Indiana Nutrition Programs & Online Degrees

Indiana’s nutrition education landscape is defined by three prominent public universities, each offering distinct and high-quality programs:

• Purdue University stands out for its strong research focus and a remarkable 94% national RDN exam pass rate.
• Ball State University offers an innovative hybrid master’s program, making it an ideal choice for working professionals needing flexibility.
• Meanwhile, Indiana University-Bloomington provides a science-based curriculum with a variety of specialized tracks for students interested in medical and health professions.

Students can find a variety of degrees, from undergraduate science programs to advanced master’s degrees, all designed to prepare them for a range of professional careers.

2026 Best Nutrition Degree Programs in Indiana

Looking for the best nutrition degree programs in Indiana? nutritiondegrees.org has ranked the top options to help you find the perfect fit for your career goals. Our list highlights schools with strong curricula, experienced faculty, and great opportunities for hands-on learning. We focus on what matters most to students, making it easy to compare and choose. For details on how we create these rankings, check out our methodology at https://www.nutritiondegrees.org/about-us/#ranking.

#1

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN - Public 4-Year - purdue.edu

Bachelor's - Nutrition Science

Campus Based - Visit Website

Purdue University-Main Campus offers a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science, focusing on health and disease prevention through a curriculum that integrates biology, chemistry, and nutrient metabolism. This program includes pre-med courses, undergraduate research opportunities in areas like cancer and diabetes, and an accelerated Master of Public Health option. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA and completion of college-level chemistry or biology with a C or higher. As a bachelor's level program, it may require ACT or SAT for entrance, though specific exam requirements are not detailed in the provided data.

• Focuses on health and disease prevention.
• Includes pre-med prerequisite courses.
• Offers undergraduate research opportunities.
• Accelerated MPH degree option available.
• Requires 3.0 GPA for transfer.
• Campus-based program.
• Strong foundation in basic sciences.
• Prepares for various healthcare careers.
• Emphasizes nutrient metabolism.
• Opportunities in research and health promotion.

Bachelor's - Nutrition and Dietetics

Campus Based - Visit Website

Purdue University-Main Campus features a Nutrition and Dietetics program accredited by ACEND, designed to lead to RDN certification with a 94% pass rate on the national exam. The curriculum includes biology, chemistry, medical nutrition therapy, and 1,000 hours of supervised practice, with options for a double major in Nutrition, Fitness, and Health. It emphasizes health, disease prevention, and treatment, and as a bachelor's level program, it may require ACT or SAT for entrance, though specifics are not stated.

• Accredited by ACEND.
• 94% national exam pass rate.
• 1,000 hours supervised practice.
• Double major options available.
• Focus on health and disease prevention.
• Prepares for RDN certification.
• Includes biology and chemistry courses.
• Strong foundation for healthcare careers.
• High success rate for graduates.
• Opportunities in sports nutrition.

Master's - Master of Science in Dietetics

Campus Based - Visit Website

Purdue University-Main Campus provides a Master of Science in Dietetics, an ACEND-accredited program that prepares students to become registered dietitian nutritionists through two years of coursework and 1,000 hours of supervised practice. It covers clinical nutrition, sports nutrition, public health, and foodservice management, with a flexible final rotation. No GRE is required for admission, making it accessible for career-focused individuals seeking diverse dietetics paths.

• ACEND-accredited coordinated program
• Two-year master's degree
• 1,000 hours supervised practice
• Flexible final rotation option
• No GRE required for admission
• Multiple dietetics career paths
• Graduate-level didactic coursework
• Comprehensive admission review
• Professional interview component

Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition Science

Campus Based - Visit Website

Purdue University-Main Campus offers a Master of Science in Nutrition Science, focusing on nutritional biochemistry, physiology, and research skills through a 30-credit curriculum that includes graduate-level statistics and tailored specialty courses. The program requires a thesis defense and advisory committee guidance, preparing students for advanced careers in nutrition science. As a master's level program, it may require an entrance exam, but no specific requirement is mentioned in the data.

• Campus-based program
• 30 credits for graduation
• Focus on nutritional biochemistry
• Includes research credits
• Graduate-level statistics required
• Advanced presentation skills training
• Tailored specialty courses
• Core nutrition classes
• Advisory committee guidance
• Thesis defense required

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#2

Ball State University

Muncie, IN - Public 4-Year - bsu.edu

Master's - Nutrition and Dietetics

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Ball State University's Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics is a hybrid program that prepares students for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists, with a focus on nutrition assessment, science, and medical nutrition therapy. It offers thesis and non-thesis options, includes an ACEND-approved dietetic internship, and aligns with the 2024 graduate degree mandate for RDNs. Admission requires a DPD Verification Statement or current RDN status, and no entrance exam is specified for this master's level program.

• Hybrid program format
• Thesis and non-thesis options
• ACEND-approved dietetic internship
• Online course availability
• Focus on medical nutrition therapy
• Prepares for RDN exam
• Growing job market
• Requires DPD Verification Statement
• For aspiring and current RDNs
• Aligns with 2024 RDN requirements

Master's - Nutrition and Dietetics

Concentration: Aspiring Dietitian - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Ball State University's Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics with a concentration in Aspiring Dietitian is a hybrid program combining online coursework with on-campus orientation and off-campus internships. It emphasizes nutrition assessment and medical nutrition therapy, preparing students for the RDN exam. Admission requires a DPD Verification Statement, and no entrance exam is mentioned for this master's level program.

