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, 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:

SHRS has updated our General Education requirements. Students entering the University of Pittsburgh in Fall 2021 as first-year students, and students currently enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh and external transfer students entering the upper-level programs offered at SHRS in Fall 2023, must complete the new general education requirements before graduating. Our General Education Requirements are included in our upper-level program prerequisites and curriculum requirements; therefore, changes will be reflected in prerequisites and curriculum requirements.

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (based on 4.0)
• 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

Requirements for students applying for Fall 2023 admission:​  

*CHEM 0350 : Principles of Organic Chemistry, taught at the University of Pittsburgh Main Campus, 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.

**SHRS General Education Requirement

The following SHRS General Education Requirements can be taken within the program:

• Writing Intensive course, 3 credits - ENGCMP 0400 , ENGCMP 0450 , ENGCMP 0530 , or ENGCMP 0535  are recommended
• Diversity, 1 course - NUTR 1612 - FOOD AND CULTURE , taken within the Nutrition Science program, will meet this requirement
• Global Awareness and Cultural Understanding, 1 course - NUTR 1612 - FOOD AND CULTURE , taken within the Nutrition Science program, will meet this requirement  

 Note: Students who complete all program prerequisites and curriculum courses will meet the SHRS General Education requirements.

Application Procedures:

The deadline for submission of an application for admission consideration is March 1^st annually.

Pitt Students (including regional campuses)

SHRS is moving to a new application platform. Please visit the SHRS website to access information about applying to enter our programs.

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. Transfer student must also provide application materials directly to SHRS.

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.
• Transcript from all institutions attended. Pitt students do not have to provide transcripts they have already submitted to Pitt.
• 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 curriculum is as follows: