Its national reputation and work-centered approach sets the Texas Tech program apart from others.
Intelligent.com has named Texas Tech University's online master's degree in nutrition and dietetics as one of the top 13 online programs of its kind in the country. The student-focused publication evaluated more than 70 online programs, with Texas Tech noted for its work-centered approach.
Top-ranking programs for 2020 held extensive training opportunities and prerequisites, including undergraduate programs with accreditation through organizations like the Accreditation Council for Nutrition Professional Education (ACNPE) or the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Texas Tech's online master's program's reputation, course strengths, cost, faculty and flexibility were factors considered in the ranking.
With nutritionist jobs expected to increase 15% by 2026, and 40% of Americans considered obese, a career in nutrition and dietetics has never been more needed. Programs that prepare students to improve health and wellness and prevent disease are in high demand.
Texas Tech's online master of science in nutrition and dietetics is specifically designed for students who will receive a didactic program in dietetics (DPD) verification statement, complete a dietetic internship or those who are currently registered dietitians/nutritionists.
Graduates who receive their DPD verification are qualified to work in public health, education and research, clinical dietetics, international food organizations and more. The flexibility of the program benefits students through distance education without impeding family, work or dietetic internship responsibilities.
Allison Childress, an associate professor and director of the online master's program, explains that students can choose three concentrations in the degree program to further specialize in the field.
"The online master's is a unique program that provides students with a flexible option to complete their graduate degree completely online from anywhere in the world," Childress said. "The Texas Tech online master's degree is unique because it has a practice-based focus aimed at increasing knowledge and skills to be used in real time while the student is working in his/her career."
The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) predicts that entry-level requirements for registered dietitians and nutritionists will require the minimum of a master's degree by 2024. Top-ranking programs like Texas Tech's online nutrition and dietetics master's degree will provide students with flexible online coursework while completing an internship or working full time.
