Minnesota Nutrition Programs & Online Degrees

Minnesota offers a range of nutrition degree programs with varying durations and costs, from associate degrees to advanced graduate studies. A master’s degree can take between 21 months and four years, while bachelor’s programs generally span three to five years through accelerated or combined degree options.

Annual estimated tuition ranges from $4,000 to over $45,000, depending on the institution and degree level. St. Catherine University and Minnesota State University-Mankato both feature unique 3+2 or combined BS/MS pathways that streamline the education-to-career process.

North Hennepin Community College offers a very affordable associate’s degree, and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities provides a comprehensive graduate program focused on research.

Winona State University is the only public university in the state with a dedicated nutrition program that prepares students for RDN credentialing.

Below is a detailed analysis of the top ranked programs.

2026 Best Nutrition Degree Programs in Minnesota

Looking for the best nutrition degree programs in Minnesota? https://www.nutritiondegrees.org/about-us/#ranking is where nutritiondegrees.org does its rankings to help you find top options. We highlight schools that offer strong academic paths and practical experiences in nutrition. Our goal is to guide you toward a rewarding career in health and wellness. Check out our methodology for more details on how we choose the best programs.

#1

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN - Public 4-Year - twin-cities.umn.edu

Master's - Nutrition Graduate Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers a Nutrition Graduate Program with Master's (MS) and Doctoral (PhD) options, focusing on nutritional science and its impact on health. Students engage in rigorous research, including thesis and project-based work, within an ethical and collaborative environment. Admission requires a strong academic background, and entrance exams such as the GRE may be necessary, though specific requirements should be verified with the institution. The program prepares graduates for careers in research, public health, and beyond, with financial support available for a diverse student body.

• Master's and PhD options.
• Focus on nutrition and health.
• Rigorous research opportunities.
• Ethical, collaborative research environment.
• Diverse career paths post-graduation.
• Strong academic admission requirements.
• Thesis and project-based curriculum.
• Financial support available.
• Prepares for research and public health careers.
• Emphasis on integrity and innovation.

#2

Winona State University

Winona, MN - Public 4-Year - winona.edu

Bachelor's - Public Health: Nutrition

Campus Based - Visit Website

Winona State University's Public Health: Nutrition program is the only such offering at a public university in Minnesota, emphasizing comprehensive nutrition science and community health strategies. Students engage in over 600 hours of internships and practicums, gaining hands-on experience in designing nutrition programs and addressing dietary needs across diverse populations. This bachelor's-level program requires an ACT or SAT entrance exam and prepares graduates for roles in health education and RDN credentialing, with a curriculum totaling 120 credits, including 91 program-specific credits.

• Only MN public university nutrition program
• 600+ hours internship experience
• Community-based learning opportunities
• 3+2 dual graduate studies option
• Comprehensive nutrition science curriculum
• Prepares for RDN credentialing
• Program credits: 91
• Total degree credits: 120

#3

Minnesota State University-Mankato

Mankato, MN - Public 4-Year - mnsu.edu

Bachelor's - Nutrition and Dietetics

Campus Based - Visit Website

Minnesota State University-Mankato's Nutrition and Dietetics program offers a combined Bachelor of Science and Master of Science pathway, designed for aspiring dietitians. This five-year program integrates supervised experiential learning, focusing on clinical nutrition, community nutrition, and foodservice management, with hands-on experiences in a state-of-the-art Foods Lab. It prepares students for the Registration Examination for Dietitians, emphasizing diversity, inclusion, and licensure in Minnesota. As a bachelor's level program, it may require ACT or SAT for admission, though specifics should be verified with the university.

• Combined BS and MS pathway
• Five-year completion for freshmen
• Includes supervised experiential learning
• Prepares for RDN examination
• Focus on clinical and community nutrition
• State-of-the-art Foods Lab
• Emphasis on diversity and inclusion
• Engagement with professional organizations
• Opportunities for real-world experiences
• Licensure preparation for Minnesota

Master's - Master of Science in Dietetics

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Master of Science in Dietetics at Minnesota State University-Mankato provides a fast-track to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, blending undergraduate and graduate coursework for completion in one year after prerequisites. The curriculum covers medical nutrition therapy, community health, nutritional supplements, and includes supervised experiential learning. This master's level program may require an entrance exam such as the GRE for admission, but applicants should confirm requirements directly with the institution.

• Prepares for RDN exam.
• Combined undergrad and grad coursework.
• 40 total credits required.
• Includes supervised experiential learning.
• Covers medical nutrition therapy.
• Focus on community and behavioral health.
• Research and evidence in nutrition.
• Nutrition education and counseling.
• Dietetics graduate seminar.
• RDN exam preparation.

Show 1 More Programs ˅

#4

St Catherine University

Saint Paul, MN - Private 4-year - stkate.edu

Bachelor's - Applied Science in Nutrition Science

Campus Based - Visit Website

St. Catherine University's Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Nutrition Science integrates liberal arts with public health through a 3+2 dual-degree option leading to an MPH. The program focuses on scientific aspects of nutrition, covering chemistry, biochemistry, and physiology, and prepares students for graduate studies or entry-level roles. Admission requires junior year application for the MPH component, with a global health emphasis. As a bachelor's program, entrance exams like ACT or SAT may be required, but the description does not specify; consult the university for details.

• 3+2 dual-degree program.
• Focus on global health.
• Strong science foundation.
• Prepares for graduate studies.
• Entry-level job ready.
• Includes chemistry and biochemistry.
• Public health courses included.
• Junior year MPH application.
• Nutrition and health integration.
• Liberal arts education base.

Bachelor's - Applied Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

Campus Based - Visit Website

St. Catherine University offers a dual-degree 3+2 program leading to a BS in Applied Science in Nutrition and Dietetics and an MS in Nutrition and Dietetics. It allows students to start graduate coursework in their senior year, emphasizing hands-on learning in nutrition science and medical therapy. Admission requires junior status, a 3.0 GPA, and prerequisite courses. As a bachelor's-level entry, entrance exams like ACT or SAT may be required, but the description does not specify; check with the university.

• Dual-degree 3+2 program
• Campus-based learning
• Requires 3.0 GPA for admission
• Includes graduate coursework in senior year
• Covers nutrition science and medical therapy
• Hands-on practicum/clinicals
• Focus on community nutrition
• Prepares for MSDT degree

Bachelor's - Exercise Science and Nutrition

Campus Based - Visit Website

St. Catherine University's BS in Exercise Science and Nutrition combines fitness and wellness education, covering exercise physiology, sports nutrition, and health behavior psychology. It prepares students for careers in health clubs or graduate studies, with internship opportunities and preparation for certifications like the ACSM CEP exam. The program includes a senior portfolio requirement. As a bachelor's program, entrance exams like ACT or SAT may be required, but the description does not specify; confirm with the university.

• BS in Exercise Science and Nutrition
• Campus-based program
• Prepares for ACSM CEP exam
• Internship opportunities available
• Senior portfolio requirement
• Covers exercise physiology
• Includes sports nutrition
• Offers nutrition education
• Focus on health behavior psychology
• Requires human anatomy courses

Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

Campus Based - Visit Website

St. Catherine University's Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics is an ACEND-accredited, 21-month on-campus program blending rigorous coursework with 1,035 hours of supervised experiential learning. It covers lifecycle nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, and foodservice management, preparing graduates for the RDN exam. Focused on social justice and health equity, the program does not mention an entrance exam requirement in the provided data, but applicants should verify with the university for specifics.

