Boston is home to some of the nation’s most respected nutrition and dietetics programs, offering students the chance to study at top universities with strong clinical and research ties. From bachelor’s degrees that build a foundation in nutrition science to online master’s programs designed for working professionals, students can find flexible and accredited pathways to meet their career goals. These programs balance rigorous coursework with hands-on experience in hospitals, community settings, and applied research.
Average Cost & Duration
Average Cost: Based on Simmons, BU, and Northeastern, tuition typically ranges from $30,000 to $55,000 per year, with public universities sometimes lower and private institutions on the higher end.
Average Duration:
- Bachelor’s programs: ~4 years (128 credits at BU, similar at Simmons).
- Master’s programs: 1–2 years (Northeastern under 2 years, BU and Simmons ~2 years).
A safe average across levels is 4 years for bachelor’s degrees and about 2 years for master’s degrees.
2026 Best Nutrition Degree Programs in Boston
Simmons University
Boston, MA - Private 4-year - simmons.edu
Bachelor's - BS in Nutrition and Dietetics
Campus Based - Visit Website
Simmons University's BS in Nutrition and Dietetics is an ACEND-accredited program that prepares students to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. It features a rigorous curriculum with courses in food science, community nutrition, and medical nutrition therapy, along with hands-on learning opportunities in Boston's top hospitals. Admission requires submission of standard undergraduate materials, including ACT or SAT scores, as it is a bachelor's level program. This on-campus degree offers a pathway to a master's and dietetic internship, ideal for those focused on health sciences and community impact.
- ACEND-accredited program.
- Prepares for RDN credential.
- Located in Boston.
- Hands-on learning opportunities.
- Pathway to master's degree.
- Rigorous science curriculum.
- Specialized nutrition studies.
- Community nutrition focus.
- Medical nutrition therapy included.
- Admission requires undergraduate materials.
Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition and Health Promotion
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Master of Science in Nutrition and Health Promotion at Simmons University is offered online and on-campus, designed for professionals seeking to advance in nutrition and wellness. With tracks in Applied Nutrition Science and Entrepreneurship, the 30-credit program covers nutritional science and health promotion strategies, requiring prerequisites in chemistry, biology, and nutrition. No entrance exam is specified for this master's level program, making it accessible for diverse career paths in public health and private practice.
- Online and on-campus options.
- Tracks in Applied Nutrition, Entrepreneurship.
- 30 credit program.
- B or better required in courses.
- Prerequisites in chemistry, biology.
- Prepares for careers in public health.
- Faculty are experts in their fields.
- Customizable study plans.
- Evening classes for on-campus students.
- Fully online format available.
Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition and Health Promotion
Concentration: Applied Nutrition Science - Online Learning - Visit Website
Simmons University's MS in Nutrition and Health Promotion with an Applied Nutrition Science concentration focuses on research methods and health promotion, preparing graduates for leadership roles in nutrition science. Available online or on-campus, this 30-credit program requires a B or better in courses and prerequisites in science and nutrition. No entrance exam is mentioned for this master's level concentration, emphasizing evidence-based education and practical skills for careers in research and community nutrition.
- 30 credit program.
- Online or on-campus options.
- Applied Nutrition Science concentration.
- B or better required in courses.
- Prerequisites in science and nutrition.
- Focus on research and health promotion.
- Prepares for diverse nutrition careers.
- Customizable with elective courses.
- Evening classes for on-campus students.
- Fully online format available.
Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition and Health Promotion
Concentration: Entrepreneurship - Online Learning - Visit Website
The MS in Nutrition and Health Promotion with an Entrepreneurship concentration at Simmons University blends nutrition science with business skills, enabling students to innovate in for-profit, non-profit, or government sectors. This online program includes management courses and culminates in a business plan, offering flexibility for working professionals. Prerequisites in chemistry, biology, and nutrition are required, with no entrance exam specified for the master's level, fostering impactful entrepreneurial ventures in health promotion.
- Online program flexibility
- Entrepreneurship concentration available
- Combines nutrition and business skills
- Culminates with a business plan
- Ideal for working professionals
- Prerequisites in science and nutrition
- Courses from Simmons School of Management
- Prepares for various sectors
- Flexible part-time study option
- 30 credit program
Boston University
Boston, MA - Private 4-year - bu.edu
Bachelor's - BS in Nutrition
Concentration: Nutrition Science Track - Campus Based - Visit Website
Boston University's Nutrition Science Track Bachelor's program stands out as a premier pathway for students targeting advanced medical and scientific careers. Spanning 128 credits, this comprehensive program delivers a robust foundation in biological and chemical sciences with specialized nutrition research components. Students gain critical thinking skills essential for medical, dental, and veterinary school preparation. The curriculum strategically integrates organic chemistry, systems physiology, and advanced nutrition coursework. Admission requires a minimum 2.0 GPA, offering flexibility for diverse student backgrounds. Graduates emerge equipped for dynamic careers in biomedical sciences, public health communication, and research-intensive environments.
- Prepares for medical school
- Strong science foundation
- Enhances critical thinking
- Includes organic chemistry
- Offers nutrition research
- 128 credit program
- Minimum GPA 2.0
- Career in public health
- Flexible for various stages
- Campus-based program
Bachelor's - BS in Nutrition
Concentration: Dietetics Track - Campus Based - Visit Website
Boston University's Dietetics Track Bachelor's program represents a strategic pathway for students pursuing Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) certification. Fully accredited by ACEND, this program meticulously prepares students for professional practice through a comprehensive curriculum integrating biological, chemical, and nutrition sciences. Students must maintain a C+ average in gateway courses, demonstrating rigorous academic standards. The program uniquely blends BU Hub general education with specialized nutrition coursework, emphasizing clinical nutrition, public health strategies, and research methodologies. Graduates are comprehensively prepared for the CDR national registration exam and state licensure, positioning them competitively in the nutrition profession.
- Dietetics Track focus.
- Meets ACEND requirements.
- Covers nutrition sciences.
- Gateway courses required.
- Prepares for RDN exam.
- Includes BU Hub education.
- Clinical nutrition emphasis.
- Public health preparation.
- Research skills development.
- State licensure ready.
Bachelor's - BS in Nutrition
Concentration: Nutrition & Health Track - Campus Based - Visit Website
Boston University's Nutrition & Health Track offers an innovative Bachelor's program targeting students passionate about holistic health approaches. This dynamic curriculum explores critical sciences including chemistry, physiology, and microbiology while providing specialized knowledge in life cycle nutrition, community health, and chronic disease prevention. Students develop expertise through carefully structured coursework spanning 128 credits with a minimum 2.0 GPA requirement. The interdisciplinary program prepares graduates for diverse careers in public health, communications, athletic nutrition, and health behavior promotion, emphasizing critical thinking and advanced problem-solving skills across multiple health domains.
- 128 total credits required
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- Multiple concentration options
- Science-based nutrition curriculum
- Minimum 16 credits concentration area
- Interdisciplinary health approach
- Critical thinking emphasis
- Advanced problem-solving skills
Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition
Campus Based - Visit Website
Boston University's Master of Science in Nutrition program provides a transformative academic experience for aspiring nutrition professionals. Designed to support career advancement and research exploration, this STEM-eligible program emphasizes comprehensive research evaluation and communication skills. Students benefit from customizable study paths, guided by supportive faculty across education, research, and consulting domains. The curriculum includes a mandatory research project and optional practicum, ensuring practical skill development. While not including a dietetic internship, the program offers merit scholarships, graduate assistantships, and potential OPT extension for international students, making it an attractive option for ambitious nutrition scholars.
- STEM-eligible program.
- Customizable study focus.
- Research project required.
- Optional practicum experience.
- Merit scholarships available.
- Graduate assistantships offered.
- No dietetic internship included.
- Faculty support in various fields.
- Focus on research and communication.
- Ideal for medical school prep.
Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition+Dietetic Internship
Concentration: Clinical - Campus Based - Visit Website
Boston University's Master of Science in Nutrition+Dietetic Internship (MS+DI) with a Clinical concentration represents a premier pathway for aspiring Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. This ACEND-accredited, 16-month program seamlessly integrates rigorous graduate coursework with a comprehensive full-time Dietetic Internship. Students benefit from state-of-the-art clinical simulation training, ensuring practical expertise across diverse healthcare settings. With a remarkable 100% RDN exam pass rate, the program guarantees merit scholarships and graduate assistantships. The STEM-eligible degree provides a 29-week immersive internship experience, preparing graduates for entry-level RDN positions through specialized rotations and comprehensive professional development.
- 16-month program duration
- ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship
- Clinical concentration focus
- 100% RDN exam pass rate
- State-of-the-art clinical simulation center
- Guaranteed $10,000 merit scholarship
- Graduate Assistantships available
- STEM-eligible degree program
- Full-time 29-week DI experience
- Training in various specialty areas
Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition & Metabolism
Campus Based - Visit Website
Boston University's Master of Science in Nutrition & Metabolism offers a sophisticated, interdisciplinary approach to advanced nutrition studies. Designed for future researchers and healthcare professionals, this program provides flexible full-time or part-time options across a comprehensive 32-credit curriculum. Students engage in original research, benefiting from small class sizes and personalized mentoring in a vibrant Boston academic environment. The program's innovative approach covers complex health topics like obesity and diabetes, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in research, academia, and healthcare. With opportunities for publication and strong career mentoring, students access world-class resources while developing advanced scientific expertise.
- 1-2 year program duration
- Full-time or part-time options
- Campus-based learning
- 32 credit curriculum
- Original research required
- Small class sizes
- Personalized mentoring
- Interdisciplinary curriculum
- Focus on obesity, diabetes
- Prepares for medical school
Northeastern University
Boston, MA - Private 4-year - northeastern.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Applied Nutrition
Concentration: Business and Entrepreneurship in Nutrition - Online Learning - Visit Website
Northeastern University's online Master of Science in Applied Nutrition with a concentration in Business and Entrepreneurship in Nutrition prepares professionals for leadership roles by integrating advanced nutrition science with business strategies. This program, completable in under two years, focuses on evidence-based approaches to health promotion, disease prevention, and entrepreneurial ventures in nutrition. Taught by registered dietitians, it requires no entrance exam and offers flexibility for working professionals, emphasizing real-world applications in healthcare and wellness industries.
- Online Master's in Applied Nutrition
- Less than two years completion
- Business Nutrition Concentration
- Four diverse concentration options
- Taught by registered dietitians
- 49-51 quarter hours total
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Real-world practitioner instruction
- Career-focused nutrition education
Master's - Master of Science in Applied Nutrition
Concentration: Nutrition Education - Online Learning - Visit Website
The online Master of Science in Applied Nutrition with a concentration in Nutrition Education at Northeastern University equips students to develop and implement effective wellness programs, addressing nutrition-related challenges through a science-backed curriculum. Focused on disease prevention and health promotion, this program can be completed in less than two years and is led by practitioners, with no entrance exam required. It prepares graduates for diverse careers in nutrition education, emphasizing evidence-based communication and practical skills.
- Online program flexibility.
- Focus on Nutrition Education.
- Completable in under two years.
- Real-world practitioner led.
- Comprehensive nutrition curriculum.
- Emphasis on disease prevention.
- Health promotion strategies.
- Evidence-based education approach.
- Prepares for diverse nutrition careers.
- Integrates best practices and tools.
Master's - Master of Science in Applied Nutrition
Concentration: Nutrition and Fitness - Online Learning - Visit Website
Northeastern University's online Master of Science in Applied Nutrition with a concentration in Nutrition and Fitness blends scientific knowledge with practical expertise in fitness and clinical behavior. This program, designed for completion in under two years, focuses on disease prevention, health promotion, and creating wellness programs, taught by experienced practitioners. No entrance exam is required, offering flexibility for working professionals and preparing graduates for impactful roles in nutrition and fitness fields.
- Online Master's program.
- Focus on Nutrition and Fitness.
- Led by real-world practitioners.
- Completable in less than two years.
- Evidence-based education approach.
- Flexible for working professionals.
- Comprehensive curriculum.
- Focus on disease prevention.
- Health promotion emphasis.
- Clinical behavior studies.
2026 Most Affordable Nutrition Programs in Boston
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Simmons University |
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| Boston University |
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| Northeastern University |
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How to Choose the Right Program for You
1. Define Your Career Goals First
- Want to become a Registered Dietitian (RD)? Look for ACEND-accredited programs
- Interested in research or medical school? Focus on science-heavy curricula
- Planning to start your own nutrition business? Consider entrepreneurship tracks
- Need flexibility for work? Evaluate online vs. campus-based options
2. Consider Your Current Background
- No nutrition background: Start with bachelor’s programs
- Have nutrition/health degree: Master’s programs may be suitable
- Working professional: Online or part-time options essential
- Recent graduate: Full-time campus programs offer immersive experience
3. Evaluate Program Structure
- Time commitment: 4 years (bachelor’s) vs. 1-2 years (master’s)
- Learning format: Campus-based, online, or hybrid options
- Prerequisites: Some programs require specific science courses
- Specialization timing: Some allow early concentration, others require core foundation
Program Distinctions by Institution
Simmons University – The Practical Pathway
Distinguishing Features:
- Only school offering both bachelor’s and master’s pathways to RD credential
- Strong Boston hospital partnerships for hands-on experience
- Entrepreneurship track unique among the three institutions
- Evening classes accommodate working professionals
- Clear progression from bachelor’s to master’s programs
Best For:
- Students wanting guaranteed RD pathway
- Those seeking entrepreneurial skills
- Working professionals needing flexible scheduling
Key Programs:
- BS Nutrition & Dietetics (ACEND-accredited)
- MS Nutrition & Health Promotion (Applied Science or Entrepreneurship tracks)
Boston University – The Research Powerhouse
Distinguishing Features:
- Most comprehensive master’s options (4 different programs)
- Only institution with dedicated Nutrition & Metabolism program
- 100% RDN exam pass rate for MS+Dietetic Internship program
- STEM-eligible programs (important for international students)
- State-of-the-art clinical simulation center
- Guaranteed merit scholarships for MS+DI students
Best For:
- Pre-med students (Nutrition Science track)
- Research-focused students
- International students seeking STEM eligibility
- Those wanting clinical specialization
Key Programs:
- BS Nutrition (3 concentration tracks)
- MS Nutrition (research-focused)
- MS Nutrition+Dietetic Internship (Clinical concentration)
- MS Nutrition & Metabolism (interdisciplinary)
Northeastern University – The Professional-Focused Option
Distinguishing Features:
- Exclusively online master’s programs
- Taught by real-world practitioners, not just academics
- Fastest completion time (under 2 years)
- Most business-oriented approach to nutrition
- Four specialized concentration options
- Designed specifically for working professionals
Best For:
- Working professionals unable to attend campus
- Those seeking business applications of nutrition
- Career changers needing flexible timing
- Students wanting practitioner-led instruction
Key Programs:
- MS Applied Nutrition (Business & Entrepreneurship)
- MS Applied Nutrition (Nutrition Education)
- MS Applied Nutrition (Nutrition & Fitness)
Quick Decision Matrix
| Priority | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Become an RD | Simmons BS or BU MS+DI |
| Research Career | BU MS Nutrition or MS Nutrition & Metabolism |
| Start Nutrition Business | Simmons Entrepreneurship or Northeastern Business track |
| Work Full-Time While Studying | Northeastern (online) or Simmons (evening) |
| Medical School Prep | BU Nutrition Science track |
| International Student | BU (STEM-eligible programs) |
| Fastest Completion | Northeastern (under 2 years) |
| Most Hands-On Experience | Simmons (hospital partnerships) or BU (simulation center) |
Key Questions to Ask Yourself
- Do I need to become a Registered Dietitian? (Requires ACEND-accredited program)
- Can I attend classes on campus? (Affects choice between institutions)
- What’s my timeline? (Bachelor’s: 4 years, Master’s: 1-2 years)
- Do I need to work while studying? (Online/evening options crucial)
- Am I interested in research vs. practice? (Different programs emphasize different approaches)
- What’s my budget? (Consider merit scholarships and assistantships)
Bottom Line
Choose Simmons for a practical, RD-focused education with entrepreneurial opportunities and Boston hospital connections.
Choose Boston University for the most comprehensive options, research emphasis, guaranteed RD exam success, and STEM eligibility.
Choose Northeastern for maximum flexibility, practitioner-led instruction, and fast-track professional development while working.