At which campus can I study this program?
Program Description
Nutrition is a dynamic science that incorporates knowledge of human biology and biochemistry to understand how the body utilizes nutrients and related substances for optimal health throughout the lifecycle. Students gain an understanding of how the interplay of nutrition and lifestyle relate to current public health issues as well as the development and nutrition management of chronic and acute diseases. Students learn the scientific rationale and practice methodology to assess the nutritional status of individuals in the clinical setting and for population analysis. They will use these skills to implement medical nutrition therapy or understand nutrition guidelines, standards, and policies to improve the health and well-being of the population.
Students may select one option in the Nutritional Sciences Major: Behavioral Nutrition and Public Health, Nutritional Physiology and Biochemistry, and Nutrition and Dietetics. The Nutrition and Dietetics Option is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
Behavioral Nutrition and Public Health Option
This option integrates knowledge of social and behavioral sciences with human nutrition. Students learn to apply knowledge of nutrition to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities by applying nutrition principles in different practice settings. Graduates of this option can seek employment in public health and policy, non-profit businesses domestically and globally, community nutrition and education settings, technology organizations addressing nutrition behavior, and with local, state, and governmental agencies. Students are also prepared to continue to graduate study in public health, nutrition, or related fields.
Nutrition and Dietetics Option
This option offers multi-disciplinary training in the biological sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and business principles to prepare students to work in a variety of settings and to be eligible to continue their education to acquire the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential. It links nutrition and human behavior by applying nutrition principles, counseling skills, and educational skills to improving the nutritional status and health of individuals and communities. Students gain training that will prepare them to work in a variety of clinical, community, and business settings. It also prepares students for management positions in the nutrition field and food systems settings. Graduates satisfy the current requirements for application to accredited post-baccalaureate dietetic supervised practice programs and Master’s degree programs. Upon satisfactory completion of these programs, graduates are eligible to take the registration examination to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
Nutritional Physiology and Biochemistry Option
This option incorporates knowledge from biology, chemistry, physiology, and physics with nutrition. This option is recommended for students preparing for careers in medicine and other health-related fields such as dentistry, optometry, physician assistant, occupational therapy, pharmacy, and chiropractic. Students are also well-prepared for graduate school in nutritional sciences, physiology, and many other biological and health-related disciplines. This option prepares students for careers in laboratory research in the pharmaceutical or food industries, government, or academia.
What is Nutritional Sciences?
Nutritional Sciences uses nutrition as the backbone to integrate physiological science, behavioral sciences, foods, food systems management, and nutrition as medicine to prepare students to help individuals and communities locally and globally. Students are uniquely prepared to integrate their strong science foundation and nutrition knowledge to help others lead healthier lives. Areas of study include the application of nutrition principles to health promotion and wellness, sports performance, research and intervention science, medical nutrition therapy, and behavioral interventions.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES
You Might Like This Program If...
- You want to learn about nutrition and foods’ connection to health.
- You plan to go to medical school, physician assistant school, and other health-related pre-professional programs.
- You want to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
- You want to work in scientific research related to human health or the food industry.
- You want to advocate for healthier communities using sustainable food practices and access to nutritious food.
- You want to learn about interventions to nutrition-related health problems that affect the world’s populations.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WHY STUDENTS CHOOSE TO STUDY NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES
Entrance to Major
Behavioral Nutrition and Public Health Option
In order to be eligible for entrance to the Behavioral Nutrition and Public Health option in the major, a student must:
- attain at least a C (2.00) cumulative grade-point average for all courses taken at the University; and
- have third-semester classification.
Nutrition and Dietetics Option
In order to be eligible for entrance to the Nutrition and Dietetics option in the major, a student must:
- attain at least a C (2.00) cumulative grade-point average for all courses taken at the University;
- have third-semester classification; and
- attain a C or better in NUTR 251, BIOL 161, BIOL 162, BIOL 163, BIOL 164, and CHEM 110 or CHEM 130.
Nutritional Physiology and Biochemistry Option
In order to be eligible for entrance to the Nutritional Physiology and Biochemistry option in the major, a student must:
- attain at least a C (2.00) cumulative grade-point average for all courses taken at the University; and
- have third-semester classification.
