Nutrition Science, BS

Return to: School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Nutrition Science is the study of how food and nutrients affect health. The program’s focus on nutrition, health and disease, and the biological sciences makes the Nutrition Science program an ideal undergraduate degree for students who are planning to pursue health-related graduate programs such as medicine, physician assistant studies, dental medicine, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or public health. The program also provides a solid foundation for career opportunities in the food industry, research, public policy, and public health. 

This program does not meet the eligibility requirements for Registered Dietitian/Nutritionists (RDNs). For students desiring to become a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN) please refer to the Dietitian Nutritionist program.

For more information, please contact:

Admission Requirements:

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (based on 4.0)
• A minimum prerequisite GPA of 2.5
• A minimum grade of C- in all courses designated as prerequisites taken at the University of Pittsburgh. A minimum grade of C or better is required for courses taken elsewhere.

Admission to the Nutrition Science program requires successful completion of a minimum of 60 credits including all prerequisite courses below.

Prerequisite Courses:                                  

1. Foundations of Biology 1, BIOSC 0150  - 3 credits 
2. Foundations of Biology 2, BIOSC 0160  - 3 credits 
3. Biology Lab BIOSC 0057  or BIOSC 0058  - 1 credit
4. Introduction to Microbiology, BIOSC 1850  - 3 credits* 
5. General Chemistry 1 with Lab, CHEM 0110  - 4 credits 
6. General Chemistry 2 with Lab, CHEM 0120  - 4 credits 
7. Organic Chemistry 1, CHEM 0310  - 3 credits**
8. Organic Chemistry 2, CHEM 0320  - 3 credits**
9. English Composition, ENGCMP 0200  - 3 credits 
10. Research Writing or Intensive Writing Course, ENGCMP 0450  - 3 credits 
11. Algebra or Higher Math, MATH 0031  - 3 credits
12. Introduction to Psychology, PSY 0010  - 3 credits
13. Statistics, STAT 0200  or STAT 1000  - 4 credits 
14. Introduction to Human Nutrition, NUTR 1006  or HRS 1006 - 3 credits 
15. Humanities or Social Sciences - 6 credits 

* Students can also take HRS 1025  Introduction to Microbiology or NUR 0031  Microbiology instead of BIOSC 1850 .

** CHEM 0350 : Principles of Organic Chemistry, taught at the University of Pittsburgh, may be taken in place of Organic Chemistry 1 and 2; however, students should first investigate organic chemistry requirements of graduate programs specific to their professional goals.

Application Procedures:

The deadline for submission of an application for admission consideration is March 15^th annually.

Pitt Students (including regional campuses)

Complete the SHRS ApplyYourself Application.

Transfer Student Information:

Transfer students must apply to the University of Pittsburgh by completing the Office of Admission and Financial Aid’s Transfer Application and selecting Nutrition Science as their intended field of study. International transfer students click here.

All applicants must:

• Submit a personal essay discussing why you are interested in the Nutrition Science program, your professional goals including how and when you became interested in that field, as well as any work or volunteer experience you have that will demonstrate your awareness of the field. Also include other areas of interest, extra-curricular activities and leadership experiences.
• Resumes are strongly recommended.
• Submit one letter of recommendation. A recommendation from a college instructor/professor or recent work or volunteer supervisor is preferred.
• Submit official transcripts from all institutions from which they have college credits. Current University of Pittsburgh students do not need to provide their University of Pittsburgh transcript, and can request copies of transcripts previously submitted to Pitt from their current school. Students currently at the Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences can obtain copies of non-Pitt transcripts from the Office of Student Records, 140 Thackeray Hall, and drop them off in the SHRS Admissions Office, 4020 Forbes Tower.
• Application may be submitted while course requirements are in progress.

Please note that admission is competitive.  Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee admission.

Curriculum:

The BS degree in Nutrition Science requires the completion of a minimum of 120 credits which includes 60 credits prior to admission and 60 credits of required courses taken within the program. The usual time required to complete the program after admission to the junior year is two years. The program currciulum is as follows: