BS Nutrition, Pre-Health and Nutrition Science Option

The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with the Pre-Health and Wellness Option at Auburn University is designed for students interested in nutrition, health promotion, and further study in healthcare-related fields. The program provides a foundation in nutritional sciences and human health while supporting students who plan to pursue professional healthcare education or careers in wellness and health promotion.

Curriculum Structure:

In the first year, students build a foundation in chemistry, biology, mathematics, and academic communication. Introductory courses establish scientific knowledge and introduce professional pathways relevant to healthcare.

During the second year, students study human anatomy and physiology, psychology, and nutrition. Coursework helps them understand the relationship between nutrition, human development, and overall health.

In the third year, students explore nutrition education, nutritional biochemistry, food science, and nutrient metabolism. These subjects strengthen their understanding of how nutrients function in the body and how nutrition science can be applied to health-related challenges.

In the final year, students advance their knowledge of nutrition, health promotion, and evidence-based analysis. Professional electives allow them to complete a complementary minor and tailor their studies to their career goals. The degree requires 123 credit hours.

Focus Areas: Nutrition Science, Pre-Health Preparation, Human Biology, Nutritional Biochemistry, Public Health Nutrition, Health and Wellness

Learning Outcomes: Understanding nutritional principles, applying scientific knowledge to human health, evaluating nutrition research, explaining nutrient metabolism, developing health communication skills, and preparing for further education in healthcare-related fields.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): This option is designed primarily for students preparing for professional healthcare programs or careers in health and wellness. It should not be confused with the Nutrition/Dietetics Option, which follows a separate accredited dietetics pathway.

Employability and Career Opportunities: Graduates can explore opportunities in community health organizations, hospital-based programs, corporate wellness initiatives, and government health agencies. Potential roles include Health Promotion Specialist, Wellness Coordinator, Community Health Educator, and Public Health Program Assistant. Students following a pre-health pathway may apply to professional programs in medicine, dentistry, optometry, physician assistant studies, occupational therapy, or physical therapy, subject to each program's admission requirements.

Experiential Learning: Students can build professional readiness through pre-health coursework, collaborative learning, nutrition-related assignments, and activities that develop competencies relevant to healthcare programs. Research, clinical shadowing, and service-learning may also complement their preparation, depending on availability.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue professional or graduate programs in medicine, dentistry, optometry, physician assistant studies, occupational therapy, physical therapy, public health, or related fields. Students should work with academic advisors to ensure they complete the prerequisite courses required for their intended professional program.