Retention Requirements
Retention for the Nutrition and Dietetics option will be determined through verification of sustained academic growth as demonstrated by earning of grades of C or higher in all of the Nutritional Sciences prescribed courses and related courses. For the prescribed courses, students must have a letter grade of C or better and may not use Pass/Fail or other alternative grades to meet the degree requirements. Failure to maintain a C or higher in all prescribed and related courses will result in referral of the student to the student's academic adviser to evaluate their options for remaining in the Nutrition and Dietetics option and to explore other areas that would be a good fit for their interests. To graduate, a student enrolled in the nutrition and dietetics option must earn a letter grade of C or better in all prescribed courses and earn a passing grade (C or better) in the related courses for Nutritional Sciences, Nutrition and Dietetics option.
Degree Requirements
For the Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Sciences, a minimum of 120 credits is required:
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Education | 45 |
| Electives | 1-13 |
| Requirements for the Major | 80-92 |
18 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. For the Behavioral Nutrition and Public Health option, this includes 3 credits of GHW courses, 9 credits of GN courses, 3 credits of GQ courses, 3 credits of GS courses. For the Nutrition and Dietetics option, this includes 3 credits of GHW courses, 9 credits of GN courses, 3 credits of GQ courses, 3 credits of GS courses. For the Nutritional Physiology and Biochemistry option, this includes 3 credits of GHW courses, 9 credits of GN courses, 6 credits of GQ courses.
Per Senate Policy 83.80.5, the college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. NUTR requires students to complete 24 credits for the major through courses taken at University Park. Courses taken at other Penn State campuses may not be counted toward this 24 credit minimum. For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for this major.
Requirements for the Major
To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.
Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| BIOL 161 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I - Lecture  | 3 |
| BIOL 162 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I - Laboratory | 1 |
| BIOL 163 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II - Lecture | 3 |
| BIOL 164 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II - Laboratory | 1 |
| NUTR 251 | Introductory Principles of Nutrition | 3 |
| NUTR 451 | Nutrition throughout the Life Cycle | 3 |
| NUTR 452 | Nutritional Aspects of Disease | 3 |
| NUTR 490W | Nutrition Seminar | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| STAT 200 | Elementary Statistics | 3 |
| or STAT 250 | Introduction to Biostatistics | |
| Requirements for the Option | ||
| Select an option | 57-69 | |
Requirements for the Option
Behavioral Nutrition and Public Health Option (57 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| BBH 101 | Introduction to Biobehavioral Health | 3 |
| BBH/HPA 440 | Principles of Epidemiology | 3 |
| NUTR 175N | Healthy Food for All: Factors that Influence What we Eat in the US | 3 |
| NUTR 358 | Assessment of Nutritional Status | 3 |
| NUTR 360 | Nutrition Education and Behavior Change Theory | 3 |
| NUTR 361 | Community and Public Health Nutrition | 3 |
| NUTR 372 | Nutrient Metabolism | 3 |
| NUTR 409 | Addressing and intervening on social determinants of nutrition inequity | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| CHEM 110 | Chemical Principles I | 3 |
| or CHEM 130 | Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry | |
| HDFS 129 | Introduction to Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| or PSYCH 100 | Introductory Psychology | |
| NUTR 421 | Biocultural Perspectives on Public Health Nutrition | 3 |
| or NUTR 425 | Global Nutrition Problems: Health, Science, and Ethics | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Economic Principles of Agribusiness Decision Making | ||
| Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy | ||
| Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy | ||
| Food, Nutrition, and Sustainability | ||
| Students must choose six (6) credits from the courses listed: 1 | 6 | |
| Communication Methods and Media | ||
| Economics of the Food System | ||
| Investigating the U.S. Food System: How food moves from field to table | ||
| Community Development Concepts and Practice | ||
| Introduction to Advertising | ||
| Public Relations | ||
| Global Change and Ecosystems | ||
| Food and the Future Environment | ||
| Environment and Society in a Changing World | ||
| Geographic Perspectives on Environment, Society and Sustainability | ||
| The Sustainable Fork: Food Systems Decisions for Away-From-Home Eating | ||
| Everyone Eats: Hunger, Food Security & Global Agriculture | ||
| Science and Methods of Food Preparation | ||
| Managing Quality in Food and Nutrition Services | ||
| Eating and Weight Disorders | ||
| Energy and Macronutrient Metabolism | ||
| Micronutrient Metabolism | ||
| Sustainability, Society, and Well-being | ||
| Population and Policy Issues | ||
| Sociology of the Family | ||
| Global Health and Nutrition Policy | ||
| Students must choose six (6) credits from the courses listed: 1 | 6 | |
| Leadership Practices: Power, Influences, and Impact | ||
| Diversity and Health | ||
| Introduction to Global Health Issues | ||
| Foundations and Principles of Health Promotion | ||
| Global Health Equity | ||
| Women's Health Issues | ||
| Introduction to Advertising | ||
| Public Relations | ||
| Environment and Society in a Changing World | ||
| Ethnicity, Health and Aging | ||
| Introduction to Health Services Organization | ||
| Social Determinants of Health | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Choose nine (9) additional supporting credits at the 400 level, in consultation with an adviser, from University-wide offerings that provide relevance to this option. No more than three (3) credits may be NUTR 496. See program list of recommended courses. | 9 | |
- 1
Students in either option may also select from the following experiential learning options towards their six (6) emphasis credits: NUTR 494, NUTR 495, NUTR 496, NUTR 499.
Nutrition and Dietetics Option (69 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| BMB 211 | Elementary Biochemistry | 3 |
| HM 230 | Principles of Food Production Management | 3 |
| HM 330 | Food Production and Operations Management | 3 |
| MICRB 106 | Elementary Microbiology | 3 |
| NUTR 320 | Science and Methods of Food Preparation | 4 |
| NUTR 358 | Assessment of Nutritional Status | 3 |
| NUTR 360 | Nutrition Education and Behavior Change Theory | 3 |
| NUTR 361 | Community and Public Health Nutrition | 3 |
| NUTR 386 | Managing Quality in Food and Nutrition Services | 3 |
| NUTR 391 | Professional Preparation in Nutrition and Dietetics | 2 |
| NUTR 393 | Dietetic Internship Application Development | 1 |
| NUTR 400 | Introduction to Nutrition Counseling | 2 |
| NUTR 453 | Medical Nutrition Therapy | 3 |
| NUTR 445 | Energy and Macronutrient Metabolism | 3 |
| NUTR 446 | Micronutrient Metabolism | 3 |
| NUTR 495 | Advanced Field Experience in Nutrition | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| CHEM 110 | Chemical Principles I | 3 |
| or CHEM 130 | Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry | |
| CHEM 202 | Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| or CHEM 210 | Organic Chemistry I | |
| HDFS 129 | Introduction to Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| or PSYCH 100 | Introductory Psychology | |
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Select 6 credits from University-wide offerings at all levels, in consultation with an adviser, that provide relevance to this option. 1 | 6 | |
| Select 9 credits of 400-level supporting courses, in consultation with an adviser, from University-wide offerings that provide relevance to this option. See program list of recommended courses. (At least 6 credits must be at the 400 level and, of those, no more than 3 credits may be NUTR 496 or 494 or 494H.) Three (3) credits may be substituted with credits earned through ROTC. | 9 | |
- 1
NUTR 100 (3 cr) cannot be used to count toward the Nutrition and Dietetics option major degree requirements or elective courses.
Nutritional Physiology and Biochemistry Option (65-66 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| BIOL 230W | Biology: Molecules and Cells | 4 |
| BMB 211 | Elementary Biochemistry | 3 |
| BMB 212 | Elementary Biochemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 110 | Chemical Principles I | 3 |
| CHEM 111 | Experimental Chemistry I | 1 |
| CHEM 112 | Chemical Principles II | 3 |
| CHEM 113 | Experimental Chemistry II | 1 |
| NUTR 175N | Healthy Food for All: Factors that Influence What we Eat in the US | 3 |
| NUTR 358 | Assessment of Nutritional Status | 3 |
| NUTR 445 | Energy and Macronutrient Metabolism | 3 |
| NUTR 446 | Micronutrient Metabolism | 3 |
| PHYS 250 | Introductory Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 251 | Introductory Physics II | 4 |
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| MATH 140 | Calculus With Analytic Geometry I | 4 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| CHEM 202 & CHEM 203 | Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry I and Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry II | 6 |
| or CHEM 210 & CHEM 212 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry II | |
| MICRB 106 & MICRB 107 | Elementary Microbiology and Elementary Microbiology Laboratory | 4-5 |
| or MICRB 201 & MICRB 202 | Introductory Microbiology and Introductory Microbiology Laboratory | |
| NUTR 421 | Biocultural Perspectives on Public Health Nutrition | 3 |
| or NUTR 425 | Global Nutrition Problems: Health, Science, and Ethics | |
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Select 6 credits from University-wide offerings at all levels, in consultation with an adviser, that provide relevance to this option. Students need to complete at least three (3) credits that cover the topic of ethics. | 6 | |
| Select 6 credits from 400-level University-wide offerings, with no more than three (3) credits of NUTR 496. See program list of recommended courses. Three (3) credits may be substituted with credits earned through ROTC. | 6 | |
General Education
Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.
