The online Graduate Certificate in Nutrition Education does not prepare you to be a clinical dietitian. The clinical aspects of nutrition, such as treating people with advanced cancer who need medical nutrition therapy, are not part of our program. Please be sure to read through our course descriptions and outcomes for a thorough understanding of the program.

We do, however, welcome students who already hold the Registered Dietician (RD) title and others who have a previous nutrition degree (as well as a wide range of others). These students often join our program to pivot or advance their careers in nutrition and drive better outcomes for their clients.

American University’s online Graduate Certificate in Nutrition Education prepares you as the expert who can design nutrition education programs and share nutritional knowledge in a way that helps people feel empowered to make lasting, healthier food choices and improve their quality of life.

When you complete the Graduate Certificate in Nutrition Education program, you’ll be able to:

Share your scientific knowledge in nutrition with populations of different ages, genders, and cultures that is consistent with health recommendations

Design and implement nutrition-education programs in a variety of settings

Use communication strategies such as social marketing and consumer-friendly health writing to communicate to the public and advocate for nutritional health

At American University, you’ll learn from a diverse group of subject matter experts whose experience and education has made them leaders in the field. All of our courses are taught by experienced and committed faculty, many of whom are:

• Members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Fellows in the American College of Nutrition
• Conducting and publishing research on the impact of nutrition on chronic disease risk factors, length and quality of life, obesity prevention, and other topics
• Experienced leaders in education, consulting, program development, research, advocacy, community work and more
• Building cross-sector relationships with national and local government agencies and non-governmental organizations

Our online certificate program serves as a stepping stone to the Certified Nutrition Specialist®™ credential. Additional coursework in biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, and clinical or life sciences, as well as 1,000 hours of supervised practice experience, are necessary for CNS® eligibility.

Webinars are hosted every semester on popular topics and trends such as Nutrition Policy, Food Access and Nutrition Insecurity, and Entrepreneurship. Webinars are free to students, and we encourage you to participate in as many as possible to expand your learning and build your professional network.

Complete your MS in Nutrition Education online in just 20 months at American University. If you are a student in the certificate program, you have the option to switch to the MSNE program, and you may be able to apply your credits from the certificate program toward this 30-credit program. Become better prepared for the next step in your career as a nutrition or public health professional.