Career - what can you do with a nutrition sciences degree?
The Bachelor of Science in nutrition sciences prepares students to pursue advanced degrees in nutrition, food science, biology and bimolecular sciences. The degree is also excellent preparation for admission to professional schools, such as medicine or dentistry. They are prepared for many career paths including as a nutrition specialist and/or research scientist in the food, nutrition and pharmaceutical industry in areas of research and development, quality assurance, and sales and marketing. They are also prepared to pursue scientific research positions in government and other agencies.
Career paths
- Laboratory research careers in the food, nutrition and pharmaceutical industries
- Research and development
- Quality assurance
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Curriculum
Core course requirements in nutrition sciences feature human nutrition and food science. Students also earn a minor in both chemistry and biology through completion of coursework such as organic chemistry, biochemistry and microbiology. Other supporting discipline courses include statistics, mathematics, physics and physiology. The nutrition sciences degree program is designed to be completed in eight semesters. Students interested in graduate school or research careers may choose both dietetics and nutrition sciences
Sample courses
- Fundamentals of Food Science
- Life Cycle Nutrition: Pregnancy to Adolescence
- Experimental Foods
- Research Methods in Nutrition, Foods & Dietetics
Students have the chance to research and present with faculty at national professional meetings in areas including food safety, body composition and health, and sensory science.
Admissions Information
Students in nutrition sciences should have a strong preparation in English composition, mathematics, biology and chemistry. Additional coursework in science and math are strongly encouraged.
Completing the requirements for high school graduation is necessary for admission to BGSU, but only finishing the minimum coursework will leave you unprepared for college. Consider taking four years of mathematics instead of the three that are required. Two, three or even four years of the same foreign language is excellent preparation for college. You will also benefit from competency in computer use. Courses that provide exposure to or training in the visual and performing arts are excellent choices.
Quality classroom experiences
Laboratory experiences are an integral part of the nutrition sciences major. Students in Nutrition Sciences have many opportunities to gain experience with laboratory instrumentation and to develop research skills in a variety of settings. Students also have the opportunity to use a sensory analysis laboratory to conduct taste tests for their course projects and consult with regional food business and organizations.
Opportunities are available for students to conduct research with food and nutrition faculty, as well as with faculty in related disciplines such as biology, chemistry, exercise science and public health at BGSU. Students also interact with professionals in the field working in community/public/clinical nutrition and the food industry.
The Nutrition Sciences program is part of the Department of Public & Allied Health in the BGSU College of Health & Human Services
Updated: 08/16/2024 09:55PM