Nutrition Science, BS

Return to: School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Beginning in fall 2019, the Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition will offer an undergraduate Bachelor of Science program in Nutrition Science. Graduates will be able to apply the science of food and nutrition to the well-being and health of people. They will also be able to implement the knowledge and skills learned in industry, government, and academia. This may include working on food and nutrition labeling laws, creating better food products and supplements and helping to educate others about the importance of nutrition. In addition, graduates of the BS in Nutrition Science program will be prepared to further their education in the health professions including professional graduate programs in nutrition, physician assistant studies, medicine, dentistry, and public health. This program does not meet the eligibilty 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 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  
2. Foundations of Biology Lab 1, BIOSC 0050 , BIOSC 0057  , or BIOSC 0058  
3. Foundations of Biology 2, BIOSC 0160  
4. Introduction to Microbiology, BIOSC 1850  *
5. General Chemistry 1 with Lab, CHEM 0110  
6. General Chemistry 2 with Lab, CHEM 0120  
7. Organic Chemistry 1, CHEM 0310  
8. Organic Chemistry 2, CHEM 0320  
9. English Composition, ENGCMP 0200  
10. Research Writing or Intensive Writing Course, ENGCMP 0450  
11. Algebra or Higher Math, MATH 0031  
12. Introduction to Psychology, PSY 0010  
13. Genetics, BIOSC 0350  **
14. Statistics, STAT 0200  or STAT 1000  
15. Introduction to Human Nutrition, HRS 1006  or NUTR 1006  

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

** Genetics can be taken prior to entering the program or after having entered the program

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 Undergraduate Program in Nutrition Science, 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: