At which campus can I study this program?
Begin Campus
Any Penn State Campus
End Campus
University Park
Program Description
The study of 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 nutritional status for 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.
Students may select one or more options:
- Applied Sciences,
- Basic Sciences, and
- Dietetics.
Students in any option can choose from one or more of four emphases:
- Public Health Nutrition and Policy;
- Nutrition and Foods in Business;
- Community Nutrition and Food Security; or
- Nutrition Education and Communications.
Applied Sciences Option
This option integrates knowledge of social and behavioral sciences with human physiology and nutrition. Students learn to apply knowledge of nutrition to improve health and well-being of individuals and populations by applying nutrition principles in different practice settings. Graduates of this option can seek employment in public health and policy, food industry, management, community and international agencies, school food service, or continue to graduate study in nutrition or related fields.
Basic Sciences 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, physical therapy, and chiropractic, including graduate school. Also, this option prepares students for careers in laboratory research in the pharmaceutical or food industries, government, or academia.
Dietetics Option
This option links nutrition and human behavior to improve the nutritional status of individuals and communities or apply nutrition principles and counseling skills to medical problems in clinical dietetics. It also prepares students for management positions in nutrition and food systems. Graduates satisfy the current requirements for application to an accredited post-baccalaureate dietetic internship. Upon satisfactory completion of a Dietetic Internship, graduates are eligible to take the registration examination to become a Registered Dietitian.
What is Nutritional Sciences?
Nutritional Sciences uses nutrition as the backbone to integrate physiological science, behavioral sciences, foods and food systems management, and nutrition as medicine to prepare students to help individuals and communities both locally and globally. Students are uniquely prepared to integrate their strong science foundation and nutrition knowledge to help others lead healthier lives through application of nutrition principles to health promotion and wellness, sports nutrition, research and intervention science, medical nutrition therapy, and behavioral interventions.
You Might Like This Program If...
- You want to learn about nutrition and foods’ connection to health.
- You plan to go to medical school, PA school, and other health-related pre-professional programs.
- You want to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
- You want to work in scientific research 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.
Degree Requirements
For the Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Sciences, a minimum of 120 credits is required:
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Education | 45 |
| Electives | 5-8 |
| Requirements for the Major | 86-87 |
16-22 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: Applied Sciences Option: 7-9 credits of GN courses; 3-4 credits of GQ courses; 6 credits of GS courses; 3 credits of GHW courses; or Basic Sciences Option: 7-9 credits of GN courses; 6 credits of GQ courses; 3 credits of GHW courses; or Dietetics Option; 7-9 credits of GN courses; 3-4 credits of GQ courses; 3 credits of GS courses; 3 credits of GHW courses.
Per Senate Policy 83.80.5, the college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of coursework 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 Recommended Academic Plan for this major.
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.)
- Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
- Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits
Knowledge Domains
- Arts (GA): 6 credits
- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 6 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 6 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 9 credits
Integrative Studies (may also complete a Knowledge Domain requirement)
- Inter-Domain or Approved Linked Courses: 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.
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 | ||
| NUTR 358 | Assessment of Nutritional Status | 2 |
| NUTR 452 | Nutritional Aspects of Disease | 3 |
| NUTR 490 | 3 | |
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| BMB 211 | Elementary Biochemistry | 3 |
| NUTR 251 | Introductory Principles of Nutrition | 3 |
| NUTR 445 | Nutrient Metabolism I | 3 |
| NUTR 446 | Micronutrient Metabolism | 3 |
| NUTR 451 | Nutrition throughout the Life Cycle | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| CHEM 202 | Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| or CHEM 210 | Organic Chemistry I | |
| STAT 200 | Elementary Statistics | 3-4 |
| or STAT 250 | Introduction to Biostatistics | |
| Requirements for the Option | ||
| Select an option | 57 | |
Requirements for the Option
Applied Sciences Option (57 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| BIOL 141 | Introductory Physiology | 3 |
| CHEM 110 | Chemical Principles I | 3 |
| HM 228 | Hospitality Food Safety | 1 |
| HM 329 | Introduction to Food Production and Service | 3 |
| HM 330 | Food Production and Service Management | 2 |
| MICRB 106 | Elementary Microbiology | 3 |
| MICRB 107 | Elementary Microbiology Laboratory | 1 |
| NUTR 320 | Science and Methods of Food Preparation | 3 |
| NUTR 360 | Nutrition Education and Behavior Change Theory | 3 |
| NUTR 370 | 1 | |
| NUTR 400 | Introduction to Nutrition Counseling | 1 |
| NUTR 453 | Medical Nutrition Therapy | 3 |
| NUTR 456 | 3 | |
| Additional Courses | ||
| HDFS 129 | Introduction to Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| or PSYCH 100 | Introductory Psychology | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Economic Principles of Agribusiness Decision Making | ||
| Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy | ||
| Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Select 21 credits, in consultation with an adviser, from University-wide offerings that provide relevance to this option 1 | 21 | |
| Students are encouraged to select one (or more) of four Emphases: 2 | ||
Public Health Nutrition and Policy | ||
Nutrition and Foods in Business | ||
Community Nutrition and Food Security | ||
Nutrition Education and Communications | ||
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | A minimum of 15 credits is recommended for an Emphasis. |
Basic Sciences Option (57 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| BIOL 110 | Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity | 4 |
| BIOL 141 | Introductory Physiology | 3 |
| BIOL 142 | Physiology Laboratory | 1 |
| BIOL 230W | Biology: Molecules and Cells | 4 |
| 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 |
| MATH 140 | Calculus With Analytic Geometry I | 4 |
| MICRB 201 | Introductory Microbiology | 3 |
| MICRB 202 | Introductory Microbiology Laboratory | 2 |
| PHYS 250 | Introductory Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 251 | Introductory Physics II | 4 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| CHEM 203 | Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| or CHEM 212 | Organic Chemistry II | |
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Select 16 credits, in consultation with an adviser, from University-wide offerings that provide relevance to this option 1 | 16 | |
| 1 | See program list of recommended courses. At least 9 credits must be at the 400 level and, of those, no more than 6 credits may be NUTR 496. |
Dietetics Option (57 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| HM 228 | Hospitality Food Safety | 1 |
| HM 329 | Introduction to Food Production and Service | 3 |
| HM 330 | Food Production and Service Management | 2 |
| MICRB 106 | Elementary Microbiology | 3 |
| MICRB 107 | Elementary Microbiology Laboratory | 1 |
| NUTR 320 | Science and Methods of Food Preparation | 3 |
| NUTR 360 | Nutrition Education and Behavior Change Theory | 3 |
| NUTR 370 | 1 | |
| NUTR 371 | 1 | |
| NUTR 386 | Managing Quality in Food and Nutrition Services | 3 |
| NUTR 391 | Professional Preparation in Nutrition and Dietetics | 1 |
| NUTR 400 | Introduction to Nutrition Counseling | 1 |
| NUTR 453 | Medical Nutrition Therapy | 3 |
| NUTR 456 | 3 | |
| NUTR 495 | Advanced Field Experience in Nutrition | 3 |
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| BIOL 141 | Introductory Physiology | 3 |
| CHEM 110 | Chemical Principles I | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| HDFS 129 | Introduction to Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| or PSYCH 100 | Introductory Psychology | |
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Select 16 credits, in consultation with an adviser, from University-wide offerings that provide relevance to this option 1 | 16 | |
| 1 | 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. |
Program Learning Objectives
Content Knowledge:
- 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.
Analytical Integrative, and Critical Thinking Skills:
- 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.
Communication:
- 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
Scott Barbara
Undergraduate Staff Assistant
110 Chandlee Laboratory
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-0806
nutrsci@psu.edu
Suggested Academic Plan
Applied Science Option 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 |
| ENGL 15, 30, or ESL 15‡ | 3 | BIOL 141*† | 3 |
| BISC 4 (or General Education Course (GN)1 | 3 | CAS 100, 100A, 100B, or 100C‡ | 3 |
| MATH 21 or 22‡† | 3 | ECON 102, 104, or AGBM 101† | 3 |
| PSYCH 100 or HDFS 129† | 3 | NUTR 170 | 1 |
| General Education Course (GH) | 3 | NUTR 251*† | 3 |
| PSU First-Year Seminar | 1 | General Education Course (GA) | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 110*2 | 3 | CHEM 202 or 210 | 3 |
| NUTR 360 | 3 | NUTR 358 | 2 |
| MICRB 106† | 3 | STAT 200 or 250‡† | 3-4 |
| MICRB 107† | 1 | General Education Course (GA) | 3 |
| General Education Course (GH) | 3 | Supporting Course3 | 2-3 |
| Supporting Course3 | 3 | ||
| 16 | 13-15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BMB 211* | 3 | ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D (202C recommended)‡ | 3 |
| NUTR 3204 | 4 | HM 329 | 3 |
| NUTR 456† | 3 | NUTR 445* | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | NUTR 370 | 1 |
| Supporting Course 3 | 3 | Supporting Course3 | 3 |
| 16 | 13 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| NUTR 400 | 1 | HM 3305 | 2 |
| NUTR 446* | 3 | NUTR 452 | 3 |
| NUTR 451* | 3 | NUTR 453 | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | NUTR 490† | 3 |
| Supporting Course (400 level) 3 | 2-3 | Supporting Course (400 level)3 | 3 |
| Supporting Course (400 level)3 | 3 | ||
| 15-16 | 14 | ||
| Total Credits 119-122 | |||
* 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
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University 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.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL/CAS 137 in the fall semester and ENGL/CAS 138 in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits.
