Austin Nutrition Programs & Online Degrees

The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition at The University of Texas at Austin delivers an integrative science curriculum bridging life science, health, behavior, and society. After core studies in biology, chemistry, and biochemistry, students select from five tracks: Didactic Program in Dietetics, Nutritional Sciences, Public Health Nutrition, Honors, or an Integrated Coordinated Program combining BS/MS with 1,000 hours of supervised practice. The DPD and ICPD pathways provide ACEND-accredited routes to Registered Dietitian eligibility. The Nutritional Sciences option emphasizes research and graduate preparation, while Public Health Nutrition targets community health roles. Honors students complete a thesis with faculty mentoring. No standardized entrance exam is specified for this undergraduate program.

• ACEND accredited
• 5 concentration options
• Integrated BS/MS program available
• ACEND accredited DPD and ICPD
• 1,000 hours supervised practice in ICPD
• Honors thesis opportunity (HANS)
• Prepares for Registered Dietitian credential
• Dean's Scholars Honors option
• Small group mentoring with faculty

For students targeting the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential, UT Austin offers the Dietetics concentration within its BS in Nutrition through two ACEND-accredited pathways: the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and the Integrated Coordinated Program in Dietetics (ICPD). The ICPD combines bachelor's and master's degrees with supervised practice, enabling graduates to sit for the CDR credentialing exam directly. The curriculum includes clinical, administrative, and community experiences with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Financial aid and scholarships are available, and cost estimation tools help plan expenses. Graduates pursue careers in healthcare, food service management, and public health. The program statement does not detail any required ACT/SAT entrance exam.

• Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited
• Prepares for Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing exam
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Didactic and Integrated Coordinated options
• Supervised practice in ICPD
• Pathway to become RDN
• State licensure information provided
• Commitment to diversity
• Cost estimation tools available

The Nutritional Sciences concentration of UT Austin's BS in Nutrition is a science-heavy, research-oriented track designed for students pursuing graduate study or professional health programs. Coursework includes metabolism, biochemistry, genetics, and vitamins/minerals, often with lab components. Entry requirements feature calculus, chemistry, biology, and introductory nutrition with lab. This option prepares graduates for private or publicly funded research, teaching, or advanced nutrition research following subsequent degrees. Housed in the College of Natural Sciences, the program offers access to cutting-edge research and expert faculty. While the curriculum emphasizes scientific inquiry, the program description does not specify ACT/SAT or other standardized entrance exam requirements.

• 4 concentration options
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for graduate study
• Research career preparation
• Fulfills pre-med requirements
• Requires calculus prerequisite
• Requires chemistry prerequisite
• Includes biology prerequisite
• Core nutrition course with lab
• Lab component in nutrition

The Nutrition and Public Health concentration within UT Austin's BS in Nutrition combines foundational science with public health coursework in epidemiology, community health, program planning, and policy analysis. Students develop skills for entry-level roles at state and local health departments, nonprofits, and research institutions. The curriculum also serves as a springboard for graduate study in public health, nutrition, biomedical sciences, or medical school. Part of the College of Natural Sciences, this track offers interdisciplinary opportunities and hands-on community engagement. Graduates are equipped for careers focused on health promotion and disease prevention. The provided program details do not mention specific ACT/SAT entrance exam requirements.

• Prepares for entry-level positions in health departments
• Equips for graduate programs in public health
• Prepares for medical or health professional schools
• Focus on health and research careers
• Part of University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin's International Nutrition concentration blends rigorous science with a required study abroad experience, allowing students to examine nutrition challenges in another culture firsthand. The curriculum spans molecular biology, organic chemistry, genetics, metabolism, and nutrition-specific areas such as vitamins and minerals, with foundational courses in math and chemistry. This unique track prepares graduates for careers in international health, public health agencies, and research, or for continued graduate education. Housed in the College of Natural Sciences, the program offers additional specialization options. The description does not disclose whether ACT/SAT scores are required for admission to this undergraduate nutrition track.

• 4 concentration options
• Prerequisite courses required
• International study abroad component
• BS in Nutrition from UT Austin
• Curriculum covers science and culture
• Course examples: organic chemistry and genetics
• Research course available

• Cohort-based structure
• Prepares for Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
• 100% online degree
• Two completion tracks available
• Fulfills CNS certification requirements
• Covers diet-gut microbiome topics
• Challenge-based learning strategies
• Readily accessible faculty
• Strong peer support network

• 2-Year program
• 30 total credit hours
• Thesis required
• Prepares for technical positions in food labs
• Careers in public health administration
• Focus on nutrition and disease prevention
• Curriculum includes biochemical and clinical components

Texas State's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Foods with a Dietetics (DPD) concentration blends nutrition science, chemistry, biology, and family and consumer sciences into a rigorous 122-semester-hour curriculum. Designed for future registered dietitians, it emphasizes a strong science foundation and community health improvement while preparing graduates to compete for post-baccalaureate dietetic internships and pursue the RD/RDN credential. Students can start in fall, spring, or summer and must maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA. Financial aid and scholarships, including Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics awards, help support students. While ACT/SAT requirements aren't explicitly stated, the program's challenging coursework is suited for those with consistent work ethic and a drive to impact lives in clinical, community, or food service settings.

• 122 total credit hours
• Starts fall/spring/summer
• 2.8 GPA minimum
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Prepares for RD/RDN credential
• Competitive for dietetic internships
• Science aptitude recommended
• Challenging but rewarding program
• Academy scholarships available

Texas State's Nutrition and Foods Teacher Certification track equips future educators to teach nutrition and food-related subjects in middle and high schools. Part of the undergraduate program, this pathway combines nutrition science, food systems, dietary guidelines, and wellness principles with educational pedagogy. Students learn to create engaging lesson plans and promote healthy eating habits in adolescents, with practical application emphasized to meet state certification requirements. Graduates pursue careers as family and consumer sciences teachers, health educators, or school nutrition outreach coordinators. One of three undergraduate tracks—alongside Dietetics and Nutrition with a Minor—it allows tailored study. No ACT/SAT requirement is mentioned; focus is on classroom readiness and certification.

• Prepares for teaching certification in nutrition
• One of three undergraduate tracks

Texas State's Master of Science in Human Nutrition offers a research-centric curriculum with flexible thesis (33 credits) and non-thesis (39 credits) options. Students engage in original research or tailored coursework, with faculty expertise spanning molecular nutrition to community health, using state-of-the-art labs. Graduates are prepared for roles like registered dietitian, clinical nutrition manager, or doctoral study. The program starts in fall and spring with rolling admissions and a 3.0 GPA minimum, plus three letters of recommendation and prerequisite courses. Notably, the GRE is not required, and priority funding supports early applicants. This degree is ideal for those seeking advanced nutrition science skills without the barrier of a graduate entrance exam.

• No entrance exam required
• 33 total credit hours
• Rolling admissions
• Starts fall/spring
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Prerequisite courses required
• Thesis or capstone option
• $55 application fee
• Financial aid available

Offered at the University of the Incarnate Word, the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition's Nutrition and Dietetics Track blends science and culinary training. Students examine food, culture, health, and behavior through case studies, culinary labs, and community service. The curriculum covers nutrition across the lifespan, food systems, and foodservice operations, setting up the RDN pathway. Graduates can become clinical dietitians, diabetes educators, food service managers, or wellness coaches. The 122-126 credit program includes two concentrations, requires no prior culinary experience, and offers a Didactic Program in Dietetics option. This hands-on degree positions students for graduate study or immediate nutrition careers.

• Two concentrations available
• Hands-on culinary labs
• RDN pathway preparation
• No prior culinary experience needed
• Didactic Program in Dietetics option
• Community service opportunities
• Career in clinical dietetics
• 122-126 credit hour program

University of the Incarnate Word's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition delivers a scientific foundation with real-world perspective. The 122-126 credit curriculum includes 23 core nutrition hours covering nourishment across life stages, plus supporting courses in psychology, math, economics, and sciences. Students choose from two concentrations, including Dietetics and Culinary Nutrition, featuring culinary labs and case-based learning. Graduates pursue careers as clinical dietitians, diabetes educators, food service managers, or community nutrition specialists. The Didactic Program in Dietetics supports the RDN examination pathway. Hands-on culinary labs and community service prepare students for health care, food industry, and wellness roles. No prior culinary experience is required.

• Prepares for RDN examination
• 122-126 credit hours
• 23 core nutrition credit hours
• Dietetics and Culinary Nutrition concentration
• Didactic Program in Dietetics option
• Hands-on culinary labs
• Case-based nutrition coursework
• Community experiential service
• No prior culinary experience needed

The University of the Incarnate Word offers a 30-credit, two-year Master of Science in Nutrition through an in-person, mission-driven format. Core coursework includes Advanced Nutrition I and II, Research Methods, and Research Statistics, with a capstone project spanning two semesters on real-world challenges. Students engage in evidence-based practice, ethical decision-making, and social justice while collaborating with local communities on sustainable nutrition initiatives. The ACEND-accredited DPD option and Dietetic Internship are available for RDN credentialing. Career opportunities include research, wellness, food service management, public health nutrition, and clinical dietetics. Individualized advising supports students throughout the program. The Roman Catholic, military-friendly institution prepares graduates for leadership in nutrition.

• 2-Year program
• 30 total credit hours
• 2.5 GPA minimum
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Prerequisite courses required
• Capstone required
• DPD option for RDN credential
• Dietetic Internship option available
• Prerequisites for non-nutrition majors
• Careers: RDN, clinical, community dietitian

The University of Texas at San Antonio offers a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics as part of its Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD). This three-year integrated pathway combines undergraduate and graduate coursework, allowing students to complete an accelerated master's degree. The curriculum covers medical nutrition therapy, food science, community nutrition, and advanced human nutrition, with hands-on practicums and a 1,000-hour supervised practice component. Graduates are eligible for the Commission on Dietetics Registration national examination to become registered dietitian nutritionists. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, nutrition counseling, and public health policy. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, prerequisite courses, and two letters of recommendation; specific ACT or SAT entrance exam requirements are not explicitly stated, so applicants should verify with the university.

• 4-Year program
• 120 total credit hours
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for Commission on Dietetics Registration national examination
• Eligibility for RDN/RD exam
• 1,000 hours supervised practice
• Part of Accelerated Master's pathway
• Three-year integrated CPD program

San Antonio College's associate degree in nutrition delivers a science-focused curriculum covering human nutrition, food science, physiology, metabolism, sustainable food systems, and weight management. Students gain a foundation for transferring to a four-year program and pursuing registered dietitian or nutritionist certification. The program also prepares graduates for direct entry into roles such as dietetics technician or health coach. With an emphasis on disease prevention and wellness in an aging population, the coursework applies scientific principles to real-world health challenges. Delivered entirely on campus, the program offers hands-on learning and direct faculty mentorship, ensuring practical skill development. This associate pathway serves as a stepping stone to advanced study or immediate employment in the growing nutrition and wellness field.

• Science-intensive curriculum
• Transfer to bachelor's degree
• Prepares for dietitian licensure
• Entry-level: dietetics technician, health coach
• Emphasis on disease prevention
• Focus on food science and physiology
• Study sustainable food systems
• Face-to-Face classes