Holistic Nutrition Degrees

Holistic nutrition degrees are typically offered at the certificate, associates, and bachelors levels. There are several degree options available for individuals interested in pursuing a career in holistic nutrition. These include:

1. Certificate / Diploma in Holistic Nutrition: This is a short certification program that typically lasts between six months to one year. Certificate programs teach students about the principles of holistic nutrition, including the use of whole foods and natural supplements to promote optimal health. This program is ideal for those who are interested in becoming a holistic nutrition coach or getting their foot in the door in holistic nutrition.
   • Example Certificate Level Careers:
     • Holistic Nutrition Consultant
     • Holistic Nutrition Coach
     • Health Food Store Clerk
     • Health and Wellness Writer
     • Recipe Developer
2. Associate’s Degree in Holistic Nutrition: This two year degree program (can be completed in 12-18 months with an accelerated online associates in holistic nutrition) teaches students about the role of nutrition in maintaining overall health and wellness. Graduates can find employment in a number of holistic nutrition related careers such as:
   • Example Associates Level Careers:
     • Nutrition Educator
     • Wellness Coach
     • Health Coach
     • Wellness Program Coordinator
     • Nutrition Sales Representative
     • Health Food Store Manager
3. Bachelor’s Degree in Holistic Nutrition: This four year program (can be completed in 2-3 years in an accelerated online holistic nutrition bachelors program) provides students with a deeper understanding of the principles of holistic nutrition and their application in promoting health and preventing disease. Holistic nutrition bachelors degree holders can find careers in a wide range of holistic nutrition related fields such as public health, research, and private practice.
   • Example Bachelors Level Careers:
     • Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
     • Public Health Nutritionist
     • Nutrition Researcher
     • Holistic Health Practitioner
     • Clinical Nutritionist
     • Health Educator
     • Food and Nutrition Consultant
     • Nutrition Program Manager
4. Master’s Degree in Holistic Nutrition: A masters holistic nutrition is a two year program (can be completed in 12-18 months in an accelerated online holistic nutrition masters program). It gives students an in-depth understanding of the scientific principles of holistic nutrition and the latest research in the field. Masters and PhD level graduates can find employment in research, academia, and private practice.
   • Example Masters Level Careers:
     • Nutrition Researcher
     • Academic Professor
     • Private Practice Holistic Nutritionist
     • Registered Holistic Dietitian
     • Clinical Dietitian

How Long Does a Holistic Nutrition Associates Degree Take?

• Accelerated Online Associates Holistic Nutrition Programs: There are online associates in holistic nutrition programs that can be completed as quickly as 12 months. These are commonly called accelerated programs and are offered online exclusively. It is important to note that the shortened timeline typically means that the courseload is fairly heavy and may not be suitable for all students.
• Accelerated Campus Campus Programs: Some traditional campus based colleges and universities offer accelerated associates holistic nutrition programs, which most typically can be completed in 18 months.
• Traditional Bachelors Programs: A traditional campus or online associate’s degree in holistic nutrition takes two years, assuming the student is carrying a full load of 15 credit hours per semester.

Benefits of a Holistic Nutrition Associates Degree:

An associates in holistic nutrition degree typically takes longer to complete than a holistic nutrition certification program (2 years versus 6 months on average). There are a number of benefits to having an associates degree in holistic nutrition, which is why it remains a popular choice:

• Broader education: A certification program is typically concentrated almost exclusively on holistic nutrition topics, and doesn’t include more broad based or foundational classes on topics like biology, or anatomy, or even some broader topics relating to nutrition. Thus, students without a pre-existing foundation in nutrition may find the breadth of an associates in holistic nutrition more appealing.
• Career Opportunity: An Associate’s degree in holistic nutrition is a requirement for some positions and careers in nutrition, and students without an associates level degree may find themselves precluded from even applying.
• Transferable credits: An Associate’s degree from an accredited college often provides a large number of college credits which are transferable if the student should later decide to pursue a bachelors in nutrition with a concentration in holistic health for example. Certificate program credits, often are not as transferrable.
• Higher earning potential: According to the BLS, individuals with an Associate’s in Holistic Nutrition earn a higher average salary that someone with a holistic nutrition certification would. Over the course of a career, this difference can equate into significant differences in the standard of living one has.

What Can You Do With A Holistic Nutrition Associates Degree:

An Associates in Holistic Nutrition Degree enables you to pursue a rather broad range of careers involving holistic nutrition. A sample of those potential careers includes:

1. Health Coach: A health coach works with clients to develop and implement personalized nutrition and wellness plans. They may work with individuals or groups, in person or remotely. Health coaches can earn an average salary of $45,000 to $60,000 per year.
2. Nutritionist: A nutritionist provides guidance and advice on healthy eating and nutrition. They may work in hospitals, schools, or private practice. Nutritionists can earn an average salary of $40,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on their experience and location.
3. Wellness Consultant: A wellness consultant provides advice and guidance on holistic health and wellness. They may work with individuals, corporations, or government agencies. Wellness consultants can earn an average salary of $50,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on their experience and location.
4. Community Health Worker: A community health worker works with individuals and communities to promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or healthcare providers. Community health workers can earn an average salary of $35,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on their experience and location.
5. Holistic Health Practitioner: A holistic health practitioner provides alternative and complementary therapies to promote healing and wellness. They may offer services such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, or massage therapy. Holistic health practitioners can earn an average salary of $30,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on their experience and location.
6. Nutritional Supplement Sales Representative: A nutritional supplement sales representative sells dietary supplements to healthcare providers, fitness centers, and individual consumers. They may work for supplement manufacturers or distributors. Nutritional supplement sales representatives can earn an average salary of $40,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on their experience and location.
7. Health Food Store Manager: A health food store manager oversees the operation of a health food store, including ordering products, managing staff, and providing customer service. Health food store managers can earn an average salary of $35,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on their experience and location.

What degree does someone who wants a bachelors in holistic nutrition actually get?

A growing number of colleges offer a bachelors level degree for someone who is interested in holistic nutrition, but they often title their degree slightly differently from one another. Here are some of the more common bachelors in holistic nutrition degrees:

1. Bachelor of Science in Holistic Nutrition
2. Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Integrative Health
3. Bachelor of Science in Applied Nutrition and Wellness
4. Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Wellness
5. Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences with a concentration in Holistic Nutrition
6. Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration in Holistic Nutrition and Wellness
7. Bachelor of Science in Natural Health with a concentration in Holistic Nutrition.
8. Bachelor of Arts in Holistic Nutrition
9. Bachelor of Arts in Nutrition and Integrative Health
10. Bachelor of Arts in Applied Nutrition and Wellness
11. Bachelor of Arts in Nutrition and Wellness
12. Bachelor of Arts in Nutritional Sciences with a concentration in Holistic Nutrition
13. Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences with a concentration in Holistic Nutrition and Wellness
14. Bachelor of Arts in Natural Health with a concentration in Holistic Nutrition.

Of note, while the majority of colleges and universities offer nutrition degrees under the school of science (Bachelor of Science (BS)), a number offer it as Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees. In either case, while the coursework for these programs may differ slightly, but both provide foundational knowledge in holistic nutrition.

How Long Does a Holistic Nutrition Bachelors Degree Take?

• Accelerated Online Holistic Nutrition Bachelors Programs: There are accelerated online bachelors in holistic nutrition degree programs offered that can be completed in as little as 18 months. These accelerated degrees are almost exclusively offered online, and they may not be suitable for all students as the course load is fairly intense.
• Accelerated Campus Bachelors Programs in Holistic Nutrition: Most traditional campus based accelerated bachelors in holistic nutrition programs can be completed in in 2.5 to 3 years.
• Traditional Bachelors Programs: A traditional holistic nutrition bachelors program, whether campus or online, is designed to be completed in 4 years, assuming the student attends full-time and taking 15 credit hours per semester.