• Hybrid program format
• Concentration for Aspiring Dietitians
• DPD Verification Statement required
• Thesis and non-thesis options
• Combines online and on-campus learning
• Off-campus internships included
• Focus on nutrition assessment
• Covers medical nutrition therapy
• Prepares for RDN examination
• Growing career opportunities

Master's - Nutrition and Dietetics

Concentration: Registered Dietitian Nutritionist - Online Learning - Visit Website

Ball State University's Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics with a concentration in Registered Dietitian Nutritionist is an online program designed for aspiring and current dietitians, offering thesis and non-thesis options. It includes an ACEND-approved dietetic internship and covers key areas like nutrition assessment and medical nutrition therapy. Admission requires a DPD Verification Statement or RDN registration, and no entrance exam is specified for this master's level program.

• Master of Science degree
• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist concentration
• Thesis and non-thesis options
• ACEND-approved dietetic internship
• Online coursework available
• On-campus orientation for interns
• Nutrition assessment courses
• Medical nutrition therapy focus
• DPD Verification Statement required
• RDN registration for current dietitians

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#3

Indiana University-Bloomington

Bloomington, IN - Public 4-Year - indiana.edu

Bachelor's - Nutrition Science

Campus Based - Visit Website

Indiana University-Bloomington's Nutrition Science bachelor's program offers a science-based curriculum integrating chemistry, biology, and physiology, with five specialty tracks for customization. It includes hands-on lab work and research opportunities, preparing students for careers in health professions, food, insurance, and pharmaceutical industries. This campus-based program requires ACT or SAT for admission and is military-friendly.

• Science-based curriculum
• Five specialty tracks
• Hands-on lab experience
• Research opportunities
• Career services support
• Prepares for health professions
• Campus-based program

Master's - Master of Science in Applied Health Science with a Nutrition Major

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Master of Science in Applied Health Science with a Nutrition Major at Indiana University-Bloomington is a 2-year campus program focusing on nutrient metabolism, epidemiology, and research. It requires a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA and prerequisites in biochemistry, physiology, and human nutrition. Admission may involve entrance exams, though specifics are not stated; it does not qualify graduates as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and is military-friendly.

• 2-year full-time program.
• Campus-based learning.
• Focus on nutrient metabolism.
• Research mentorship available.
• 3.0 GPA requirement.
• Undergraduate prerequisites needed.
• January 15 application deadline.
• SOPHAS and IU applications required.
• No RD/N qualification.
• Flexible study plans.

Show 1 More Programs ˅

*U.S. Department of Education, NCES, IPEDS 2023 data files.

How to Choose the Right School for You

Selecting the right nutrition program is crucial for your career success. With 3 major universities in Indiana offering comprehensive nutrition programs, use this guide to identify the program that best matches your goals, learning style, and circumstances.

Start with Your Career Goals

Want to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)?

• Ball State University – ACEND-approved Master’s with dietetic internship (hybrid format, aligns with 2024 requirements)
• Purdue University – ACEND-accredited Master’s in Dietetics with 94% national exam pass rate
• Purdue University – Bachelor’s in Nutrition and Dietetics with 1,000 supervised practice hours

Interested in nutrition research and science careers?

• Purdue University – Master of Science in Nutrition Science focusing on nutritional biochemistry and physiology
• Indiana University-Bloomington – MS in Applied Health Science with Nutrition Major emphasizing research
• Purdue University – Bachelor’s in Nutrition Science with undergraduate research opportunities

Planning to pursue medical or healthcare careers?

• Purdue University – Nutrition Science program includes pre-med prerequisites
• Indiana University-Bloomington – Nutrition Science with five specialty tracks for health professions
• Purdue University – Accelerated Master of Public Health option available

Want to work in public health nutrition?

• Indiana University-Bloomington – MS program prepares for public health and food industry roles
• Purdue University – Accelerated MPH degree option

Interested in sports nutrition?

• Purdue University – Programs offer sports nutrition specialization opportunities
• Purdue University – Double major option in Nutrition, Fitness, and Health

Consider Your Educational Background

Ready for undergraduate study?

• Purdue University – Nutrition Science or Nutrition and Dietetics bachelor’s programs
• Indiana University-Bloomington – Nutrition Science with comprehensive science-based curriculum

Already have a bachelor’s degree? Graduate options:

• Ball State University – MS in Nutrition and Dietetics (hybrid format with thesis/non-thesis options)
• Purdue University – MS in Dietetics (2-year coordinated program)
• Purdue University – MS in Nutrition Science (research-focused)
• Indiana University-Bloomington – MS in Applied Health Science with Nutrition Major

Want accelerated pathways?

• Purdue University – Accelerated MPH option for undergraduates

Need DPD completion for RDN pathway?

• Ball State University – Accepts students with DPD Verification Statement

Learning Format Preferences

Need online flexibility?

