Online Graduate Certificate in Nutrition Education

100% Online

12 Month Duration

CNS Prep

Expert Faculty

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An Online Program for Lasting Success

Enroll in American University’s online Graduate Certificate in Nutrition Education program to develop deep knowledge of nutrition education, programming, and policy. Studying in flexible online courses led by expert faculty, you’ll learn to share your scientific knowledge in nutrition in a way that’s consistent with health recommendations for populations of different ages, genders, and cultures. Complete this program as a standalone certificate, or gain additional expertise by applying your credits to the full MS in Nutrition Education program.

  • Attend student webinars hosted by AU each semester on popular topics in your field such as health literacy, food access, nutrition writing, and more
  • Access career guidance, resume review, interview techniques, and job search support through the Adult Career Coaching Center (ACCC)
  • As an online student, you have the opportunity to visit AU’s campus in Washington, D.C., for two days of networking and professional development

The Latest in Nutrition Expertise

The curriculum in this online graduate certificate program is designed to prepare you with diverse knowledge and skills for the field of nutrition education. Here’s how this program is uniquely built for your success:

Certified Nutritionist Specialist®

Many of our courses meet the requirements to become a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS).*

Engaging Electives

Choose from a diverse selection of career-focused elective courses that align with your interests.

Taught By Experts

Learn from expert faculty members who have experience in nutrition education and are committed to your success.

“The professors are all absolutely incredible, and most of them are still working in the field. When I was looking to choose a university, it was really important to me to find people who not only had the academic skills, but also the practical skills and experience. You can learn a lot from both sides.”

– Katie Krespan, Alumna

Help Others Lead Healthier Lives

AU’s online Graduate Certificate in Nutrition Education prepares you for continued success in the nutrition and public health fields. Skilled in the top strategies for increasing health and nutrition knowledge, you’ll be ready for career paths projected to experience higher-than-average rates of growth between 2022 and 2032, such as health educator (7% growth projected1) and personal trainer (14% growth projected2). Graduates of this program may enter a variety of roles in nutrition education, including:

Wellness Program Manager $67,167 per year3

Health Education Specialist $62,860 per year1

Personal Trainer $46,480 per year2

Alumni Employers

As passionate change-makers, our alumni are employed in various settings all over the country. You can find some of them working at these organizations:

  • American Liver Foundation
  • Beyond Hunger
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Noom, Inc.
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture

Where Passion Becomes Purpose

American University delivers a collaborative, immersive, and personalized online learning experience from the heart of Washington, D.C., to anywhere in the world. As an online student, you’ll take rigorous courses led by the same outstanding faculty members who teach on campus. We are committed to helping you reach your professional and educational goals by maintaining the high quality of instruction that AU programs have been known for since 1893, all while you benefit from the convenience and flexibility of online learning.

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Sources and Disclaimer

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Health Education Specialists.” Apr. 17, 2024. Retrieved May 21, 2024 from https://www.bls.gov/.
  2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Fitness Trainers and Instructors.” Apr. 17, 2024. Retrieved May 21, 2024 from https://www.bls.gov/.
  3. Payscale. “Average Wellness Program Manager Salary.” Retrieved May 21, 2024 from https://www.payscale.com/.

*A full list of Coursework Requirements for Certified Nutrition Specialists is available on the American Nutrition Association website. If you have any questions about this credential, speak with your adviser.