Report an accessibility problem

Nutritional Science ,BS

Nutritional Science, BS

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Nutritional Science

Biology, Dentist, Doctor, Food, Health, Healthcare, Medicine, Metabolism, Nutrition, Pharmacy, Research, Science, approved for STEM-OPT extension, naturopathic, premed

Do you believe that food plays an important role in health and dream of becoming a health care provider or scientist? Develop a strong foundation in nutrition, science and integrated health care to apply evidence-based nutrition knowledge in a health care or scientific research setting.

Program 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.

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
  • First required math course: MAT 117 - College Algebra
    or MAT 170 Precalculus
  • Math intensity: Moderateprogram math intensity moderate

Curriculum

What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.

Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

  • 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.
Global opportunities
Global experience

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.

Career opportunities

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.

Example job titles and salaries listed below 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.


Career *Growth *Median salary
3.7%
$167,220
4.1%
$170,950
17.3%
$107,310
3.3%
$256,560
8.7%
$103,410
1.2%
$98,920
2.0%
$115,210
20.4%
$135,880
2.5%
$265,930
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information

College of Health Solutions | HLTHN 401AA
chs@asu.edu
602-496-3300

Program term definitions

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.

click back to top