Best Sports Nutrition & Exercise Degrees: Online Masters & Bachelors

Sports nutrition represents one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing specializations within nutrition science, focusing on optimizing athletic performance through evidence-based dietary strategies. These programs prepare professionals to work with athletes at all levels, from recreational fitness enthusiasts to elite Olympic competitors, addressing unique nutritional needs for training, competition, and recovery.

Unlike general nutrition programs, sports nutrition concentrations emphasize exercise physiology, performance optimization, hydration strategies, supplement evaluation, and the physiological demands of different sports. Graduates work as sports dietitians with professional teams, in collegiate athletics, fitness centers, private practice, and sports nutrition consulting.

This guide analyzes the top-ranked sports nutrition programs across bachelor’s and master’s levels, examining their unique approaches, accreditation status, hands-on experience opportunities, and career preparation focus to help you identify the program that matches your athletic and professional goals.

2027 Best Nutrition Degree Programs for sports

Sports nutrition is a fast-growing field that blends science with athletic performance. We at nutritiondegrees.org have ranked the best nutrition degree programs for sports to help students find a perfect fit. These top programs focus on exercise physiology, diet planning, and helping athletes reach peak results. The rankings consider important factors like faculty experience, internship opportunities, and course quality. Whether someone wants to work with professional teams or everyday gym-goers, a strong degree makes a big difference. A great sports nutrition degree opens doors to many rewarding careers. To understand exactly how these rankings are created, see the methodology at https://www.nutritiondegrees.org/about-us/#ranking.

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL - Private 4-year - nova.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition (Sports Nutrition)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

NSU's hybrid Master of Science in Nutrition with a Sports Nutrition concentration is designed for working professionals. This 30-credit program can be completed in one year, featuring synchronous online classes and flexible scheduling. Coursework covers genetic applications, plant-based eating, and behavioral strategies, plus electives like herbal therapy or community nutrition. A capstone project is included, and the curriculum prepares students for the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) credential. The program does not list an entrance exam requirement, allowing applicants without GRE scores. Graduates may work as sports nutritionists, wellness coaches, or clinical specialists in this expanding field.

5 concentration options
1-Year program
Complete in as little as one year
30 total credit hours
Starts fall/winter/summer
Synchronous online classes
Capstone required
CNS credential eligible
Capstone project included
Open advising on Fridays

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA - Private 4-year - liberty.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Human Performance – Nutrition (Sports Nutrition)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Liberty University’s online Master of Science in Human Performance with a sports nutrition concentration prepares students to design evidence-based nutritional strategies for athletes and active populations. The 35-credit hybrid curriculum integrates exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports nutrition, and research methods, with specialized coursework addressing diabetes, obesity, and eating disorders. Students gain practical skills through two residential intensives in Lynchburg, VA, utilizing advanced human performance laboratories. The program offers flexible asynchronous learning, eight start dates annually, and an eight-week course format. Graduates pursue careers as fitness trainers, wellness coaches, or healthcare specialists. No entrance exam (such as the GRE) is required for admission, and applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA. A thesis or internship option caps the degree, with tuition at $580 per credit.

No entrance exam required
Test optional
$580 per credit
35 total credit hours
Full-time and part-time options
8 start dates per year
Asynchronous online classes
3.0 GPA minimum
Thesis or capstone option
$50 application fee

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN - Public 4-Year - memphis.edu

Master's - MS Nutrition/Dietetic Internship and Residency Program (Sports Nutrition)

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Memphis offers a 12-month, 39-credit MS in Nutrition combined with a Dietetic Internship, featuring an elective sports nutrition track. This ACEND-accredited hybrid program blends online coursework with in-person learning, incorporating over 1,000 hours of supervised clinical and community practice in Memphis. Students explore advanced nutrition science, medical nutrition therapy, and sport-specific strategies, preparing for RDN certification and roles in sports medicine, collegiate athletics, or corporate wellness. An applied capstone project and specialty electives provide customization. Graduates receive a dietetic internship verification statement and are eligible for the RDN exam. The program meets ACEND standards and is military-friendly. State licensure requirements may vary.

