Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Research dietitian education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a research dietitian. Research dietitians usually study dietetics, food and nutrition, or nutrition science. 71% of research dietitians hold a bachelor's degree, and 23% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 178 real research dietitian resumes to see exactly what research dietitian education sections show.
The most common colleges for research dietitians are the Cornell University and the Cornell University.
There are also many online research dietitian courses to help get the education required to be a research dietitian.
There are certain research dietitian certifications that you should consider. These research dietitian certifications include Registered Dietitian (RD) and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
What education do you need to become a research dietitian?
What degree do you need to be a research dietitian?
- Bachelor's, 71%
- Master's, 23%
- High School Diploma, 1%
- Doctorate, 1%
- Other Degrees, 4%
What should I major in to become a research dietitian?
- Dietetics, 37%
- Food And Nutrition, 24%
- Nutrition Science, 19%
- Public Health, 3%
- Other Majors, 17%
Most common colleges for research dietitians
| Research dietitian common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| Cornell University | 10.34% |
| Louisiana State University and A&M College | 6.90% |
| University of Connecticut | 6.90% |
| Pennsylvania State University | 6.90% |
| University of Vermont | 6.90% |
Best majors for research dietitians
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dietetics | 36.6% |
| 2 | Food And Nutrition | 24.1% |
| 3 | Nutrition Science | 18.6% |
| 4 | Public Health | 2.8% |
| 5 | Food Science | 2.8% |
Best colleges for research dietitians
The best colleges for research dietitians are Northeastern University, Case Western Reserve University, and New York University.
A research dietitian with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for research dietitians. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become research dietitians.
1. University of Maryland - College Park
College Park, MD • Private
In-state tuition
$10,595
Enrollment
30,184
2. University of Georgia
Athens, GA • Private
In-state tuition
$11,830
Enrollment
29,474
3. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN • Private
In-state tuition
$9,992
Enrollment
33,495
4. University of Delaware
Newark, DE • Private
In-state tuition
$13,680
Enrollment
19,060
5. Ohio State University
Columbus, OH • Private
In-state tuition
$10,726
Enrollment
45,769
6. Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$18,454
Enrollment
40,108
7. California State University - Chico
Chico, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,608
Enrollment
16,317
8. Cornell University
Ithaca, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$55,188
Enrollment
15,105
9. Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX • Private
In-state tuition
$9,080
Enrollment
30,795
10. Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI • Private
In-state tuition
$14,460
Enrollment
39,208
20 best online courses for research dietitians
Advertising disclosure
1. Studying Cities: Social Science Methods for Urban Research
Welcome! Are you looking to learn more about how to conduct scientific research, specifically in an urban or local context? Then you have found the right course: Studying Cities: Social Science Methods for Urban Research by the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS), Erasmus University Rotterdam. During the course you will gain more insight in the different steps of the research cycle, and build a firm foundation for your own future research endeavors. Before any (urban)...
2. Understanding Research Methods
This MOOC is about demystifying research and research methods. It will outline the fundamentals of doing research, aimed primarily, but not exclusively, at the postgraduate level. It places the student experience at the centre of our endeavours by engaging learners in a range of robust and challenging discussions and exercises befitting SOAS, University of London's status as a research-intensive university and its rich research heritage. The course will appeal to those of you who require an...
3. The Beginners Course for Clinical Research
The Essentials of Clinical Trials - Clinical Research for Beginners...
4. Clinical Research for beginners
The Art of Publishing - Master Pub Med, Study design, Biostatistics, Journal choice, Manuscript writing & Referencing...
5. Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics
If you’ve ever skipped over the results section of a medical paper because terms like “confidence interval” or “p-value” go over your head, then you’re in the right place. You may be a clinical practitioner reading research articles to keep up-to-date with developments in your field or a medical student wondering how to approach your own research. Greater confidence in understanding statistical analysis and the results can benefit both working professionals and those undertaking research...
6. Foundations of Health Equity Research
Introduces students to the core principles of health equity research. Covers topics such as defining health equity, engaging community and policy stakeholders, patient-centeredness, cultural competence, and dissemination of research findings. Content will recognize different geographic, cultural, and social contexts where health inequities occur...
7. Research Methodology: Complete Research Project Blueprint
Research Methodology From A-Z. A Step-by-Step Guide Through Research Design, Data Collection, Analysis, & Interpretation...
8. Market Research: A-Z Fundamentals with Case Studies
Learn Market Sizing & Forecasting, Survey Design, Customer & Competitor Analysis to become a PRO Market Research Analyst...
9. Qualitative Research
In this course, the second in the Market Research Specialization, you will go in-depth with qualitative market research methods, from design to implementation to analysis. Week 1: Define qualitative research and how it differs from quantitative research. Explore the various qualitative research methods and evaluate when and how to use them for your research project. Week 2: Design the qualitative instruments necessary for your interviews or focus groups, and plan your recruitment efforts. Write...
10. Uncertainty and Research
This course teaches the fundamentals of scientific research. We approach the research process as a means of systematically reducing uncertainty and demonstrate how conducting a scientific investigation can be posed as an exercise in Bayesian uncertainty quantification. We begin by exploring the scientific landscape to understand the different types of research, where they are conducted, how they are supported, and why each of these types of research is important. We then formalize scientific...