What Can You Do With A Holistic Nutrition Bachelors Degree:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Holistic Nutrition opens up a broad range of potential careers. A sample of potential careers includes:

1. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN): An RDN assesses and provides evidence-based medical nutrition therapy and counseling to individuals and groups. Holistic RDNs work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, schools, and private practice. The average salary for an RDN is $62,000 to $73,000 per year.
2. Nutritional Researcher: A nutritional researcher investigates and studies the relationship between food and health. They conduct research in academic, government, and private sector settings. The average annual salary for a nutritional researcher is $50,000 to $70,000 per year.
3. Health and Wellness Coach: A health and wellness coach provides guidance and support to clients to achieve their health goals. They often work in private practice or for corporations, wellness centers, or healthcare providers. The average salary for a health and wellness coach is $45,000 – $60,000 per year.
4. Health Writer: A health writer or journalist creates content on health and wellness topics for various publications, such as magazines, websites, and blogs. They may work as freelancers or in-house for a company. The average annual salary for a health writer is $45,000 to $65,000 per year.
5. Corporate Wellness Coordinator: A corporate wellness coordinator designs and implements wellness programs for employees in a corporate setting. They may work for large companies or consulting firms. The average salary for a corporate wellness coordinator is $50,000 to $70,000 per year.
6. Holistic Chef: A holistic chef prepares meals that align with principles of holistic nutrition, using whole foods and natural ingredients. They may work in restaurants, private homes, or as personal chefs. The average salary for a holistic chef is $40,000 to $60,000 per year.
7. Nutrition Educator: A nutrition educator teaches the public about the importance of nutrition and how to make healthier food choices. They may work in schools, community centers, or for non-profit organizations. The average salary for a nutrition educator is $40,000 to $50,000 per year.

What degree does someone who wants a masters in holistic nutrition actually get?

Many universities offer accredited masters in holistic nutrition programs, but they often title the actual degree offered slightly differently from one another. Below are some of the most common names for masters level degrees for those interested in pursuing holistic nutrition:

1. Master of Science in Holistic Nutrition – An MS in Holistic Nutrition degree program may focus on advanced nutrition science and research, as well as the principles of holistic health and wellness. Students may study topics such as nutritional biochemistry, herbal medicine, and mind-body medicine.
2. Master of Health Science in Integrative Nutrition – An MHS in Integrative Nutrition degree may focus on the integration of conventional and alternative nutrition therapies. Students may study topics such as the use of supplements and herbs, nutritional counseling, and nutritional approaches to chronic disease management.
3. Master of Science in Nutrition and Integrative Health – A MS in Nutrition and Integrative Health degree program may focus on the integration of evidence-based nutrition science with complementary and alternative therapies. Students may study topics such as functional nutrition, mind-body medicine, and nutritional counseling.
4. Master of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition – A MS in Applied Clinical Nutrition program may focus on advanced clinical nutrition therapy, as well as the principles of integrative and functional medicine. Students may study topics such as nutritional assessment, therapeutic diets, and the use of supplements and herbs in clinical practice.

Of note, while the majority of colleges and universities offer masters level nutrition degrees under the school of science (e.g. Master of Science), a number offer it in the school of arts and letters (e.g. Master of Arts) degrees. In either case, while the coursework for these programs may differ slightly, both provide fairly identical holistic nutrition curriculum.

How Long Does a Holistic Nutrition Masters Degree Take?

• Accelerated Online Holistic Nutrition Masters Programs: Accelerated online masters in holistic nutrition programs can be completed in as little as 1 year. Of note, these degrees are almost exclusively offered online, and they may not be suitable for all students.
• Accelerated Campus Bachelors Programs in Holistic Nutrition: Many campus based colleges and universities also offer accelerated holistic nutrition masters degrees, which can be completed in approximately 1.5 years.
• Traditional Bachelors Programs: A traditional masters in nutrition with a concentration in holistic health program takes 2 years to complete.

What Can You Do With A Holistic Nutrition Masters Degree:

A Masters Degree in Holistic Nutrition opens up the widest range of potential careers, which include:

