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.

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.