ACEND accredited
6 concentration options
12-Month program
39 total credit hours
1000 clinical hours
Capstone required
Prepares for RDN exam
Hybrid online and in-person format
ACEND accredited through 2031
Located in Memphis, Tennessee

University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, OH - Public 4-Year - uc.edu

Bachelor's - Nutrition & Dietetics (Sports Nutrition)

Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Cincinnati's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics offers a specialized focus in Sports Nutrition within its ACEND-accredited curriculum. Students delve into how nutrition affects athletic performance, recovery, and wellness, preparing them to work with athletes and active populations in settings like athletic departments, health clubs, and private practice. The program provides a pathway to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and includes an accelerated BS+MS option completing both degrees in five years. Graduates are prepared for the CDR credentialing exam and careers in sports nutrition, clinical dietetics, and community health. Admission requirements regarding ACT/SAT are not explicitly stated in the program description; prospective students should verify with the university.

ACEND accredited
3 concentration options
Explores sports nutrition specialization
Pathway to Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Accelerated BS+MS in 5 years
Prepares for CDR credentialing exam
Career settings: hospitals, athletic departments
Average RDN salary ~$72,000
Minimum 3.0 GPA in DPD courses

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ - Public 4-Year - asu.edu

Master's - Nutritional Science, MS (Sports Nutrition)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Arizona State University’s Master of Science in Nutritional Science with a Sports Nutrition concentration prepares students to apply advanced nutrition to athletic performance. This 30-credit program offers a thesis or applied project route, covering exercise physiology, hydration, electrolyte regulation, and supplement evaluation alongside biostatistics and nutrition policy. Internship and research opportunities build practical skills. International students benefit from STEM-OPT extension for up to 24 months of U.S. work experience. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA and letters of recommendation; no entrance exam is specified. Graduates pursue careers in sports organizations, community health, corporate wellness, and hospitals, or advance to doctoral study. The evidence-based curriculum equips professionals to translate nutrition science into real-world solutions for athletes and active populations.

2 concentration options
30 total credit hours
Starts fall
3.0 GPA minimum
1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
Prerequisite courses required
Thesis or capstone option
Financial aid available
STEM-OPT extension eligible
Accelerated bachelor's plus master's option

Weber State University

Ogden, UT - Public 4-Year - weber.edu

Bachelor's - Nutrition Education (Sports Nutrition)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Weber State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Education with a Sports Nutrition concentration—the only such program in Utah. This campus-based major integrates core nutrition science, including diet design and lifespan nutrition, with specialized coursework on optimizing athletic performance and supporting fitness goals. Students gain hands-on experience in a nutrition food laboratory and a working garden, exploring farm-to-fork concepts. Graduates are equipped for careers with sports teams, health clubs, research labs, and food industry organizations, or for advanced graduate study. As a bachelor's degree, applicants typically submit ACT or SAT scores, though requirements may vary; prospective students should confirm with admissions.

2 concentration options
Only nutrition education major in Utah
Farm-to-fork experience in food lab
Prepares for careers in sports teams
Prepares for graduate and doctoral programs

Lipscomb University

Nashville, TN - Private 4-year - lipscomb.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship (Sports Nutrition)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Lipscomb University's hybrid MS in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship with a Sports Nutrition concentration prepares students to fuel athletes for peak performance. The ACEND-accredited program blends online coursework with Nashville-based experiential learning, requiring 1,000+ clinical hours in hospitals, clinics, and sports settings. Coursework covers nutrient timing, exercise physiology, and sports nutrition assessment, with mentorship from faculty including a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics. This full-time, cohort-based program runs five semesters and has a 95% RD exam pass rate. No entrance exam is required (test optional); GPA minimum 3.0 and prerequisites required. Graduates pursue sports dietitian, wellness coach, or clinical nutrition specialist roles. Financial aid available.

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics accredited
3 concentration options
No entrance exam required
Exams: GRE
Test optional
$1,065 per credit
5-Semester program
Complete in five semesters
Full-time enrollment
Starts fall

Merrimack College

North Andover, MA - Private 4-year - merrimack.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance (Sports/Human Performance)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Merrimack College's Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance, with a sports/human performance concentration, prepares students to become sports dietitians through an ACEND-accredited, STEM-designated curriculum. This 54-credit program integrates 1,000 hours of experiential learning, including direct work with Division I athletes, and covers medical nutrition therapy, sports nutrition, and advanced sports nutrition. No entrance exam is required, and the program guarantees eligibility for the CDR exam, eliminating the competitive internship application. Small classes, dedicated faculty, and success coaching support students from admission to graduation. Rolling admissions with a fall start; prerequisites required. Scholarships and financial aid are available.

ACEND accredited
No entrance exam required
Test optional
2-Year program
54 total credit hours
Apply by 2026-02-15
Rolling admissions
Starts fall
Cohort-based structure
3.0 GPA minimum

Canisius University

Buffalo, NY - Private 4-year - canisius.edu

Master's - Master's in Applied Nutrition (Fitness and Sports Nutrition)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Canisius University’s online Master’s in Applied Nutrition, with a concentration in Fitness and Sports Nutrition, prepares students for careers in sports nutrition, wellness coaching, and health education. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, research methodology, and real-world application, focusing on nutritional strategies for athletic performance and fitness. Students learn to evaluate and design nutrition programs for active individuals and athletes, integrating theory with practical skills. Recognized by OnlineMasters.com as a top online nutrition program, it reflects the university’s Jesuit mission of service. The fully online format offers flexibility for working professionals. No standardized entrance exam is specified for admission, making it accessible for practitioners seeking advanced training.

2 concentration options
Fully online program
Research and practice application

*From: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2025 dataset. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

2027 Most Affordable Sports Nutrition Programs

This table highlights three of the most affordable sports nutrition programs in the USA. We've selected options at the associate, bachelor's, and master's degree levels. These programs are spread across the country, offering different learning environments. The list below compares essential details to help pick the right fit for the 2027 academic year. Whether looking for a two-year start or advanced study, these choices combine quality with cost savings. Take a close look at the programs to see which one matches career goals.

Liberty University Master of Science in Human Performance – Nutrition - Sports Nutrition	No entrance exam required Test optional $580 per credit 35 total credit hours Full-time and part-time options 8 start dates per year Asynchronous online classes 3.0 GPA minimum	$7,000 - $10,500 (Graduate)
Arizona State University Nutritional Science, MS - Sports Nutrition	2 concentration options 30 total credit hours Starts fall 3.0 GPA minimum 1 letters of recommendation (minimum) Prerequisite courses required Thesis or capstone option Financial aid available	$10,900 - $16,300 (Graduate In-State) $22,000 - $33,000 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Lipscomb University Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship - Sports Nutrition	Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics accredited 3 concentration options No entrance exam required Exams: GRE Test optional $1,065 per credit 5-Semester program Complete in five semesters	$13,900 - $20,800 (Graduate)

*Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2025, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education.

Which is the Best Program for You?

How to Choose the Right Sports Nutrition Program

1. Define Your Career Goals

Sports Dietitian (RD): Requires ACEND-accredited program with dietetic internship
Performance Consultant: Focus on research-based programs with exercise physiology
Private Practice: Consider programs with CNS credential preparation
Team Sports: Look for programs with hands-on athletic experience
Research/Academia: Prioritize thesis-based programs with strong research components

2. Evaluate Program Structure

Degree Level: Bachelor’s for foundation, Master’s for specialization and leadership
Accreditation: ACEND for RD pathway, other specialized accreditations
Delivery Format: Campus-based for labs/hands-on vs. online for flexibility
Duration: 1-2 years for master’s, with some intensive options available

3. Consider Practical Factors

Hands-on Experience: Supervised practice hours, internships, athletic rotations
Cost: Significant variation between public/private and in-state/out-of-state
Location: Access to professional sports teams, athletic facilities
Admission Requirements: GRE, prerequisites, GPA thresholds