Purdue University

The Nutrition Science major provides a foundation to pursue careers that improve lives, prevent diseases, promote health, and make a difference. What you eat not only has the ability to promote health, it also influences your risk of many diseases. Students who major in Nutrition Science develop a knowledge base in science and nutrition to understand and explore the relationship between what we eat and health.

Courses specific to this major emphasize the fundamentals of nutrition, the metabolism of nutrients in health and disease, and nutrition science research. Undergraduate students have the opportunity to pursue research opportunities in various areas - including cancer, muscle health, obesity and diabetes.

With a focus on nutrition and preventive health, Nutrition Science offers excellent preparation for students pursuing graduate and professional school – especially students wanting to become physicians, physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists and dentists. All of the pre-requisite courses for medical school are contained within the planned program.

Careers in Nutrition Science

Nutrition Science is excellent for pursuing pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-physical therapy, pre-physician assistant, pre-optometry, pre-veterinary medicine, pre-public health, pre-law, and graduate school.

With a bachelor's degree, students pursue careers that promote health through research, communication, sales, and/or service. Examples include working in a university, industry (food, agricultural, pharmaceutical), government agency or nonprofit organization.