BS in Nutrition

Boston University’s Bachelor of Science in Nutrition offers three tracks—Nutrition Science, Nutrition and Health, and Dietetics—allowing students to tailor their studies to interests in healthcare, public health, nutrition research, or dietetics. Students explore the science of food and nutrients, human physiology, healthy eating, and disease prevention while developing the analytical and communication skills needed to support healthier individuals and communities.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish a foundation in biological sciences, chemistry, psychology, and academic writing. Courses such as CAS BI 107 – Biology 1, CAS CH 171 – Principles of General Chemistry, and CAS PS 101 – General Psychology introduce the scientific and behavioural concepts that underpin nutrition studies, with exact first-year requirements varying by track.

Year 2: Students deepen their understanding of the human body and nutritional needs through courses such as SAR HS 251 – Human Nutrition Science, CAS BI 211 – Human Physiology, and SAR HS 230 – Food Science. These subjects explore nutrient digestion and metabolism, the relationship between food and health, and the physiological processes that influence nutritional wellbeing.

Year 3: Students apply their scientific knowledge to broader health challenges through courses such as SAR HS 281 – Nutrition Throughout the Life Cycle, SAR HS 300 – Epidemiology 1, and SAR HS 397 – Nutrition and Chronic Disease. Depending on their track, they may also study biochemistry, medical nutrition therapy, food and supplements, or a chosen concentration such as global health, psychology, or communications.

Year 4: Students advance their professional and research skills through coursework tailored to their chosen track. Dietetics students may study SAR HS 384 – Medical Nutrition Therapy 1, SAR HS 385 – Medical Nutrition Therapy 2, and SAR HS 486 – Applied Nutrition Care, while other tracks may include SAR HS 489 – Lifecourse Approach to Community Nutrition and SAR HS 467 – Research Methods in Nutrition. Practicum and research opportunities help students connect classroom learning with professional practice.

Focus Areas

Nutrition science, dietetics, public health nutrition, human physiology, food science, nutritional epidemiology, chronic disease prevention, community nutrition, nutrition communication, global health, clinical nutrition, research methods.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates learn to evaluate nutritional needs across different life stages, explain how nutrients are digested and metabolised, assess dietary patterns, and apply evidence-based approaches to health promotion and disease prevention. They also develop scientific research, critical-thinking, and communication skills to work with diverse populations in healthcare, research, public health, and food-related industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Boston University’s Dietetics track is an accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) recognised by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Students who complete the DPD can receive a Verification Statement. To become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), graduates must also complete a qualifying graduate degree, an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program, and the required national credentialing examination; state licensure or certification may also apply. The Nutrition Science and Nutrition and Health tracks have different academic pathways and should not be assumed to fulfil the DPD requirements.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Boston University’s Sargent College offers nutrition education supported by faculty expertise, research opportunities, and practical learning in Boston’s healthcare and public health environment. The university identifies potential career areas including clinical nutrition, community health, nutrition research, communication, private practice, and the food industry. The official undergraduate program information does not provide a single employment rate or average salary specifically for all BS Nutrition graduates.