Iowa Nutrition Programs & Online Degrees

Iowa’s nutrition education landscape is defined by two institutions that offer distinct and complementary academic paths. Graceland University-Lamoni provides specialized, flexible online Master of Science programs, making it an excellent choice for working professionals seeking expertise in areas like sports nutrition and human performance.

For students who prefer a traditional campus environment, Iowa State University offers comprehensive research-focused programs. As a major public university, Iowa State provides degrees from the bachelor’s through doctoral levels, including unique concentrations in areas like Animal Nutrition and Molecular and Cellular Nutrition. These two schools give aspiring nutrition professionals clear choices based on their learning style, career goals, and need for either flexible online learning or a research-intensive campus experience.

2026 Best Nutrition Degree Programs in Iowa

Looking for the best nutrition degree programs in Iowa? nutritiondegrees.org has you covered with our carefully researched rankings. We evaluate schools based on factors like curriculum quality, faculty expertise, and career outcomes to help you make an informed choice. Our team at nutritiondegrees.org is dedicated to providing reliable information to guide your educational journey. For details on how we rank these programs, check out our methodology at https://www.nutritiondegrees.org/about-us/#ranking.

#1

Iowa State University

Ames, IA - Public 4-Year - iastate.edu

Bachelor's - Nutritional Science

Campus Based - Visit Website

Iowa State University's Nutritional Science bachelor's program provides a robust 120-credit curriculum focused on the diet-health connection, preparing students for careers in research, health professions, or graduate studies. It emphasizes disease prevention, treatment, and nutrition assessment, with admission requiring general university standards and science prerequisites. No entrance exam like ACT or SAT is mentioned, but science prerequisites are key. The campus-based program offers a strong foundation in human nutrition and practical skills.

• 120 credit degree program
• Strong science and nutrition foundation
• Prepares for health professions
• Includes research coursework
• Focus on disease prevention
• Campus-based learning
• Comprehensive curriculum
• Admission requires science prerequisites
• Equips for graduate studies
• Covers nutrition assessment

Master's - Nutritional Sciences

Concentration: Human Nutrition - Campus Based - Visit Website

Iowa State University's Nutritional Sciences graduate program with a Human Nutrition concentration offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, delving into nutrition science for careers in research, public health, and clinical practice. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, minimum 3.0 GPA, and English proficiency for international students, with no GRE or GMAT needed. The campus-based curriculum includes interdisciplinary research and practical application, focusing on health impacts.

• M.S. and Ph.D. degrees offered.
• Concentration in Human Nutrition.
• Interdisciplinary nutrition research focus.
• Campus-based program.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
• English proficiency proof needed.
• No GRE or GMAT required.
• Focus on practical application.
• Prepares for diverse nutrition careers.
• Comprehensive curriculum.

Master's - Nutritional Sciences

Concentration: Animal Nutrition - Campus Based - Visit Website

Iowa State University's Nutritional Sciences graduate program with an Animal Nutrition concentration provides M.S. and Ph.D. options, emphasizing animal health and nutrition for research and industry careers. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, 3.0 GPA, and English proficiency, with no GRE or GMAT. The campus-based program has median completion times of 1.9 years for master's and 4.8 years for doctorate, featuring a comprehensive and practical curriculum.

• M.S. and Ph.D. degrees available
• Specialization in Animal Nutrition
• Median time to master's: 1.9 years
• Median time to doctorate: 4.8 years
• Campus-based program
• Requires 3.0 GPA for admission
• English proficiency required
• No GRE or GMAT needed
• Comprehensive curriculum
• Prepares for research and industry careers

Master's - Nutritional Sciences

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

Iowa State University's Nutritional Sciences graduate program with a Molecular and Cellular Nutrition concentration offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, focusing on biochemical foundations of nutrition for advanced health science careers. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, 3.0 GPA, and English proficiency for international students, with no GRE or GMAT. The campus-based curriculum includes a January 15 application deadline and emphasizes cutting-edge research and practical skills.

