Ohio University nutrition science students with food display.
Nutrition Science Major
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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 earn a didactic program in dietetics (DPD) verification statement.

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 or 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 for program costs.

Nutrition Science Courses

See Degree Requirements for the Nutrition Science Degree in the Official Academic Catalog

Nutrition Science students complete a foundation of Nutrition courses:

  • NUTR 1000 - Introduction to Nutrition Credit Hours: 3
  • NUTR 1100 - Introduction to Food Systems Credit Hours: 3
  • NUTR 2100 - Lifespan Nutrition Credit Hours: 4
  • NUTR 2250 - Principles of Food Science Credit Hours: 4
  • NUTR 2990 - Professional Development in Food and Nutrition Sciences Credit Hours: 1
  • NUTR 3000 - Nutrient Metabolism Credit Hours: 3
  • NUTR 3100 - Medical Nutrition Therapy I Credit Hours: 3
  • NUTR 3600 - Nutrition Counseling Credit Hours: 1
  • NUTR 4000 - Nutrition in the Community Credit Hours: 3
  • NUTR 4050 - Advanced Nutrition Credit Hours: 3
  • NUTR 4100 - Medical Nutrition Therapy II Credit Hours: 3
  • NUTR 4200 - Experimental Foods Credit Hours: 4
  • NUTR 4901 - Food and Nutrition Sciences Senior Seminar Credit Hours: 1
  • NUTR 4947 - Studies in Food, Nutrition, and Applied Nutrition Credit Hours: 1 - 3

They also take courses across a variety of disciplines, including Anthropology, Biological Sciences (including Anatomy, Microbiology & Physiology sequences), Chemistry & Biochemistry, Communications, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology.