Louisiana Nutrition Programs & Online Degrees

Louisiana offers a variety of nutrition degree programs that cater to diverse career paths in health and wellness.

Louisiana State University (LSU) provides a comprehensive undergraduate Nutrition and Food Sciences program with four concentrations, including a pre-medical track, and a research-focused graduate program. Its curriculum uniquely leverages the state’s rich culinary and agricultural heritage.

For those pursuing a career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), Louisiana Tech University offers an ACEND-accredited program with an efficient, integrated pathway that can lead to both a bachelor’s degree and an optional master’s degree.

Nicholls State University provides a specialized, fully online Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Leadership, designed for working professionals seeking to advance their skills.

Additionally, Southern University and A&M College offers an accessible, interdisciplinary program in Family and Consumer Sciences with unique concentrations in Nutrition and Health Informatics and Culinary/Food Management, reflecting the state’s focus on technology and its culinary traditions.

Take a look at the rankings below for more information.

2026 Best Nutrition Degree Programs in Louisiana

Looking for the best nutrition degree programs in Louisiana? nutritiondegrees.org has done the research to help you find top options that fit your goals. We consider factors like accreditation, faculty expertise, and career outcomes to create our rankings. For details on how we rank programs, check out our methodology at https://www.nutritiondegrees.org/about-us/#ranking.

#1

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Baton Rouge, LA - Public 4-Year - lsu.edu

Bachelor's - Nutrition and Food Sciences

Campus Based - Visit Website

Louisiana State University's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Sciences offers a comprehensive curriculum exploring food, health, and society with four concentrations, preparing students for careers in healthcare, food production, and research. The program requires ACT or SAT scores for admission, features world-class faculty, and leverages Louisiana's culinary landscape for practical learning. It emphasizes research and critical problem-solving skills, ideal for diverse professional paths.

• Bachelor's of Science degree
• Four concentration options
• World-class faculty instruction
• Diverse career opportunities
• Research-focused curriculum
• Preparation for medical careers
• Food science and technology focus
• Industry-aligned learning
• Comprehensive nutrition education

Bachelor's - Nutrition and Food Sciences

Concentration: Dietetics - Campus Based - Visit Website

LSU's Dietetics concentration in Nutrition and Food Sciences provides a focused study on human nutrition and food system management, preparing students for dietetic internships and careers in health and wellness. Admission follows undergraduate criteria, including ACT or SAT scores, and the program emphasizes practical skills in Baton Rouge, with access to diverse culinary traditions for enriched learning.

• Focus on Dietetics concentration.
• Prepares for dietetic internships.
• Located in Baton Rouge, LA.
• Emphasizes practical nutrition skills.
• Access to diverse culinary traditions.
• Undergraduate admission criteria apply.
• Program costs detailed online.
• Ideal for health-focused students.

Bachelor's - Nutrition and Food Sciences

Concentration: Nutritional Sciences/Pre-Medical - Campus Based - Visit Website

The Nutritional Sciences/Pre-Medical concentration at LSU blends rigorous coursework in biological sciences with nutrition's role in health, designed to meet medical school prerequisites. Admission requires ACT or SAT scores, and the program fosters critical thinking through diverse clinical experiences in Baton Rouge, preparing students for future healthcare careers with a strong foundation in disease prevention and health promotion.

• Pre-medical curriculum focus
• Baton Rouge campus location
• Diverse clinical experiences
• Foundation in biological sciences
• Critical thinking development
• Disease prevention emphasis
• Health promotion strategies
• Medical school preparation
• Vibrant campus life
• Access to diverse food cultures

Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Sciences

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Sciences at LSU is a research-intensive program requiring 30 credit hours and a thesis, with a focus on food chemistry, safety, and addressing issues like obesity. Admission necessitates GRE scores and a 3.0 GPA, offering financial aid and preparing graduates for specialized careers in nutrition and food sciences through campus-based learning.

• 30 credit hours required.
• Thesis research included.
• Focus on food chemistry.
• GRE scores needed.
• 3.0 GPA minimum.
• Financial aid available.
• Research-focused program.
• Campus-based learning.
• Specializations available.
• Prepares for impactful careers.

Show 3 More Programs ˅

#2

Louisiana Tech University

Ruston, LA - Public 4-Year - latech.edu

Bachelor's - Nutrition and Dietetics

Campus Based - Visit Website

Louisiana Tech University offers an ACEND-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, preparing students for careers in health and wellness. The program requires an ACT or SAT exam for admission, with a competitive application process. It features a comprehensive curriculum covering nutrition basics to advanced practices, alongside a post-baccalaureate dietetic internship and financial aid options, ensuring readiness for certification and professional success.

