Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Sciences
A bachelor's degree program in nutrition science can prepare students for work in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies or health clubs. Job titles such as registered dietician, research scientist or health educator are reserved for graduates who hold bachelor's degrees. Students who complete bachelor's degree programs and wish to become registered dieticians will need to obtain supervised experience and pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians, which is administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Students considering advanced degrees in nutrition or in attending medical school will also benefit from completing bachelor's degree programs in nutrition.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- There are ample job opportunities available to individuals who hold bachelor's degrees.
- Dietitians and nutritionists earn significantly higher salaries than do dietetic technicians (an average of approximately $55,000 in May 2011 vs. $29,000).*
- Jobs for dieticians and nutritionists were expected to increase at a faster-than-average rate over the 2010-2020 decade (an increase of 20% was predicted).*
Source: *U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures)
Cons
- If you want to become a registered dietician, you'll need to participate in continuing education throughout your career to maintain your credential.
- You may need to complete additional coursework and internships beyond your bachelor's degree program if your goal is to become a registered dietician.
- Part-time positions are an option if you work as a dietician or nutritionist. According to the BLS, a fifth of these professionals worked part-time in 2010.
Courses and Requirements
Most bachelor's degree programs only admit applicants who hold a high school diploma and have a cumulative GPA above 3.0. Students in bachelor's degree programs can choose to specialize in a specific area of nutrition. Common areas of emphasis include sports nutrition, dietetics management, community nutrition and nutrition science. Most programs can be completed in 4 years and require approximately 130 credit hours of coursework. If your career goal is to become a registered dietician, it is important to complete an internship that is accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Courses you might expect to take in a bachelor's degree program include:
- Research methods in nutrition and dietetics
- World food patterns
- Nutrition assessment
- Food safety and microbiology
- Nutrition for special populations
Online Degree Options
There are many online courses and programs can be taken for credit or lead to a bachelor's degree. Online bachelor's degree programs are designed for parents, students with busy schedules and those working full-time. Many bachelor's degree programs can be completed entirely online, but some schools may require students to come to campus for certain courses.
Online courses and programs may not satisfy the requirements for becoming a registered dietician. It is important to consult with an academic advisor if this is your career goal.
Stand Out with this Degree
Students enrolled in bachelor's degree programs are strongly encouraged to find part-time or volunteer work in the nutrition field to gain experience. Experiences gained during your time in college can be placed on your resume, which can be beneficial when searching for jobs.
Students aiming to become health educators may find coursework in teaching and psychology helpful. Health educators are responsible for preparing and presenting information to community members. Technology courses are recommended for those who do not feel they have strong technical skills. Knowing how to use the latest versions of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint is especially important as a teacher.