| 1 | BISC 4 (GN) is suggested for students with less than two years of HS biology prior to taking BIOL 141. |
| 2 | CHEM 130 can be substituted for CHEM 110 to meet degree requirements. |
| 3 | Supporting Course List found here: http://nutrition.hhdev.psu.edu/undergraduate/applied-sciences-dietetics/supporting-courses |
| 4 | NUTR 320 is changing to 4 credits during 2018-2019 academic year. |
| 5 | HM 330 is changing to 3 credits beginning spring 2019. Students who have not already completed HM 228 will add one credit of HM 397 along with HM 330. |
Advising Notes
MATH 22 is the highest level math required for the Applied Science option. It is a prerequisite to CHEM 110.
Effective Fall 2012, all incoming Schreyer Honors College freshmen at University Park will take ENGL 137/CAS 137 in the fall semester and ENGL 138/CAS 138 in the spring semester. These courses carry GWS designation and replace both ENGL 15 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits. At the discretion of the College ENGL 138/CAS 138 satisfies the First Year Seminar requirement.
Scheduling patterns of courses not taught each semester: Course taught spring semester only - NUTR 170 (suggested, not required).
LIMITATIONS ON SOURCE AND TIME FOR CREDIT ACQUISITION: 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. Most majors in Health and Human Development require students to complete up to 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.
Within the 30 credits of required General Education Domain courses, students must take 6 credits of Integrative Studies courses (Inter-domain or Linked courses). If you need additional clarification, consult with your academic adviser.
Applied Science Option 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 |
| ENGL 15, 30, or ESL 15‡ | 3 | BIOL 141*† | 3 |
| BISC 4 (or General Education Course (GN)1 | 3 | CAS 100, 100A, 100B, or 100C‡ | 3 |
| MATH 21 or 22‡† | 3 | ECON 102, 104, or AGBM 101† | 3 |
| PSYCH 100 or HDFS 129† | 3 | NUTR 251*† | 3 |
| General Education Course (GH) | 3 | General Education Course (GA) | 3 |
| PSU First-Year Seminar (if available at campus) | 1 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 110*2 | 3 | CHEM 202 or 210 | 3 |
| MICRB 106† | 3 | ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D (202C Recommended)‡ | 3 |
| MICRB 107† | 1 | STAT 200 or 250‡† | 3-4 |
| General Education Course (GH) | 3 | General Education Course (GA) | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Supporting Course 3 | 2-3 |
| Supporting Course3 | 3 | ||
| 16 | 14-16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BMB 211* | 3 | HM 329 | 3 |
| NUTR 3204 | 4 | NUTR 358 | 2 |
| NUTR 360 | 3 | NUTR 370 | 1 |
| NUTR 456† | 3 | NUTR 445* | 3 |
| Supporting Course 3 | 3 | NUTR 170 (suggested supporting course) | 1 |
| Supporting Course3 | 3 | ||
| 16 | 13 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| NUTR 400 | 1 | HM 3305 | 2 |
| NUTR 446* | 3 | NUTR 452 | 3 |
| NUTR 451* | 3 | NUTR 453 | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | NUTR 490† | 3 |
| Supporting Course (400 level) 3 | 3 | Supporting Course (400 level)3 | 3 |
| Supporting Course3 | 2-3 | ||
| 15-16 | 14 | ||
| Total Credits 119-122 | |||
* 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
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University 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.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
| 1 | BISC 4 (GN) is suggested for students with less than two years of HS biology prior to taking BIOL 141. |
| 2 | CHEM 130 can be substituted for CHEM 110 to meet degree requirements. |
| 3 | Supporting Course List found here: http://nutrition.hhdev.psu.edu/undergraduate/applied-sciences-dietetics/supporting-courses |
| 4 | NUTR 320 is changing to 4 credits during 2018-2019 academic year. |
| 5 | HM 330 is changing to 3 credits beginning spring 2019. Students who have not already completed HM 228 will add one credit of HM 397 along with HM 330. |
Advising Notes
MATH 22 is the highest level math required for the Applied Science option. It is a prerequisite to CHEM 110.
