Bachelor’s in Nutritional Science Program Guide
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Providing nutrition-based information to individuals and communities, nutritionists and dietitians use research-based evidence to improve diets and advocate for nutrition. According to NPR, 10% of Americans are what experts consider "food insecure." Additionally, over 10% of Americans deal with diabetes as a chronic illness.
Nutritionists, dietitians, and other professionals dealing with nutrition-based issues work on the front lines of serious and preventable health issues. Bolstered by a passion for healthier individuals and communities, graduates with a bachelor's degree in nutritional science enter a growing field that has the potential to impact countless lives.
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Read on to learn more about this unique degree.
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Should I Get a Bachelor's in Nutritional Science?
Whether they plan on working as certified nutritionists or public health workers, graduates with an online bachelor's in nutritional science enter growing career fields. Additionally, this degree seamlessly translates to graduate study in nutrition, public health, and sports medicine.
With many flexible and affordable online degree options, students can keep up with personal and professional obligations while completing required coursework. Full-time students can complete a bachelor's degree in nutritional science in four years.
Because many students enter these programs hoping to eventually work as certified nutritionists and dietitians, many programs provide a specific pathway toward earning certification.
Find the best online bachelor's in nutritional science programs.
What Will I Learn in a Nutritional Science Bachelor's Program?
Students working toward a bachelor's degree in nutritional science take various courses that prepare them for careers teaching and advocating for the importance of human nutrition. Many programs require additional science classes, such as chemistry, physiology, and microbiology. Major nutritional science requirements often include nutrition in the life cycle, food science, and nutrition counseling.
The best online bachelor's in nutritional science degrees boast accreditation from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Many programs offer a specific pathway toward earning a registered dietitian credential. Most programs require 120 credits, and full-time students can graduate in around four years.
Concentrations
- Nutrition
- Through a combination of courses focusing on biochemistry, food chemistry, and medicine, students in this concentration prepare for nutrition-focused careers at schools, wellness centers, and nonprofits. Standard courses include sports nutrition, genetics, and disease.
- Dietetics
- For learners working toward careers as licensed dietitians, this concentration is a pragmatic first step. Students often take courses like lifecycle nutrition, community nutrition, and foundations in medical nutrition therapy.
- Food and Nutrition Entrepreneurship
- Business-minded students interested in entering the food and nutrition world may find this concentration a good fit. Typical courses include food manufacturing, food service management, and food marketing.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor's in Nutritional Science?
Graduates with an online bachelor's in nutritional science use their education and training to enter various specialized careers. As many programs offer pathways toward nutritionist and dietitian certification, students routinely select those career paths. Degree-seekers also often pursue careers in sports nutrition, public health, and health coaching.
In addition to providing practical career training, a bachelor's degree in nutritional science prepares students for graduate programs in many areas. Graduates often pursue graduate degrees in nutrition, business, and sports medicine.
Popular Career Paths
Popular Continuing Education Paths
- Master's in Nutrition
- Master's in Health Science
- Master's in Public Health
- Master's in Sports Medicine
How Much Money Can I Make With a Bachelor's in Nutritional Science?
Salaries vary by career, but bachelor's degree-holders can expect to earn a lucrative wage. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nutritionists and dietitians earn a median annual salary of $63,090. Additionally, health education specialists and community health workers make a median annual salary of $48,140.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor's in Nutritional Science Programs
Students who pursue nutritional science generally earn a BS degree. Along with general education classes, students complete various science-based coursework covering chemistry, biology, and nutrition.
Are nutritionists in high demand?
The BLS projects 8% job growth for nutritionists and dietitians between 2019 and 2029, an increase of nearly 6,000 jobs. Additionally, the BLS projects 13% job growth for community health and health education positions during the same period.
What type of nutritionist makes the most money?
According to the BLS, nutritionists and dietitians who work at outpatient care centers earn the highest median annual salary in the profession at $69,660.
What classes are required for a bachelor's in nutrition?
Students who pursue a bachelor's degree in nutritional science complete a variety of nutrition, health, and science-related coursework. Standard courses include introduction to human nutrition, nutritional biochemistry, and nutrition at the cellular level. Students can also pursue concentrations in areas, such as nutrition, dietetics, and food and nutritional entrepreneurship.
Why is nutrition so important?
A healthy diet makes a positive impact on numerous elements of the human body. Nutrition, or lack thereof, influences a person's pregnancy, growth, and development and aging. Nutrition also has significant social implications, as many communities lack access to healthy food options.
