Houston’s thriving healthcare and wellness landscape offers exceptional opportunities for nutrition professionals. Whether you’re passionate about becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, working in community health, or integrating nutrition with fitness and wellness programs, the Greater Houston area provides world-class educational pathways to launch your career.
From ACEND-accredited programs that prepare you for RDN credentialing to comprehensive nutritional sciences degrees that open doors across the health sector, Houston’s universities deliver quality education at accessible price points. Explore the top-ranked nutrition programs that can transform your passion for health and wellness into a meaningful, impactful profession.
2026 Best Nutrition Degree Programs in the Houston Area
University of Houston
Houston, TX - Public 4-Year - uh.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Foods
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Foods at the University of Houston is an ACEND-accredited program that prepares students to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs). It covers essential science and nutrition coursework, requiring supervised practice post-graduation for credentialing. Admission is based on university standards, including science prerequisites, and may require ACT or SAT exams. This campus-based program offers a strong foundation for diverse health careers, ideal for those passionate about dietetics.
- ACEND accredited program.
- Prepares for RDN credential.
- Covers science and nutrition.
- On-campus learning experience.
- Focus on dietetics practice.
- Requires supervised practice post-graduation.
- Strong foundation for health careers.
- Admission based on university standards.
- Science prerequisites required.
- Ideal for nutrition enthusiasts.
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Foods
Concentration: Nutrition and Fitness Track - Campus Based - Visit Website
Focused on the Nutrition and Fitness Track, this Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Foods at the University of Houston integrates nutrition and kinesiology for careers in health and wellness. It does not lead to RDN credentialing but provides a science-rich, campus-based curriculum. Admission likely requires ACT or SAT exams, and the program prepares students for roles in wellness industries with a solid foundation in applied science.
- Campus-based program
- Focus on nutrition and fitness
- No RDN pathway
- Science and nutrition coursework
- Prepares for health and wellness careers
- Located in Houston, TX
- Integrated nutrition and kinesiology
- Undergraduate degree
- Emphasizes wellness basics
- Solid foundation in applied science
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Foods
Concentration: Nutritional Sciences Track - Campus Based - Visit Website
The Nutritional Sciences Track in the Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Foods at the University of Houston prepares students for post-graduate health care programs like medicine or pharmacy. It offers an in-depth understanding of nutrition science without an RDN pathway. Admission may require ACT or SAT exams, and the campus-based program emphasizes hands-on learning and scientific inquiry for future health professionals.
- ACEND Accredited Track available.
- Prepares for health care careers.
- Campus-based learning.
- Focus on nutritional sciences.
- Foundation for post-graduate studies.
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Foods
Concentration: ACEND Accredited Track - Campus Based - Visit Website
This ACEND Accredited Track in the Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Foods at the University of Houston focuses on preparing students for the RDN credential through a pathway to the CDR exam. It includes hands-on learning, nutrition science coursework, and meets accreditation standards. Admission likely requires ACT or SAT exams, and the campus-based program ensures eligibility for supervised practice and a quality education in dietetics.
- ACEND accredited program.
- Prepares for RDN credential.
- Campus-based learning.
- Focus on nutrition science.
- Pathway to dietetic internships.
- Meets CDR exam requirements.
- Hands-on learning experiences.
- Quality education in dietetics.
- Emphasizes wellness and nutrition.
- Accredited by The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Houston's online Master of Science in Nutrition is a 30-credit program designed for advanced roles in clinical nutrition, management, and wellness. It emphasizes evidence-based medical nutrition therapies and practical applications, suitable for dietetic interns and registered dietitians. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, and no entrance exam is specified, making it flexible for working professionals seeking career advancement without interruption.
- Fully online program
- 30 credit hours
- Non-thesis option
- Prepares for advanced clinical roles
- Focus on evidence-based therapies
- Ideal for dietetic interns
- For registered dietitians
- Comprehensive curriculum
- Practical, real-world applications
- Flexible for working professionals
Texas Southern University
Houston, TX - Public 4-Year - tsu.edu
Bachelor's - Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics
Campus Based - Visit Website
Texas Southern University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, a four-year campus program blending science with practical skills for careers in dietetics, nutrition counseling, and food service management. It includes hands-on labs, a capstone seminar, and courses in medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition, and food systems management. Admission requires meeting undergraduate criteria with science prerequisites; an ACT or SAT exam is required for bachelor's level entry. This HBCU and military-friendly program emphasizes public health and individual wellness, preparing graduates for impactful roles in nutrition.
- Campus-based program.
- 121 total credit hours.
- Includes hands-on labs.
- Capstone seminar required.
- Focus on medical nutrition therapy.
- Community nutrition courses.
- Food systems management included.
- Nutrition counseling education.
- Comprehensive science prerequisites.
- Four-year duration.
Master's - Master of Nutritional Sciences in Dietetics
Campus Based - Visit Website
Texas Southern University's Master of Nutritional Sciences in Dietetics is a 24-month campus-based program in Houston, designed for aspiring dietitians. It includes an administrative internship and offers thesis or coursework options, with prerequisites in management, statistics, and accounting. The program focuses on advanced practical skills and theoretical knowledge for dietetics careers. Admission requires meeting graduate criteria; an entrance exam such as the GRE may be required for master's level programs, though it is not explicitly stated as waived in the provided information.
- 24-month program duration
- Includes administrative internship
- Thesis or coursework options
- Prerequisites in management, statistics, accounting
- Campus-based in Houston, TX
Prairie View A & M University
Prairie View, TX - Public 4-Year - pvamu.edu
Bachelor's - Human Nutrition and Food
Campus Based - Visit Website
Prairie View A&M University's Bachelor of Science in Dietetics is an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program that emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and food service management. Students can specialize in Registered Dietitian or Health and Wellness concentrations, building a strong science foundation for careers in clinical dietetics and community nutrition. The program includes practical applications and prepares for dietetic internships, with admission requiring university standards and ACT or SAT entrance exams as it's a bachelor's level degree.
- ACEND-accredited Didactic Program.
- Registered Dietitian Concentration available.
- Health and Wellness Concentration option.
- Strong science foundation.
- Prepares for dietetic internships.
- Career opportunities in various fields.
- Focus on health promotion.
- Disease prevention emphasis.
- Food service management training.
- Campus-based program.
2026 Most Affordable Nutrition Programs in Houston
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| Texas Southern University |
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| Prairie View A & M University |
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University of Houston
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Choosing the Right School in Houston
Program Overview and Pathways
The Houston area offers three distinct approaches to nutrition education, each serving different career goals and student needs. Understanding these differences is crucial for making an informed decision about your educational investment.
University of Houston provides the most comprehensive and flexible approach with multiple specialized tracks within their Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Foods program, plus an online master’s degree option. Their ACEND-accredited track offers the clearest pathway to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
Texas Southern University focuses on broad nutritional sciences education with strong emphasis on community nutrition and food systems management. Their programs prepare students for diverse nutrition careers while maintaining affordability as a top priority.
Prairie View A&M University, located slightly outside Houston, offers a traditional ACEND-accredited program with two concentration options, serving students who want a more intimate campus environment while still accessing Houston’s professional opportunities.
Career-Focused Program Analysis
For Aspiring Registered Dietitian Nutritionists
If your goal is RDN credentialing, you have two primary options:
University of Houston’s ACEND Accredited Track provides the most established pathway with comprehensive preparation for dietetic internships and CDR exam requirements. The program’s long-standing reputation and Houston location offer excellent networking and internship opportunities.
Prairie View A&M’s Registered Dietitian Concentration offers similar ACEND accreditation with potentially smaller class sizes and more personalized attention. The campus location provides a different learning environment while maintaining access to Houston’s healthcare sector.
For Health and Wellness Careers
University of Houston’s Nutrition and Fitness Track uniquely integrates nutrition science with kinesiology, making it ideal for careers in fitness centers, corporate wellness programs, and health promotion without the RDN pathway requirements.
For Future Healthcare Professionals
University of Houston’s Nutritional Sciences Track specifically prepares students for post-graduate healthcare studies in medicine, dentistry, optometry, or pharmacy, providing the strong scientific foundation needed for medical school prerequisites.
For Broad Nutrition Science Careers
Texas Southern University’s programs excel in preparing students for diverse nutrition roles including food service management, community nutrition, and nutrition counseling, with particular strength in administrative and management aspects.
Financial Investment Analysis
Most Affordable Options
Texas Southern University offers the best value with:
- Undergraduate: $6,900-$10,400 (in-state), $16,300-$24,500 (non-resident)
- Graduate: $6,700-$10,000 (in-state), $12,600-$18,900 (non-resident)
University of Houston provides competitive pricing considering the accreditation benefits:
- All programs: $7,800-$11,700 (in-state), $17,800-$26,600 (undergraduate non-resident)
- Graduate programs: $15,300-$22,900 (non-resident)
Prairie View A&M falls in the middle range:
- Undergraduate: $9,000-$13,600 (in-state), $21,500-$32,200 (non-resident)
Return on Investment Considerations
While TSU offers the lowest tuition, UH’s ACEND accreditation may provide better long-term earning potential for RDN-track students. The salary premium for registered dietitians often justifies the modest additional investment in accredited programs.
Program Format and Learning Experience
Campus-Based Learning Benefits
All three institutions offer campus-based programs with hands-on laboratory experiences, but each provides different advantages:
University of Houston offers the most comprehensive laboratory facilities and clinical preparation infrastructure, particularly valuable for students in the ACEND-accredited track.
Texas Southern University emphasizes practical, real-world applications through hands-on labs and capstone seminars, with strong focus on community nutrition projects.
Prairie View A&M provides a more intimate campus environment with potentially greater faculty interaction and personalized attention.
Online Learning Flexibility
University of Houston’s Master of Science in Nutrition stands alone in offering fully online graduate education. This 30-credit, non-thesis program specifically targets working dietetic interns and registered dietitians seeking career advancement without interrupting their professional responsibilities.
Specialization Depth and Breadth
Most Specialized Options
University of Houston offers the greatest specialization with four distinct pathways, allowing students to tailor their education to specific career goals from the outset.
Comprehensive Generalist Approach
Texas Southern University provides the most comprehensive generalist education, covering medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition, food systems management, and nutrition counseling in a single program.
Prairie View A&M offers middle-ground specialization with two concentration options while maintaining broader foundational knowledge.
Prerequisites and Academic Preparation
Science-Heavy Requirements
University of Houston and Prairie View A&M both emphasize strong science prerequisites aligned with dietetics standards, making them ideal for students with robust STEM backgrounds.
Diverse Prerequisite Approach
Texas Southern University’s graduate program uniquely requires management, statistics, and accounting prerequisites, reflecting their emphasis on administrative and leadership preparation.
Geographic and Professional Advantages
Houston Metropolitan Benefits
University of Houston and Texas Southern University offer direct access to Houston’s massive healthcare sector, including the Texas Medical Center, providing unparalleled internship and employment opportunities.
Regional Networking
Prairie View A&M’s location provides access to both Houston opportunities and a distinct alumni network, potentially offering unique professional connections.
Decision-Making Framework
Choose University of Houston if you:
- Want maximum flexibility with multiple specialization tracks
- Need ACEND accreditation for RDN pathway
- Prefer established program reputation
- Value urban campus environment
- Need online graduate program options
- Can invest in slightly higher tuition for specialization benefits
Choose Texas Southern University if you:
- Prioritize affordability above all other factors
- Want comprehensive, generalist nutrition education
- Prefer broader program approach without early specialization pressure
- Value diverse academic environment
- Need administrative and management skill development
- Want hands-on learning with capstone experience
Choose Prairie View A&M if you:
- Want ACEND accreditation in a smaller campus setting
- Prefer more personalized faculty interaction
- Like traditional college campus environment
- Want access to Houston opportunities without urban campus life
- Value HBCU educational experience
- Need two-concentration flexibility
Final Recommendations
For career-focused students with clear RDN goals: University of Houston’s ACEND track or Prairie View A&M’s RD concentration provide the most direct pathways.
For budget-conscious students: Texas Southern University offers exceptional value while maintaining quality education and diverse career preparation.
For students seeking flexibility: University of Houston’s multiple tracks allow you to refine your career focus during your educational journey.
For working professionals: University of Houston’s online master’s program provides career advancement without career interruption.
The choice ultimately depends on balancing your career goals, financial constraints, learning style preferences, and desired campus environment. All three institutions provide quality nutrition education that can launch successful careers in Houston’s thriving health and wellness sector.