Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Nutrition Science
Majors Overview August 27, 2014Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in Nutrition Science learn about the relationship between human health and food. Careers as registered nutritionist and dietitian are available to those who graduate.
Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree Programs in Nutrition Science
Students enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science degree program typically includes a Coordinated Dietetics Program (CDP). Nutrition science or a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) are available for entry-level occupations in dietetics professional roles, such as nutritionist or registered dietitian (RD), among others. Concentrations in areas such as community nutrition, human nutrition, comprehensive sports nutrition, and nutrition and dietetics management are available at some schools. Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma.
Coursework
Coursework requires the completion of internships by aspiring registered dieticians. Core coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Human metabolism
•Clinical nutrition
•Ethnic foods
•Dietetic principles of food production
•Biochemistry of nutrients
•Food and nutrition foundations
•Human nutrition fundamentals
•Medical nutrition therapy
•Nutrition counseling
•Research methodology
Career Choices
Those who complete a bachelor’s degree program may seek entry-level careers in fields such as private practices, sports nutrition, healthcare facilities, product development, sales and community nutrition. They can choose from popular career options such as:
•Registered dietician
•Dietetic technician
•Home health care aid
•Community nutritionist
•Nutrition consultant
Certification and Continuing Education Choices
Graduates from the bachelor’s degree program who have completed an internship program can boost their career prospects by taking the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association’s examination.
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2010 – 2020 decade, a faster-than-average job growth rate of 20% has been predicted for dietitians and nutritionists (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In 2012, these professionals brought home an average annual wage of $55,240 (BLS).