New Jersey Nutrition Programs & Online Degrees

New Jersey offers several nutrition programs with varying costs and durations. A bachelor’s degree typically takes four years, with annual in-state tuition ranging from $11,800 to $18,800. Master’s programs, which can be completed in as little as 22 months, have estimated annual graduate tuition between $12,100 to $23,900.

2026 Best Nutrition Degree Programs in New Jersey

Looking for the best nutrition degree programs in New Jersey? nutritiondegrees.org has done the research to bring you top-ranked options that can kickstart your career in health and wellness. Our rankings are based on thorough analysis, ensuring you get reliable information to make an informed choice. For details on how we evaluate programs, check out our methodology at https://www.nutritiondegrees.org/about-us/#ranking.

#1

Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ - Public 4-Year - montclair.edu

Bachelor's - BS in Nutrition and Food Science

Concentration: Applied Nutrition and Wellness - Campus Based - Visit Website

Montclair State University's BS in Nutrition and Food Science with a concentration in Applied Nutrition and Wellness provides a hands-on education focusing on health outcomes, food justice, and sustainable agriculture. Students gain practical skills in nutrition analysis and diet planning through laboratory experiences. This accredited program prepares graduates for careers in nutrition and health fields, emphasizing wellness and food trends. Admission may require ACT or SAT scores, as it is a bachelor's level program.

• Accredited nutrition program.
• Focus on Applied Nutrition and Wellness.
• Hands-on food laboratory experience.
• Covers food justice and sustainability.
• Prepares for diverse health careers.
• Includes nutrition analysis training.
• Study of diet plan benefits.
• On-campus program in NJ.
• Combines science and health focus.
• Strong foundation for nutrition careers.

Bachelor's - BS in Nutrition and Food Science

Concentration: Dietetics - Campus Based - Visit Website

Montclair State University's BS in Nutrition and Food Science with a Dietetics concentration offers an accredited path to careers as a Registered Dietitian or Nutritionist. The program includes hands-on lab work, covering topics like nutrition analysis, BMI calculation, and sustainable agriculture. Students are prepared for the RD exam. As a bachelor's program, admission likely requires ACT or SAT scores.

• Campus-based program
• Focus on Dietetics
• Hands-on lab experiences
• Accredited program
• Prepares for RD exam
• Covers sustainable agriculture
• Skills in nutrition analysis
• BMI calculation training
• Diet plan evaluation
• Career in nutrition

Bachelor's - BS in Nutrition and Food Science

Concentration: Food Science - Campus Based - Visit Website

The BS in Nutrition and Food Science with a Food Science concentration at Montclair State University focuses on food systems, safety, and product development. Students engage in laboratory experiences to learn about food's health impacts and diet analysis. This campus-based program prepares for careers in food science and nutrition. Admission for this bachelor's program may necessitate ACT or SAT scores.

• Campus-based program
• Focus on Food Science
• Hands-on lab experience
• Prepares for diverse careers
• High school diploma required

Master's - MS in Nutrition and Food Science

Campus Based - Visit Website

The MS in Nutrition and Food Science at Montclair State University is a 32-semester-hour graduate program that covers nutrition science, education, and food regulations. It prepares students for roles in wellness, health services, and education, with a focus on nutrition counseling and compliance. This program does not lead to Registered Dietitian certification. An entrance exam such as the GRE may be required for admission, as it is a master's level program.

• 32 semester hours
• Campus program
• Focus on nutrition science
• Prepares for diverse careers
• Does not lead to RD
• Includes nutrition counseling
• Covers food regulations
• Admission requires bachelor's degree
• Graduate program coordinator available
• Department administrator support

Master's - MS in Nutrition and Food Science

Concentration: Nutrition Education - Campus Based - Visit Website

Montclair State University's MS in Nutrition and Food Science with a Nutrition Education concentration is designed for careers in teaching and promoting healthy eating. The 32-semester-hour program covers nutrition science, education, and counseling, without leading to RD status. It blends theory with practical applications for roles in wellness and education. An entrance exam like the GRE might be required for this master's program.

• 32 semester hours
• Concentration in Nutrition Education
• Campus-based program
• Prepares for non-dietitian careers
• Focus on nutrition science and counseling
• Ideal for wellness and education roles
• Combines theory and practical applications

Master's - MS in Nutrition and Food Science

Concentration: Nutrition and Food Science Management - Campus Based - Visit Website

The MS in Nutrition and Food Science with a concentration in Nutrition and Food Science Management at Montclair State University is a 32-semester-hour program emphasizing nutrition science, food regulations, and management skills. It prepares graduates for diverse careers in health and food industries, focusing on practical applications without RD preparation. Admission to this master's program may require an entrance exam such as the GRE.

