Nutrition Graduate Certificate Programs

Updated: Jul 19, 2023

Suppose you are looking for a rewarding career path in the health and wellness industry where you can spend your time helping other people. In that case, you may have heard about an online graduate certificate in nutrition designed to enhance the careers of those who already hold bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Learn more about some requirements you may have to accomplish to get accepted to this program.

What Are the Online Nutrition Certificate Certification Requirements?

Before you can get accepted to a program that provides you with an online nutrition graduate certificate (sometimes referred to as a post-masters certificate), there are a handful of requirements that you have to meet. Some of the example classes that qualify as prerequisites for a nutrition grad certificate program include:

Applicants must have earned a master’s degree in the field from an accredited university
There is usually a minimum GPA requirement for admission, with some programs setting it at 2.5
A strong resume with accompanying transcripts from the university
Copies of any licenses or certificates in the healthcare field
Some programs require an essay to be written as a pre-requisite for admission

Depending on the program, there might be opportunities to test out of a few prerequisites by demonstrating proficiency in a specific field. For example, the online Post-Masters Nutrition Certificate at the Maryland University of Integrative Health allows students to test out of particular biology, chemistry, and physiology classes.

What Types of Classes Are Included in the Online Nutrition Graduate Certificate Curriculum?

Online graduate nutrition certificates will vary in length; however, they usually fall somewhere between 15 and 30 units. The curriculum is designed to provide students with advanced training in food and nutrition. Even though some schools may allow specific courses to be taken pass-fail, there is usually a limit to the number of classes they can take in this manner. Furthermore, not all types are going to be offered every semester. It might be a good idea for students to work with a trained advisor to ensure they can complete all their requirements on time.

A sample curriculum may include:

The main principles of nutrition
Classes focusing on the prevention of food-borne illnesses
Courses focusing on the relationship between food and chronic disease
Classes concentrate on the relationship between food and public health
Studies focusing on the relationship between food and athletics
Nutrition for the treatment of eating disorders

Most grad certificate programs will also ask students to take a few electives. This allows students to tailor their education to meet their needs.

Furthermore, these classes could change slightly from program to program. For example, some certificates might focus on clinical nutrition, while other courses might focus on nutrition and public health. These classes are essential for providing students access to a well-rounded post-masters nutrition certificate program.

What Type of Career Can I Pursue with an Online Nutrition Graduate Certificate?

For those who graduate with a nutrition certificate, multiple career opportunities are available. A few of the most prominent examples include:

Dietician: Many people who graduate with an online nutrition grad certificate decide to pursue a career as a dietitian, helping people improve their overall health through their food intake
Pediatric Nutritionist: Some individuals decide to specialize in child or adolescent nutrition, helping children who have congenital disabilities or those who are overweight
Sports Nutritionist: Lots of people with a post-masters nutrition certificate will specialize in sports, helping athletes achieve their goals
Weight Loss Specialist: A popular career opportunity for those with a graduate certificate in nutrition is to serve as a weight loss consultant, helping people reach their ideal BMI
Clinical Dietician: Some individuals who earn their graduate certificate decide to take a job with a hospital, helping patients recover following an injury or illness