• ACEND-accredited Bachelor of Science.
• Post-baccalaureate dietetic internship.
• Master of Science in Dietetics.
• Competitive admissions process.
• Financial aid options available.
• Comprehensive nutrition curriculum.
• Prepares for dietetic certification.

Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at Louisiana Tech University is a hybrid program with thesis and non-thesis options, requiring 30-39 credit hours. Admission necessitates a 2.85 GPA and an undergraduate degree in Nutrition/Dietetics or foundation courses, but no entrance exam is specified. Focused on nutrition research and its impact on health, it includes synchronous online sessions and prepares graduates for advanced roles in the field.

• Hybrid program format
• Thesis and non-thesis options
• 30-39 semester hours
• 2.85 GPA requirement
• Undergraduate degree in Nutrition/Dietetics
• Foundation courses for other majors
• Focus on nutrition research
• Synchronous online sessions
• Prepares for advanced dietetics roles
• Impact on individual and community health

Show 1 More Programs ˅

#3

Southern University and A & M College

Baton Rouge, LA - Public 4-Year - subr.edu

Bachelor's - Family and Consumer Sciences

Concentration: Nutrition, Health and Wellness - Campus Based - Visit Website

Southern University and A&M College's Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Nutrition, Health and Wellness focuses on nutrition's role in wellness and health promotion. This campus-based program prepares students for careers in the food industry and health organizations, emphasizing practical learning experiences. Admission requires a 2.00 GPA from 24 semester hours, and financial aid is available. As a bachelor's program, it may require ACT or SAT entrance exams, though specifics are not provided in the data.

• Focus on nutrition and wellness.
• Prepares for diverse careers.
• Admission requires 2.00 GPA.
• Financial aid available.
• Campus-based program.
• Encourages graduate studies.
• Professional growth opportunities.
• Leadership skill development.
• Community projects participation.
• Honor societies for high achievers.

Bachelor's - Family and Consumer Sciences

Concentration: Culinary/Food Management - Campus Based - Visit Website

At Southern University and A&M College, the Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences with a Culinary/Food Management concentration blends culinary arts with food science and management. This campus program readies students for hospitality and healthcare careers, with admission based on a 2.00 GPA and 24 semester hours. Financial aid is offered, and as a bachelor's degree, ACT or SAT exams might be required, though not explicitly stated.

• Bachelor of Science degree
• Culinary/Food Management concentration
• Campus-based program
• 2.00 GPA requirement
• 24 semester hours for admission
• Prepares for hospitality careers
• Financial aid available
• Supports graduate study
• Growing job prospects

Bachelor's - Family and Consumer Sciences

Concentration: Nutrition and Health Informatics - Campus Based - Visit Website

Southern University and A&M College offers a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences concentrating on Nutrition and Health Informatics, merging nutrition science with health data management. This campus-based program prepares graduates for roles in health informatics and technology-driven nutrition solutions. Admission necessitates a 2.00 GPA from 24 semester hours, with financial aid available. For this bachelor's program, ACT or SAT entrance exams may be required, but details are not specified.

• Bachelor of Science degree.
• Nutrition and Health Informatics concentration.
• Campus-based program.
• 2.00 GPA admission requirement.
• Prepares for health informatics careers.
• Supports graduate study.
• Financial aid available.
• Focus on technology in nutrition.
• Growing career opportunities.
• Combines nutrition and data management.

Show 2 More Programs ˅

#4

Nicholls State University

Thibodaux, LA - Public 4-Year - nicholls.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Leadership

Online Learning - Visit Website

Nicholls State University's Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Leadership is an online program preparing students for the RDN exam. It emphasizes clinical nutrition, leadership, and research, requiring 36 semester hours and can be completed in two years. Admission necessitates a bachelor's degree, a DPD Verification statement, and a minimum 2.8 GPA. This program enhances skills for diverse healthcare settings, focusing on professional development without requiring an entrance exam.

• 100% online program.
• Complete in 2 years.
• 36 semester hours required.
• Focus on clinical nutrition.
• Leadership and research core.
• Prepares for RDN exam.
• Admission GPA 2.8 minimum.
• DPD Verification statement needed.
• Elective courses available.
• Enhances professional skills.

*Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2023, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education.

Choosing the Right Nutrition Program in Louisiana: A Comprehensive Analysis

Program Overview and Educational Landscape

Louisiana’s nutrition education landscape offers a distinctive blend of traditional academic excellence and innovative specialization that reflects the state’s unique cultural heritage and emerging healthcare needs. The four institutions provide comprehensive coverage from foundational technical preparation through advanced research and leadership development, with several programs offering unique approaches not commonly found elsewhere.

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College represents flagship research university excellence with comprehensive undergraduate specialization and advanced graduate research opportunities, leveraging the state’s agricultural heritage and diverse culinary traditions.

Louisiana Tech University provides innovative hybrid learning models combining traditional campus education with flexible online components, featuring unique integrated undergraduate-to-graduate pathways for efficient professional preparation.

Nicholls State University specializes in advanced online graduate education with distinctive focus on clinical nutrition leadership, serving working professionals throughout the region and beyond.

Southern University and A&M College offers innovative interdisciplinary approaches through their HBCU perspective, including cutting-edge programs in health informatics and culinary management that reflect emerging industry demands.

Career-Focused Program Analysis

For Aspiring Registered Dietitian Nutritionists

Louisiana provides multiple excellent pathways to RDN credentialing with varying approaches:

LSU’s Dietetics concentration offers comprehensive preparation through:

• Four specialized concentrations allowing career focus development
• Research-focused curriculum providing competitive advantage for graduate study
• Diverse culinary traditions integration unique to Louisiana’s cultural landscape
• Evidence-based nutritional science foundation for professional practice

Louisiana Tech’s ACEND-accredited program provides innovative preparation with:

• Post-baccalaureate dietetic internship integrated with undergraduate studies
• Optional Master’s degree combination for advanced credentialing
• Comprehensive nutrition curriculum covering all professional competencies
• Structured pathway to professional certification eliminating traditional barriers

Nicholls State’s Clinical Nutrition Leadership prepares advanced practitioners through:

• 36-semester-hour comprehensive curriculum integrating clinical and leadership skills
• Research-oriented approach developing evidence-based practice capabilities
• CDR RDN examination preparation through fully online delivery
• Two-year flexible trajectory accommodating working professionals

For Medical School and Healthcare Preparation

LSU’s Nutritional Sciences/Pre-Medical concentration provides exceptional preparation for:

• Medical school admission through rigorous biological sciences foundation
• Disease prevention and health promotion specialization
• Critical thinking skills development essential for medical practice
• Medical school prerequisites integrated with nutrition expertise
• Diverse clinical experiences in Baton Rouge healthcare settings

For Food Industry and Culinary Careers

Southern University’s Culinary/Food Management concentration offers unique preparation for:

• Hospitality industry leadership combining culinary arts with management
• Healthcare catering and institutional food service management
• Restaurant management with nutritional science integration
• Food service operations in healthcare and educational settings

LSU’s Food Sciences focus prepares for:

• Food production industry careers with scientific foundation
• Food technology and safety roles in manufacturing
• Public policy positions addressing food systems
• Research and development in food and nutrition companies

For Emerging Technology Careers

Southern University’s Nutrition and Health Informatics concentration provides pioneering preparation for:

• Health informatics careers at the intersection of nutrition and technology
• Data interpretation and analytics for healthcare applications
• Health technology applications in nutrition practice
• Nutritional research methodologies using advanced analytics
• Transforming nutritional data into actionable health insights

For Advanced Graduate Research

LSU’s Master of Science program offers research-intensive preparation for:

• Food chemistry and microbiology specialization
• Obesity research addressing critical health challenges
• 30 credit hours of advanced scientific training
• Comprehensive thesis development and research skills
• Academic and industry research career preparation

Louisiana Tech’s hybrid master’s program provides flexible advancement through:

• Thesis and non-thesis options accommodating different career goals
• 30-39 semester hours of specialized study
• Advanced nutrition research capabilities
• Leadership roles in dietetics and public health nutrition

Financial Investment Analysis

Most Affordable Options

Louisiana Tech University offers exceptional value across all programs:

• Undergraduate: $8,100-$12,200 (in-state), $13,500-$20,200 (non-resident)
• Graduate: $6,400-$9,600 (in-state), $10,200-$15,300 (non-resident)

Southern University and A&M College provides excellent HBCU value:

• Undergraduate: $7,900-$11,800 (in-state), $13,800-$20,600 (non-resident)

LSU offers competitive flagship university pricing:

• Undergraduate: $9,600-$14,300 (in-state), $22,900-$34,400 (non-resident)
• Graduate: $10,400-$15,600 (in-state), $24,000-$36,000 (non-resident)

Specialized Program Value

Nicholls State University provides premium online graduate education (specific pricing not provided, but typically competitive for specialized online programs), offering unique clinical nutrition leadership focus with maximum flexibility.

