Explore a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition Food Science

For those hoping to pursue a career in nutrition food science, there are a number of bachelor’s degree programs in the subject available online. Nutrition food science programs teach students the ability to understand how foods, vitamins, and minerals interact with our body’s ability to function. Most programs usually place a heavy emphasis on biology, chemistry, and human physiology. Most graduates holding a degree in nutrition food science can pursue a career in a personal health organization, clinic, hospital, health club, or as a personal nutritionist. In most cases, an online bachelor’s degree in holistic nutrition can be completed in three to five years, depending on the school and program.

Class Curriculum

Online bachelor’s degree programs in nutrition food science provide students with a total understanding of food components, and their influence on the human body. Core courses in the program provide students with a foundation to build a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Students must first complete basic-level courses in human anatomy, biology, chemistry, English, and communications before moving onto major-specific courses. Major-specific courses will focus on topics like food safety, dietary supplements, metabolic diseases, and nutritional issues in health. Some actual courses offered in nutrition and exercise courses are:

Advanced Nutrition and Metabolism. In this course, students examine the metabolism and physiological actions of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. The course also provides students with an understanding of the nutritional and toxicological standard for humans. Food Safety and Microbiology. This course includes the basic principles of food safety and sanitation, various microorganisms that cause foodborne illnesses. Students also learn about the flow of food through various food establishments, and how employees should properly handle the food. Nutritional Biochemistry. This course examines the physiochemical aspects of energy metabolism and macro and micronutrients. Students also study various nutritional disorders, including metabolic and genetic disorders.

Most bachelor’s degree programs in nutrition food science allow students to complete coursework at their own pace within an allotted time for a specific class or assignment. Most programs also require the completion of an internship with a certified or licensed dietician or nutritionist before graduation.

It is important for anyone hoping to obtain a career in nutrition or dietetics to become licensed in the state where they work. If your state does not require licensure, then becoming certified is equally as important. Requirements for certification and licensure vary, but typically include possessing a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or a related field, a certain amount of supervised work experience, and the successfully passing an examination. One way to become licensed is to earn the Registered Dietitian (RD) credential administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Although the designation is not necessarily required, the qualifications to earn an RD are similar to most state license requirements. Most employers also prefer dietitians to be registered as an RD as well.

Building a Career

An online bachelor’s degree in nutrition food science should provide graduates with an entry-level position in nutrition or food services in either a hospital, public health clinic, long-term care facility, or a large corporations with on-site cafeterias. In some cases, graduates may find employment with a large health club or gyms. Most dietitians are typically responsible for developing individualized or group nutritional programs based on patient or client needs. Those who work in a cafeteria setting may be responsible for buying food, overseeing the kitchen staff, or handling other business related duties. Nutritionists who find employment in community nutrition usually work for public health clinics, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and government and non-profit agencies. These employees typically focus on educating students and other groups of people about the benefits of proper nutrition, and educate them on how to maintain a proper, healthy diet.

The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment for dietitians and nutritionists is expected to increase by 20% through the year 2020. The Bureau also reported the median annual income for dietitians and nutritionists was $53,250 in 2010. However, entry-level positions in the field typically pay considerably less. The Bureau reported that the lowest 10% of workers in the field earned less than $33,330 in 2010.