Before enrolling in a nutrition program to earn an associate's degree online, a student must have a high school diploma or have received a GED, and have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher. An associate's degree program may also require students to have had taken basic courses of algebra, math and/or chemistry in high school.
Students wishing to take online courses towards a degree must also have a computer with a high-speed Internet connection along with an operating system and Internet browser that is compatible with the college's online database.
The coursework for an associate's degree in nutrition consists of classes in general science, food science and nutrition science. Students will learn how to plan and apply healthy diet routines as they focus on subjects such as food chemistry, weight management, metabolism and how to plan and apply healthy nutritional regimens. Other course subjects include culinary studies, biochemistry, nutrition therapy, physiology and sports nutrition. Some associate programs prepare students to earn licenses or certifications to become a registered dietetic technician. Most of the coursework covered prepares students to earn a bachelor's degree in the same field.
Those graduating with an online associate's degree are prepared to complete the training necessary to become a registered dietetic technician with the American Dietetic Association, or continue their education so they can earn a bachelor's degree.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates the need for dieticians will grow by 9% over the course of 10 years. The demand for nutritionists will grow as the demand for preventative health care rises. The places that hire nutritionists the most are hospitals, followed by nursing homes, government facilities, outpatient care establishments and specialty food service providers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that the average wages for a nutritionist is about $50,590, based on information they received in 2008.