Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Nutritional Science

A nutritional science bachelor degree is the first step towards becoming a nutritionist. The best programs will be affordable, reputable, and challenging.

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Bachelor’s Degrees in Nutritional Science

College students face many day-to-day challenges, and having good health and nutrition is a start to studying nutritional science. Though we indeed live in a diet-obsessed culture, it is also undeniable that understanding nutrition has become an essential component in helping to keep populations healthy and living long and productive lives. The field of nutritional science seeks to understand how the human body responds physiologically and metabolically to food and diets. But it is so more logical now that we know that food isn’t just about eating or taste.  

The topic of nutritional science is political and social, as well, concerned with the production and delivery of food to make sure that individuals from all walks of life and communities have access to the nutrition that their bodies need. Subsequently, most degrees in nutritional science are interdisciplinary and draw on fields like sociology, psychology, and political science, as well as biology, kinesiology, and chemistry.

Individuals who pursue a degree in nutrition science typically wind up becoming dietitians, dietetic technicians, or licensed nutritionists. However, graduates with a degree in Nutritional Science can work in all kinds of areas, including athletics, government, or the private sector. Also, For students who have an undergraduate education in health, nutrition, and the sciences, a Master’s Degree in Nutrition is a logical next step.

Some jobs connected with a Bachelor's Degree in Nutritional Science are expected to grow faster, like dietitians or nutritionists. In fact, employment for nutritional experts is expected to grow at a 15 percent clip, which is twice the average rate. Other professionals, such as food scientists or individuals working in agriculture, can expect new positions in their fields to open around the national average of seven percent.

There's no better time to step into the field if you're passionate about nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle. Check out Best College Reviews' list of the 30 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Nutrition Science!

Featured Online Nutritional Science Schools

Top Nutritional Science Program Rankings

#1 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Nutritional Science

Purdue University-Main Campus

  • West Lafayette, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A large public research university, Purdue University is located in Lafayette, IN. The Department of Nutrition Science offers a Bachelor of Science with several concentration options. The DNS options include both a Coordinated and a Didactic Program in Dietetics which students can choose between. Students in the Coordinated program receive the required 1200 hours of supervised practice, while students in the Didactic program are qualified to apply for an internship after graduation.

Other options include a major in Foods and Nutrition in Business, Nutrition, and Fitness, and Health, Nutrition Science, in addition to a Nutrition Science-PreMed track. Another unique element of the program at Purdue is that any of the majors offered in the department can be paired with another major in the department so students can maximize their educational experience.

Website

Degree: BS in Nutrition

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,208
Out-of-state
$28,010
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,208
Out-of-state
$28,010
Retention Rate
93%
Acceptance Rate
67%
Students Enrolled
46,655
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
82% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#2 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Nutritional Science

The University of Texas at Austin

  • Austin, TX
  • 4 years
  • Campus

The University of Texas at Austin is a large public research university. The College of Natural Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. The program includes six different options, making it one of the most flexible of its kind. Students can choose a Dietetics option which comes in two different forms: either a Didactic program or a Coordinated program.

Students can choose a Nutritional Sciences option, which focuses on research and prepares students for graduate study. The Nutrition and Public Health option prepares students for public service. The fourth and fifth options require admittance to the honors college and are honors versions of the Nutritional Sciences and Nutrition. The last option is the International Nutrition option, which provides a global frame for students.

Website

Degree: BS in Nutrition

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,448
Out-of-state
$40,032
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,028
Out-of-state
$22,886
Retention Rate
97%
Acceptance Rate
32%
Students Enrolled
50,476
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Nutritional Science

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  • Chapel Hill, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The flagship institution in the state university system, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public research university. The Department of Nutrition offers a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. The program has a robust pre-med focus and can also equip students who want to go into public health professions but do not necessarily want to pursue the registered dietitian credential.

Admission to the program requires completion of UNC general education as well as several science prerequisites. Students must pass their biology, chemistry, and math prerequisites with a C or higher. The average GPA of incoming students was 3.7. Students take classes like Health Policy and Management, Nutrition Across the Lifecycle, and Human Metabolism: Macronutrients, among many others.

Website

Degree: BS in Public Health

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,019
Out-of-state
$34,198
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,552
Out-of-state
$28,278
Retention Rate
95%
Acceptance Rate
25%
Students Enrolled
30,092
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
91% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Nutritional Science

James Madison University

  • Harrisonburg, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Located in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public research university. The Department of Health Professions offers a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. The program is a Didactic Program in Dietetics, giving students the academic background needed to apply for a supervised practice internship, in preparation for becoming a Registered Dietitian.

Prospective students apply for the BSD during their second year at JMU and must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0. In the program, students take classes like Allied Health Microbiology, Quantity Food Production, and Ethical Decision-Making in Healthcare. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to be in good standing in the program, and classes in the major must be passed with a C or higher.

Website

Degree: BS in Dietetics

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,250
Out-of-state
$23,564
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,848
Out-of-state
$27,888
Retention Rate
89%
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
21,594
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Nutritional Science

Ohio State University-Main Campus

  • Columbus, OH
  • 4 years
  • Campus

Consistently one of the largest institutions of higher learning in the country, Ohio State University is located in Columbus, OH. The Department of Human Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition with three different tracks available. Students can choose the Dietetics track, the Nutrition in Industry track, or the Nutritional Sciences track.

The DT option gives students the academic background necessary for students to enter the profession after pursuing a dietetic internship. The NI option is geared for students who are interested in the business of food science. The NS track is the most flexible of the options and gives a solid grounding in the sciences for people interested in pursuing additional graduate-level research or for entering a career in the field.

Website

Degree: BS in Human Nutrition

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,615
Out-of-state
$32,599
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,560
Out-of-state
$36,276
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
61,369
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
94% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#6 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Nutritional Science

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

  • Minneapolis, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Minnesota is a large research university located in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Department of Food Science and Nutrition offers a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science among other programs. The program is designed for students who are interested in going to medical school, pharmacy school or dental school, or for students interested in further study in a graduate program.

Students take courses in the sciences from areas like biology, statistics, and microbiology. Core classes include Experimental Nutrition, Nutrition and Metabolism, and Life Cycle Nutrition. Students can also apply for the Integrated BS/Master of Science Plan B Nutrition Degree, whereby they can receive both a bachelors and masters within five years.

Website

Degree: BS in Nutritional Science

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,318
Out-of-state
$31,616
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,580
Out-of-state
$27,204
Retention Rate
93%
Acceptance Rate
70%
Students Enrolled
52,017
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
83% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#7 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Nutritional Science

University at Buffalo

  • Buffalo, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Buffalo is a public research university and is a member of the State University of New York system. The Health, Nutrition, and Dietetics Department offers a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics. Students can either choose to follow the Didactic Program or the Dietitian Education Program. The DEP program provides both theoretical training as well as the 1,200 hours of supervised practice required to sit for exams.

The DP provides the academic requirements needed to apply for supervised practice hours after graduation. Students must have and maintain a 2.75 GPA for entrance and continuance in both programs. Classes include Applied Management in Dietetics, Life Cycle and Community Nutrition, and Integrative and Functional Nutrition.

Website

Degree: BS in Dietitics

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$24,740
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,310
Out-of-state
$23,100
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
67%
Students Enrolled
32,347
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#8 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Nutritional Science

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

  • Seattle, WA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Washington’s residential campus is located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest city of Seattle, WA. The School of Public Health offers a Bachelor of Arts in Food Systems, Nutrition & Health. The program is interdisciplinary and asks students to consider not only the human biological interactions with food, but also inquires into the larger social, cultural, and political contexts in which food is produced and consumed.

Core courses include Food Systems Modeling & Analysis, US Food Systems Policy, and Food Systems: Individual to Population Health. Students can also take classes from a wide range of disciplines, including not only the sciences, but also economics, communications, oceanography, political science, and philosophy.

Website

Degree: BA in Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,629
Out-of-state
$37,998
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,278
Out-of-state
$29,178
Retention Rate
93%
Acceptance Rate
56%
Students Enrolled
48,149
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
11% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#9 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Nutritional Science

University of Connecticut

  • Storrs, CT
  • 4 years
  • Campus

The University of Connecticut is a public research university with a large and diverse student body in Storrs, CT. UC offers a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences through the Department of Nutritional Sciences. The BSD is a Didactic program which gives students the needed academic background for applying for supervised practice.

The BSN degree is a science-focused degree which deals with nutrition from the molecular level up to the movement of the human body. Students can take classes like Interdisciplinary Approach to Obesity Prevention, Food, Culture, and Society, and International Studies in Nutritional Sciences in the program. The DNS also has two competitive scholarships for which students are encouraged to apply.

Website

Degree: BS in Dietitics, BS in Nutritional Sciences

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,406
Out-of-state
$37,074
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,908
Out-of-state
$38,820
Retention Rate
93%
Acceptance Rate
56%
Students Enrolled
27,215
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#10 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Nutritional Science

University of Missouri-Columbia

  • Columbia, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Located in Columbia, MO, the University of Missouri is a public research university with an annual enrollment of over 30,000 students. UM offers a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food as well as a BS-Master of Science in Dietetics. Students must apply to the five-year program in Dietetics to be able to complete the BSNF degree. The program is designed for students who want to become Registered Dietetics.

