Online Nutrition Degrees

A food quality assurance manager or specialist evaluates food products throughout the production cycle and ensures that they meet all standards for safety and quality. With an average annual salary of $35,000, food quality specialists must rely on developed communication skills and should be extremely detail-oriented. Though there’s a reported zero percent growth rate, this is still a viable career path with opportunities available. Professionals who earn a nutrition degree online are potentially qualified for a higher salary.

A food technologist focuses on ensuring the safety and quality of food. These professionals research new or existing product recipes, create fat-free or ready-to-eat items, and sample products. All of these duties are subject to strict regulations, requiring these professionals to be well-versed in the legislation that impacts the food industry. Food technologists who earn their nutrition degrees online can be employed in both private or public sectors. The average salary for a food technologist is $61,000 and job growth in this field is projected to increase by over 10% by 2022.

Professionals in this field have a desire to help others commit to a healthier lifestyle, and must know how to motivate clients. Using tailored exercise programs and client evaluation, personal trainers prescribe effective exercise strategies based on a client’s current state and future health goals. These professionals typically maintain their own exercise and diet program to optimize health and fitness levels. Personal trainers who earn an online degree in nutrition can pull in average annual salary of $34,000.

Nutrition professors typically work in teaching or research positions, meaning a master’s degree is required. Nutrition professors give lectures and conduct lab sessions in an undergraduate or graduate setting. Salaries in this field vary greatly based on the institution, but average around $39,000 for lecturers, $67,000 for associate professors, and up to $71,000 for professors. Researchers typically work at higher education-based medical centers or food science labs and can earn anywhere from $31,000 to $58,000 a year. A doctorate degree is further required to become a tenured professor, and can be earned with a nutrition degree online.

Clinical dieticians typically work in hospitals or nursing homes and deal with patients directly to assess dietary needs and goals. Clinical dietitians also work closely with doctors, nursing staff, and other health professionals. Some specialties in this career track include focusing on overweight patients or the critically ill, while some professionals work in corporations where they assess the nutritional content of products. Though entering the clinical dietitian field typically requires a bachelor’s degree, those who pursue an advanced nutrition degree online have stronger credentials and can earn a higher salary.