Rhode Island Nutrition Programs & Online Degrees

2026 Best Nutrition Degree Programs in Rhode Island

Looking for the best nutrition degree programs in Rhode Island? At nutritiondegrees.org, we've carefully ranked the top options to help you make an informed choice. Our team evaluates factors like curriculum quality, faculty expertise, and career outcomes to bring you reliable recommendations. These programs can set you on a path to success in the health and wellness field. For details on how we create our rankings, check out our ranking methodology.

#1

Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Providence, RI - Private 4-year - jwu.edu

Bachelor's - Dietetics and Applied Nutrition - B.S.

Campus Based - Visit Website

Johnson & Wales University-Providence offers an ACEND-accredited Dietetics and Applied Nutrition B.S. program, preparing students for RDN certification. It combines scientific coursework in biology and chemistry with hands-on culinary labs, focusing on nutrition care plans and sensory evaluation. Graduates can pursue careers in healthcare, food service, and sports nutrition. The program includes a core curriculum and requires meeting academic standards for admission, with financial aid available. Entrance exams like ACT or SAT may be required for bachelor's level admission.

• ACEND-accredited program.
• Prepares for RDN certification.
• Combines science and culinary labs.
• Focus on nutrition care plans.
• Hands-on sensory evaluation.
• Career opportunities in healthcare.
• Includes food service and sports nutrition.
• Requires biology and chemistry courses.
• University core curriculum included.
• Financial aid options available.

Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition

Online Learning - Visit Website

The Master of Science in Nutrition at Johnson & Wales University-Providence is a 30-credit online program for those with a nutrition background. It emphasizes evidence-based practice, covering advanced topics such as macronutrients, micronutrients, health and wellness, athletic performance, and clinical nutrition. Graduates are prepared for careers in nutritional science and dietetics, but it does not meet ACEND requirements for RD credentialing. Admission requires an undergraduate degree in a related field, and no entrance exam is explicitly required.

• 30-credit online program
• Focus on advanced nutrition topics
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Covers macronutrients and micronutrients
• Nutrition for health and wellness
• Nutrition for athletic performance
• Clinical nutrition focus
• Prepares for careers in nutrition science
• Requires undergraduate degree in nutrition
• Does not meet RD credentialing requirements

Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics

Campus Based - Visit Website

Johnson & Wales University-Providence's Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics is a 16-month hybrid program that prepares students for RDN credentialing with over 1,000 hours of supervised experiential learning. It focuses on medical nutrition therapy, interdisciplinary healthcare, and evidence-based strategies, combining online coursework with hands-on practice. Merit scholarships up to $4,000 are available. Admission requires an undergraduate degree, and no entrance exam is mentioned as required.

• 16-month full-time master's program
• 1,000+ hours supervised learning
• Hybrid online and campus format
• Prepares for RDN credentialing exam
• Merit scholarship up to $4,000
• Interdisciplinary healthcare collaboration
• 48-54 total credit hours
• Experienced industry faculty
• Multiple healthcare practice areas

Show 2 More Programs ˅

#2

University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI - Public 4-Year - web.uri.edu

Bachelor's - B.S. in Nutrition

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Rhode Island's B.S. in Nutrition program is a campus-based degree requiring 120 credits for graduation. It emphasizes a strong science foundation with courses in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and biochemistry, alongside specialized nutrition studies focused on public health. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in required courses, and the program prepares graduates for careers in nutrition counseling and dietetics. Admissions require a solid academic record, including general education components, and may necessitate ACT or SAT scores as part of the undergraduate application process.

• 120 credits to graduate.
• 3.0 GPA required.
• Campus-based program.
• Includes anatomy and physiology.
• Focus on public health.
• Science and chemistry courses.
• Specialized nutrition studies.
• Prepares for dietetics careers.
• Strong academic record needed.
• General education included.

*IPEDS 2023 data files, National Center for Education Statistics.

How to Choose the Right School for You

The Reality: Limited but Quality Options

Rhode Island offers only two nutrition programs, creating a straightforward but critical decision between vastly different educational approaches and financial commitments.