The first two years consist of general education and prerequisites; students then apply to the program and must have a 3.2 GPA. Once accepted, students can take classes like Medical Pharmacology, Nutrition Throughout the Life Span, and Community Nutrition, among others. The program includes both the academic and supervised practice required to sit for the Registration Examination for Dietitians.

Website

Degree: Dual BS in Nutrition and Food, MS in Diet

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,330
Out-of-state
$27,612
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,478
Out-of-state
$25,946
Retention Rate
89%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
31,089
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
87% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#11 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Nutritional Science

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Science awards a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science, in addition to a Co-ordinate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics. Both programs have been highly ranked for their excellence.

Starting in their Junior year, students can take classes like Pathophysiology & Human Disease, Live Cycle Nutrition, and Nutrition Critical Thinking. Admission to the degree requires 60 credits with a minimum of 2.5 GPA. This includes prerequisites in chemistry, statistics, biology, and mathematics. Students can work with experts in the field of athletic training, nutrition science, and dietetics.

Website

Degree: BS in Nutrition with Coordinated Program in Nutrition and Dietetics

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$18,628
Out-of-state
$32,656
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$23,530
Out-of-state
$39,898
Retention Rate
93%
Acceptance Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
32,277
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
23% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#12 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Nutritional Science

University of Vermont

  • Burlington, VT
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Vermont is located in Burlington, VT. UV is a public research university with a student population of over 11,000 each year. The Department of Nutrition of Food Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Sciences. The University designed its BSNFS for individuals interested in entering the food services industry, medical professions, and community health organizations.

The program requires 42-51 credits. Students can take classes like Human Health in the Food System, Nutritional Education & Counseling, and Nutrition in the Life Cycle. The department also offers a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, Nutrition and Food Sciences for students who are interested in heading into the profession.

Website

Degree: BS in Nutrition and Food Sciences

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$16,392
Out-of-state
$41,280
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,294
Out-of-state
$30,960
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
71%
Students Enrolled
13,292
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
48% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#13 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Nutritional Science

University of Illinois at Chicago

  • Chicago, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Illinois at Chicago is a public research university that enrolls over 30,000 students each year. UIC offers a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with two tracks, a Coordinate Program which leads to the possibility of being registered as a dietitian, and the other is a Didactic program is offered as a foundation for any number of careers in the health professions or further study.

The Coordinate Program requires at least 1,200 hours of supervised practice. Students can take classes like Genetic, Molecular, and Cellular Mechanisms of Chronic Disease, Quantity Food Production, and Nutrition During the Life Cycle. There are several different research labs sponsored by UIC, including the Center on Health Promotion, where students can participate in services and co-curricular experiences.

Website

Degree: BS in Nutrition

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$12,105
Out-of-state
$26,726
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,799
Out-of-state
$23,714
Retention Rate
82%
Acceptance Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
33,518
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
98% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#14 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Nutritional Science

Youngstown State University

  • Youngstown, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Youngstown State University is located in the state of Ohio, with 12,000 students enrolled annually. YSU’s Bitonte College of Health and Human Services offers a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Dietetics. Students have two options, a Coordinated Bachelor’s Program in Dietetics and a Didactic Bachelor’s Program in Dietetics.

The CBPD requires 132 credits with 1,200 supervised hours. The DBPD requires 120 credits. Students can take classes like Medical Nutrition Therapy, Food Systems: Operation, Production, and Service, and Science of Nutrition in Exercise. Students have interned at sites like Salem Regional Medical Center and the St. Elizabeth Health Center, as well as the YSU Andrews Recreational Center.

Website

Degree: BS in Applied Dietetics

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,966
Out-of-state
$9,326
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,072
Out-of-state
$9,072
Retention Rate
76%
Acceptance Rate
70%
Students Enrolled
11,835
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
59% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#15 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Nutritional Science

Wayne State University

  • Detroit, MI
  • 4 years
  • Campus

Wayne State University is located in Detroit, MI, and is a public research university. WSU offers three different degrees in the nutrition sciences: a Bachelor of Arts in Nutrition & Food Science, a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Food Science, and a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. The BA is geared for individuals who are interested in non-technical positions.

The BSNFS is designed for students interested in technical positions in food processing, manufacturing, and research and development in the field. The BSD is designed especially for students who intend to become a Registered Dietitian and includes 1,200 practical hours, which makes it ideal for those seeking certification.

Website

Degree: BA/BS in Nutrition and Food Science BS in Dietetics

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,024
Out-of-state
$29,894
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,285
Out-of-state
$35,274
Retention Rate
82%
Acceptance Rate
69%
Students Enrolled
26,241
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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