1. Clinical Nutritionist – These professionals work in healthcare settings to assess patients’ nutritional needs and create treatment plans for specific health conditions. They typically work in hospitals, clinics, or private practice. The median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists (which includes clinical nutritionists) is around $63,090.
2. Wellness Program Director – These individuals oversee wellness programs that promote healthy lifestyles and disease prevention. They usually work for corporations, non-profit organizations, or government agencies. The average salary for a Wellness Program Director is around $70,931 per year.
3. Nutrition Educator – These professionals teach individuals or groups about healthy eating habits and the benefits of specific foods and supplements. They may work in schools, community centers, or healthcare facilities. The median annual salary for health educators (which includes nutrition educators) is around $48,140.
4. Food and Nutrition Manager – These individuals oversee the planning and preparation of meals in healthcare facilities, schools, or other institutions. They may also manage budgets, order supplies, and ensure that meals meet nutritional standards. The average salary for a Food and Nutrition Manager is around $55,937 per year.
5. Health and Wellness Coach – These professionals work with clients to develop personalized plans to improve their overall health and well-being. They may focus on areas such as nutrition, exercise, stress management, and sleep. The average salary for a Health and Wellness Coach is around $45,382 per year.
6. Researcher – Researchers with a background in holistic nutrition may conduct studies on the benefits of specific foods, supplements, or alternative therapies. They typically work for universities, non-profit organizations, or private research firms. The median annual salary for medical scientists (which includes researchers in the field of nutrition) is around $88,790.
7. Nutrition Consultant for Corporations – These professionals develop and implement nutrition programs for employees of corporations. The programs may focus on promoting healthy eating habits, increasing physical activity, or reducing stress. The average salary for a Nutrition Consultant is around $58,302 per year.

How Long Does a Holistic Nutrition Certificate Program Take?

A certificate in holistic nutrition is fastest way to gain an academic credential in holistic nutrition. It is offered in accelerated online formats, hybrid, and traditional campus formats each of which takes a different amount of time to complete.

• Accelerated Online Holistic Nutrition Certificate Program: There are accelerated online holistic nutrition certificate programs that can be completed in as short as 3 months.
• Accelerated Hybrid / Campus Certificate Programs: These vary in length, but the average accelerated hybrid or campus holistic nutrition certificate takes approximately 6 months to earn.
• Traditional Certificate Programs: A traditional college campus based holistic nutrition certificate program takes approximately 9 to 12 months to complete.

What Can You Do With A Holistic Nutrition Certificate:

With a certificate or diploma in holistic nutrition, you can qualify for a wide variety of entry-level positions in healthcare. Here are some of the more common careers that someone with a certificate in holistic nutrition may be qualified for:

1. Health Coach – Health coaches work with clients to develop wellness plans, which may include dietary recommendations, exercise routines, and stress management techniques. Health coaches with a certificate or diploma in holistic nutrition may have a deeper understanding of the connection between food and health. The average salary for a Health Coach is $46,600 per year.
2. Nutrition Educator – Nutrition educators work to educate individuals and groups about healthy eating habits, which may include teaching about the benefits of holistic nutrition. They may work in schools, community centers, or other educational settings. The average salary for a Nutrition Educator is $43,300 per year.
3. Wellness Coordinator – Wellness coordinators develop and implement wellness programs in various settings, including workplaces, healthcare facilities, and community organizations. They may work to incorporate holistic nutrition principles into these programs to promote overall health and well-being. The average salary for a Wellness Coordinator is $50,350 per year.
4. Health Food Store Manager – Health food store managers oversee the operations of natural food stores, which may specialize in selling organic, whole, and minimally processed foods. They may have knowledge of holistic nutrition principles to help guide customers in their purchases. The average salary for a Health Food Store Manager is $45,600 per year.
5. Holistic Nutritionist Assistant – Holistic nutritionist assistants work alongside holistic nutritionists to develop personalized nutrition plans for clients. They may also assist with meal planning, food preparation, and nutrition education. The average salary for a Nutritionist Assistant is $35,500 per year.
6. Nutritional Supplement Sales Representative – Nutritional supplement sales representatives work for companies that sell supplements, vitamins, and other health products. They may have a background in holistic nutrition and be able to educate customers about the benefits of these products. The average salary for a Sales Representative is $51,200 per year.

Certificate in Holistic Nutrition vs. Certification in Holistic Nutrition

Certificate: A certificate program in holistic nutrition is an educational program offered by a college or university that gives you foundational knowledge in holistic nutrition. Completing a certificate program may help students gain a basic understanding of holistic nutrition and its principles, but it does not provide them with a certification or license to practice as a holistic nutritionist.

Certification: Holistic nutrition certification is a credential awarded by a professional organization after an individual has met certain educational and professional requirements. Holistic Nutrition Certification requires that you pass an exam that tests your knowledge holistic nutrition, and in many cases that you demonstrate your experience in the field through the completion of supervised work hours (internship). Some of the most recognized holistic nutrition certification programs include the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP), the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board (HNCB), and the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS).