Nutrition Studies Major, B.S.

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Department of Nutrition	Available Program Format(s): Online Learning
College of Health and Human Sciences

About the Program

The Nutrition Studies baccalaureate degree is a degree option for students wishing to study of the science of nutrition without pursuing the registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) credentials.

This B.S. degree is intended for students who are interested in the scientific foundation of nutrition principles. The program is comprised of a 50 credit Nutrition core, which provides students with the nutrition knowledge necessary to be nutrition professionals, including nutrition biochemistry and metabolism, food safety, nutrition education and counseling and nutrition research and evaluation, among others. Students have the flexibility to choose electives and a minor to prepare for further areas of study in health or related fields to enhance their studies, such as exercise science, public health, or entrepreneurship while receiving a strong background in nutrition. Graduates from the Nutrition Studies B.S. Program will have many career options, such as working in the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Food Stamp Nutrition Education (FSNE), corporate wellness, nutrition corporate food industries or nutrition-related entrepreneurial ventures, among others. This is a major for those who are not pursuing dietetic registration. A grade of C- or better is required in all major courses.

Student Outcomes

Integrate scientific information and translate research into practice.
Demonstrate attitudes, values and behaviors aligned with nutrition practice.
Critique and effectively communicate nutrition information to a wide range of audiences.
Demonstrate an understanding of the functions and interrelationships of nutrients and food in human health, disease prevention, and disease states.
Integrate the biological, behavioral, socioeconomic and environmental factors related to food and nutrient intakes and needs across populations and life stages.

General Degree Requirements

To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements.

Program Requirements

A total of 120 semester hours are required for graduation.
A grade of C- or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.

General Studies Requirements: 33 credits

Students should consult the General Studies Requirements for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements for degree completion.

Written Communication (6 credits)
Oral Communication (3 credits)
Quantitative Literacy (3 credits)
Arts and Humanities (6 credits)
Historical (3 credits)
Natural and Physical Sciences (6 credits)
- Recommended: BIO 1080 - General Biology I , BIO 1090 - General Biology Laboratory I , CHE 1100 - Principles of Chemistry , CHE 1150 - Principles of Chemistry Laboratory which are all required in the major.
Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits)
Global Diversity (0 or 3 credits**)

** Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences.

Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Requirement: 0 or 3 credits

Students should consult the Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Graduation Requirement for a list of courses that fulfill the ESSJ Requirement for degree completion.

Required Courses: 56 credits

BIO 1080 - General Biology I Credits: 3
BIO 1090 - General Biology Laboratory I Credits: 1
BIO 2310 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I Credits: 4
BIO 2320 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II Credits: 4
CHE 1100 - Principles of Chemistry Credits: 4
CHE 1150 - Principles of Chemistry Laboratory Credits: 1
CHE 2100 - Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry Credits: 4
CHE 2150 - Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry Laboratory Credits: 1
NUT 1800 - Careers in Nutrition and Dietetics Credits: 1
NUT 2040 - Introduction to Nutrition Credits: 3
NUT 3040 - Nutrition Concepts and Controversies Credits: 3
NUT 3050 - Concepts of Lifecycle Nutrition Credits: 3
NUT 3150 - Advanced Nutrition - Macronutrients Credits: 3
NUT 3160 - Advanced Nutrition - Micronutrients Credits: 3
NUT 3300 - Cultural Aspects of Nutrition Credits: 3
NUT 3500 - Food Safety Credits: 3
NUT 3700 - Nutrition Education and Counseling Credits: 3
NUT 3850 - Nutrition and Chronic Disease Credits: 3
NUT 4000 - Nutrition and Public Health Credits: 3
NUT 4040 - Nutrition Research Design and Evaluation Credits: 3

Major Electives: 6 credits

Select 6 credits from the following list

HCM 3150 - Health Care Organization and Management Credits: 3
NUT 3000 - Nutrition: Past and Present Credits: 3
NUT 3101 - Body Image: Concepts and Approaches Credits: 3
NUT 3200 - Nutrition and Sports Performance Credits: 3
NUT 3350 - Global Nutrition and Health Credits: 3
NUT 3400 - Nutrition and Weight Management Credits: 3
NUT 3810 - Nutrition and Social Media Credits: 1
NUT 3820 - Plant Based Nutrition Credits: 1
NUT 4300 - Management in Dietetics Credits: 3
NUT 4800 - Medical Nutrition Therapy Credits: 4
RST 1200 - Basic Cooking Skills Credits: 3

Senior Experience: 3 credits

NUT 4720 - Nutrition Capstone Credits: 3

Summary of Requirements

General Studies Requirement	33 credits
ESSJ Requirement	0-3 credits
Major Requirement	56 credits
Major Electives	6 credits
Senior Experience	3 credits
Unrestricted Electives	19-31 credits
Total for the Nutrition Studies Major, B.S.	120 credits

Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and ESSJ requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.