11. Good Clinical Practice ICH GCP for Clinical Research
Certification on ICH GCP E6 R2 Good Clinical Practice for Clinical Research The Only Complete Course You Can Find Online...
12. Certificate Course in Clinical Research (CCCR)
A Clinical Research Course-ICH-GCP E6(R2), Clinical Trials, Essential Documents, Sponsor, Investigator, Pharmaceuticals...
13. Psychological Research
This specialization is primarily aimed at first- and second-year undergraduates interested in psychology, data analysis, ethics in research, and quantitative research methods along with high school students and professionals with similar interests.\n\nLearners will develop knowledge about the fundamentals of research design for quantitative studies in psychology, analysis of data from quantitative studies in psychology, and ethical standards for conducting psychological research. Learning...
14. Market Research
"Finding the Story in the Data” is the most important emerging capability for market researchers according to GRIT (Greenbook Research Industry Trends) Report 2016. This specialization, designed for learners with no previous Marketing Research experience teaches a comprehensive marketing research approach that will help learners find and communicate the story in the data.\n\nStudents will learn how to initiate a research project for targeted business needs, conduct research through multiple...
15. Good Clinical Practice for Clinical Research Professionals
The Complete, Certified ICH GCP (R2 & R3) Course for Investigators, Study Coordinators, Sponsors, Monitors and Study staff...
16. Weight Loss And Nutrition: Lose Fat & Get Your Dream Body
Learn The Truth About Dieting For Weight Loss, Healthy Eating, Meal Planning, Fat Loss, Weight Loss Motivation...
17. Research Methodology
Academic Research Business Research Thesis & Dissertation Report Research Paper / Journal...
18. Nutrition Certification: The Correct Dieting & Meal PLaning
Master Nutrition/ Dieting for healthy Weight Loss & Building Muscles (Adapt with COVID-19)...
19. Market Research: Dekker's Complete Marketing Research Course
Competitor Analysis, Market Research Analysis, Marketing Analytics, Consumer Analytics, Conversion Rate Optimization...
20. Nutrition for Inflammation - The Anti-inflammatory Diet
Heal Your Body Using Food as Medicine...
Top 10 most affordable universities for research dietitians
The most affordable schools for research dietitians are University of Florida, brigham young university, and brooklyn college of the city university of new york.
If the best universities for research dietitians are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for research dietitians.
1. University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,381
Cost of attendance
21,034
2. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
3. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York
Brooklyn, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,240
Cost of attendance
13,991
4. Lehman College of the City University of New York
Bronx, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,210
Cost of attendance
14,359
5. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN • Private
In-state tuition
$9,992
Cost of attendance
22,430
6. California State University - Fresno
Fresno, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,587
Cost of attendance
16,915
7. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Pomona, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,353
Cost of attendance
21,302
8. University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras Campus
San Juan, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$4,094
Cost of attendance
11,299
9. Hunter College of the City University of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,182
Cost of attendance
13,998
10. San Jose State University
San Jose, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,796
Cost of attendance
24,514
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for research dietitians
The hardest universities for research dietitians to get into are Northeastern University, Case Western Reserve University, and New York University.
Some great schools for research dietitians are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for research dietitians based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.
1. Northeastern University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
19%
SAT average
1,466
2. Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH • Private
Admissions rate
29%
SAT average
1,443
3. New York University
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
20%
SAT average
1,419
4. University of Maryland - College Park
College Park, MD • Private
Admissions rate
47%
SAT average
1,390
5. Cornell University
Ithaca, NY • Private
Admissions rate
11%
SAT average
1,471
6. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC • Private
Admissions rate
23%
SAT average
1,398
7. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA • Private
Admissions rate
30%
SAT average
1,339
8. Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN • Private
Admissions rate
10%
SAT average
1,514
9. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN • Private
Admissions rate
58%
SAT average
1,309
10. University of Georgia
Athens, GA • Private
Admissions rate
49%
SAT average
1,345
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for research dietitians
The easiest schools for research dietitians to get into are Life University, texas woman's university, and d'youville college.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a research dietitian without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for research dietitians.
1. Life University
Marietta, GA • Private
Admissions rate
94%
SAT average
979
2. Texas Woman's University
Denton, TX • Private
Admissions rate
87%
SAT average
1,059
3. D'Youville College
Buffalo, NY • Private
Admissions rate
100%
SAT average
1,072
4. San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA • Private
Admissions rate
72%
SAT average
1,054
5. Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA • Private
Admissions rate
78%
SAT average
1,062
6. St. Catherine University
Saint Paul, MN • Private
Admissions rate
73%
SAT average
1,124
7. Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
1,019
8. California State University - Chico
Chico, CA • Private
Admissions rate
65%
SAT average
1,092
9. South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD • Private
Admissions rate
92%
SAT average
1,149
10. Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX • Private
Admissions rate
79%
SAT average
1,075
Average research dietitian salary by education level
| Research dietitian education level | Research dietitian salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $66,347 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $64,629 |
Research dietitian education FAQs
Have more questions? See all answers to common healthcare practitioner and technical questions.
Search for research dietitian jobs
Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025