Program at a glance
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Open to all undergraduate students. Learn how to apply to the 推荐杏吧原创.
What will I learn in a nutrition degree program?
The nutrition major combines the study of nutrition, a basic biological science, with courses in economic, political and cultural factors that influence the food choices available to individuals and communities. As a nutrition student, you'll study food from a holistic perspective that includes medicine, agriculture, natural science and community health.
There are two tracks in the nutrition major, the dietetics specialization, which prepares you to work as a nutritionist, and the nutritional science specialization, which emphasizes the biology, physiology and chemistry underlying the science of nutrition. Both tracks include courses in the natural sciences and professional courses in patient care and nutrition therapy.
Both paths provide opportunities for you to apply what you learn outside the classroom through internships in community programs or undergraduate research opportunities in our high-tech labs. Your professors will work closely with you to help you identify coursework and learning opportunities that support your future career goals.
Learn more about the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources
In the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, you'll receive valuable hands-on experience that prepares you for a successful career in high-demand industries. With four departments and nearly 200 courses in agriculture, veterinary and rangeland sciences; biochemistry and molecular biology; natural resources and environmental science; and nutrition, we're ready to help you grow your future.
Emphases in the nutrition degree program
The dietetics specialization is designed for students who want to pursue a career as a nutritionist and emphasizes professional courses that cover things such as community nutrition, food service systems and food purchasing, as well as nutrition therapy and the science underlying nutrition.
This track prepares students to go on to seek licensure as a registered dietitian nutritionist, which requires additional training and an exam. You can also go on to graduate-level work or find immediate employment in the nutrition field after completing the dietetics specialization.
The nutritional science specialization includes more courses in biology, chemistry and physics to give you a solid understanding of the science of nutrition. A flexible curriculum allows you to choose electives, in consultation with your professors, that match your interests and career goals.
The nutritional science specialization can prepare you for graduate school to develop further expertise in an area of nutrition science and research. It's also excellent preparation for the health care field, including professional programs in nursing, physical therapy, public health and more.
The minor in nutrition allows students in related majors - or who have an interest in nutrition - to gain knowledge and skills in nutrition, with an emphasis on courses related to making healthy food choices and understanding the role that nutrition plays in individual and community health.
Nutrition can be an excellent minor for students in majors such as nursing, community health sciences, human development and family studies, or business.
Take the next step
Careers with a degree in nutrition
A bachelor's degree in nutrition prepares you for a range of careers in health care and related fields.
- Nutritionist: Dietitians and nutritionists work with individuals and communities to advise them on healthy food choices. They may work with individual patients or work in group settings, such as schools, clinics or hospitals to help design healthy food programs. An emphasis on preventative health care, including the role of diet and nutrition, is expected to drive strong job growth for nutritionists, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which also reported that nutritionists had a median annual salary of $61,650 in 2021.
- Health educator: Health educators provide information, training and support to communities to help guide healthy choices. They may advocate for policy changes or help run health-education and public health programs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects much faster than average job growth for these professionals, as society prioritizes health and wellness more. According to the Bureau, health educators had a median annual salary of $48,860 in 2021.
- Entrepreneur: The increasing emphasis on health and wellness will also provide opportunities for graduates with skills and knowledge in nutritional science to work in fields such as food marketing, nutrient supplements and wellness consulting.
You can afford the 推荐杏吧原创
76% of students receive financial aid
Almost everyone is eligible to receive some kind of aid. We offer need-based and merit-based forms of financial aid to help you afford college.
54% of all students graduate with no debt
That's right. More than half of our students leave the 推荐杏吧原创 with no student debt.
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