• Ball State University – Hybrid program with online coursework and essential campus visits
• Ball State University – Online concentration for current RDNs

Want traditional campus experience?

• Purdue University – All programs campus-based with extensive research facilities
• Indiana University-Bloomington – Campus-based with hands-on lab experience

Prefer combination of online and practical?

• Ball State University – Hybrid format combining online learning with internships

Financial Considerations

Public university advantages:

• All three institutions are public universities offering reasonable tuition for Indiana residents
• No GRE requirements for several programs (Purdue MS programs, IU program)

Consider program outcomes:

• Purdue University – 94% national exam pass rate for RDN program
• Ball State University – Growing job market with 15% projected growth
• Strong career services at all institutions

Geographic and Practical Factors

Location preferences:

• Muncie: Ball State University – Mid-sized city with hybrid program reducing location barriers
• West Lafayette: Purdue University – University town with major research facilities
• Bloomington: Indiana University – College town with strong academic environment

Practical experience opportunities:

• Purdue – 1,000 hours supervised practice across Indiana with flexible final rotation
• Ball State – ACEND-approved dietetic internship with off-campus placements
• IU – Research mentorship and laboratory-based experience

Special Program Features

Unique program advantages:

• Ball State – Hybrid format accommodating working professionals
• Purdue – Highest RDN exam pass rate (94%) in the state
• IU – Five specialty tracks for career customization
• Purdue – Double major options with minimal additional credits

Research opportunities:

• Purdue – Undergraduate research in cancer and diabetes fields
• IU – Laboratory and population-based research with faculty mentorship
• Purdue – Graduate research focusing on nutritional biochemistry

Flexibility features:

• Ball State – Thesis and non-thesis options for master’s programs
• Purdue – Flexible final rotation for specialization
• IU – Flexible study plans for individual career goals

Program Requirements and Competitiveness

Undergraduate admission requirements:

• Purdue – 3.0 GPA for transfer, ACT/SAT required
• IU – ACT/SAT required, strong science background preferred

Graduate admission requirements:

• Ball State – DPD Verification Statement required for aspiring dietitians
• Purdue – No GRE required, comprehensive admission review with professional interview
• IU – 3.0 GPA, specific undergraduate prerequisites, January 15 deadline

Application deadlines:

• IU – January 15 deadline with both SOPHAS and IU applications required
• Ball State – Aligns with dietetic internship program start dates

Program Outcomes and Success Rates

Outstanding outcomes:

• Purdue – 94% national RDN exam pass rate
• Ball State – Meets 2024 graduate degree requirement for RDNs
• Strong job placement across all programs

Career preparation:

• Purdue – Multiple dietetics career paths with comprehensive training
• IU – Preparation for public health, food industry, or doctoral studies
• Ball State – Focus on growing healthcare nutrition market

Indiana-Specific Advantages

State characteristics:

• Strong healthcare systems throughout Indiana provide excellent clinical opportunities
• Agricultural heritage supports understanding of food systems
• Research universities with established nutrition science programs
• Coordinated internship placements across the state

Regional focus:

• Midwest health challenges – programs address regional nutrition needs
• Industry connections with food and pharmaceutical companies
• Rural and urban practice opportunities throughout Indiana

Making Your Decision

Consider your career timeline:

Traditional 4-Year Path:

• Purdue or IU undergraduate → Graduate study or career entry

Accelerated Graduate Entry:

• Ball State – Hybrid master’s for working professionals
• Purdue – 2-year coordinated master’s program

Research Focus:

• Purdue MS in Nutrition Science – For research careers
• IU MS program – Research mentorship with flexibility

Evaluate your learning preferences:

• Need flexibility? Ball State’s hybrid format
• Want traditional university experience? Purdue or IU campus programs
• Prefer research focus? Purdue or IU graduate programs
• Seeking high success rates? Purdue’s 94% exam pass rate

Consider specialization interests:

• Clinical dietetics: Purdue’s coordinated program
• Sports nutrition: Purdue’s specialization options
• Public health: IU’s applied health science focus
• Research: Purdue’s nutrition science or IU’s research emphasis

Geographic and lifestyle factors:

• Prefer smaller city: Ball State (Muncie)
• Want major research environment: Purdue (West Lafayette)
• Like college town atmosphere: IU (Bloomington)

Financial planning:

• Most comprehensive value: Purdue’s high success rates
• Most flexible for working adults: Ball State’s hybrid format
• Research funding opportunities: Purdue and IU graduate programs

Timeline considerations:

• 2024 RDN requirements: Ball State specifically designed for new requirements
• Traditional timeline: Purdue’s established programs
• Research preparation: IU’s flexible study plans

Indiana offers excellent nutrition education through three strong public universities with distinct strengths. Purdue provides the highest RDN exam success rates and comprehensive research opportunities, Ball State offers innovative hybrid learning for working professionals, and IU emphasizes research mentorship with flexible career preparation. All three institutions provide pathways to successful nutrition careers with strong regional connections.

Choose based on your learning style preference (hybrid vs. traditional), career focus (clinical practice vs. research), and desired university environment (research university vs. more personalized experience).