Nutritional Science Major
The Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences offers science-based undergraduate programs that prepare individuals for a variety of career options. Students with a B.S. in Nutritional Science will enter the workforce prepared to practice in a variety of fields, such as dietetics, nutrition and wellness, food science industry, nutrition research, and/or continue on to graduate programs to become a registered dietitian, or to earn a master’s degree or Ph.D. in nutritional science or a related field.
The Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science offers three options:
- General Option
- Nutrition and Wellness Option
- Dietetics Option
Nutritional Science: General Option
The General option provides students with a rigorous science pathway that examines the biological mechanisms through which nutrients affect metabolism, the relationship between dietary patterns and the health and well-being of individuals, communities and populations. The General option is an excellent pre-health degree, preparing students to pursue careers as a nurse practitioner, physician's assistant or medical doctor. Students will also be well suited to pursue master’s or Ph.D. degrees in nutritional sciences or a related field for opportunities in research and higher education.
Nutritional Science: Nutrition and Wellness Option
The Nutrition and Wellness option is an interdisciplinary degree. There is a growing need in the workforce for individuals who are well versed in the complex interaction of public health, nutrition and entrepreneurship. This degree option allows students to complete a combination of courses that encompasses all three of these interrelated areas. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to pursue their specific area of interest within the broad spectrum that is nutrition and wellness.
Nutritional Science: Dietetics Option
The Dietetics option is an accredited didactic program in dietetics for students interested in earning an undergraduate nutrition degree that prepares them for a career as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Students who successfully complete the requirements of this program earn a verification statement and are eligible to apply to graduate and intern programs that prepare and qualify them to take the registration examination for dietitians. Students are also encouraged to apply to the Master of Public Health (MPH), Dietetics Option, so they can become federally-licensed registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs).
View all the complete Degree Pathways.
For additional information about programs, contact the Department of Biomedical & Nutritional Sciences.