Scheduling patterns of courses not taught each semester: Course taught spring semester only - NUTR 170 (suggested, not required).
LIMITATIONS ON SOURCE AND TIME FOR CREDIT ACQUISITION: 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. Most majors in Health and Human Development require students to complete up to 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.
Within the 30 credits of required General Education Domain courses, students must take 6 credits of Integrative Studies courses (Inter-domain or Linked courses). If you need additional clarification, consult with your academic adviser.
Basic Science Option 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 |
| BIOL 110 | 4 | BIOL 141†1 | 3 |
| CHEM 110* | 3 | BIOL 142 (GN) | 1 |
| CHEM 111 | 1 | CHEM 112 | 3 |
| ENGL 15, 30, or ESL 15‡ | 3 | CHEM 113 | 1 |
| General Education Course (GH) | 3 | CAS 100, 100A, 100B, or 100C‡ | 3 |
| PSU First-Year Seminar | 1 | NUTR 251*† | 3 |
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BIOL 142 | 1 | STAT 200 or 250‡† | 3-4 |
| CHEM 202 or 210 | 3 | CHEM 203 or 212 | 3 |
| MATH 140‡† | 4 | BIOL 230 | 4 |
| MICRB 201† | 3 | Supporting Course2 | 4 |
| MICRB 202† | 2 | ||
| General Education Course (GH) | 3 | ||
| 16 | 14-15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BMB 211* | 3 | ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D (202C recommended)‡ | 3 |
| BMB 212 | 1 | NUTR 445* | 3 |
| PHYS 250 | 4 | PHYS 251 | 4 |
| NUTR 358 | 2 | Supporting Course (400 level)2 | 3 |
| General Education Course (GS) | 3 | General Education Course (GA) (3 credits) | 2-3 |
| Supporting Course1 | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15-16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| NUTR 446* | 3 | NUTR 452 | 3 |
| NUTR 451* | 3 | NUTR 490† | 3 |
| General Education Course (GA) | 3 | Supporting Course (400 level)2 | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | General Education Course (GS) | 3 |
| Supporting Course (400 level)2 | 3 | Elective (3 credits required) | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| 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
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University 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.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL/CAS 137 in the fall semester and ENGL/CAS 138 in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits.
| 1 | BISC 4 is suggested for students with less than two years of HS biology prior to taking BIOL 141. |
| 2 | Supporting Course List found here: http://nutrition.hhdev.psu.edu/undergraduate/applied-sciences-dietetics/supporting-courses. |
Advising Notes
MATH 22 is a prerequisite to CHEM 110.
Effective Fall 2012, all incoming Schreyer Honors College freshmen at University Park will take ENGL 137/CAS 137 in the fall semester and ENGL 138/CAS 138 in the spring semester. These courses carry GWS designation and replace both ENGL 15 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits. At the discretion of the College ENGL 138/CAS 138 satisfies the First Year Seminar requirement.
LIMITATIONS ON SOURCE AND TIME FOR CREDIT ACQUISITION: 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. Most majors in Health and Human Development require students to complete up to 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.
Within the 30 credits of required General Education Domain courses, students must take 6 credits of Integrative Studies courses (Inter-domain or Linked courses). If you need additional clarification, consult with your academic adviser.
Dietetics Option 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 | ||
| ENGL 15, 30, or ESL 15‡1 | 3 | BIOL 141*#† | 3 | ||
| BISC 4 (or General Education Course (GN)2 | 3 | CAS 100, 100A, 100B, or 100C‡1 | 3 | ||
| MATH 21 or 22‡† | 3 | NUTR 170 | 1 | ||
| PSYCH 100 or HDFS 129†1 | 3 | NUTR 251*#† | 3 | ||
| General Education Course (GH) | 3 | General Education Course (GA) | 3 | ||
| PSU First-Year Seminar | 1 | General Education Course (GS)† | 3 | ||
| 16 | 16 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| CHEM 110*#†3 | 3 | CHEM 202 or 2101 | 3 | ||
| NUTR 360 | 3 | STAT 200 or 250‡†1 | 3-4 | ||
| MICRB 106†1 | 3 | General Education Course (GA) | 3 | ||
| MICRB 107†1 | 1 | Supporting Course4 | 3 | ||
| General Education Course (GH) | 3 | Supporting Course4 | 3 | ||
| Supporting Course4 | 3 | ||||
| 16 | 15-16 | ||||
| Third Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| BMB 211* | 3 | NUTR 445* | 3 | NUTR 4951 | 3 |
| NUTR 3201,5 | 4 | NUTR 4561 | 3 | ||
| NUTR 3581 | 2 | NUTR 3861 | 3 | ||
| NUTR 3701 | 1 | NUTR 3911 | 1 | ||
| HM 3291 | 3 | ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D (202C recommended)‡1 | 3 | ||
| 13 | 13 | 3 | |||
| Fourth Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| NUTR 446* | 3 | NUTR 4521 | 3 | ||
| NUTR 451* | 3 | NUTR 4531 | 3 | ||
| NUTR 3711 | 1 | NUTR 490†1 | 3 | ||
| NUTR 4001 | 1 | HM 3301,6 | 2 | ||
| Elective | 3 | Supporting Course (400 level)4 | 3 | ||
| Supporting Course (400 level)4 | 3 | ||||
| 14 | 14 | ||||
| Total Credits 120-121 | |||||
* 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
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University 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.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL/CAS 137 in the fall semester and ENGL/CAS 138 in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits.
| 1 | Requires a quality grade of C or better for completion of the didactic program in dietetics verification statement. |
| 2 | BISC 4 (GN) is suggested for students with less than two years of HS biology prior to taking BIOL 141. |
| 3 | CHEM 130 can be substituted for CHEM 110 to meet Dietetics Option verification statement and degree requirements. |
| 4 | Supporting Course List found here: http://nutrition.hhdev.psu.edu/undergraduate/applied-sciences-dietetics/supporting-courses |
| 5 | NUTR 320 is changing to 4 credits during 2018-2019 academic year. |
| 6 | HM 330 is changing to 3 credits beginning spring 2019. Students who have not already completed HM 228 will add one credit of HM 397 along with HM 330. |
Advising Notes
MATH 22 is the highest level math required for the Dietetic option. It is a prerequisite to CHEM 110.
Effective Fall 2012, all incoming Schreyer Honors College freshmen at University Park will take ENGL 137/CAS 137 in the fall semester and ENGL 138/CAS 138 in the spring semester. These courses carry GWS designation and replace both ENGL 15 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits. At the discretion of the College ENGL 138/CAS 138 satisfies the First Year Seminar requirement.
Scheduling patterns of courses not taught each semester: Courses taught spring semester only - NUTR 391, NUTR 170 (suggested, not required). NUTR 495 is taught summer only.
Entrance-to-Major (ETM) requires the completion of NUTR 251, CHEM 110 and BIOL 141 with a grade of C or better. Students currently enrolled in any of these classes should request the Nutritional Sciences/Applied Sciences option for the Entrance-to-Major process. After completion of the three classes contact a Nutrition adviser to be switched into the Dietetics option.
LIMITATIONS ON SOURCE AND TIME FOR CREDIT ACQUISITION: 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. Most majors in Health and Human Development require students to complete up to 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.
Within the 30 credits of required General Education Domain courses, students must take 6 credits of Integrative Studies courses (Inter-domain or Linked courses). If you need additional clarification, consult with your academic adviser.
