2026 Best Nutrition Degree Programs in the Oklahoma City Area
University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center
Oklahoma City, OK - Public 4-Year - ouhsc.edu
Master's - MS in Nutritional Sciences
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center's MS in Nutritional Sciences is a rigorous graduate program requiring a minimum of 34 credit hours, with thesis and non-thesis tracks for flexibility. It emphasizes research methods and offers on-campus and distance learning options in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, catering to working professionals. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required for admission, and since it's a master's level program, an entrance exam is not specified in the provided data, so it may require one like the GRE, but this is not confirmed.
- 34 credit hours minimum
- Thesis and non-thesis options
- On-campus and distance learning
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Customizable elective courses
- Research methods focused
- Multiple campus learning locations
Master's - MA in Dietetics
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The MA in Dietetics at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is a 68-hour hybrid program combining classroom instruction with 1200 internship hours over 24 months, preparing students for RDN certification. It requires a minimum 2.75 GPA and specific prerequisites, is ACEND accredited, and meets the 2024 master's degree requirement. As a master's level program, an entrance exam is not specified, so it may be required, but this is not confirmed in the data.
- 68-hour professional program
- Combines classroom and internship
- ACEND accredited
- 1200 internship hours
- Prepares for RDN certification
- 24-month comprehensive training
- Diverse nutrition career paths
- Minimum 2.75 GPA requirement
- Meets 2024 RDN master's requirement
Master's - Combined Masters of Science with Dietetic Internship
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Combined Masters of Science with Dietetic Internship at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is a campus-based program blending academic coursework with supervised practice, including 1,088 clock hours of rotations. It requires a 3.0 GPA, DPD verification, and TOEFL for non-native speakers, but explicitly states no GRE is required. The program prepares students for the RD exam and spans approximately two years with financial aid options.
- Combined MS and Dietetic Internship
- Prepares for RD exam
- Campus-based program
- Includes supervised practice rotations
- Four rotation modules
- 1,088 clock hours
- Starts August each year
- Full-time, eight months rotations
- Elective rotation available
- MS degree in 3 semesters
University of Central Oklahoma
Edmond, OK - Public 4-Year - uco.edu
Master's - Nutrition and Food Science, M.S.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Science at the University of Central Oklahoma is a campus-based program that does not require an entrance exam. It provides an advanced curriculum in human nutrition, food science, and management, fostering critical thinking, research, and communication skills. Graduates are prepared for careers in food service, education, and health promotion. Admission requires a related undergraduate degree or prerequisite courses, emphasizing personal and professional growth in a dynamic academic environment.
- Campus-based program
- Focus on human nutrition
- Emphasizes food science
- Encourages critical thinking
- Develops communication skills
- Opportunities for research
- Prepares for diverse careers
- Requires related undergraduate degree
- Prerequisite courses available
- Focus on professional growth
2026 Most Affordable Nutrition Programs in the Oklahoma City Area
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center |
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| University of Central Oklahoma |
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Choosing the Right School for You: Oklahoma City Analysis
Overview: Oklahoma City’s Specialized Graduate Nutrition Hub
Oklahoma City offers a unique nutrition education landscape centered around the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, providing three distinct graduate-level pathways ranging from $18,494 to $25,822 annually for residents. Unlike many regions that offer undergraduate options, Oklahoma City specializes in advanced graduate training with programs spanning 18-24 months and emphasizing research, clinical practice, and professional preparation.
Program Types and Duration:
- MS in Nutritional Sciences: 2+ years (34+ credit hours)
- MA in Dietetics (Coordinated Program): 24 months intensive (68 hours + 1,200 internship hours)
- Combined MS with Dietetic Internship: 18-24 months (includes 1,088 supervised practice hours)
Average Program Costs (Estimated for Residents):
- MS in Nutritional Sciences: ~$18,500-$37,000 total
- MA in Dietetics: ~$37,000-$51,600 total
- Combined MS/Internship: ~$18,500-$25,800 total
Key Strengths:
- All programs meet the 2024 master’s degree requirement for RDN certification
- ACEND accreditation across dietetics programs
- Extensive supervised practice hours (1,088-1,200 hours)
- Flexible learning options including distance learning capabilities
- Research university resources and faculty expertise
Oklahoma City’s advantage lies in its focused, graduate-level approach with multiple specialized tracks, comprehensive internship integration, and research university resources, making it ideal for serious nutrition professionals seeking advanced credentials.
Oklahoma City presents a unique nutrition education environment, distinguished by its exclusive focus on graduate-level programs through the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Rather than offering traditional undergraduate pathways, the city provides specialized advanced training for students who already possess strong foundational knowledge. Here’s a comprehensive analysis of these concentrated but highly specialized program offerings.
