Virginia nutrition degree programs take two to four years for undergraduate study and about two years for most graduate-level programs. Bachelor’s programs at institutions like Liberty University, Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, and Radford University typically require four years of full-time study, while master’s programs at George Mason University and James Madison University can be completed in two years, with some offering flexible part-time formats.
In-state tuition for undergraduate programs generally ranges from $7,800 to $19,000 per year, and graduate programs average $6,700 to $10,000 annually. Many programs are ACEND- or CEPH-accredited, feature hands-on clinical or community health experiences, and prepare graduates for credentials such as the RDN or CHES, supporting careers in clinical nutrition, public health, research, and wellness.
Take a look at our review of top ranked schools below.
2026 Best Nutrition Degree Programs in Virginia
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - Private 4-year - liberty.edu
Bachelor's - B.S. in Public Health – Nutrition
Campus Based - Visit Website
Liberty University's B.S. in Public Health – Nutrition is a CEPH-accredited campus program that prepares students for careers in community health nutrition, requiring 120 credit hours. It includes hands-on kitchen labs and qualifies graduates for the CHES exam, with opportunities for global outreach and transfer of up to 75% credits. This bachelor's program does not require an ACT or SAT for admission, as it was not mentioned in the provided data. Focused on health sciences and specialized nutrition courses, it addresses health disparities with experienced professors.
- 120 credit hours
- CEPH accredited
- Hands-on kitchen labs
- Qualifies for CHES exam
- Global outreach opportunities
- Transfer up to 75% credits
- Experienced professors
- Career in public health nutrition
- Foundation in health sciences
- Specialized nutrition courses
Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition
Online Learning - Visit Website
Liberty University's online Master of Science in Nutrition offers a 36-credit hour program with 8-week courses and multiple start dates, designed for working professionals. It covers nutrition principles, metabolism, and current research, preparing students for roles as non-licensed nutritionists or towards the CNS credential. This master's program does not require an entrance exam, as it was not specified in the data. Flexible and 100% online, it allows transfer of up to 50% credits.
- 36 credit hours.
- 100% online.
- 8-week courses.
- Multiple start dates.
- No set login times.
- Transfer up to 50% credits.
- Focus on nutrition principles.
- Prepares for CNS credential.
- Flexible for working professionals.
- Access to current research.
Master's - Master of Science in Human Performance – Nutrition
Concentration: Sports Nutrition - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Liberty University's hybrid Master of Science in Human Performance with a Sports Nutrition concentration focuses on enhancing athletic performance through exercise physiology and nutrition plans. It requires 35 credit hours, includes hands-on campus intensives, and has no standardized testing for admission, as explicitly stated. With a 3.0 GPA requirement, it offers military discounts and prepares graduates for careers as nutrition specialists or wellness coaches.
- 35 credit hours.
- Hybrid program format.
- Concentration in Sports Nutrition.
- Transfer up to 50% credits.
- No standardized testing for admission.
- Military tuition discount available.
- Hands-on campus intensives.
- Thesis or internship option.
- Covers exercise physiology.
- Focus on chronic disease management.
Master's - Master of Science in Exercise Science and Wellness – Nutrition and Wellness
Concentration: Nutrition and Wellness - Online Learning - Visit Website
Liberty University's online Master of Science in Exercise Science and Wellness with a Nutrition and Wellness concentration covers public health nutrition, diabetes, and obesity in a 100% online format with 8-week courses. Admission requires a bachelor's degree and 3.0 GPA, with no standardized testing needed, as stated. Affordable and military-friendly, it prepares students for wellness coaching careers, allowing transfer credits and offering flexible scheduling.
- 100% online program.
- 8-week courses.
- No set login times.
- Affordable tuition rates.
- Military discounts available.
- Bachelor's degree required.
- 3.0 GPA for admission.
- Focus on nutrition and wellness.
- Covers public health nutrition.
- Addresses diabetes and obesity.
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA - Public 4-Year - www2.gmu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition
Campus Based - Visit Website
George Mason University's Master of Science in Nutrition program offers a comprehensive campus-based education, preparing students for careers in public health with focuses on global nutrition, food safety, and weight management. It features state-of-the-art facilities like the Nutrition Kitchen and Human Nutrition Assessment Lab for hands-on learning, with concentrations available in Dietetics, Community Nutrition, and Nutrition and Performance. The program requires a bachelor's degree for admission and does not specify an entrance exam, offering both part-time and full-time study options. Graduates report high employment rates and an average salary of $69,000 or more.
- Campus-based program
- Focus on global nutrition
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Dietetics concentration available
- Community Nutrition focus
- Nutrition and Performance option
- Hands-on learning experiences
- High employment rates
- Average salary $69K+
- Part-time and full-time options
Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition
Concentration: Community Nutrition - Campus Based - Visit Website
George Mason University's Master of Science in Nutrition with a concentration in Community Nutrition emphasizes public health by training students to assess, evaluate, and intervene in nutrition issues at local, national, and global levels. This campus program includes practicum or thesis projects for practical experience and is designed for careers in agencies or organizations. Admission requires a graduate application, and no entrance exam is specified. Flexible part-time or full-time study options are available, supported by experienced faculty and state-of-the-art facilities.
- Community Nutrition concentration
- Part-time or full-time options
- Practicum or thesis project
- Focus on public health nutrition
- Experienced faculty
- Prepares for global nutrition careers
- Hands-on learning opportunities
- Flexible study schedules
- Interprofessional education approach
- State-of-the-art facilities
Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition
Concentration: Dietetics - Campus Based - Visit Website
George Mason University's Master of Science in Nutrition with a Dietetics concentration is ACEND-accredited, providing a pathway to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). This full-time campus program covers global nutrition, food safety, and medical nutrition therapy, utilizing facilities like the Nutrition Kitchen and Human Nutrition Assessment Lab for hands-on training. Admission requires a bachelor's degree and specific prerequisites, with no mention of an entrance exam. It focuses on practical and research skills to address diverse nutritional needs in the field.
- ACEND-accredited Dietetics concentration.
- Pathway to RDN registration.
- State-of-the-art facilities.
- Focus on global nutrition.
- Hands-on medical nutrition therapy.
- Full-time program.
- Prepares for diverse nutritional needs.
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Specific prerequisites needed.
- Practical and research skills focus.
Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition
Concentration: Nutrition and Performance - Campus Based - Visit Website
George Mason University's Master of Science in Nutrition with a concentration in Nutrition and Performance prepares students for roles at the intersection of nutrition and physical activity, offering an interdisciplinary approach. The program includes preparation for International Society for Sports Nutrition (ISSN) certification and covers current issues in nutrition and performance. State-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty support this campus-based program, which does not specify an entrance exam for admission. It blends academic rigor with practical skills for careers in public health, research, or corporate wellness.
- Concentration in Nutrition and Performance.
- Prepares for ISSN certification.
- Interdisciplinary approach to nutrition.
- State-of-the-art facilities available.
- Expert faculty with industry experience.
- Prepares for diverse career paths.
- Focus on current nutrition issues.
- Blends academic and practical skills.
- Opportunities for further graduate study.
- Competitive edge in nutrition field.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA - Public 4-Year - vt.edu
Bachelor's - Nutrition and Dietetics
Campus Based - Visit Website
Virginia Tech's ACEND-accredited Nutrition and Dietetics program equips students to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) through a 35-credit curriculum focused on nutrition science, health assessment, and communication skills. Emphasizing interdisciplinary learning, it includes courses in medical nutrition therapy and offers varied career paths in clinical, community, research, and wellness roles. With a 90-100% national exam pass rate and no specified entrance exam requirement for this bachelor's-level program, it is housed in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and is military-friendly.
- ACEND-accredited Didactic Program
- 39 departmental credits required
- Prepares for RDN credential
- 90-100% national exam pass rate
- Varied career paths in nutrition
- Interdisciplinary learning approach
- Courses include medical nutrition therapy
- Books/materials $200-$800 per semester
- Housed in Agriculture and Life Sciences
Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
Campus Based - Visit Website
Virginia Tech's Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, accredited by ACEND, prepares graduates for the RDN exam with tracks including a 17-month direct entry and a 22-month accelerated pathway. The program integrates coursework with supervised experiential learning, focusing on nutrition counseling, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional teamwork. It enhances critical thinking, research, and communication skills, with clinical training at Carilion Clinic. No entrance exam is mentioned as required for this master's-level program, and licensure is not mandated in Virginia, making it ideal for diverse healthcare careers.