Dietetics Option 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 | ||
| ENGL 15, 30, or ESL 15‡1 | 3 | CAS 100, 100A, 100B, or 100C‡1 | 3 | ||
| BISC 4 (or General Education Course (GN)2 | 3 | NUTR 251*#† | 3 | ||
| MATH 21 or 22‡† | 3 | CHEM 110*#†3 | 3 | ||
| PSYCH 100 or HDFS 129†1 | 3 | General Education Course (GA) | 3 | ||
| General Education Course (GH) | 3 | General Education Course (GS)† | 3 | ||
| PSU First-Year Seminar (if available at campus) | 1 | ||||
| 16 | 15 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| BIOL 141*#† | 3 | STAT 200 or 250‡†1 | 3-4 | ||
| CHEM 2021 | 3 | MICRB 106†1 | 3 | ||
| General Education Course (GH) | 3 | MICRB 107†1 | 1 | ||
| Elective | 1-2 | ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D (202C Recommended)‡ | 3 | ||
| Supporting Course4 | 2-3 | General Education Course (GA) | 3 | ||
| Supporting Course4 | 3 | Supporting Course 4 | 2-3 | ||
| 15-17 | 15-17 | ||||
| Third Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| BMB 211* | 3 | NUTR 445* | 3 | NUTR 4951 | 3 |
| NUTR 3201,5 | 4 | NUTR 3581 | 2 | ||
| NUTR 3601 | 3 | NUTR 3911 | 1 | ||
| NUTR 3701 | 1 | NUTR 170 (suggested supporting course) | 1 | ||
| HM 3291 | 3 | NUTR 4561 | 3 | ||
| Supporting Course (400 level)4 | 3 | ||||
| 14 | 13 | 3 | |||
| Fourth Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| NUTR 446* | 3 | NUTR 4521 | 3 | ||
| NUTR 451* | 3 | NUTR 4531 | 3 | ||
| NUTR 3711 | 1 | NUTR 3861 | 3 | ||
| NUTR 4001 | 1 | NUTR 490†1 | 3 | ||
| Elective | 3 | HM 3301,6 | 2 | ||
| Supporting Course (400 level)4 | 3 | ||||
| 14 | 14 | ||||
| Total Credits 119-123 | |||||
* 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
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University 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.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
| 1 | Requires a quality grade of C or better for completion of the didactic program in dietetics verification statement. |
| 2 | BISC 4 (GN) is suggested for students with less than two years of HS biology prior to taking BIOL 141. |
| 3 | CHEM 130 can be substituted for CHEM 110 to meet Dietetics Option verification statement and degree requirements. |
| 4 | Supporting Course List found here: http://nutrition.hhdev.psu.edu/undergraduate/applied-sciences-dietetics/supporting-courses |
| 5 | NUTR 320 is changing to 4 credits during 2018-2019 academic year. |
| 6 | HM 330 is changing to 3 credits beginning spring 2019. Students who have not already completed HM 228 will add one credit of HM 397 along with HM 330. |
Advising Notes
MATH 22 is the highest level math required for the Dietetic option. It is a prerequisite to CHEM 110.
Scheduling patterns of courses not taught each semester: Courses taught spring semester only - NUTR 391, NUTR 170 (suggested, not required). NUTR 495 is taught summer only.
Entrance-to-Major (ETM) requires the completion of NUTR 251, CHEM 110 and BIOL 141 with a grade of C or better. Students currently enrolled in any of these classes should request the Nutritional Sciences/Applied Sciences option for the Entrance-to-Major process. After completion of the three classes contact a Nutrition adviser to be switched into the Dietetics option.
LIMITATIONS ON SOURCE AND TIME FOR CREDIT ACQUISITION: 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. Most majors in Health and Human Development require students to complete up to 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.
Within the 30 credits of required General Education Domain courses, students must take 6 credits of Integrative Studies courses (Inter-domain or Linked courses). If you need additional clarification, consult with your academic adviser.
Career Paths
The multidisciplinary nature of the Nutritional Sciences degree prepares students in our program for a variety of career options and for graduate study in research and advanced professional training. Students in the Dietetics option are well prepared for a post-graduate Dietetics supervised practice program that leads to Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential. Courses taken in the Basic Sciences option provide a strong science foundation for variety of biomedical and health-related careers and graduate study. Students in the Applied Sciences option are prepared to work in health promotion and education, public health, and with supplemental courses, can meet the requirements to apply to health-related pre-professional programs.
Careers
The Dietetics option is the first step to obtain the RDN credential. With the RDN, students have careers in clinical dietetics, nutrition counseling, sports nutrition, public-health nutrition and policy, culinary nutrition, the food retail industry and sustainability, and applied research. The Basic Sciences option prepares students for medical, dental, and physician assistant programs. Students gain laboratory skills needed for biomedical careers in research or industry. Students in the Applied Sciences option are prepared for careers in public-health nutrition and policy, health and wellness, applied research and the health-professions (e.g., occupational therapy, nursing, or physician’s assistant).
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES PROGRAM
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES
Professional Resources
Accreditation
The Accreditation Council for Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) is the accrediting body for the Didactic Program in Dietetics, which is the 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 NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
Contact
University Park
DEPARTMENT OF NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES
110 Chandlee Laboratory
University Park, Pa 16802
814-863-0806
nutrsci@psu.edu