Nutrition affects every one of us: old, young, rich and poor alike. A bachelor’s degree in nutrition from Ohio University gives you the academic and experiential tools you need to think critically about nutrition, health, and the kinds of food we eat.
Since nutrition is such a broad science, you also can align your studies with personal interests such as sustainability, wellness, diabetes or even sports nutrition. Or prepare for further studies to become a registered dietitian, physician assistant, or medical doctor.
By studying nutrition at Ohio University , you can lead the charge to help people live healthier, happier and more sustainable lives, making a meaningful difference for the people of your community and beyond.
Choose What You Want to Learn
-
Applied Nutrition: Dietetics Concentration
The dietetics concentration within the Applied Nutrition Major is for those interested in how our diet affects our health and can lead to careers in nutrition counseling, public health and community nutrition, wellness, sports nutrition, and food service management. The nutrition and dietetics degree, along with a master's degree in Food and Nutrition Sciences , is an excellent pathway toward becoming a registered dietitian in Ohio or anywhere in the United States.
-
Applied Nutrition: Environmental Nutrition Concentration
The environmental nutrition concentration within the Applied Nutrition Major is for students interested in sustainability, agriculture, wellness, and food policy careers. Students also earn an Environmental Studies, Sustainability, and Resilience Certificate . And outstanding incoming students may enter the accelerated pathway and early assurance into the M.S. in Food and Nutrition Sciences program.
-
Applied Nutrition: Culinary Nutrition Concentration
The culinary nutrition concentration within the Applied Nutrition Major integrates nutrition into culinary practice for students interested in school nutrition, child nutrition, institutional wellness, and food service management careers. The culinary concentration offers a unique blend of nutrition science with classic culinary techniques, building skill sets you can use in the food industry, restaurants, hospitals and schools.
-
Nutrition Sciences major
Ohio University offers a fourth nutrition pathway: a Nutrition Sciences major . This preprofessional degree is perfect for students who want to apply to graduate programs to become nutrition researchers, medical or osteopathic doctors, physician assistants, physical therapists, veterinarians, dentists, pharmacists, or other health professionals. This science-intensive major prepares graduates well for entrance examinations into health practitioner programs.
-
Learn at Our Athens, OH, Residential Campus
To earn a nutrition degree from Ohio University, you’ll need to attend class at our residential campus in Athens . It’s not just a great place to meet fellow nutrition enthusiasts and get access to state-of-the-art research labs. It’s also a warm, welcoming campus with many healthy local food options, outdoor activities and exercise facilities available to each student.
-
Regional Campuses
Many of the general education or prerequisite courses needed for a nutrition degree can be completed at one of our regional campuses. Study here to jumpstart your program, then transfer to the Athens residential campus to finish your degree and take advantage of OHIO’s facilities and research opportunities.
Add a Diabetes or Sports Nutrition Certificate to your Nutrition Degree
Learn about diabetes from a multidisciplinary perspective or gain skills to provide sound sports nutrition information in the collegiate, recreational, high school, performing arts and military arenas.
Consider a Minor in Applied Nutrition to Enhance Your Career Preparation
Careers in Nutrition
With a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, you’ll be prepared to work, research and create in a variety of different careers. Depending on your degree concentration and personal interests, you might work in one sector or another, like food safety, dietary planning, and nutrition therapy.
Looking for some example nutrition jobs and careers? Just a few include:
- Dietetic technician, registered
- Registered Dietitian (requires a master’s degree)
- WIC health professional (nutritionist)
- Foodservice director
- Chef
- Health educator
- Health coach
- Food safety auditor
- International food and nutrition program/agency leader
- Nutrition lobbyist
Post-grad Opportunities for Nutrition Majors
Thanks to real-world skills and expertise, our nutrition degree graduates demonstrate that by their senior year they are ready to accept job offers, start combined dietetic internship and master's degrees, or go on to medical school or other health profession programs. Some head straight into the workforce, and others explore Ohio University’s nutrition grad school opportunities.
These include a 100% online degree , which can be completed in 12 months, an on-campus master’s degree in food and nutrition sciences, a Combined Master of Science and Dietetic Internship , or a Graduate Diabetes Certificate . Should you choose to continue your education, the same exceptional OHIO experience from your undergraduate classes will await you.
Get Hands-on Experience with Your Nutrition Degree
Our nutrition program provides important experiential learning opportunities for students. What you learn in the class is also valuable and applicable in the field, so you’ll get experiences on campus and in the community.
-
Work at the Atrium Café
You can make Ohio University a healthier more sustainable place for students and faculty alike by working at the Atrium Café . This student-run café specializes in plant-based foods and offers more traditional options, as well. With this learning opportunity, you’ll get to practice planning menus, preparing food, and adjusting to feedback.
-
Complete Field Experiences
All Applied Nutrition students at Ohio University must complete 200 hours in the field. Dietetics students shadow registered dietitians. Environmental students partner with local food system agencies, and culinary students gain experience in campus dining. Dietetics students will also gain extra experience during your senior-year counseling practicum .
-
Help at the Community Gardens
You’ll connect the dots between community nutrition needs, public policy and sustainable food systems as you complete service learning hours at the Community Gardens.
-
Gain Experience at the Food Innovation Lab
All nutrition students will spend time at the Food Innovation Lab . Here, you’ll get to work with a knowledgeable food scientist on various projects, like studying the effects of antioxidants in the local pawpaw fruit, the nutritional composition of different foods, and the creation of healthier food options.
-
Join the Nutrition Club
To socialize and broaden your professional network, consider joining the Nutrition Club ! It’s a great place to connect with peers and learn more about the challenges and opportunities of this broad industry.
-
Participate in Diabetes Outreach Support and Education for Students (DOSES)
Want to make a local difference and put your nutrition knowledge to good use? Join the DOSES student organization . They're always looking for capable nutrition specialists to help with their mission, and it’s an excellent way to bolster your resume long before you graduate.
Why Choose a Nutrition Degree?
It’s no secret that Americans struggle with healthy eating. In fact, it’s one of the biggest problems facing our society today. Studying for a bachelor’s degree in nutrition gives you the scientific background to make a positive difference in this field, whether by educating people on healthy meals, helping to create new nutritious foods, or preparing for the next steps to become a registered dietitian, medical doctor or other health professional.
You might be motivated to study nutrition for personal reasons, as well. In many ways, the science of nutrition is the science of our bodies. Learning the secrets of nutrition will teach you more about yourself and how the food you eat directly impacts your mood and physical abilities. It’s a fascinating topic that’s inspired food and nutrition researchers for generations, and it might inspire you in the same way once you get started!
Student Support Resources for Nutrition Majors
Student support is at the core of what we offer at Ohio University when pursuing a nutrition degree. One-on-one mentorship from experienced faculty, access to a dedicated success advisor to help you graduate on time, and a variety of financial aid options barely scratch the surface of the true support you’ll find during your time at school.
Need help in class or studying for an upcoming exam? You'll find peers, professors and the Academic Achievement Center are here to help. If you need the right equipment or assistance to tackle a research project or pursue a nutrition-related idea, you’ll find everything you need, with faculty members willing to help you along the way.
The OHIO Experience for Nutrition Majors
Studying for a nutrition degree at Ohio University is defined by practical experiences and one-of-a-kind opportunities. Joining the College of Health Sciences and Professions surrounds you with individuals who are just as passionate as you about solving real-world health problems.
In many ways, our nutrition programs bring you into a lifelong family that you can depend on for future nutrition jobs, research opportunities, and so much more. With engaging classes, exciting labs, and the chance to build your resume before you graduate – you’ll be set up for success from the beginning!