The keystone symbol appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.
Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
- Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits
Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Arts (GA): 3 credits
- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 3 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits
Integrative Studies
- Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits
Exploration
- GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
- GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits
University Degree Requirements
First Year Engagement
All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.
Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.
First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.
Cultures Requirement
6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements
- United States Cultures: 3 credits
- International Cultures: 3 credits
Writing Across the Curriculum
3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.
Total Minimum Credits
A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.
Quality of Work
Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.
Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition
The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.
Integrated B.S. in Nutritional Sciences and M.P.S. in Nutritional Sciences
Requirements for the Integrated B.S. in Nutritional Sciences and M.P.S. in Nutritional Sciences can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.
Integrated B.S. in Nutritional Sciences and M.P.H. in Public Health
Requirements for the Integrated B.S. in Nutritional Sciences and M.P.H. in Public Health can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.
Program Learning Objectives
- Explain the role of chemical, biochemical, microbiological, and physiological processes and demonstrate how they interrelate with the body's utilization of nutrients and food components during digestion, absorption, metabolism, and excretion.
- Describe and apply the functions and interrelationships of nutrients and food in human health, disease prevention, and disease states.
- Describe food and nutrition programs that contribute to the continuum of nutrition services to improve the health of our population: preconception to old age.
- Apply leadership and management theory within the healthcare and food service management systems.
- Integrate the biological, behavioral, socioeconomic and environmental factors related to food and nutrient intakes and needs across the lifespan.
- Interpret and evaluate nutrition standards and analyze nutritional assessment data to make evidence-based decisions.
- Locate, interpret, and evaluate research findings and professional literature to explain implications, limitations, and applications to practice.
- Demonstrate effective and professional technical and scientific written communication skills using various media formats.
- Demonstrate effective and professional technical and scientific oral communication skills using various media formats.
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
University Park
Mary Dean Coleman-Kelly
Interim Academic Adviser, Undergraduate Professor-in-Charge (PIC)
123 Chandlee Laboratory
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-2138
mdc15@psu.edu
Suggested Academic Plan
The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2024-25 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.
Behavioral Nutrition and Public Health Option: Nutritional Sciences, B.S. at University Park Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BIOL 161 (GN)*† | 3 | NUTR 175N (US) | 3 |
| BIOL 162* | 1 | BIOL 163 (GN)*† | 3 |
| NUTR 251 (GHW)*† | 3 | BIOL 164* | 1 |
| General Education Course (GWS) (ENGL 15, ENGL 30H, ESL 15, ENGL/CAS 137H recommended)‡1 | 3 | BBH 101 | 3 |
| First-Year Seminar | 1-2 | GQ per ALEKS score2 | 3 |
| General Education Course (GA) | 3 | General Education Course (GWS) (CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, CAS 100C, ENGL/CAS 138T recommended)‡†1 | 3 |
| 14-15 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 110 or 130 (GN)†2 | 3 | NUTR 361 | 3 |
| PSYCH 100 or HDFS 129 (GS)† | 3 | General Education Course (Exploration) | 3 |
| NUTR 360 | 3 | General Education Course (Integrative Studies - Inter-Domain) | 3 |
| General Education Course (GH) | 3 | Select course in Food, Nutrition, and Sustainability in consultation with adviser | 3 |
| ECON 102, 104, or AGBM 101 | 3 | Select course in Global Health and Nutrition Policy in consultation with adviser | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| NUTR 358 | 3 | NUTR 452* | 3 |
| NUTR 372 | 3 | NUTR 421 or 4253 | 0-3 |
| NUTR 421 or 4253 | 0-3 | STAT 200 or 250 (GQ)*‡† | 3-4 |
| Select course in Food, Nutrition, and Sustainability in consultation with adviser | 3 | Elective | 6 |
| General Education Course (GWS) (ENGL 202A or ENGL 202C recommended) | 3 | General Education Course (Exploration)‡ | 3 |
| General Education Course (Integrative Studies - Inter-Domain) | 3 | ||
| 15-18 | 15-19 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| NUTR 490W* | 3 | NUTR 451* | 3 |
| BBH/HPA 440 | 3 | Select course in Global Health and Nutrition Policy in consultation with adviser | 3 |
| NUTR 409 | 3 | Select supporting courses 400 level in consultation with adviser | 6 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Select supporting course 400 level in consultation with adviser | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120-128 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
- 1
Schreyer Honors College first year students at University Park will take ENGL/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits. At the discretion of the college, ENGL/CAS 138T satisfies the first-year seminar requirement.
- 2
Enforced MATH prerequisites for Chemistry: CHEM 110 - ALEKS score > 61 or completion of MATH 22; CHEM 130 ALEKS score > 46 or completion of MATH 21. If ALEKS score is not in the needed range, elective credits should be used for MATH preparation.
- 3
Students need to take either NUTR 421, offered in the Fall semester, or NUTR 425, offered in the Spring semester.
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.
Advising Notes:
- HHD allows up to 6 credits from ROTC study to be counted toward General Education and major requirements. Some programs allow additional ROTC credits to be used for degree requirements.
Behavioral Nutrition and Public Health Option: Nutritional Sciences, B.S. at Commonwealth Campuses
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BIOL 161 (GN)*† | 3 | NUTR 251 (GHW)*† | 3 |
| BIOL 162 (GN)† | 1 | BIOL 163 (GN)*† | 3 |
| PSYCH 100 or HDFS 129 (GS)† | 3 | BIOL 164 (GN)† | 1 |
| GQ per ALEKS score‡†2 | 3 | ECON 102, 104, or AGBM 101 | 3 |
| General Education Course (GWS) (ENGL 15, ENGL 30H, ESL 15, ENGL/CAS 137H recommended)‡†1 | 3 | General Education Course (GWS) (CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, CAS 100C, ENGL/CAS 138T recommended)‡†1 | 3 |
| First-Year Seminar (elective) | 1 | General Education Course (Exploration) | 3 |
| 14 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 110 or 1302 | 3 | CHEM 202 or 2103 | 3 |
| BBH 101 | 3 | STAT 200 or 250 (GQ)‡† | 3-4 |
| Select 3-4 credits of Electives | 3-4 | NUTR 360 (through DLC) | 3 |
| General Education Course (GH) | 3 | General Education Course (GWS) (ENGL 202A or ENGL 202C recommended)‡† | 3 |
| General Education Course (GA) | 3 | General Education Course (Integrative Studies) | 3 |
| 15-16 | 15-16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BMB 211* | 3 | NUTR 320 | 4 |
| NUTR 175N (US)† | 3 | NUTR 358 | 3 |
| NUTR 211R | 1 | NUTR 425 (IL) or Select 3 credits from one of the two themes in consultation with academic adviser†4 | 3 |
| NUTR 361 (US)† | 3 | NUTR 445* | 3 |
| NUTR 421 (IL) or Select 3 credits from one of the two themes in consultation with academic adviser†4 | 3 | Select 3 credits from one of the two themes in consultation with academic adviser | 3 |
| 13 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| NUTR 446* | 3 | NUTR 451* | 3 |
| BBH 440 or HPA 440 (US/IL)† | 3 | NUTR 452 | 3 |
| Select 3 credits from one of the two themes in consultation with academic adviser | 3 | NUTR 490W | 3 |
| Select 3 credits of 400-level supporting credits in consultation with academic adviser4 | 3 | Select 3 credits from one of the two themes in consultation with academic adviser | 3 |
| Select 3 credits of 400-level supporting credits in consultation with academic adviser4 | 3 | General Education Course (Integrative Studies) | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 119-121 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
- 1
Schreyer Honors College first year students at University Park will take ENGL/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits. At the discretion of the college, ENGL/CAS 138T satisfies the first-year seminar requirement.
- 2
Enforced MATH prerequisites for Chemistry: CHEM 110 - ALEKS score > 61 or completion of MATH 22; CHEM 130 ALEKS score > 46 or completion of MATH 21. If ALEKS score is not in the needed range, elective credits should be used for MATH preparation.
