Washington Nutrition Programs & Online Degrees

Washington nutrition degree programs take four years for most bachelor’s options and about two years for graduate programs, though some coordinated or accelerated master’s tracks can be completed in as little as three to five semesters.

In-state tuition ranges from about $7,400 to $11,000 per year for bachelor’s programs and $10,300 to $17,300 annually for graduate programs, with higher rates for non-residents. Many programs feature small class sizes, strong faculty mentorship, industry partnerships, and hands-on learning opportunities to prepare graduates for clinical, community, research, and public health nutrition careers.

Bachelor’s degrees, such as Central Washington University’s ACEND-accredited Dietetics Specialization, provide the academic and practical foundation for careers as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and other nutrition-focused roles.

Master’s programs at Washington State University and Central Washington University offer advanced training in nutrition science, dietetics, and exercise physiology, often integrating extensive supervised practice hours and research projects.

Review our top ranked programs below.

2026 Best Nutrition Degree Programs in Washington

Welcome to nutritiondegrees.org, where we help you find the best nutrition degree programs in Washington. Our team has carefully researched and ranked top schools based on factors like accreditation, curriculum, and career outcomes. We aim to provide clear and reliable information to guide your educational choices. For details on how we create these rankings, visit our https://www.nutritiondegrees.org/about-us/#ranking page.

#1

Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA - Public 4-Year - cwu.edu

Bachelor's - Food Science and Nutrition

Concentration: Dietetics Specialization - Campus Based - Visit Website

Central Washington University's Dietetics Specialization, an ACEND-accredited BS program, focuses on preparing students for careers as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. It emphasizes human nutrition, food service, dietary patterns, and nutrition counseling, with small class sizes, experienced faculty, and community partnerships for internships. Core courses include nutrition, chemistry, and anatomy, leading to RDN credentialing. Entrance exams such as ACT or SAT may be required for bachelor's-level admission. Career paths include clinical dietetics, community nutrition, and food service management.

• ACEND-accredited program
• Prepares for RDN credential
• Small class sizes
• Experienced faculty
• Community partnerships
• Nutrition counseling focus
• Covers human nutrition
• Food service management
• Dietary patterns study
• Chemistry and anatomy courses

Bachelor's - Food Science and Nutrition

Concentration: Foods and Nutrition Specialization - Campus Based - Visit Website

Central Washington University's Foods and Nutrition Specialization in the BS program blends nutrition, food science, and public health, preparing students for roles in food technology and product development. It includes hands-on labs, industry connections, and courses such as Introduction to Human Nutrition and Medical Nutrition Therapy, with small classes and nationally recognized faculty. Entrance exams such as ACT or SAT may be required for bachelor's-level admission, leading to diverse career opportunities in food innovation and safety.

• Foods and Nutrition Specialization
• Hands-on labs
• Industry connections
• Small class sizes
• Nationally recognized faculty
• Diverse career paths
• Core nutrition courses
• Electives available
• Practical skills focus
• Food science and public health

Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition

Campus Based - Visit Website

Central Washington University's Master of Science in Nutrition program offers advanced study with thesis and non-thesis tracks, emphasizing evidence-based practice, mentorship from expert faculty, and community outreach. Located in Ellensburg, it features small class sizes, specialized labs, and over 100 partnerships for real-world experience. Graduates pursue careers as clinical or research dietitians. For master's-level programs, entrance exams like the GRE may be required unless otherwise stated.

• Master of Science in Nutrition
• Campus-based program
• Thesis and non-thesis tracks
• Expert faculty mentorship
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Community outreach opportunities
• Specialized research labs
• Small class sizes
• Over 100 community partnerships
• Prepares for diverse careers

Show 2 More Programs ˅

#2

Washington State University

Pullman, WA - Public 4-Year - wsu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology

Campus Based - Visit Website

Washington State University's Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology is a two-year campus-based program that prepares students for doctoral studies and careers in healthcare, public health, and academia. It features tracks in human nutrition, exercise physiology, or a combined approach, emphasizing research in health promotion, disease prevention, genetics, and social determinants of health. Admission requires meeting graduate standards, with applications due by January 31; an entrance exam is not explicitly stated as required.

• Two-year program duration
• Campus-based learning
• Three program tracks available
• 30 credits required
• Thesis research project
• Faculty mentorship
• Focus on health promotion
• Disease prevention research
• Prepares for doctoral studies
• Career opportunities in healthcare

Master's - Master of Science Coordinated Program in Dietetics, Nutrition and Exercise Physiology

Campus Based - Visit Website

Washington State University's Master of Science Coordinated Program in Dietetics, Nutrition and Exercise Physiology is an ACEND-accredited graduate pathway to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, integrating nutrition with exercise physiology. It includes 1,020 supervised practice hours and boasts a >90% exam pass rate and 100% job placement. The program prepares graduates for diverse healthcare roles and does not explicitly require an entrance exam.

• ACEND-accredited graduate program
• 1,020 supervised practice hours
• 100% job placement rate
• Interdisciplinary nutrition focus
• 3-5 semester completion time
• Prepares for RDN certification
• Exercise physiology integration
• Multiple career pathway options
• Graduate-level nutrition coursework
• Statewide practice placement

Show 1 More Programs ˅

*Credit: NCES, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, 2023.

How to Choose the Right School for You

Selecting the right nutrition program is crucial for your career success. With 2 major universities in Washington offering comprehensive nutrition programs, 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)?

• Washington State University – ACEND-accredited Master of Science Coordinated Program in Dietetics with 100% job placement rate and 1,020 supervised practice hours
• Central Washington University – ACEND-accredited Dietetics Specialization preparing for RDN credential

Interested in nutrition and exercise physiology integration?

• Washington State University – Unique MS in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology with three specialized tracks
• WSU – Coordinated Program integrating exercise physiology with nutrition

Planning to pursue doctoral studies or research careers?

• Washington State University – Research-focused MS program preparing for advanced studies
• Central Washington University – MS in Nutrition with thesis track and specialized research labs

Want to work in food science and technology?

• Central Washington University – Foods and Nutrition Specialization with food technology and product development focus

Interested in community nutrition and public health?

• Central Washington University – Over 100 community partnerships for practical experience
• Washington State University – Focus on social determinants of health and disease prevention

Consider Your Educational Background

Ready for undergraduate study?

• Central Washington University – Food Science and Nutrition bachelor’s with two specializations (Dietetics or Foods and Nutrition)

Already have a bachelor’s degree? Graduate options:

• Washington State University – MS in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology (30 credits, 2 years)
• Washington State University – MS Coordinated Program in Dietetics (35 credits, 3-5 semesters)
• Central Washington University – MS in Nutrition with thesis and non-thesis tracks

Want integrated graduate pathway to RDN?

• Washington State University – Coordinated Program eliminates separate internship application process

Learning Format Preferences

Want traditional campus experience? Both universities offer campus-based programs with:

• Washington State University – Research university environment in Pullman
• Central Washington University – Smaller university atmosphere in Ellensburg with small class sizes

Prefer hands-on learning?

• Central Washington University – Hands-on laboratory experiences and industry connections
• Washington State University – 1,020 hours of supervised practice in coordinated program

Value personalized attention?

• Central Washington University – Small class sizes and personalized academic pathways
• Both universities – Expert faculty mentorship opportunities

Financial Considerations

Public university advantages:

• Both are public universities offering reasonable tuition for Washington residents
• Graduate assistantships and research opportunities may be available

Consider program outcomes:

• Washington State University – 100% job placement rate for coordinated program graduates
• High first-time RDN exam pass rates at both institutions

Geographic and Practical Factors

Location preferences:

• Pullman: Washington State University – University town in eastern Washington, research-focused environment
• Ellensburg: Central Washington University – Central Washington location, smaller community with strong local partnerships

Practical experience opportunities:

• WSU – Statewide practice placements for coordinated program
• CWU – Over 100 community partnerships for hands-on experience
• Both – Strong industry and healthcare connections throughout Washington state

Special Program Features

Unique program advantages:

• WSU – Only program integrating nutrition and exercise physiology at graduate level
• WSU – Research in cutting-edge topics like gut microbiome and genetic influences on wellness
• CWU – Exceptional community partnership network (100+ organizations)
• CWU – Nationally recognized faculty with industry connections

Research opportunities:

• WSU – Thesis research projects under expert faculty supervision
• CWU – Specialized research laboratories and evidence-based practice focus
• Both – Opportunities for publication and conference presentations

Specialized tracks and flexibility:

• WSU – Three specialized tracks: human nutrition, exercise physiology, or combination
• CWU – Flexible thesis and non-thesis tracks for personalized academic exploration
• CWU – Strategic elective selections for career customization

Program Requirements and Competitiveness

Undergraduate admission:

• CWU – ACEND-accredited programs with competitive admission for dietetics specialization

Graduate admission:

• WSU – Competitive admission with January 31 deadline for MS programs
• CWU – Flexible admission for thesis and non-thesis tracks

Academic requirements:

• Strong science background preferred for both institutions
• Research experience beneficial for graduate programs

Program Outcomes and Success Rates

Outstanding outcomes:

• WSU Coordinated Program – 100% job placement rate
• WSU – High first-time RDN exam pass rates
• CWU – Strong preparation for diverse career trajectories

Career preparation:

• WSU – Healthcare, public health, academia, and research careers
• CWU – Clinical nutrition, research, food technology, and interdisciplinary health sectors

Washington-Specific Advantages

State characteristics:

• Strong healthcare systems throughout Washington provide excellent clinical opportunities
• Technology industry presence creates opportunities for nutrition-tech innovation
• Agricultural diversity supports understanding of food systems and sustainability
• Research universities with strong science programs

Regional focus:

• Pacific Northwest health challenges – programs address regional nutrition needs
• Sustainability emphasis – both programs integrate environmental considerations
• Diverse populations – preparation for culturally competent nutrition practice

Making Your Decision

Consider your academic interests:

Exercise and Nutrition Integration:

• Washington State University – Unique combination of nutrition and exercise physiology

Food Science Focus:

• Central Washington University – Strong food technology and product development emphasis

Research Emphasis:

• WSU – Major research university with cutting-edge nutrition science
• CWU – Smaller scale but focused research opportunities

Community Engagement:

• CWU – Exceptional community partnership network
• WSU – Statewide reach and diverse practice settings

Evaluate your career timeline:

• Want immediate RDN pathway? WSU’s Coordinated Program
• Need undergraduate preparation? CWU’s bachelor’s programs
• Seeking research experience? Both offer excellent graduate research opportunities

Consider your learning style:

• Prefer large research university? Washington State University
• Want smaller, personalized environment? Central Washington University
• Value extensive community connections? CWU’s 100+ partnerships
• Interested in exercise integration? WSU’s unique combined approach

Geographic preferences:

• Eastern Washington (Pullman) – WSU’s research university environment
• Central Washington (Ellensburg) – CWU’s community-focused approach

Program timing considerations:

• WSU – Competitive January 31 deadline for graduate programs
• CWU – More flexible admission timelines

Washington offers excellent nutrition education through two strong public universities with complementary strengths. WSU provides a major research university experience with unique exercise physiology integration, while CWU offers a more intimate educational environment with exceptional community partnerships. Both provide pathways to successful nutrition careers with strong regional connections and excellent outcomes.