Nutrition Science Major
The nutrition science major is a pre-professional program for those interested in careers as nutrition researchers, medical or osteopathic doctors, physician assistants, physical therapists, veterinarians, dentists, pharmacists, or other health professionals. Students gain clinical assessment skills while completing science-intensive courses in organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, genetics, and calculus, which prepare them well for entrance examinations and acceptance into the health practitioner programs. Work settings include hospitals and medical centers, community health agencies, extended care facilities, and private practice. Graduates of this program DO NOT meet the requirements to earn a didactic program in dietetics (DPD) verification statement (opens in a new window).
Nutrition Science- Pre-Medicine (BS6483)
The Nutrition Science- Pre-Medicine major is for those who plan to enroll in medical school after graduation. The major provides the courses required to apply to medical school and core nutrition courses.
- Students learn how to apply nutrition fundamentals and biochemistry to promote health and for chronic disease prevention and treatment.
- Students apply their anatomy, physiology, and nutrition knowledge to complete case studies and develop clinical assessment skills.
- Experiences in this major will foster critical thinking and basic clinical knowledge to create a solid foundation for student success in medical school.
This major can also be modified to meet the needs of other pre-healthcare
majors, for example, pre-ophthalmology, pre-dentistry, and pre-veterinary. Full program requirements are available in the undergraduate catalog.
Nutrition Science- Pre-Physician Assistant (BS6484)
The Nutrition Science- Pre-Physician Assistant major is for those who plan to enroll in a master’s degree in physician assistant practice after graduation. The major provides the pre-physician assistant required courses and core nutrition courses.
- Students learn how to apply nutrition fundamentals and biochemistry to promote health and for chronic disease prevention and treatment.
- Students apply their anatomy, physiology, and nutrition knowledge to complete case studies and develop clinical assessment skills.
- Experiences in this major will foster critical thinking and basic clinical knowledge to create a solid foundation for student success in physician assistant practice programs after graduation.
Full program requirements are available in the undergraduate catalog
Nutrition Science (BS6479)
(Undergraduate Catalog years prior to 2025-2026)
For current students who are enrolled in the general Nutrition Science undergraduate degree (years prior to 2025-2026 Academic Year), full program information is available in the Undergraduate Catalog under Nutrition Science Major (BS6479).
Note: If you are interested in becoming a Registered Dietitian, you will need to enroll in the Applied Nutrition: Dietetics Track.
Admission
Admission requirements to the nutrition science major are the same as those for admission to Ohio University in general. No special prerequisites need to be met prior to declaring a major in nutrition science. Candidates are encouraged, however, to begin the program early in their college careers. High school honors chemistry and biological science courses also are strongly recommended. For information on admission to Ohio University for both freshmen and transfer students, visit Ohio University Admissions.
Nutrition Sciences Graduation Requirements
Students enrolled in the Nutrition Science major must earn and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher to complete the degree conferral process. For students applying to physical therapy, medical school, or physician assistant programs, a GPA of 3.50 or higher is considered competitive. Completing the graduation requirements of Ohio University and the nutrition sciences program does not guarantee that you will be accepted into post-baccalaureate programs for professional experience after graduation. You must apply to and be granted acceptance into such programs.
Program Costs
Please visit the Office of the Bursar (opens in a new window) for program costs.