• M.S. and Ph.D. degrees available
• Focus on Molecular and Cellular Nutrition
• Campus-based program
• Median doctorate completion: 4.8 years
• Median master's completion: 1.9 years
• Requires bachelor's degree for admission
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• TOEFL/IELTS scores mandatory for internationals
• No GRE or GMAT required
• January 15 application deadline for Fall

Show 3 More Programs ˅

#2

Graceland University-Lamoni

Lamoni, IA - Private 4-year - graceland.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance

Concentration: Sport Nutrition and Performance - Online Learning - Visit Website

Graceland University-Lamoni's online Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance with a concentration in Sport Nutrition and Performance focuses on enhancing athletic performance through advanced studies in sports nutrition, human performance, and nutritional biochemistry. This flexible program can be completed in 16 months to 6 years, requires a bachelor's degree with a 2.75 GPA for admission, and does not mandate an entrance exam. At $470 per semester hour, it's an affordable option preparing graduates for careers as nutritionists and fitness trainers, with curriculum elements like nutrigenomics.

• Online program
• Flexible completion time
• Concentration in Sport Nutrition
• $470 per semester hour
• Bachelor's degree required
• 2.75 GPA minimum
• Prepares for various careers
• Includes nutrigenomics
• 16 months to 6 years
• Affordable tuition

Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance

Concentration: Health and Wellness - Online Learning - Visit Website

Graceland University-Lamoni offers an online Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance concentrating on Health and Wellness, emphasizing nutritional science, wellness promotion, and human performance. The program allows completion in 16 months to 6 years, requires a bachelor's degree with a 2.75 GPA, and no entrance exam is needed. With tuition at $470 per semester hour, it provides a cost-effective path for careers in nutrition, fitness, and health education, focusing on comprehensive wellness strategies.

• Online program
• Flexible completion time
• Health and Wellness concentration
• $470 per semester hour
• Bachelor's degree required
• 2.75 GPA minimum
• 16 months to 6 years
• Nutritional science focus
• Human performance courses
• Wellness promotion

Show 1 More Programs ˅

*Citation: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023. Available at: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

How to Choose the Right School for You

Selecting the right nutrition program is crucial for your career success. With 2 institutions in Iowa offering complementary 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 work in sports nutrition and athletic performance?

• Graceland University-Lamoni – Specialized MS in Nutrition and Human Performance with Sport Nutrition concentration (online)

Interested in health and wellness careers?

• Graceland University-Lamoni – Health and Wellness concentration in MS program (online)
• Iowa State University – Human Nutrition graduate programs for clinical and public health careers

Planning to pursue nutrition research or doctoral studies?

• Iowa State University – Comprehensive MS and PhD programs in multiple nutrition science concentrations
• ISU – Molecular and Cellular Nutrition for biochemical research focus

Want to work with animals or agricultural nutrition?

• Iowa State University – Animal Nutrition concentration (unique offering in our guides)

Need undergraduate preparation for nutrition careers?

• Iowa State University – Nutritional Science bachelor’s program (120 credits)

Consider Your Educational Background

Starting with undergraduate study?

• Iowa State University – Bachelor’s in Nutritional Science with comprehensive foundation

Already have a bachelor’s degree? Graduate options:

• Graceland University – MS in Nutrition and Human Performance (online, flexible timing)
• Iowa State University – MS and PhD in multiple nutrition science concentrations

Want accelerated completion?

• Graceland University – Complete MS in as little as 16 months
• Iowa State University – Median master’s completion in 1.9 years

Seeking maximum flexibility?

• Graceland University – Online program with 16 months to 6 years completion window

Learning Format Preferences

Need online flexibility?

• Graceland University – 100% online MS programs with flexible scheduling

Want traditional campus research experience?

• Iowa State University – Campus-based programs with comprehensive research facilities

Prefer accelerated programs?

• Graceland University – 16-month minimum completion option
• Iowa State – Efficient completion times (1.9 years median for MS)

Financial Considerations

Looking for affordable options?

• Graceland University – $470 per semester hour (predictable pricing)
• Iowa State University – Public university rates for Iowa residents

Consider admission accessibility:

• Graceland University – 2.75 GPA minimum (more accessible)
• Iowa State University – 3.0 GPA requirement but no GRE/GMAT required

Compare total program costs:

• Graceland – Calculate based on $470/credit hour for online convenience
• Iowa State – Traditional public university costs with research opportunities

Geographic and Practical Factors

Location preferences:

• Lamoni: Graceland University – Small town setting (online programs eliminate location barriers)
• Ames: Iowa State University – University town with major research facilities

Practical experience opportunities:

• Iowa State – Research university with extensive lab facilities and research projects
• Graceland – Online format allows work experience while studying

Special Program Features

Unique program advantages:

• Graceland – Specialized sports nutrition focus (rare online option)
• Iowa State – Animal Nutrition concentration (unique among our guides)
• Iowa State – Molecular and Cellular Nutrition for advanced research
• Graceland – Extreme flexibility (16 months to 6 years completion)

Research opportunities:

• Iowa State – Comprehensive research in multiple nutrition science areas
• Iowa State – PhD programs for advanced research careers
• Graceland – Applied research focus in performance and wellness

Flexibility features:

• Graceland – Online delivery with flexible pacing
• Iowa State – Multiple concentration options within graduate programs
• Both – No GRE/GMAT requirements

Program Requirements and Competitiveness

Admission requirements:

• Graceland University – 2.75 GPA minimum, bachelor’s degree
• Iowa State University – 3.0 GPA, English proficiency for international students

Application advantages:

• Both institutions – No GRE or GMAT required
• Iowa State – January 15 application deadline for fall admission

Academic preparation:

• Iowa State – Science prerequisites for undergraduate program
• Graceland – Broad bachelor’s degree acceptance

Iowa-Specific Advantages

State characteristics:

• Agricultural heritage – Iowa State’s strength in animal nutrition reflects state’s agricultural focus
• Healthcare opportunities – Both urban and rural healthcare settings available
• Affordable living – Lower cost of living supports educational investment

Regional focus:

• Agricultural nutrition – Iowa State’s unique strength in animal nutrition
• Rural health applications – Programs prepare for Iowa’s mixed urban/rural population
• Midwest health challenges – Programs address regional nutrition needs

Making Your Decision

Choose Graceland University if you:

• Want specialized sports nutrition focus
• Need maximum scheduling flexibility
• Prefer online learning format
• Want to complete degree while working
• Have limited time for intensive study
• Are interested in performance nutrition careers

Choose Iowa State University if you:

• Want comprehensive research university experience
• Are interested in multiple nutrition science areas
• Plan to pursue PhD or research careers
• Want traditional campus-based education
• Are interested in animal nutrition (unique offering)
• Seek established program with extensive resources

Consider your career timeline:

Fast Career Entry:

• Graceland – 16-month accelerated online option

Traditional Academic Path:

• Iowa State – Undergraduate through PhD progression

Working Professional:

• Graceland – Online format accommodates work schedule

Research Career:

• Iowa State – Multiple PhD options in specialized areas

Evaluate your interests:

• Sports performance focus? Graceland’s specialized program
• Broad nutrition science? Iowa State’s comprehensive options
• Animal/agricultural nutrition? Iowa State’s unique concentration
• Health and wellness? Both offer relevant programs

Financial planning:

• Predictable costs: Graceland’s per-credit pricing
• Public university value: Iowa State’s comprehensive offerings
• Flexibility value: Graceland’s extended completion options

Learning style considerations:

• Self-directed online learner: Graceland’s flexible format
• Traditional university experience: Iowa State’s campus environment
• Research-focused: Iowa State’s extensive facilities
• Applied performance focus: Graceland’s specialized approach

Iowa offers complementary nutrition education through two institutions with distinct strengths. Graceland provides specialized, flexible online programs ideal for working professionals seeking sports nutrition or wellness expertise. Iowa State offers comprehensive research university experience with unique animal nutrition opportunities and traditional academic progression.

Choose based on your career focus (specialized vs. broad), learning format preference (online flexibility vs. campus research), and academic goals (applied practice vs. research careers). Both institutions serve Iowa’s needs while preparing students for national nutrition opportunities.