Undergraduate Program
Spotlight
Community Nutrition
Angie Micinski and Ka-man Lo help young adults transition to independence in the kitchen as a service learning project for their N536 Community Nutrition class.
Nutrition Science (B.S.)
Nutrition Science integrates nutrition and physical and life sciences to promote healthy lifestyles. In this increasingly nutrition-conscious era, there is a demand for more nutrition-savvy medical professionals. The study of nutrition science lays a solid foundation for future academics, researchers, doctors, dentists, and other health professionals.
An increasingly popular route for pre-med and pre-dental students, the Nutrition Science Program in Indiana University's Department of Applied Health Science blends pre-med and pre-dental requirements with a strong emphasis on nutrition and its role in the prevention of disease. The program also provides a thorough background in advanced science courses, preparing for careers in nutrition education and research.
Program Requirements
Tab sheet for major and tab sheet for minor (PDF)
Student must complete 26 credit hours and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 to be admitted to the Nutrition Science Program. A minor in dietectics/nutrition science, recognized by the College of Arts and Science, is also available.
Job Outlook
Most nutrition science students continue their education either in medical or graduate school. As an alternative to teaching and research, nutritionists also apply their skills in the food industry, public health, and business consulting. Some also choose to pursue pharmaceutical sales, which draws upon their science background and health focus.
According to a 1997 survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salaries in industries employing the largest number of nutritionists were listed below. As with any profession, salaries vary by geographic region, educational level, job responsibilities, and size of community.
- Hospitals: $34,900
- Local government, except education and hospitals: $31,200
- Nursing and personal care facilities: $28,400
Nutritionists can go on to careers as:
- doctors
- dentists
- physician assistants
- food technicians
- research scientists in food technology or animal nutrition
- food product sales representatives
- health club and health company consultants
- public health educators
- food service managers
- pharmaceutical sales representatives