• 32 semester hours
• Campus-based program
• Focus on nutrition science
• Food regulations study
• Nutrition counseling skills
• Prepares for diverse careers
• Does not lead to RD
• Admission requires bachelor's degree
• Concentration in management
• Practical skills emphasis

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#2

Rowan University

Glassboro, NJ - Public 4-Year - rowan.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nutrition

Campus Based - Visit Website

Rowan University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, a 120-semester-hour campus program preparing students for roles as nutrition educators and counselors in healthcare and community settings. The curriculum covers macronutrient and micronutrient metabolism, lifecycle nutrition, and public health nutrition, blending theory with practical experience through a senior internship. Admission requires a minimum 2.00 GPA, with no entrance exam specified for this bachelor's program. Students can opt for the Coordinated Program in Dietetics, which necessitates a 3.0 GPA for application.

• 120-semester-hour program
• Prepares for nutrition educator roles
• Option for Coordinated Program in Dietetics
• Minimum 2.00 GPA required
• 3.0 GPA for CPD applicants
• Includes senior internship
• Covers macronutrient metabolism
• Lifecycle nutrition course
• Public health nutrition focus
• Blends theory and practice

Master's - Coordinated Master's Program in Nutrition & Dietetics

Campus Based - Visit Website

Rowan University's Coordinated Master's Program in Nutrition & Dietetics is an ACEND-accredited campus pathway combining BS and MS degrees with 1,000 hours of supervised practice in diverse settings like medical and wellness centers. Graduates qualify for the RDN exam, with a master's degree becoming mandatory from 2024. The program emphasizes real-world application through rigorous coursework and hands-on experience, preparing students for successful careers in dietetics. No entrance exam is mentioned as required for this master's level program.

• ACEND accredited program
• Combines BS and MS degrees
• 1,000 hours supervised practice
• Eligible for RDN exam
• Master's required from 2024
• Diverse practice settings
• Includes medical centers
• Wellness centers experience
• 80 hours junior/senior year
• 920 hours graduate year

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#3

Saint Elizabeth University

Morristown, NJ - Private 4-year - steu.edu

Master's - Graduate Program in Entrepreneurial Nutrition Practice

Concentration: Entrepreneurial Nutrition Practice - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Saint Elizabeth University's Graduate Program in Entrepreneurial Nutrition Practice is a hybrid, 39-40 credit program designed for aspiring Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. It emphasizes hands-on experiential learning, including diverse rotations and a capstone project, preparing students for the RDN exam and careers in clinical dietetics, management, and leadership. No GRE is required for admission, and the program can be completed in 22 months with a focus on entrepreneurial skills and interprofessional collaboration.

• Hybrid program format
• 39-40 credits required
• Complete in 22 months
• No GRE required
• Focus on entrepreneurial nutrition
• Hands-on experiential learning
• Prepares for RDN exam
• Interprofessional collaboration opportunities
• State-of-the-art Medical Simulation Center
• Diverse rotation settings

Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition

Concentration: Community Nutrition and Wellness - Online Learning - Visit Website

Saint Elizabeth University's online Master of Science in Nutrition with a concentration in Community Nutrition and Wellness is a 30-credit program tailored for health professionals. It focuses on evidence-based applications, nutrition research, and health promotion, preparing graduates for careers in public health and education. Note that it does not qualify students to become registered dietitians. No entrance exam is required for admission, and the program offers flexibility with fully online courses.

• Online program flexibility.
• 30 credits required.
• Community Nutrition and Wellness concentration.
• Prepares for diverse careers.
• No RDN eligibility.
• Requires official transcripts.
• Two recommendation letters needed.
• Personal statement required.
• Multidisciplinary courses.
• Evidence-based applications focus.

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*Data derived from the 2023 IPEDS survey conducted by NCES.

Choosing the Right Program for You

Quick Selection Guide

Choose Rowan University for comprehensive ACEND-accredited training and exceptional value.

Rowan offers Bachelor’s in Nutrition (120 credits, 2.0 GPA minimum) plus ACEND-accredited Coordinated Master’s Program combining BS and MS degrees with 1,000 supervised practice hours and RDN exam eligibility. Outstanding value at $12,600-$18,800 in-state undergraduate tuition with no GRE requirement for graduate program.

Select Montclair State University for diverse specialization options and comprehensive food science integration.

MSU provides Bachelor’s in Nutrition and Food Science with three concentrations (Applied Nutrition and Wellness, Dietetics, Food Science) plus Master’s programs with specialized tracks. Features hands-on laboratory experience, sustainable agriculture focus, and food justice emphasis at competitive public university pricing.

Consider Saint Elizabeth University for innovative entrepreneurial focus and flexible learning formats.

Saint Elizabeth offers unique Graduate Program in Entrepreneurial Nutrition Practice (39-40 credits, 22 months, hybrid format) plus online Master’s in Community Nutrition and Wellness. Features state-of-the-art Medical Simulation Center, interprofessional collaboration, and entrepreneurial nutrition preparation with moderate private university pricing.

Types of Programs

Bachelor’s Level Comprehensive Training

Montclair State University: Bachelor’s in Nutrition and Food Science offering three specialized concentrations:

• Applied Nutrition and Wellness emphasizing food’s impact on health, food justice, and sustainable agriculture
• Dietetics concentration preparing students for Registered Dietitian careers with accredited program status
• Food Science concentration combining scientific principles with practical skills in food systems and safety

Rowan University: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (120 semester hours) preparing students for careers as nutrition educators and counselors with curriculum covering macronutrient and micronutrient metabolism, lifecycle nutrition, and public health nutrition, including mandatory senior internship experience.