Program Overview: Three Specialized Graduate Tracks
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
MS in Nutritional Sciences
- Focus: Research and advanced nutrition science
- Structure: 34+ credit hours with thesis and non-thesis options
- Format: Campus-based in Oklahoma City with distance learning options in Tulsa
- Target: Registered dietitians, nutrition professionals, and researchers
- Timeline: Typically 2+ years part-time friendly
MA in Dietetics (Coordinated Program)
- Focus: Professional RDN preparation
- Structure: 68 hours combining coursework with 1,200 internship hours
- Format: Hybrid online and campus-based
- Target: Students with strong science backgrounds seeking RDN certification
- Timeline: 24 months intensive, full-time commitment
Combined MS with Dietetic Internship
- Focus: Academic degree + professional certification
- Structure: MS coursework integrated with 1,088 supervised practice hours
- Format: Campus-based with rotations in multiple settings
- Target: Students seeking both advanced degree and RDN eligibility
- Timeline: 18-24 months intensive program
Cost Analysis and Value Proposition
Estimated Annual Costs:
- Resident Tuition: ~$9,247-$12,911 annually
- Non-Resident Tuition: Higher rates (specific amounts not provided)
- Total Program Investment: $18,500-$51,600 depending on program and residency
Financial Considerations:
- All programs offer financial aid opportunities
- Graduate assistantships may be available for research-focused students
- Value proposition enhanced by meeting 2024 RDN master’s degree requirements
- ROI potential strong given advanced credentials and professional preparation
Academic Specialization and Career Outcomes
For Research and Academic Careers:
Best Option: MS in Nutritional Sciences
- Customizable curriculum with independent studies
- Research methods focus with thesis options
- Preparation for doctoral studies or research positions
- Flexibility for working professionals with distance learning
For Clinical Dietitian Preparation:
Best Options: MA in Dietetics or Combined MS/Internship
- Both provide extensive supervised practice (1,088-1,200 hours)
- ACEND accreditation ensuring RDN exam eligibility
- Comprehensive rotations in clinical, community, and food service settings
- Direct pathway to professional practice
For Advanced Professional Development:
All Programs Suitable depending on current credentials:
- MS in Nutritional Sciences for current RDs seeking advancement
- MA in Dietetics for career changers with science background
- Combined program for comprehensive preparation
Target Student Populations and Detailed Recommendations
Choose MS in Nutritional Sciences if you:
- Are already a registered dietitian seeking advanced credentials
- Want research skills development and potential doctoral preparation
- Need flexibility with part-time study options and distance learning
- Are interested in nutrition science research rather than direct patient care
- Want to customize your curriculum through electives and independent studies
- Can maintain the minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Are working in nutrition and want to advance without changing careers
Choose MA in Dietetics (Coordinated Program) if you:
- Have a strong science background but are not yet an RD
- Can commit to intensive 24-month full-time study
- Want immediate practical experience integrated with coursework
- Meet the minimum 2.75 GPA requirement (lower than other programs)
- Are seeking comprehensive RDN preparation with extensive internship hours (1,200)
- Prefer hybrid online/campus format for some flexibility
- Want to meet the 2024 master’s degree requirement for RDN certification
Choose Combined MS with Dietetic Internship if you:
- Want both advanced degree credentials AND RDN eligibility
- Can commit to intensive 18-24 month program
- Meet the minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Have DPD verification and prerequisite coursework completed
- Prefer campus-based learning with comprehensive supervised practice
- Want maximum credential value in shortest timeframe
- Are interested in diverse rotation experiences (clinical, community, food service, electives)
- Can handle full-time commitment with rotations starting in August
Program Format and Learning Considerations
Flexibility Factors:
- MS in Nutritional Sciences: Most flexible with part-time options and distance learning
- MA in Dietetics: Moderate flexibility with hybrid format
- Combined Program: Least flexible due to intensive supervised practice requirements
Learning Environment:
- Research Focus: MS in Nutritional Sciences emphasizes research methods and scientific inquiry
- Professional Practice: MA in Dietetics and Combined programs emphasize clinical skills
- University Resources: All programs benefit from health sciences center facilities and faculty
Geographic and Practical Considerations
Oklahoma City Advantages:
- Major medical center environment with diverse clinical opportunities
- Health sciences campus with specialized facilities
- Access to research opportunities at major university
- Central location for internship placements throughout Oklahoma
Considerations:
- Limited undergraduate options – requires prior degree completion
- Intensive program formats may not suit all learning styles
- Geographic concentration means limited institutional variety
Prerequisites and Admission Requirements
Common Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (all programs)
- Specific GPA minimums: 2.75-3.0 depending on program
- Science prerequisites especially for dietetics tracks
- TOEFL scores for international students
- DPD verification for Combined MS/Internship program
Bottom Line Recommendations
For Maximum Flexibility and Research Focus: Choose MS in Nutritional Sciences if you’re already working in nutrition and want advanced credentials with flexible scheduling and research emphasis.
For Comprehensive RDN Preparation: Choose MA in Dietetics if you have a science background but need RDN certification, prefer some online flexibility, and can commit to intensive 24-month study.
For Maximum Credentials in Minimum Time: Choose Combined MS with Dietetic Internship if you want both advanced degree and RDN eligibility in 18-24 months with comprehensive supervised practice.
For Career Changers: MA in Dietetics offers the most accessible entry point with its lower GPA requirement (2.75 vs. 3.0) while still providing comprehensive preparation.
For Current Nutrition Professionals: MS in Nutritional Sciences provides advanced training without requiring career interruption, especially with distance learning options.
Oklahoma City’s nutrition education landscape is unique in its graduate-level focus and professional specialization. While it lacks undergraduate options, it excels in providing advanced, research-based, and professionally-oriented programs that meet the evolving requirements of the nutrition field. The concentrated offerings ensure high-quality, specialized education for serious nutrition professionals seeking to advance their careers or transition into the field with strong academic credentials.