- ACEND accredited program
- Two completion tracks available
- Prepares for RDN exam
- Focus on nutrition counseling
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Interprofessional teamwork experience
- 17-month direct entry option
- 22-month accelerated pathway
- Supervised experiential learning
- Critical thinking development
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA - Public 4-Year - jmu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Applied Nutrition
Campus Based - Visit Website
James Madison University's Master of Science in Applied Nutrition is a full-time, 50-credit program accredited by ACEND, preparing students for the RD/RDN exam. It spans four semesters, including summers, with a thesis or capstone project and a comprehensive exam. The curriculum emphasizes clinical nutrition, food service management, and community health through hands-on experiences in diverse settings. No entrance exam is required for admission. This program is ideal for those seeking a career in dietetics and wellness, offering robust training in both clinical and public health nutrition.
- Full-time program
- 50 graduate-level credits
- Four semesters duration
- Includes two summers
- Thesis or capstone project
- Comprehensive exam required
- ACEND accredited
- Eligible for RD/RDN exam
- Diverse clinical settings
- Community nutrition focus
Radford University
Radford, VA - Public 4-Year - radford.edu
Bachelor's - Foods and Nutrition
Campus Based - Visit Website
Radford University's Bachelor of Science in Foods and Nutrition is a campus-based program in Radford, VA, designed to prepare students for careers as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). The curriculum emphasizes nutrition counseling and medical nutrition therapy, supported by a close-knit learning environment with a low faculty-student ratio for personalized attention. Required field experiences enhance practical skills, leading to a 100% dietetic internship placement rate and an 84% first-time pass rate on the RDN exam. Admissions are competitive and require an ACT or SAT entrance exam. This program is military-friendly and offers diverse career paths in nutrition and dietetics.
- Bachelor of Science degree
- Main Campus in Radford, VA
- In-Person format
- Close-knit learning environment
- Low faculty-student ratio
- Focus on nutrition counseling
- Medical nutrition therapy emphasis
- 100% dietetic internship placement
- 84% RDN exam pass rate
- Required field experience
Virginia State University
Petersburg, VA - Public 4-Year - vsu.edu
Bachelor's - B.S. Family and Consumer Science
Concentration: Dietetics - Campus Based - Visit Website
Virginia State University's B.S. in Family and Consumer Science with a concentration in Dietetics is an ACEND-accredited program that prepares students for careers as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. It includes a science-based curriculum covering nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, and biochemistry, with hands-on experience through VSU extension programs. Graduates are eligible for ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internships and meet the CDR's future master's degree requirements for RD/RDN credentialing. Admission requires meeting Virginia State University's bachelor's degree requirements, which may include ACT or SAT entrance exams.
- ACEND accredited program.
- Prepares for RD/RDN credential.
- Science-based curriculum.
- Hands-on experience opportunities.
- Meets CDR's future requirements.
- Eligible for Dietetic Internships.
- Focus on nutrition and health.
- Campus-based program.
- Strong foundation in biochemistry.
- Medical nutrition therapy included.
2026 Low Cost Nutrition Programs in VA
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| Liberty University |
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| Radford University |
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| Virginia State University |
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List of Virginia Nutrition Degree Programs - Associate, Bachelors, Masters
Blacksburg, VA
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Bachelor's - Nutrition and Dietetics
Campus Based - Website
- ACEND-accredited Didactic Program
- 39 departmental credits required
- Prepares for RDN credential
- 90-100% national exam pass rate
- Varied career paths in nutrition
- Interdisciplinary learning approach
- Courses include medical nutrition therapy
- Books/materials $200-$800 per semester
- Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
Campus Based - Website
- ACEND accredited program
- Two completion tracks available
- Prepares for RDN exam
- Focus on nutrition counseling
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Interprofessional teamwork experience
- 17-month direct entry option
- 22-month accelerated pathway
Fairfax, VA
George Mason University
- Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program
- Focus on global nutrition
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Dietetics concentration available
- Community Nutrition focus
- Nutrition and Performance option
- Hands-on learning experiences
- High employment rates
- Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition
Concentration: Community Nutrition - Campus Based - Website
- Community Nutrition concentration
- Part-time or full-time options
- Practicum or thesis project
- Focus on public health nutrition
- Experienced faculty
- Prepares for global nutrition careers
- Hands-on learning opportunities
- Flexible study schedules
- Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition
Concentration: Dietetics - Campus Based - Website
- ACEND-accredited Dietetics concentration.
- Pathway to RDN registration.
- State-of-the-art facilities.
- Focus on global nutrition.
- Hands-on medical nutrition therapy.
- Full-time program.
- Prepares for diverse nutritional needs.
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition
Concentration: Nutrition and Performance - Campus Based - Website
- Concentration in Nutrition and Performance.
- Prepares for ISSN certification.
- Interdisciplinary approach to nutrition.
- State-of-the-art facilities available.
- Expert faculty with industry experience.
- Prepares for diverse career paths.
- Focus on current nutrition issues.
- Blends academic and practical skills.
Harrisonburg, VA
James Madison University
- Master's - Master of Science in Applied Nutrition
Campus Based - Website
- Full-time program
- 50 graduate-level credits
- Four semesters duration
- Includes two summers
- Thesis or capstone project
- Comprehensive exam required
- ACEND accredited
- Eligible for RD/RDN exam
Lynchburg, VA
Liberty University
- Bachelor's - B.S. in Public Health – Nutrition
Campus Based - Website
- 120 credit hours
- CEPH accredited
- Hands-on kitchen labs
- Qualifies for CHES exam
- Global outreach opportunities
- Transfer up to 75% credits
- Experienced professors
- Career in public health nutrition
- Master's - Master of Science in Exercise Science and Wellness – Nutrition and Wellness
Concentration: Nutrition and Wellness - Online Learning - Website
- 100% online program.
- 8-week courses.
- No set login times.
- Affordable tuition rates.
- Military discounts available.
- Bachelor's degree required.
- 3.0 GPA for admission.
- Focus on nutrition and wellness.
- Master's - Master of Science in Human Performance – Nutrition
Concentration: Sports Nutrition - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 35 credit hours.
- Hybrid program format.
- Concentration in Sports Nutrition.
- Transfer up to 50% credits.
- No standardized testing for admission.
- Military tuition discount available.
- Hands-on campus intensives.
- Thesis or internship option.
- Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition
Online Learning - Website
- 36 credit hours.
- 100% online.
- 8-week courses.
- Multiple start dates.
- No set login times.
- Transfer up to 50% credits.
- Focus on nutrition principles.
- Prepares for CNS credential.
Petersburg, VA
Virginia State University
- Bachelor's - B.S. Family and Consumer Science
Concentration: Dietetics - Campus Based - Website
- ACEND accredited program.
- Prepares for RD/RDN credential.
- Science-based curriculum.
- Hands-on experience opportunities.
- Meets CDR's future requirements.
- Eligible for Dietetic Internships.
- Focus on nutrition and health.
- Campus-based program.
Radford, VA
Radford University
- Bachelor's - Foods and Nutrition
Campus Based - Website
- Bachelor of Science degree
- Main Campus in Radford, VA
- In-Person format
- Close-knit learning environment
- Low faculty-student ratio
- Focus on nutrition counseling
- Medical nutrition therapy emphasis
- 100% dietetic internship placement
How to Choose the Right School for You
Selecting the right nutrition program is crucial for your career success. With 6 excellent options across Virginia, each offering unique strengths and specializations, use this guide to identify the program that best matches your goals, learning style, and circumstances.
Start with Your Career Goals
Want to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)? Look for ACEND-accredited programs that prepare you for the RDN exam:
- Virginia Tech – ACEND-accredited with 90-100% national exam pass rate
- George Mason University – ACEND-accredited Dietetics concentration with state-of-the-art facilities
- James Madison University – Rigorous 50-credit program with supervised experiential learning
- Radford University – 100% dietetic internship placement rate and 84% first-time RDN exam pass rate
- Virginia State University – ACEND-accredited program aligned with future master’s degree requirements
Interested in community and public health nutrition? Programs with strong public health components:
- Liberty University – CEPH-accredited B.S. in Public Health – Nutrition with CHES exam preparation
- George Mason University – Community Nutrition concentration focusing on local, national, and global nutrition issues
Planning to work in sports nutrition or performance? Specialized programs include:
- Liberty University – Sports Nutrition concentration in Human Performance master’s program
- George Mason University – Nutrition and Performance concentration preparing for ISSN certification
Want to focus on wellness and prevention?
- Liberty University – Exercise Science and Wellness with Nutrition and Wellness concentration
- George Mason University – Multiple concentrations with emphasis on weight management and food safety
Consider Your Educational Background
Starting with a bachelor’s degree? Multiple entry pathways:
- Virginia Tech – 17-month direct entry master’s program for baccalaureate holders
- James Madison University – 50-credit master’s program designed for career changers
- George Mason University – Flexible part-time and full-time options
Want an accelerated pathway?
- Virginia Tech – 22-month accelerated B.S./M.S. pathway
Need undergraduate preparation? Strong bachelor’s programs:
- Liberty University – B.S. in Public Health – Nutrition with up to 75% transfer credits accepted
- Virginia Tech – ACEND-accredited undergraduate Didactic Program
- Radford University – Comprehensive Foods and Nutrition B.S. with personalized attention
Learning Format Preferences
Prefer online flexibility?
- Liberty University – Multiple fully online master’s programs with 8-week courses and flexible scheduling
- Liberty University – Hybrid options combining online learning with hands-on intensives
Want traditional campus experience? All other programs offer campus-based learning with:
- George Mason University – State-of-the-art Nutrition Kitchen and Human Nutrition Assessment Lab
- James Madison University – Diverse clinical settings for experiential learning
- Radford University – Close-knit environment with low faculty-student ratios
- Virginia Tech – Supervised experiential learning at Carilion Clinic
Financial Considerations
Looking for affordable options?
- Public universities (Virginia Tech, George Mason, JMU, Radford, Virginia State) generally offer lower tuition for Virginia residents
- Liberty University – Military tuition discounts available
- Virginia Tech – Books and materials estimated at $200-$800 per semester
Need flexible payment and transfer options?
- Liberty University – Accept up to 75% transfer credits for bachelor’s programs, 50% for master’s programs
- Multiple start dates available at Liberty University for faster program entry
Geographic and Practical Factors
Location preferences:
- Northern Virginia: George Mason University (Fairfax) – close to Washington D.C. opportunities
- Central Virginia: Liberty University (Lynchburg), James Madison University (Harrisonburg)
- Southwest Virginia: Virginia Tech (Blacksburg), Radford University (Radford)
- South-Central Virginia: Virginia State University (Petersburg)
Clinical placement quality:
- Virginia Tech – Partnership with Carilion Clinic for supervised experiential learning
- Radford University – 100% dietetic internship placement rate
- James Madison University – Diverse clinical settings across four semesters
Special Program Features
Unique concentrations and certifications:
- Liberty University – Global outreach opportunities and CHES exam preparation
- George Mason University – Focus on global nutrition and food safety
- Virginia Tech – Interdisciplinary learning approach in Agriculture and Life Sciences
- James Madison University – Thesis or capstone project options
Faith-based education:
- Liberty University – Christian worldview integrated into nutrition education
Research opportunities:
- George Mason University – Option for thesis projects in specialized areas
- James Madison University – Comprehensive exam and research requirements
- Virginia Tech – Strong research emphasis in nutrition and dietetics
Admission Requirements and Competitiveness
Most competitive programs:
- Radford University – Competitive admissions with excellent outcomes
- James Madison University – Rigorous full-time program
- Virginia Tech – Strong academic requirements
More accessible entry:
- Liberty University – No GRE required for most programs, flexible admission
- George Mason University – Part-time options available
Making Your Decision
Create a comparison chart with your top 3-4 programs, rating each on:
- Career goal alignment (1-10)
- Accreditation status and exam pass rates (1-10)
- Learning format compatibility (1-10)
- Geographic preference (1-10)
- Cost and financial aid options (1-10)
- Program reputation and facilities (1-10)
Consider program outcomes:
- Radford University – 100% internship placement, 84% first-time RDN pass rate
- Virginia Tech – 90-100% national exam pass rate
- George Mason University – High employment rates with $69K+ average salary
Visit campuses or attend virtual information sessions when possible. Many programs offer tours of specialized facilities like nutrition labs and kitchens.
Think about your learning style:
- Prefer smaller, personalized programs? Consider Radford University or Liberty University
- Want access to cutting-edge research facilities? Look at George Mason or Virginia Tech
- Need maximum flexibility? Liberty University’s online options may be ideal
Consider the total experience including internship placement support, faculty mentorship, and career services. The right nutrition program will provide not just education, but also the practical experience and professional connections needed for career success.
Virginia offers excellent nutrition programs across different formats and specializations. Take time to research thoroughly and choose the program that best aligns with your career aspirations, learning preferences, and life circumstances.