- Nutritional sciences is an excellent pre-med major. You'll complete required pre-med course work in biological and physical sciences while learning nutrition knowledge pertinent to your future medical career.
- Two Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degree options: Combine your BS in nutritional sciences with an MS in dietetics and nutrition or an MS in health and well-being management.
Understanding nutrition, especially nutritional content, can have a remarkable impact on our health. Educating the public about the benefits of nutrition, and the various ways healthy living can improve our well-being, is the focus of the BS degree in nutritional sciences.
The nutritional sciences degree blends biological, chemical, and behavioral sciences to help health professionals, administrators of nutrition and health promotion programs, and the general public better understand and translate the science of food into policy and practice. Nutritionists and nutrition scientists apply their knowledge to help businesses offer employee wellness programs; assist food systems administrators and engineers involved in food innovation and technology; and oversee government programs addressing food insecurity and population health issues.
Part of the Wegmans School of Health and Nutrition, the major offers a challenging curriculum that prepares students with an in-depth understanding of nutrition as an important moderator of health. Students are well prepared to apply to professional programs, such as medical school, enter graduate school for further biomedical studies, or provide expertise in nutrition to the general public in a range of diverse settings (e.g., sports fitness programs, hospitality industry, nutrition writing, and federal nutrition programs).
An effective nutritional scientist is skilled in working with people to address behavioral issues, teach clients about nutrition and health properties in food, and offer nutrition supervision. The major offers a comprehensive curriculum that provides a solid foundation in nutritional sciences as well as leadership skills that include communication, problem solving, team dynamics, and interaction with the community. Additional information is available in the Nutritional Sciences handbook.
Learn more about the program goals of the BS in nutritional sciences.
Program Strengths
- RIT has an alliance with Rochester Regional Health, one of the region's premier healthcare providers. The alliance provides a primary network of health care opportunities for student work experiences (co-ops), practicums, and research.
- Our alumni include Dr. Judith Brown, author of a nationally used nutrition text, and Dr. Penny Kris-Etherton, distinguished professor at The Pennsylvania State University and winner of several award for research including dietary fats and health benefits of dark chocolate.
- Active support and interaction with Rochester nutrition and health care communities provide significant opportunities for experiential learning activities in upper division courses
- Articulation with pre-medicine enables completion of all pre-med requirements.
- Award-winning faculty with strong teaching and research skills.
- Small program size and dedicated faculty members ensure individualized student attention
- Strong undergraduate research component.
- Required co-op work experiences in food and nutrition supported by Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education.
- Inclusion of physical-focused assessment using a simulation laboratory.
- Multiple opportunities exist for study abroad for health sciences students, including faculty-led excursions to study the Mediterranean Diet in Croatia and childhood anemia in Ghana. Study abroad opportunities are also available at RIT's global campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo, or through affiliate programs at other universities.
Nutritional Sciences as a Pathway to Medical School
Nutrition is a powerful tool in managing health. By making positive nutritional changes to one's lifestyle, people suffering from a host of medical issues–from obesity and diabetes to heart disease–can treat and manage them effectively. Diet can also play a powerful role in preventing disease.
In medical school, less than 20 hours of instruction over four years are dedicated to the role of nutrition in medical care. The known impact of lifestyle on chronic diseases highlights the importance of nutrition training for medical professionals. An undergraduate degree in nutritional sciences is an excellent pre-med major. Not only does a nutrition major fulfill the pre-med requirements for course work in biological and physical sciences but it also provides you with comprehensive nutrition knowledge needed to treat and manage health issues. and its powerful role in treating and managing health issues. A background in nutrition, paired with a medical degree, positions you well for providing comprehensive patient care as a medical professional.
Premedical and Health Professions Advisory Program
Learn more about how RIT's Premedical and Health Professions Advisory Program can help you become a competitive candidate for admission to graduate programs in the medical and health professions.
Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees
Today's careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT's Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.
BS Nutritional Sciences/MS Dietetics and Nutrition: In this combined accelerated dual degree, the nutritional sciences BS degree provides a solid foundation in science, nutrition, dietetics education, and the business of nutrition. The dietetics and nutrition MS enhances your knowledge of medical nutrition therapy, research methods, nutrition research, and the delivery of nutrition intervention through advanced level nutrition courses and supervised experiential learning. You will be eligible and fully prepared to take the registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) credentialing exam, upon successful completion of the combined BS/MS dual degree program.
BS Nutritional Sciences/MS Health and Well-Being Management: In this combined accelerated dual degree, the nutritional sciences BS degree provides a strong background in science, nutrition, and an introduction to research methodology and implementation. The health and well-being management MS prepares you for a career in health and well-being management program design, administration, and research. It is the perfect choice if you are interested in going to medical or dental school, or pursuing doctoral studies in nutrition, health promotion, exercise science, or public health.
Student Dietetics and Nutrition Association
The Student Dietetics and Nutrition Association is a student club comprised of nutrition students and supports experiential learning outside of the classroom. The club promotes health and nutrition on campus as well as volunteer opportunities with local organizations. Club activities include volunteering at local food banks and schools, presenting health related information at RIT events, and educational activities for members.
Career Opportunities
Careers in nutrition are diverse, ranging from policy development, communications, and social and community services. You can choose to select electives to become eligible to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), a respected credential in health care education. You will also be well prepared to pursue graduate study for a career in medicine, allied health, or research.
Community Partners
As a nutritional sciences major, the Rochester metropolitan area is your lab for hands-on, experience-based learning. The program has a rich history in the community and partners with a variety of organizations throughout the area to expose students to a wide range of nutrition-related settings. These organizations represent a small sampling of the over 50 community partners with whom we collaborate:
- Abbott Nutrition
- American Dairy Association and Dairy Council
- American Heart Association
- Food and Drug Administration
- Foodlink
- Gates-Chili School District
- Heritage Christian Services
- Hillside Family of Agencies
- Jewish Senior Life
- Genesee Dietetic Association
- On Nutrition
- Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics
- RIT
- RIT Dining Services
- Rochester Psychiatric Center
- Rochester Regional Health
- University of Rochester Medical Center
- Wegmans
- WIC
- YMCA of Greater Rochester
Note: The nutritional sciences major does not meet the educational requirements of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that lead to eligibility to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
Join us for a virtual admissions event
A perfect first-look for high school sophomores, juniors, and their families.
Learn more and register