Nutrition Science Major

In the nutrition science major, you’ll acquire knowledge rooted in the basic sciences to understand the relationship between diet and human health and prepare for a career that focuses on improving health and preventing disease. You’ll also learn the fundamentals of nutrition, the metabolism of nutrients in health and disease and the current research happening in nutrition science. You will have opportunity to conduct ground-breaking research resulting in scientific findings that may translate to the development of new guidelines used by dietitians and physicians. Curriculum in this major is designed to meet admission requirements for most professional health programs. This includes medical, dental, physical therapy, physician assistant, accelerated nursing, optometry, veterinary and public health programs.

Any of the majors in the Department of Nutrition Science (NUTR) can also be paired together for a double major. Learn more about NUTR double majors.

Career Opportunities

• Biochemist
• Pharmaceutical sales representative
• Program manager
• Product developer
• Research assistant
• Other important roles in medicine, government, industry and nonprofit organizations.

Career Fields with Additional Education

• Medicine
• Veterinary medicine
• Professor
• Dentistry
• Physical therapy

Learning Experiences

• Study abroad in nutrition-specific programs in Ireland, Australia and France.
• Get involved in undergraduate research across the Department of Nutrition Science’s research, which focuses on four main areas: metabolism and obesity; minerals, vitamin D and bone health; food, ingestive behavior and population nutrition; and carcinogenesis and cancer prevention.
• Join the departmental honors program to conduct a research project with a faculty mentor and have an opportunity to contribute new knowledge about nutrition and gain meaningful work experience.
• Complete internships that match your interests and career goals.

Graduate/Professional School Preparation

• The nutrition science curriculum is designed to meet admission requirements for most professional health programs, including medical, dental, physical therapy, physician assistant, accelerated nursing, optometry, veterinary and public health programs.
• You’ll get one-on-one academic advising each semester, and pre-professional students meet with pre-professional advising staff for assistance in applying to professional programs.
• A background in nutrition offers a unique foundation for future health professionals with its focus on preventative health.
• You can complete the Combined Nutrition and Master of Public Health (4+1) Track in collaboration with the Department of Public Health to earn your bachelor’s degree and MPH degree in five years as a full-time student.

View Complete List of Courses Degree Requirements

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“I chose Purdue because the faculty and staff want to help you get to the next step in your life after undergrad. As a first-generation college student and someone pursuing a career in medicine, it was essential that I get that support. I stayed for the continued efforts on campus to support my overall well-being, which includes my health, academic and career goals. (Free tutoring is the best ?) “

— Jessica

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