What Will I Learn in a Nutrition Degree Program?

Help others build strong bodies, lose weight and work toward longer and healthier lives with a degree in nutrition. Students will learn the fundamentals of food science and how to put this knowledge to best use to help clients stay healthy, fight disease and eat a balanced diet. Courses for nutrition students will include chemistry, biology, mathematics, dietetics, nutrition science, food service management, community nutrition and nutrient metabolism. These classes are generally supplemented with hands-on experience working in a health care or wellness center, so that graduates emerge with both academic and practical knowledge.

BS in Nutrition Science	Nutrition Cert.	Nutrition & Diet

What Can I Do With a Nutrition Degree?

Nutritionists often find work in hospitals or nursing care facilities, helping patients to get and stay well. For those who love to write, careers are also available in health care literature, researching findings and facts about the nutrition of certain foods. Some grads may also find work overseeing meal planning and food service programs at universities, schools and other facilities where providing healthy, balanced meals is a priority. There are also openings for private nutritionists, researchers and sports nutritionists.

What Is the Career Outlook for Nutrition Degree Students?

A degree in nutrition offers many options for a successful career, and the job market for those in the field is looking up. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that work for nutrition experts should grow faster than average in the coming years as more people seek out diet and nutrition advice in an attempt to lose weight, get healthy and live longer lives. The average salary for a nutritionist is about $43,000 a year, but those who own their own businesses or get additional education may be able to earn more.