Return on Investment Considerations

Louisiana Tech provides the best overall value with integrated pathways reducing total education time and cost. Southern University offers exceptional value for innovative programs like health informatics. LSU provides flagship university advantages justifying higher investment for research-oriented careers. Nicholls offers specialized expertise for working professionals seeking leadership advancement.

Program Format and Learning Experience

Traditional Research University Excellence

LSU provides comprehensive flagship university experience:

• World-class faculty instruction across multiple specializations
• Research-focused curriculum with hands-on scientific training
• Diverse clinical experiences in major medical centers
• Agricultural and culinary heritage integration unique to Louisiana
• Comprehensive nutrition education across four concentration areas

Innovative Hybrid Learning

Louisiana Tech pioneers flexible education delivery:

• Hybrid program format combining campus and online advantages
• Synchronous online sessions maintaining interactive learning
• Thesis and non-thesis options accommodating different learning styles
• Working professional accommodation through flexible scheduling
• Integrated undergraduate-graduate pathways for efficiency

Fully Online Specialization

Nicholls State offers premium online graduate education:

• 100% online delivery eliminating geographic barriers
• Two-year completion with flexible pacing
• Clinical nutrition and leadership focus for advanced practice
• Research-oriented approach developing evidence-based skills
• Professional skill enhancement for career advancement

Interdisciplinary Innovation

Southern University provides unique HBCU perspective with:

• Health informatics integration pioneering technology applications
• Culinary management specialization reflecting industry demands
• Accessible admission requirements (2.0 GPA) promoting educational access
• Diverse perspectives enhancing cultural competence
• Financial aid availability supporting student success

Specialization Depth and Unique Offerings

Most Comprehensive Undergraduate Specialization

LSU offers unmatched undergraduate diversity:

• Dietetics concentration for traditional RDN preparation
• Nutritional Sciences/Pre-Medical for healthcare careers
• Food Sciences focus for industry applications
• Research integration across all concentrations

Innovative Technology Integration

Southern University provides unique technological focus:

• Nutrition and Health Informatics pioneering program combining data science with nutrition
• Culinary/Food Management integrating nutrition science with hospitality
• Wellness and health promotion holistic approach

Advanced Professional Leadership

Nicholls State specializes in leadership development:

• Clinical Nutrition Leadership unique focus on advanced practice
• Research-oriented curriculum developing evidence-based leaders
• Professional skill enhancement for healthcare settings

Flexible Professional Development

Louisiana Tech offers comprehensive advancement options:

• ACEND-accredited undergraduate with integrated internship
• Hybrid graduate programs accommodating working professionals
• Multiple credential pathways for career advancement

Academic Requirements and Accessibility

Research University Standards

LSU maintains competitive flagship requirements:

• ACT or SAT scores required for undergraduate admission
• 3.0 GPA minimum for graduate programs
• GRE scores required for graduate admission
• Compelling statement of purpose demonstrating research interest

Innovative Accessible Standards

Louisiana Tech balances quality with accessibility:

• 2.85 GPA requirement for graduate programs (lower than typical)
• Competitive admissions ensuring program quality
• Financial aid opportunities supporting student success
• Flexible admission pathways for diverse backgrounds

Maximum Accessibility

Southern University emphasizes educational access:

• 2.0 GPA requirement promoting educational opportunity
• HBCU mission supporting diverse student populations
• Financial aid availability reducing economic barriers
• Multiple concentration options serving diverse interests

Nicholls State serves working professionals:

• 2.8 GPA minimum ensuring basic academic preparation
• DPD Verification statement for professional readiness
• Bachelor’s degree requirement with nutrition foundation
• Flexible online delivery accommodating professional schedules

Geographic and Professional Advantages

Louisiana Cultural and Culinary Heritage

All programs benefit from Louisiana’s unique advantages:

• Rich culinary traditions providing distinctive learning laboratory
• Cultural diversity enhancing cultural competence development
• Agricultural heritage supporting food systems understanding
• Tourism and hospitality industry providing career opportunities

