Nutrition
Nutrition (NTR) is an interdisciplinary field with three primary areas of focus: community nutrition (or public health), food service management, and clinical (medical) nutrition. The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition in the Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences emphasizes the relationship between diet, nutrition, food access and health status. There are two tracks in the nutrition major: a general B.S. in Nutrition or a B.S. in Nutrition with a specialization in Dietetics.
This nutrition major is ideal for you if you are interested in:
- studying food and nutrition as it affects health
- focusing on community engagement and clinical nutrition practice
- the potential for professional practice in a wide variety of nutrition settings
Nutrition, B.S. Specialization in Dietetics
If you desire to pursue a career as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), the Dietetics specialization is for you. The Dietetics Specialization has received Candidacy Accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) as a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). Please visit the Dietetics Specialization webpage to learn more.
Curricular Requirements Degree Plan Advising Apply
In the Nutrition program, you will take courses in the areas of nutrition, the basic sciences, public health, psychology, communication, ethics and more. Detailed course requirements can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog (see Curricular Requirements).
The OU Pledge is our commitment to provide experience-based and hands-on learning through participation in programs, student and professional organizations, research, community engagement and more.
Possibilities include:
Nutritionists and dietitians work in a variety of public and private settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, public health agencies, health clubs, and food companies.
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of nutritionists and dietitians is projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than average. The role of food in preventing and treating diseases, such as diabetes, is now well known. More dietitians and nutritionists will be needed to provide care for patients with various medical conditions and to advise people who want to improve their overall health.
Average Salary
The BLS reports that the median annual wage for nutritionists and dietitians was $69,680 in 2023.
For more career information, visit the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Amanda Lynch, Ph.D., R.D.
Director and Associate Professor
Nutrition/Dietetics, Interdisciplinary Health Sciences
[email protected]
Academic Advising
3070 Human Health Building
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(248) 370-2369
School of Health Sciences
3070 Human Health Building
433 Meadow Brook Road
Rochester, MI 48309-4452
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(248) 370-2369
[email protected]
Dean's Office
Human Health Building
(248) 370-3562
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