• 21-month program duration
• 48 credits required
• $760 per credit tuition
• On-campus format
• 1,035 hours experiential learning
• ACEND accredited
• Focus on social justice
• Prepares for RDN exam
• Interprofessional learning opportunities
• Diverse clinical partnerships

Show 3 More Programs ˅

#5

North Hennepin Community College

Brooklyn Park, MN - Public 2-Year - nhcc.edu

Associate - Nutrition Associate of Science

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

North Hennepin Community College provides a Nutrition Associate of Science degree, designed for students seeking to advance in nutrition or health fields. This hybrid program integrates foundational sciences like biology and chemistry with nutrition studies, emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention. It offers cultural and life-stage perspectives, affordable tuition, and flexible full-time or part-time options, allowing completion in four semesters. With small class sizes, students receive personalized attention, preparing them for diverse careers or further education. As an associate-level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams.

• Hybrid program delivery
• Affordable tuition rates
• Four-semester completion
• Small class sizes
• Prepares for bachelor's degree
• Focus on nutrition and wellness
• Cultural and life-stage perspectives
• Foundational science courses
• Personalized attention
• Career in diverse settings

*Reference: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023 data system.

Choosing the Right Program for You

Quick Selection Guide

Choose University of Minnesota-Twin Cities for research excellence and graduate study focus.

UMN offers rigorous Nutrition Graduate Program with both Master’s (MS) and Doctoral (PhD) options, emphasizing ethical research practices, innovation, and preparation for careers in research and public health policy. Features competitive admission, financial support availability, and strong academic foundation requirements for serious nutrition science researchers.

Select Winona State University for comprehensive public health nutrition training and unique experiential learning.

WSU provides the only Minnesota public university nutrition program with exceptional value ($8,400-$12,600 in-state), featuring 600+ hours internship experience, community-based learning, 3+2 dual graduate studies option, and comprehensive preparation for RDN credentialing with 120 degree credits.

Consider St. Catherine University for accelerated pathways and social justice focus.

St. Kate’s offers innovative 3+2 dual-degree programs, ACEND-accredited Master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics (21 months, 48 credits), and unique focus on social justice and health equity. Features interprofessional learning opportunities and diverse clinical partnerships with $760 per credit graduate tuition.

Choose Minnesota State University-Mankato for integrated Bachelor’s/Master’s pathway and clinical excellence.

MNSU provides unique combined BS/MS in Dietetics completed in five years for incoming freshmen, featuring supervised experiential learning, state-of-the-art Foods Lab, emphasis on diversity and inclusion, and comprehensive preparation for RDN examination and Minnesota licensure.

Types of Programs

Associate Level Foundation Programs

North Hennepin Community College: Hybrid Nutrition Associate of Science degree (four-semester completion, $4,000-$6,100) combining online and in-person learning with foundational science courses, cultural and life-stage nutritional perspectives, and preparation for bachelor’s degree advancement in nutrition or allied-health fields.

Bachelor’s Level Comprehensive Training

Winona State University: Public Health: Nutrition degree (120 credits, 91 program-specific) offering unique population health focus with 600+ hours internship experience, community-based learning opportunities, and comprehensive nutrition science curriculum preparing for RDN credentialing.

St. Catherine University: Multiple bachelor’s options including:

• Applied Science in Nutrition Science with 3+2 dual-degree MPH option and global health focus
• Applied Science in Nutrition and Dietetics with accelerated pathway to MSDT
• Exercise Science and Nutrition integrating fitness, wellness, and sports nutrition

Minnesota State University-Mankato: Comprehensive Nutrition and Dietetics program offering combined Bachelor’s/Master’s pathway completed in five years with supervised experiential learning and state-of-the-art facilities.

Graduate Level Advanced Studies

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: Research-focused Nutrition Graduate Program offering both Master’s and Doctoral degrees with emphasis on dietary impacts, human health research, and preparation for careers in nutrition science and public health policy.

St. Catherine University: ACEND-accredited Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (21 months, 48 credits, 1,035 supervised hours) emphasizing social justice, health equity, and interprofessional learning with diverse clinical partnerships.

Minnesota State University-Mankato: Master of Science in Dietetics allowing early graduate credit earning with one-year post-bachelor completion, focusing on medical nutrition therapy, community health, and evidence-based practice.

