Bachelor’s in Nutritional Science Program Guide

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Nutritionists and dietitians use research-based evidence to improve diets for individuals and communities. According to NPR, 44.2 million Americans are what experts consider “food insecure.” Additionally, over 10% of Americans deal with diabetes as a chronic illness.

Bolstered by a passion for healthier individuals and communities, nutritionists and dietitians work on the front lines of serious and preventable health issues. With a bachelor’s degree in nutrition science, you can enter the growing field of food science and impact countless lives.

Read on to learn more about this unique degree.

A nutrition science degree equips you with the knowledge and skills to guide individuals and communities toward healthier dietary habits. Programs integrate various scientific disciplines, including chemistry, biology, and physiology, with in-depth nutrition education.

By studying how food and nutrition affect human health and wellness, you’ll be prepared to work in a variety of roles, from clinical settings to public health initiatives. This degree also serves as a stepping stone for further specialization through postgraduate studies and certifications.

In essence, a nutrition science degree provides a comprehensive understanding of the power of nutrition and prepares you for a rewarding career in this growing field.

When it comes to careers in nutrition, there are several paths you can take, each with its own set of qualifications and responsibilities. From non-licensed nutritionists to licensed nutritionists, registered dietitians, and more, it’s important to understand the differences between these roles to make an informed decision about your educational and career path.

Depending on where you live, the requirements to become a licensed nutritionist can vary significantly. Some states require comprehensive education, practical experience, and a passing score on a licensure examination, while others have no formal requirements at all.

In states that do require licensure, you’ll typically need to earn a bachelor’s degree, complete a certain amount of supervised practice, and pass a state-approved exam. It’s crucial to research the specific requirements in your state to ensure that you’re meeting all the necessary standards to practice legally in your chosen profession.

Google sheet with licensing requirements

Nutrition science degree programs prepare you for careers teaching and advocating for the importance of human nutrition. You’ll learn the key principles of nutrition, the role it plays in human health, and how to apply this knowledge in practical ways to improve health outcomes.

Common core courses include exercise nutrition, food science, and nutrition counseling. You can also expect to take some advanced science courses in subjects such as chemistry, physiology, and microbiology. Whether you’re planning to work as a nutritionist, dietitian, or in another nutrition-related role, these courses will provide the foundation you need to succeed.

Most nutritional science programs require 120 credits and four years of full-time study. Many programs also offer a specific pathway toward earning a registered dietitian credential.

Salaries vary by career, but you can expect to earn a competitive wage. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nutritionists and dietitians earned a median annual salary of $69,680 in 2023. Additionally, health education specialists made a median annual salary of $62,860. Both of these salary figures exceed the median salary for all other U.S. occupations ($48,060).

The demand for nutritionists is on the rise, and this trend is expected to continue over the next decade. According to the BLS, job opportunities for nutritionists and health education specialists are both expected to grow by 7% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.

This growing demand is fueled by an increasing awareness of the role of diet in preventing and treating diseases, a growing emphasis on preventive healthcare, and the need to care for an aging population.

If you’re passionate about health and nutrition, and you’re interested in helping others improve their well-being through dietary changes, a nutrition science degree could be the right fit. This degree offers comprehensive training in nutrition and its impact on human health, preparing you for various roles in the nutrition field.

But whether it’s the right choice for you largely depends on your career aspirations and the specific requirements in your state. Let’s delve a little deeper into this.

In states where licensure and/or certification isn’t required to practice as a nutritionist, you might question the value of a nutritional science degree. Ultimately, the answer depends on your career and financial goals.

You may be able to offer nutrition counseling services despite the lack of certification or licensure, but earning a degree can still prove beneficial. It equips you with a strong foundation in nutrition science, which can help you provide effective and informed nutritional advice.

Additionally, having a degree can enhance your professional credibility and provide you with greater career flexibility in terms of where to live. So, even if your state doesn’t require certification, a nutritional science degree can still be a worthwhile investment for your future career.

If you’re in a state that requires licensure and/or certification to engage in personalized nutrition counseling, then earning a bachelor’s in nutritional science is an essential step toward fulfilling these requirements.

This degree provides the necessary educational foundation, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to pass your licensure exam and practice effectively in your state.

In addition to meeting licensure requirements, earning a nutritional science degree can open up a wider range of job opportunities and potentially lead to higher earnings, making it a valuable investment for your future career.

If your goal is to become an RD, then a nutritional science degree is a crucial stepping stone. RDs are required to complete a bachelor’s degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and a master’s program.

As of January 1, 2024, a master’s degree became the minimum educational requirement to practice and legally refer to yourself as an RD, regardless of the state you live in. So, if you’re aspiring to work as an RD, a bachelor’s in nutritional science is not just beneficial, but necessary.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed June 29, 2024.