Nutritional Science, BS
Explore how nutrients and metabolism shape human health, disease prevention and performance. Develop a strong foundation in science and integrated health care to apply evidence-based nutrition knowledge in a health care or scientific research setting.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
or MAT 170 Precalculus
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Nutritional Science degree description
The Bachelor of Science program in nutritional science provides a comprehensive foundation in nutrition, biology, chemistry and anatomy --- core areas crucial for understanding the body's functions and developing strategies to maintain and improve health. In this program, which includes specialized courses in integrative and functional health, you learn how to design personalized health interventions across the life span.
The curriculum equips you with the knowledge and skills to prevent and treat health conditions through nutrition, making it an ideal foundation if you plan to pursue medical school, dental school, pharmacy school or other advanced health professions.
Hands-on learning is emphasized through a research capstone in which you work closely with experienced nutrition faculty. This experience not only deepens your understanding but also enhances your applications to graduate programs.
You also develop essential skills in leadership, teamwork, communication and critical thinking, preparing you for diverse careers in health or further studies in nutrition and related fields.
If you're interested in becoming a registered dietitian (commonly termed RD), you're encouraged to apply to the BS in dietetics.
Why study nutritional science at ASU?
Many undergraduate nutrition programs center on dietetics, food service management or nutrition counseling. The ASU nutritional science program emphasizes the scientific foundations of nutrition and human metabolism. You develop strong analytical and research skills while learning how nutrition contributes to the prevention and management of conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other chronic illnesses.
As part of ASU's College of Health Solutions, you learn within an interdisciplinary environment focused on solving complex health challenges.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| CHS 494 Special Topics |
| HSC 300 Complementary Health Care |
| HSC 310 Health Communication |
| MED 320 Applied Medical/Health Care Ethics |
| NTR 142 Applied Food Principles |
| NTR 341 Medical Nutrition Therapy I |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Students will be able to interpret scientific literature to make evidence-based conclusions for the general public.
- Students will be able to assess clinical and scientific data to make individual and community intervention or research implementation decisions.
- Students will communicate food and nutrition information by reflecting on information and evaluating ethics of different approaches.
Students will be able to interpret scientific literature to make evidence-based conclusions for the general public.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, nutritional science students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.
The College of Health Solutions recommends these programs for students majoring in nutritional science.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Trial Manager | 8.2% | $167,220 | Learn more |
| Dentist | 5.7% | $170,950 | Learn more |
| Healthcare Professor | 17.9% | $107,310 | Learn more |
| Medical Doctor (MD) | 4.0% | $256,560 | Learn more |
| Medical Scientist | 12.6% | $103,410 | Learn more |
| Molecular Biologist | 4.7% | $98,920 | Learn more |
| Naturopathic Doctor | 5.5% | $115,210 | Learn more |
| Physician Assistant (PA) | 21.1% | $135,880 | Learn more |
| Public Health Physician | 3.4% | $265,930 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this nutritional science degree prepares you for
Graduates can find job opportunities in medicine, clinical and life sciences research, molecular and cellular biology, industry research and development, dentistry and pharmacy.
In completing this program, graduates meet the prerequisites for medical and professional school. Graduates can go on to study:
- dentistry
- medicine (Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine)
- nutrition and related fields
- optometry
- pharmacy
Graduates are also prepared to enter physician assistant programs.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Human Performance and Lifespan Health
|
HLTHN 401AA
chs@asu.edu
602-496-3300
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