- 3
Students must complete CHEM 110 and CHEM 112 before enrolling in CHEM 210.
- 4
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
Advising Notes:
Scheduling patterns for courses not taught each semester:
- Courses taught spring semester only – NUTR 170 (suggested, not required), NUTR 425.
- Courses taught fall semester only – NUTR 421.
-
NUTR 175N: If it is taught at a commonwealth campus, students can take this in the second year prior to transferring to UP.
Nutritional Physiology and Biochemistry Option: Nutritional Sciences, B.S. at All Campuses
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 110 (GN)†1 | 3 | BIOL 161 (GN)*† | 3 |
| CHEM 111 | 1 | BIOL 162* | 1 |
| MATH 140 (GQ)*‡† | 4 | CHEM 112 | 3 |
| NUTR 175N | 3 | CHEM 113 | 1 |
| General Education Course (GWS) (ENGL 15, ENGL 30H, ESL 15, ENGL/CAS 137H recommended)‡2 | 3 | NUTR 251 (GHW)*† | 3 |
| First-Year Seminar | 1-2 | General Education Course (GH) | 3 |
| General Education Course (GWS) (CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, CAS 100C, ENGL/CAS 138H recommended)‡2 | 3 | ||
| 15-16 | 17 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 202 or 210 | 3 | CHEM 203 or 212 | 3 |
| BIOL 163 (GN)* | 3 | BIOL 230W | 4 |
| BIOL 164* | 1 | STAT 200 or 250 (GQ)*‡† | 3-4 |
| General Education Course (Exploration, BIOL 110 recommended) | 4 | General Education Course (Exploration) | 3 |
| General Education Course (Integrative Studies: Inter-Domain) | 3 | Select from University-Wide Offerings in consultation with adviser | 3 |
| General Education Course (GA) | 3 | ||
| 17 | 16-17 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BMB 211 | 3 | NUTR 445 | 3 |
| BMB 212 | 1 | PHYS 251 | 4 |
| PHYS 250 | 4 | NUTR 358 | 3 |
| NUTR 421 or 4253 | 0-3 | NUTR 421 or 4253 | 0-3 |
| MICRB 106, and MICRB 107, or MICRB 201 and MICRB 202 | 4-5 | Select from University-Wide Offerings 400 level course in consultation with adviser | 3 |
| Select from University-Wide Offerings in consultation with adviser (ethics course recommended) | 3 | ||
| 15-19 | 13-16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| NUTR 446 | 3 | NUTR 451* | 3 |
| Select from University-Wide Offerings 400 level course in consultation with adviser | 3 | NUTR 452* | 3 |
| General Education Course (GWS) (ENGL 202A or ENGL 202C recommended)‡ | 3 | NUTR 490W* | 3 |
| Elective | 5-8 | Elective | 4 |
| 14-17 | 13 | ||
| Total Credits 120-132 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
- 1
Enforced MATH prerequisites for Chemistry: CHEM 110 - ALEKS score > 61 or completion of MATH 22; CHEM 130 ALEKS score > 46 or completion of MATH 21. If ALEKS score is not in the needed range, elective credits should be used for MATH preparation.
- 2
Schreyer Honors College first year students at University Park will take ENGL/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits. At the discretion of the college, ENGL/CAS 138T satisfies the first-year seminar requirement.
- 3
Students need to take either NUTR 421, offered in the Fall semester, or NUTR 425, offered in the Spring semester.
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.
Advising Notes:
- If NUTR 175N is offered at your commonwealth campus, students are advised to take 175N at the campus before coming to UP.
- HHD allows up to 6 credits from ROTC study to be counted toward General Education and major requirements. Some programs allow additional ROTC credits to be used for degree requirements.
