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, sports science, occupational therapy, or public health. The program also provides a solid foundation for career opportunities in nutrition science research and the food industry. 

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’s General Education Requirements are included in our program 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. Students who will have completed a minimum of 54 credits may be eligible. 

Prerequisite Courses

*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 uses the ULTA 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 (1-2 pages in length) 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.

Guaranteed Admissions Program for the Physician Assistant Studies (MS) Program

The Physician Assistant Studies (MS) hybrid and on-campus programs will offer guaranteed admission to select Nutrition Science (BS) students beginning with those admitted to the BS program for fall 2024. Consideration for the Physician Assistant Studies (PAS) Guarantee is a multi-step process. Qualified students will be asked by the School of Health and Rehabilitation to submit supplemental information in support of their candidacy. 

To be considered for the Guarantee, Nutrition Science (BS) applicants must: 

• Apply to the Nutrition Science (BS) upper-division program by March 1. Students are encouraged to apply early. 
• Hold a 3.60 or better science prerequisite and overall grade point average (GPA) at the time of application. 
• Eligible students will be invited to submit supplemental application materials, including recommendation letters and personal statements, to the PA program by April 1. The supplemental information will be reviewed by the PAS selection committee. 

Students selected for the guarantee based on their submissions will be notified by the PAS program. Students offered the guarantee must: 

• achieve a 3.60 or better science prerequisite and overall grade point average (GPA) while enrolled in the Nutrition Science (BS) program, 
• complete all admission requirements for the PAS program, 
• meet with a PAS faculty or staff member at least once per year providing proof of GPA and courses taken,  
• complete your Nutrition Science degree at Pitt in two years, and 
• apply to the program through CASPA by October 1 following graduation from the Nutrition Science (BS) program. You must apply to the format of the program (hybrid or on-campus) to which you were Guaranteed admission.  

PAS reserves the right to limit the number of students offered Guaranteed Admission each year. Only admitted Nutrition Science (BS) students can be considered for the guarantee.  

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: