The average Associate degree is achieved in two years. This is a very basic degree and there are very few schools that offer this type of degree. Huntington College of Health Sciences, in Knoxville, Tennessee, is one of the few schools that do. Once students complete the program, they can find jobs in many areas, including schools, restaurants and nursing homes. Many medical facilities, research facilities and even public facilities have entry-level positions for applicants with this educational background.
A Bachelor's degree is the next step for students that are serious about making a career in the field of nutrition. This course of study focuses on how nutrition affects health and builds the tools needed to guide others on the path to optimal nutrition. Students that already have an associate's degree from an accredited school may want to consider Kaplan University. Kaplan University is an online school that allows students to complete their course work for a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science in about two years. It has accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Earning a master's degree takes an additional two years of courses and research work. Most master's programs require applicants to already have a science-based bachelor's degree in order to apply. A master's degree will give the student the background and training needed to work as a community, clinical or even a management dietitian. Most students that want to become a registered dietitian will need to earn a master's degree. Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, has one of the best-supported nutrition programs. Their Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise received over eight million dollars of Federal funding for both 2008 and 2009. They also had 44 peer-reviewed manuscripts in print and in press. Students can also find financial assistance that will help smooth the path to earning their master's degree.
When students earn a Doctoral degree, they get to add more than "Doctor" and Ph.D. to their name. The also gain the chance to enter the nutrition field at a very high level. They are usually key players in developing the nutritional guidelines that affect the entire nutrition community. A doctoral degree in human nutrition typically involves scientific research, a thesis and a large devotion of time. University of Alabama, University of Massachusetts-Amherst and Texas Women's University all have highly renowned nutrition programs for doctoral graduate students.
One final option available to students interested in human nutrition is the Certificate in Nutrition. This certificate is geared for students or professionals who are already involved in the field of human services and is meant to enhance the current educational course. Students who are studying to become nurses, social workers or public health professionals may want to consider adding this certification program to their resume. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers this certification program to its students.