Program Comparison

Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Programs: Multiple bachelor’s and master’s options Type: Private University, Campus-based and Online Cost: Premium private university tuition

Strengths:

• ACEND-accredited Dietetics program for RDN pathway
• Unique culinary laboratory integration
• 16-month accelerated master’s with supervised practice
• Merit scholarships up to $4,000 annually
• Multiple master’s concentrations available
• Direct path to RDN credentialing through coordinated program

Best For:

• Students committed to becoming Registered Dietitians
• Those wanting culinary arts integration
• Students seeking accelerated pathways
• Those who can afford private tuition

University of Rhode Island

Program: B.S. in Nutrition (120 credits) Type: Public University, Campus-based Cost: Public university rates (significantly lower)

Strengths:

• Comprehensive scientific foundation
• Strong public health focus
• Affordable public university tuition
• Solid preparation for graduate studies
• Rigorous academic standards (3.0 GPA requirement)

Best For:

• Budget-conscious students
• Rhode Island residents seeking affordable education
• Students planning graduate school elsewhere
• Those interested in public health careers

Decision Framework

Choose Johnson & Wales if you:

• Want RDN Certification: Only ACEND-accredited option in Rhode Island
• Value Culinary Integration: Unique combination of nutrition science and culinary labs
• Prefer Accelerated Timelines: 16-month master’s program available
• Can Afford Premium Pricing: Comfortable with private university costs
• Want Multiple Options: Various bachelor’s and master’s concentrations

Choose University of Rhode Island if you:

• Need Affordable Education: Significantly lower public university tuition
• Are a Rhode Island Resident: Maximum cost savings with in-state rates
• Plan Graduate School: Strong foundation for advanced studies elsewhere
• Prefer Public Health Focus: Emphasis on community nutrition and wellness
• Want Traditional University Experience: Established public university environment

Critical Considerations

RDN Pathway Requirements:

• Johnson & Wales: Direct pathway through ACEND-accredited programs
• URI: Requires additional steps – graduate school or separate internship program

Financial Reality Check:

• URI: Approximately $12,000-15,000/year (estimate for public university)
• Johnson & Wales: $35,000-50,000+/year (typical private university range)
• Total Difference: $90,000-150,000 over four years
• Career Preparation:
• Johnson & Wales: Direct professional preparation with supervised practice
• URI: Strong academic foundation requiring additional professional training

Program-Specific Analysis

Johnson & Wales Bachelor’s Programs:

• Dietetics & Applied Nutrition: ACEND-accredited, RDN preparation
• Unique culinary laboratory component
• Requires strong science background
• Direct pathway to professional practice

Johnson & Wales Master’s Programs:

• Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics: 16-month coordinated program with 1,000+ supervised hours
• MS in Nutrition: 30-credit online option (non-RDN pathway)
• Merit scholarships available
• Experienced industry faculty

URI Bachelor’s Program:

• 120 credits with 3.0 GPA requirement in core courses
• Strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry
• Public health and wellness emphasis
• Preparation for various nutrition careers

Geographic and Practical Factor

Location Advantages:

• Johnson & Wales (Providence): Urban setting, industry connections
• URI (Kingston): Traditional campus environment, research opportunities

Accessibility:

• Both programs require campus attendance for core coursework
• Johnson & Wales offers some online master’s options
• Limited public transportation between locations

Alternative Strategies

If Cost is Prohibitive:

• Start at Community College of Rhode Island for prerequisites
• Consider URI for bachelor’s, then out-of-state master’s programs
• Look into neighboring states’ public programs

If You Want More Options:

• Consider Massachusetts programs (Boston University, Tufts, Simmons)Look into Connecticut or Vermont programs
• Explore online programs from other accredited institutions

Financial Aid Considerations:

• Johnson & Wales offers merit scholarships up to $4,000
• URI likely offers more need-based aid as public institution
• Consider total debt load vs. career earning potential

Final Recommendation

For most students seeking RDN credentials: Johnson & Wales is the only viable option in Rhode Island, but carefully consider the financial commitment against out-of-state alternatives.

For budget-conscious students: University of Rhode Island provides solid foundation, but plan for additional education to achieve RDN credentials.

For maximum value: Consider starting at URI for bachelor’s degree, then pursuing ACEND-accredited master’s programs in neighboring states with potentially better cost-to-value ratios.

Bottom Line: Rhode Island’s limited options mean many students may benefit from expanding their search to nearby states with more diverse, potentially more affordable nutrition education opportunities.