Nutritional Sciences (B.S.)

The Nutritional Sciences program focuses on the science of nutrition and its relationships to human health. A foundation in biological and physical sciences serves as a basis for understanding human nutrition with expanded study in one of three concentrations.

The advanced nutrition courses provide a unique focus on preventive approaches and an understanding of how food impacts health, a valuable perspective when pursuing a career in health care or public health.

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NutritionalSciences

Core areas of study include: 

  • Human nutrition and metabolism.
  • Human physiology.
  • Nutrition research methods.
  • Food science.
  • Cellular and molecular biology.
  • Nutrition in prevention and treatment of disease.

In addition to core areas, students select at least one concentration area to customize the program based on their individual interests.

Concentrations include:

  • Biomedical and Molecular Nutrition.
  • Global Nutrition and Health.
  • Public Health Nutrition.

The Nutritional Sciences degree's Biomedical and Molecular Nutrition concentration at Michigan State University provides all or nearly all of the prerequisite courses needed for entry into health and medical schools.

The advanced nutrition courses provide a unique focus on preventive approaches and an understanding of how food impacts health, a valuable perspective when pursuing a career in healthcare or public health.

Learn more about requirements and courses in Nutritional Sciences.

Learn more about the Nutritional Sciences major as preparation for medical/dental schools or health profession schools.

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Nutritional Sciences Graduates

See career outcomes for MSU nutritional sciences graduates, including salaries, top employers and employment locations.

Career Opportunities and Salaries

The Nutritional Sciences major prepares students to apply to graduate programs in fields such as the health professions, nutrition, biostatistics, public health or health communications, and food science.

The major is a good fit for students who wish to continue into medical school or dental school in studies focused on physician assistant, accelerated nursing, dentistry and related pre-health professional options.

Nutritional Sciences prepares students for a variety of career paths:

  • Physician
    • $223,410 median salary (2022)
  • Physician Assistant
    • $126,010 median salary (2022)
  • Dentist
    • $155,040 median salary (2022)
  • Health Education Specialist
    • $59,990 median salary (2022)
  • Medical Scientist
    • $99,930 median salary (2022)
  • Scientific Sales Representative
    • $97,710 median salary (2022)
  • Food Science Technician
    • $47,860 median salary (2022)

Note: Students seeking a career as a practicing nutritionist are encouraged to choose the Dietetics major. Dietetics is a DPD (didactic program in dietetics), serving students who wish to earn the RDN credential to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.

Faculty members and advisors maintain close relationships with industry and public health organizations, which can help with internships, scholarships and employment in nutrition, nonprofits and food-related fields.

Learn more about Nutritional Sciences internships and work experience opportunities.

Student & Faculty Stories

Nutritional sciences student finds her passion in preventative medicine

Published

Michigan State University postdoc honored for lupus research

Published

Nutritional Sciences Advisor

Schedule advising appointments online. (More details: MSU Student Information System resources.)

Student Life

In addition to student jobs and internships, there are education abroad, internship and undergraduate research opportunities.

There are also a variety of student clubs and organizations including:

  • Nutritional Sciences Student Organization.
  • Food and Nutrition Association.
  • Slow Food MSU.
  • Student Health Advisory Council.
  • Spartan Association for Public Health.
  • Health Occupation Students of American (HOSA) Future Health Professionals.
  • Pre-Medical Association.
  • Pre-Physician Assistant Club.
  • Pre-SOMA (School of Osteopathic Medicine).
  • Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences.

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Human Health Majors

Nutritional Sciences (B.S.)

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