.
- Concentration in Research available.
- Requires thesis completion.
- Prerequisites in sciences needed.
- Focus on integrative nutrition.
- Includes biostatistics coursework.
- Covers nutritional epigenetics.
- Global health topics included.
Statesboro, GA
Georgia Southern University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition and Food Science
Campus Based - Website
- Three emphasis area options
- ACEND-accredited Dietetics track
- Hands-on learning experiences
- Real-world projects and internships
- Prepares for multiple career paths
- Master's - Combined Master of Science in Nutrition and Foods Plus Dietetic Internship
Campus Based - Website
- 20-month program duration
- 45 credit hours required
- 1,000 supervised practice hours
- Blend of classroom and online learning
- Financial aid eligible
- Prepares for ACEND Core Competencies
- Focus on clinical dietetics
- Community nutrition emphasis
Choosing the Right Program for You
Quick Program Selection Guide
Choose University of Georgia for pre-health professional preparation and comprehensive science foundation.
UGA’s Nutritional Sciences program offers exceptional preparation for health science careers including medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry, with rich curriculum in biology, chemistry, and biochemistry. Features electives to meet professional prerequisites and focuses on disease prevention without specific entrance exam requirements.
Select Georgia State University for ACEND-accredited training and diverse pathway options.
GSU provides comprehensive Bachelor’s programs with Nutrition Science and Nutrition and Wellness concentrations, plus innovative online Master’s options and coordinated programs. Features 100% completion rates, 95% national exam pass rates, ACEND accreditation, and flexible online formats for working professionals.
Consider Georgia Southern University for hands-on experience and multiple emphasis areas.
GSU offers Bachelor’s in Nutrition and Food Science with three emphasis areas (Community Nutrition, Dietetics, Food Science), ACEND-accredited Dietetics track, and comprehensive 20-month combined Master’s plus Dietetic Internship program with 1,000 supervised practice hours.
Choose Life University for holistic health focus and integrative nutrition specialization.
Life University features unique Bachelor’s program emphasizing holistic health with state-of-the-art teaching kitchens, plus specialized Master’s in Clinical Nutrition with concentrations in Integrative and Functional Nutrition, Research, and Practitioner tracks (52 credit hours).
Types of Degrees
Bachelor’s Level Comprehensive Programs
University of Georgia: Offers campus-based Nutritional Sciences program preparing students for health science careers with comprehensive curriculum covering diet and nutrient impact on human physiology and disease, including biology, chemistry, and biochemistry foundations.
Georgia State University: Provides Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with two specialized concentrations:
- Nutrition Science concentration emphasizing food science, physiology, and genetics
- Nutrition and Wellness concentration (ACEND-accredited) preparing for CDR exam and RDN credentials
Georgia Southern University: Features Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science with three emphasis areas:
- Community Nutrition for public health applications
- Dietetics (ACEND-accredited) for registered dietitian preparation
- Food Science/Food Systems Administration for industry careers
Life University: Offers holistic Bachelor of Science in Nutrition emphasizing sustainable eating practices, mindful decision-making, with state-of-the-art teaching kitchens and community field rotations.
Graduate Level Advanced Training
Georgia State University: Multiple graduate options including:
- Online Master of Science in Health Sciences with Nutrition concentration (36 semester hours)
- Master of Science Coordinated Program (campus-based, full-time) with 100% completion and 95% exam pass rates
Georgia Southern University: Combined Master of Science in Nutrition and Foods Plus Dietetic Internship (20 months, 45 credit hours, 1,000 supervised practice hours) preparing for CDR exam.
Life University: Specialized Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition (52 credit hours) with three concentration options:
- Integrative and Functional Nutrition for holistic practice
- Research track for academic and research careers
- Practitioner track for clinical practice enhancement
Admission & Accessibility
Entrance Exam Policies
Georgia programs demonstrate varied approaches to standardized testing:
- No Entrance Exam Required: University of Georgia, Georgia Southern University, Life University graduate programs
- ACT/SAT Required: Life University bachelor’s program
- High School Diploma: Standard requirement across most programs
- Graduate Prerequisites: Science background required for advanced programs
Academic Performance Standards
Undergraduate Programs:
- Georgia State University: High school diploma or equivalent with residency-based cost variations
- Life University: ACT/SAT requirement with competitive admission standards
- Other programs: Generally accessible with standard admission requirements
Graduate Programs:
- Life University: Prerequisites in Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, and Biochemistry
- Georgia State University: DPD verification for some tracks, prerequisite flexibility for others
- Georgia Southern University: No entrance exam with focus on comprehensive training
Professional Prerequisites
Graduate programs require specific foundational coursework:
- Science background required for Life University programs
- DPD verification preferred but not required for some GSU tracks
- Prerequisites available for students needing foundational preparation
Financial Investment
Public University Excellence
University of Georgia: In-state public university pricing with comprehensive pre-health preparation, strong science foundation, and flexible elective options for professional prerequisites.
Georgia State University: Outstanding value with ACEND accreditation, proven outcomes (100% completion, 95% pass rates), financial aid and scholarship availability, plus flexible online options.
Georgia Southern University: Competitive public university rates with hands-on learning experiences, ACEND accreditation, and comprehensive 20-month combined degree/internship program.
Private University Investment
Life University: Premium pricing justified by unique holistic approach, state-of-the-art facilities including teaching kitchens, integrative and functional nutrition specialization, and comprehensive 52-credit graduate programs.
Career Outcome Projections
Georgia programs demonstrate strong professional prospects:
- ACEND accreditation ensuring RDN eligibility where applicable
- 100% completion and employment rates (GSU coordinated program)
- 95% national exam pass rates demonstrating program effectiveness
- Diverse career pathways in clinical, community, research, and holistic health settings
Learning Formats & Flexibility
Campus-Based Comprehensive Experience
Most Georgia programs offer traditional campus-based learning featuring:
- State-of-the-art facilities including teaching kitchens and demonstration areas
- Hands-on laboratory experiences and practical skill development
- Community field rotations and real-world practice opportunities
- Research collaboration with faculty across disciplines
Online Learning Options
Georgia State University: Flexible online Master’s program (36 semester hours) designed for working professionals with financial aid availability and prerequisite flexibility.
Hybrid Learning Approaches
Georgia State University: Coordinated program featuring hybrid online/campus format combining convenience with comprehensive practical training.
Accelerated and Intensive Options
- Georgia Southern University: 20-month combined degree and internship program
- Life University: Comprehensive 52-credit programs with research and practitioner track options
Career Specializations and Professional Focus
Pre-Health Professional Preparation
University of Georgia: Specialized preparation for medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry careers with electives meeting professional prerequisites and comprehensive science foundation.
Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics
Georgia State University: ACEND-accredited programs with CDR exam preparation, nutrition assessment and intervention training, and coordinated program options.
Georgia Southern University: ACEND-accredited Dietetics emphasis with comprehensive clinical training and 1,000 supervised practice hours.
Integrative and Functional Nutrition
Life University: Unique specialization in integrative and functional nutrition with holistic health emphasis, advanced nutritional biochemistry, and evidence-based practice focus.
Community and Public Health Nutrition
Multiple programs address:
- Community nutrition programming and public health applications
- Functional foods and dietary interventions for chronic diseases
- Cultural diversity considerations in nutrition practice
- Sustainable eating practices and environmental nutrition
Food Science and Systems
Georgia Southern University: Food Science/Food Systems Administration emphasis preparing graduates for food industry management and technical roles.
Research and Academia
Life University: Dedicated Research concentration with thesis requirements, biostatistics coursework, nutritional epigenetics, and global health topics.