Graduate Level Advanced Studies

Rowan University: ACEND-accredited Coordinated Master’s Program in Nutrition & Dietetics combining rigorous coursework with 1,000 hours supervised practice in diverse settings, awarding both BS and MS degrees and preparing graduates for RDN exam eligibility.

Saint Elizabeth University: Multiple graduate options including:

• Graduate Program in Entrepreneurial Nutrition Practice (39-40 credits, hybrid format, 22 months) with focus on entrepreneurial nutrition and diverse rotations
• Master of Science in Nutrition with Community Nutrition and Wellness concentration (30 credits, online) for working professionals

Montclair State University: Master’s in Nutrition and Food Science (32 credits) with specialized concentrations:

• Nutrition Education for wellness and education career preparation
• Nutrition and Food Science Management emphasizing food regulations and counseling skills

Admissions and Requirements

Entrance Exam Policies

New Jersey programs show consistent approaches to standardized testing:

• ACT/SAT Required: Montclair State University and Rowan University undergraduate programs
• No GRE Required: Rowan University graduate program, Saint Elizabeth University programs
• Standard Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree required for graduate programs

Academic Performance Standards

Undergraduate Programs:

• Rowan University: Minimum 2.0 GPA for Bachelor’s program, 3.0 GPA required for Coordinated Program in Dietetics applicants
• Montclair State University: Standard university admission requirements with high school diploma

Graduate Programs:

• Saint Elizabeth University: DPD verification statement required for entrepreneurial program, plus recommendation letters and personal statement
• Montclair State University: Bachelor’s degree requirement with program coordinator support
• Rowan University: Competitive admission for ACEND-accredited coordinated program

Professional Prerequisites

Graduate programs typically require:

• DPD verification statements for dietetic internship programs (Saint Elizabeth)
• Official transcripts and academic record evaluation
• Professional recommendations (two letters for Saint Elizabeth programs)
• Personal statements demonstrating career commitment and goals

Financial Investment

Outstanding Public University Value

Rowan University: Exceptional affordability with in-state undergraduate tuition at $12,600-$18,800 and graduate programs at $14,100-$21,200, providing ACEND-accredited training and comprehensive RDN preparation at public university pricing.

Montclair State University: Competitive public university rates ($11,800-$17,700 undergraduate in-state, $12,100-$18,200 graduate) with diverse specialization options and comprehensive food science integration.

Private University Investment

Saint Elizabeth University: Moderate private university pricing ($15,900-$23,900 graduate) justified by innovative entrepreneurial focus, state-of-the-art facilities including Medical Simulation Center, and flexible hybrid learning formats.

Career Outcome Projections

New Jersey programs demonstrate strong professional prospects:

• ACEND accreditation ensuring RDN eligibility (Rowan University)
• Master’s degree requirement compliance for 2024 RDN exam eligibility changes
• Diverse career pathways in clinical, community, wellness, and food industry settings
• New Jersey healthcare market providing extensive local career opportunities

Learning Formats and Flexibility

Comprehensive Campus-Based Experience

Montclair State University and Rowan University: Traditional campus-based learning featuring:

• Hands-on laboratory experiences and food science applications
• Senior internship requirements providing real-world experience
• Supervised practice opportunities in diverse healthcare and community settings
• Faculty mentorship and program coordinator support

Innovative Hybrid Learning

Saint Elizabeth University: Cutting-edge hybrid format combining online coursework with hands-on experiential learning, Medical Simulation Center access, and diverse rotation settings for comprehensive professional preparation.

Flexible Online Options

Saint Elizabeth University: Fully online Master’s in Community Nutrition and Wellness designed for working professionals with evidence-based curriculum and multidisciplinary approach.

Accelerated Completion Options

• Saint Elizabeth University: 22-month completion timeline for entrepreneurial nutrition practice program
• Rowan University: Efficient combined BS/MS pathway through coordinated program

Career Specializations

Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics

Rowan University: ACEND-accredited preparation with 1,000 supervised practice hours, comprehensive clinical training, and RDN exam preparation through coordinated master’s program.

Montclair State University: Dietetics concentration providing foundational preparation for registered dietitian careers with accredited program status.

Entrepreneurial and Business Nutrition

Saint Elizabeth University: Unique focus on entrepreneurial nutrition practice with business applications, leadership development, and innovative approaches to nutrition service delivery.

Community and Public Health Nutrition

Multiple programs emphasize population health:

• Community nutrition and wellness programming
• Public health nutrition applications and disease prevention
• Food justice and sustainable agriculture considerations
• Nutrition education and counseling strategies

Food Science and Technology

Montclair State University: Comprehensive food science concentration covering food systems, safety, product development, and regulatory compliance with hands-on laboratory experience.

Nutrition Education and Counseling

Programs preparing graduates for educational roles:

• Nutrition analysis and diet plan development
• BMI calculation and assessment techniques
• Lifecycle nutrition across diverse populations
• Evidence-based practice applications