Healthcare Infrastructure Access

Louisiana’s healthcare system provides:

• Major medical centers in Baton Rouge and New Orleans
• Diverse patient populations requiring varied nutrition interventions
• Rural health challenges demanding innovative solutions
• Public health initiatives addressing regional nutrition needs

Industry Connections

The state’s economy offers:

• Food processing and agriculture industry career opportunities
• Healthcare and wellness sector growth
• Technology integration in healthcare settings
• Tourism and hospitality nutrition applications

Decision-Making Framework

Choose Louisiana State University if you:

• Want flagship research university advantages and prestige
• Need comprehensive undergraduate specialization options
• Plan medical school or advanced research careers
• Value extensive research opportunities and faculty expertise
• Want pre-medical preparation with nutrition specialization
• Can invest in higher tuition for superior research access
• Prefer traditional campus-based learning experience
• Want access to diverse clinical experiences in major medical centers

Choose Louisiana Tech University if you:

• Want innovative hybrid learning combining campus and online advantages
• Need integrated undergraduate-graduate pathways for efficiency
• Value exceptional affordability with quality education
• Prefer flexible scheduling accommodating work commitments
• Want ACEND-accredited preparation with modern delivery methods
• Need thesis and non-thesis graduate options
• Value post-baccalaureate internship integration
• Want working professional accommodation

Choose Nicholls State University if you:

• Are a working professional seeking advanced specialization
• Want 100% online graduate education with clinical focus
• Need leadership development for healthcare settings
• Prefer research-oriented approach to clinical practice
• Want RDN exam preparation through flexible delivery
• Can commit to focused two-year intensive program
• Value clinical nutrition specialization
• Need geographic flexibility through online delivery

Choose Southern University and A&M College if you:

• Want innovative interdisciplinary approaches
• Are interested in health informatics and technology integration
• Value HBCU educational experience and perspectives
• Need accessible admission requirements (2.0 GPA)
• Want culinary management specialization
• Prefer affordable, diverse educational environment
• Are interested in emerging nutrition career fields
• Value cultural competence development and diverse perspectives

Specific Career Path Recommendations

For Traditional Clinical Dietetics:

• LSU Dietetics: Comprehensive flagship preparation with research advantages
• Louisiana Tech: Innovative integrated preparation with efficiency
• Nicholls State: Advanced clinical leadership specialization

For Medical School Preparation:

• LSU Nutritional Sciences/Pre-Medical: Only specialized pre-medical nutrition program

For Food Industry Careers:

• LSU Food Sciences: Research-intensive preparation for industry leadership
• Southern University Culinary Management: Hospitality and food service focus

For Technology and Innovation:

• Southern University Health Informatics: Pioneering program in emerging field
• Louisiana Tech Hybrid Programs: Technology-integrated education delivery

For Working Professionals:

• Nicholls State Online: Maximum flexibility with clinical specialization
• Louisiana Tech Hybrid: Balanced online and campus advantages

For Budget-Conscious Students:

• Louisiana Tech: Best overall value across all programs
• Southern University: Excellent value with innovative specializations

For Research Careers:

• LSU Graduate Programs: Superior research opportunities and faculty expertise
• Louisiana Tech: Research focus with practical application balance

For Leadership Development:

• Nicholls State: Specialized clinical nutrition leadership focus
• Southern University: Diverse perspectives and cultural competence

Final Recommendations

For students seeking comprehensive research university advantages: LSU offers unmatched specialization options, research opportunities, and flagship university prestige, particularly strong for pre-medical and research career preparation.

For students wanting innovative, efficient education: Louisiana Tech provides exceptional value through hybrid delivery and integrated pathways, combining quality with affordability and flexibility.

For working professionals seeking advanced specialization: Nicholls State offers unique online clinical nutrition leadership preparation with maximum flexibility and research focus.

For students interested in emerging fields and diverse perspectives: Southern University provides innovative programs in health informatics and culinary management within an accessible, culturally rich HBCU environment.

Louisiana’s nutrition education landscape uniquely combines cultural heritage with innovative educational approaches, providing exceptional opportunities across all career paths and budgets. The state’s distinctive culinary traditions, agricultural heritage, and emerging technology integration create a dynamic learning environment that prepares graduates for both traditional and innovative nutrition careers. Whether students prioritize research excellence, technological innovation, cultural competence, or professional flexibility, Louisiana’s programs offer distinctive pathways to nutrition career success.