Nutritional Science, B.S.

Location(s): Main Campus

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Science is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in nutrition, dietetics, or food service. The curriculum also provides the foundation for students to continue their education at the graduate level.

The total number of units required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Science is 120. Consult with an advisor for the units required in all degree areas including General Education courses and directed electives.

A minimum C grade is required in all courses used to meet major requirements.

Students may choose between two options:

I. Option in Dietetics

The option in dietetics is an accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). This option fulfills the academic requirements to prepare students to apply for supervised practice to become entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists (known as RD or RDN). Coursework is concentrated in the areas of nutritional science, medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition, nutrition education, food science, food production and management of food service operations, chemistry, and physiology, plus a variety of supporting coursework in related disciplines.

II. Option in Community Nutrition and Wellness

The option in community nutrition and wellness prepares students for careers in community settings which include the Women, Infant, and Children Program, Head Start, food service, and coaching. It introduces students to coursework to prepare them for graduate studies in nutrition, public health, or allied health careers.

Admission Learning Outcomes Roadmap

Requirement for the Major (78 units)

There are 60 units of core courses and 18 units of each option. A minimum grade of C is required in all courses used to meet major requirements.

Requirements for the Core (60 units)

Lower Division Core Courses (29 units)

Take eight lower division courses.

BIOL 2030 - Human Anatomy [4]
BIOL 2040 - Human Physiology [4]
CHEM 1010 - Fundamentals of Chemistry [4]
CHEM 1020 - Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry [4]
MATH 1090 - Quantitative Reasoning with Statistics, with Lab [4]
MICR 1010 - Introduction to Microbiology [3]
NTRS 2500 - Human Nutrition [3]
and one of the following courses:
ANTH 1500 - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology [3]
PSY 1500 - Introductory Psychology [3]
SOC 2010 - Introduction to Sociology [3]

Upper Division Core Courses (31 units)

Complete the following 11 courses.

Options (18 units)

Select one Option

I. Option in Dietetics (18 units)

Students completing Option in Dietetics must complete the required seven courses (15 units) and one elective (3 units).

Required Courses (15 units)

Directed Elective (3 units)

Select one course from the following list.

II. Option in Community Nutrition and Wellness (18 units)

Students completing Option in Community and Wellness must take six of the following courses. Two upper-division courses from outside the major but related disciplines (i.e. public health, and kinesiology) may be substituted with the prior approval of an academic advisor.

Quicklinks Search Form

Search form

University Catalog