Nutrition and Dietetics Option: Nutritional Sciences, B.S. at University Park Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| BIOL 161 (GN)*#† | 3 | BIOL 163 (GN)*#† | 3 | ||
| BIOL 162*# | 1 | BIOL 164*# | 1 | ||
| General Education Course (GWS) (ENGL 15, ENGL 30H, ESL 15, ENGL/CAS 137H recommended)‡1 | 3 | CHEM 110 or 130 (GN)*#†2 | 3 | ||
| GQ per ALEKS score‡2 | 3 | Supporting Course (CHEM 111 recommended) | 1 | ||
| First-Year Seminar | 1-2 | PSYCH 100 or HDFS 129 (GS)*† | 3 | ||
| NUTR 251 (GHW)*#† | 3 | General Education Course (Integrative Studies: Interdomain; NUTR 175N recommended) | 3 | ||
| 14-15 | 14 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| CHEM 202 or 210* | 3 | BMB 211* | 3 | ||
| MICRB 106* | 3 | NUTR 320* | 4 | ||
| NUTR 360* | 3 | NUTR 361* | 3 | ||
| General Education Course (Exploration) | 3 | General Education Course (GA) | 3 | ||
| General Education Course (Integrative Studies: Inter-Domain) | 3 | General Education Course (Exploration; NUTR 391N recommended) | 3 | ||
| 15 | 16 | ||||
| Third Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| STAT 200 or 250 (GQ)*‡† | 3-4 | NUTR 358* | 3 | NUTR 495* | 3 |
| NUTR 445* | 3 | NUTR 386* | 3 | ||
| HM 230* | 3 | NUTR 446* | 3 | ||
| General Education Course (GH) | 3 | NUTR 391* | 2 | ||
| General Education Course (GWS) (CAS 100, CAS100A, CAS100B, CAS100C, ENGL/CAS 138H recommended)‡1 | 3 | HM 330* | 3 | ||
| General Education Course (GWS) (ENGL 202A or ENGL 202C recommended)‡ | 3 | ||||
| 15-16 | 17 | 3 | |||
| Fourth Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| NUTR 393* | 1 | NUTR 451* | 3 | ||
| NUTR 400* | 2 | NUTR 490W* | 3 | ||
| NUTR 452* | 3 | Select Supporting Course 400 level in consultation with adviser | 3 | ||
| NUTR 453* | 3 | Select Supporting Course in consultation with adviser | 3 | ||
| Elective | 2 | ||||
| Select Supporting Course 400 level in consultation with adviser | 3 | ||||
| 14 | 12 | ||||
| Total Credits 120-122 | |||||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
- 1
Schreyer Honors College first year students at University Park will take ENGL/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits. At the discretion of the college, ENGL/CAS 138T satisfies the first-year seminar requirement.
- 2
Enforced MATH prerequisites for Chemistry: CHEM 110 - ALEKS score > 61 or completion of MATH 22; CHEM 130 ALEKS score > 46 or completion of MATH 21. If ALEKS score is not in the needed range, elective credits should be used for MATH preparation.
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.
Advising Notes:
- Courses taught Fall semester only: NUTR 400, NUTR 453
- Courses taught Spring semester only: NUTR 386, NUTR 451
- HHD allows up to 6 credits from ROTC study to be counted toward General Education and major requirements. Some programs allow additional ROTC credits to be used for degree requirements.
Nutrition and Dietetics Option: Nutritional Sciences, B.S. at Commonwealth Campuses
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| GQ per ALEKS score‡ | 3 | NUTR 251 (GHW)*#† | 3 | ||
| BIOL 161 & BIOL 162 (GN)*#† | 4 | BIOL 163 & BIOL 164 (GN)*#† | 4 | ||
| PSYCH 100 or HDFS 129 (GS)*† | 3 | General Education Course (GA) | 3 | ||
| General Education Course (GWS) (ENGL 15, ENGL 30H, ESL 15, ENGL/CAS 137H recommended)‡1 | 3 | CHEM 110 or 130*#†2 | 3 | ||
| First-Year Seminar | 1 | CHEM 111 (Lab) recommended with CHEM 110/130 | 1 | ||
| 14 | 14 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| CHEM 202 or 210*3 | 3 | NUTR 360 (through DLC)* | 3 | ||
| MICRB 106 (GN)*† | 3 | STAT 200 or 250 (GQ)*‡† | 3-4 | ||
| General Education Course (GWS) (CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, CAS 100C, ENGL/CAS 138T recommended)‡1 | 3 | General Education Course (GWS) (ENGL 202A or ENGL 202C recommended)‡† | 3 | ||
| General Education Course (Exploration) | 3 | General Education Course (Integrative Studies) | 3 | ||
| 3 credits electives in consultation with adviser | 3 | General Education Course (GH) | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15-16 | ||||
| Third Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| BMB 211* | 3 | NUTR 358* | 3 | NUTR 495* | 3 |
| NUTR 320* | 4 | NUTR 386* | 3 | ||
| NUTR 361*† | 3 | NUTR 391* | 2 | ||
| HM 230* | 3 | NUTR 445* | 3 | ||
| General Education Integrative Studies (NUTR 175N or NUTR 291N suggested) | 3 | HM 330* | 3 | ||
| 16 | 14 | 3 | |||
| Fourth Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| NUTR 393* | 1 | NUTR 451* | 3 | ||
| NUTR 400* | 2 | NUTR 490W* | 3 | ||
| NUTR 452* | 3 | NUTR 446* | 3 | ||
| NUTR 453* | 3 | Select 3 credits from 400-level supporting courses in consultation with an academic adviser4 | 3 | ||
| Select 3 credits from 400-level supporting courses in consultation with an academic adviser4 | 3 | Select 3 credits from supporting courses in consultation with an academic adviser4 | 3 | ||
| 12 | 15 | ||||
| Total Credits 118-119 | |||||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
- 1
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first year students at University Park will take ENGL/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL/CAS138T in the spring semester. These courses carry GWS designation and replace ENGL 15/30 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits. At the discretion of the college, ENGL/CAS 138T satisfies the first-year seminar requirement.
- 2
Enforced MATH prerequisites for Chemistry: CHEM 110 - ALEKS score > 61 or completion of MATH 22; CHEM 130 ALEKS score > 46 or completion of MATH 21. If ALEKS score is not in the needed range, elective credits should be used for MATH preparation.
- 3
Students must complete CHEM 110 and CHEM 112 before enrolling in CHEM 210.
- 4
Supporting Course List: https://hhd.psu.edu/nutrition/supporting-courses.
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
Advising Notes:
Scheduling patterns for courses not taught each semester:
- Courses taught fall semester only – NUTR 386, NUTR 421.
- Courses taught spring semester only – NUTR 170 (suggested, not required), NUTR 391, NUTR 425.
HM 230: if it is taught at a commonwealth campus, students can enroll in the 4th semester prior to coming to UP.
Career Paths
The multidisciplinary nature of the Nutritional Sciences degree prepares students for a variety of career options and for graduate study in research and advanced professional training. Armed with an undergraduate degree in Nutritional Sciences, students will leverage their Penn State education and a vast network of like-minded professionals to find a fulfilling career that incorporates the physiological and biochemical aspects of nutritional practices in the context of health and wellness. There are an endless array of positions in healthcare settings, academia, research, management and policy in which nutritional skills and knowledge are needed.
Careers
The Nutrition and Dietetics option prepares students for Nutrition and Dietetics graduate programs that lead to the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential. With the RDN, students pursue careers in clinical dietetics, nutrition education and counseling, sports nutrition, retail and industry, and related fields. This option also prepares students for accelerated Master’s degree programs in Nursing.
The Nutritional Physiology and Biochemistry option provides a strong science foundation for biomedical careers, including medical, dental, physician assistant and other related fields. Students may also seek biomedical careers in research, pharmaceutical or other health related industries.
The Behavioral Nutrition and Public Health option prepares students to work in careers in global and local public health, food systems and sustainability, or health promotion and education.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES PROGRAM
Opportunities for Graduate Students
Students seeking the RDN credential are required to complete a master’s degree and supervised practice hours to sit for the RDN exam. Penn State students can apply to Penn State’s Integrated Undergraduate Graduate program or apply to accredited graduate programs in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Students completing any of the options in Nutritional Sciences are well prepared for either research-focused graduate programs in nutrition and biomedical fields or professional master's degree programs in public health, health education, or similar programs. Students completing the Nutritional Physiology and Biochemistry option are also prepared for graduate programs in clinical fields.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES
Professional Resources
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- American Society for Nutrition
- Society for Nutrition Behavior and Education
- Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- American Association of Medical Colleges (allopathic)
- American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
- Physician Assistant Education Association
- American Dental Education Association
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing
- American Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health
- ACEND Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Accreditation
The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) is the accrediting body for the Didactic Program in Dietetics, which is the Nutrition and Dietetics option of the Nutritional Sciences major.
The Pennsylvania State University Didactic Program in Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,120 Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312-899-0040, ext 5400.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ACCREDITATION COUNCIL FOR EDUCATION IN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
Professional Licensure/Certification
Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.
Contact
University Park
DEPARTMENT OF NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES
110 Chandlee Laboratory
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-0806
nutrinfo@psu.edu