Admission and Requirements

Entrance Exam Policies

Minnesota programs show varied approaches to standardized testing:

• ACT/SAT Required: St. Catherine University undergraduate programs, Minnesota State University-Mankato
• No GRE Required: Minnesota State University-Mankato graduate program
• Competitive Academic Standards: University of Minnesota requires solid academic foundation for graduate admission

Academic Performance Standards

Undergraduate Programs:

• St. Catherine University: 3.0 GPA requirement for nutrition and dietetics dual-degree program
• Minnesota State University-Mankato: Standard university admission for combined pathway
• Winona State University: Accessible public university admission standards

Graduate Programs:

• University of Minnesota: Competitive admission with strong academic requirements
• St. Catherine University: Professional program admission standards for ACEND-accredited program
• Minnesota State University-Mankato: Flexible admission for continuing undergraduates

Professional Prerequisites

Programs typically require:

• Strong science foundation (chemistry, biochemistry, physiology)
• Academic preparation in nutrition-related coursework
• Research interest (University of Minnesota graduate programs)
• Professional commitment for ACEND-accredited coordinated programs

Financial Investment

Outstanding Affordability Options

North Hennepin Community College: Exceptional value at $4,000-$6,100 for associate degree providing foundational preparation and transfer pathway to bachelor’s programs.

Winona State University: Outstanding public university value at $8,400-$12,600 in-state tuition for comprehensive nutrition program with extensive experiential learning and RDN preparation.

Competitive Public University Pricing

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: Research university excellence at public university pricing with financial aid opportunities and graduate assistantship possibilities for advanced degree programs.

Minnesota State University-Mankato: Integrated five-year pathway providing efficient completion of both bachelor’s and master’s degrees at public university rates.

Private University Investment

St. Catherine University: Premium pricing ($30,100-$45,100 undergraduate, $14,900-$22,300 graduate) justified by innovative dual-degree pathways, ACEND accreditation, social justice focus, and comprehensive professional preparation.

Career Outcome Projections

Minnesota programs demonstrate strong professional prospects:

• RDN examination preparation through multiple ACEND-accredited options
• Research career pathways through University of Minnesota graduate programs
• Public health opportunities through Winona State’s unique population health focus
• Minnesota licensure preparation ensuring local career readiness

Learning Formats and Flexibility

Innovative Hybrid Learning

North Hennepin Community College: Flexible hybrid delivery combining online convenience with in-person laboratory experiences, accommodating diverse student schedules while maintaining program quality.

Comprehensive Campus-Based Experience

Most Minnesota programs offer traditional campus-based learning featuring:

• State-of-the-art facilities including Foods Labs and clinical simulation areas
• Extensive internship opportunities (600+ hours at Winona State)
• Research collaboration with faculty experts
• Professional organization engagement and networking

Accelerated Completion Options

• St. Catherine University: 3+2 dual-degree pathways enabling efficient bachelor’s/master’s completion
• Minnesota State University-Mankato: Five-year combined BS/MS pathway for incoming freshmen
• North Hennepin Community College: Four-semester associate degree completion

Career Specializations

Research and Nutrition Science

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: Comprehensive preparation for careers in nutrition research, public health policy, and academic positions with emphasis on ethical research practices and innovation.

Public Health and Community Nutrition

Winona State University: Unique focus on population health with comprehensive curriculum covering nutrition science, cultural dietary practices, and community health improvement strategies.

Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics

Multiple ACEND-accredited programs provide comprehensive clinical training:

• Medical nutrition therapy and patient counseling
• Supervised experiential learning (1,000+ hours)
• RDN examination preparation with proven success rates
• Minnesota licensure preparation for local practice

Social Justice and Health Equity

St. Catherine University: Distinctive emphasis on social justice and health equity within nutrition practice, preparing graduates to address health disparities and promote equitable food access.

Exercise and Sports Nutrition

St. Catherine University: Specialized Exercise Science and Nutrition program integrating fitness, wellness, and sports nutrition with preparation for ACSM certification.

Diversity and Inclusion

Minnesota State University-Mankato: Strong emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency within nutrition practice, preparing graduates for work with diverse populations.