BS Nutrition Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Purdue University West Lafayette

Program Overview

Purdue University’s Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science explores how food, nutrient metabolism, and human biology influence health and disease. The program is ideal for students interested in nutrition research, healthcare, laboratory science, and public health, while also providing a strong foundation for further study in medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, and other health professions.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish a strong foundation in nutrition and the basic sciences through courses such as NUTR 10500 – Nutrition in the 21st Century and NUTR 10700 – Introduction to Nutrition Science. These subjects introduce the relationship between food, nutrients, human health, and scientific research.

Year 2: Students deepen their understanding of human nutrition and how the body uses nutrients to maintain health. NUTR 31500 – Fundamentals of Nutrition introduces core nutrition concepts, while supporting science courses build the biological and chemical knowledge needed for advanced study.

Year 3: Students explore how nutrition affects health throughout life and how nutrients contribute to normal body functions and disease processes. Courses such as NUTR 36500 – Physiology and Nutrition During the Life Cycle and NUTR 43700 – Macronutrient Metabolism in Human Health and Disease develop their understanding of nutrition across different life stages and the role of nutrients in health and disease.

Year 4: Students apply their knowledge through advanced nutrition science and research-focused coursework. NUTR 43600 – Nutritional Assessment develops understanding of how nutritional status is evaluated, while NUTR 43800 – Micronutrient and Phytochemical Metabolism in Human Health and Disease explores the effects of micronutrients and plant compounds on health; eligible students may also pursue independent undergraduate research.

Focus Areas

Human nutrition, nutrient metabolism, nutrition throughout the life cycle, nutritional assessment, nutrition and chronic disease, biochemistry, physiology, nutrition research, public health, food and health.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the scientific knowledge to understand how nutrients affect human health, examine metabolic processes, evaluate nutritional status, and interpret research on diet and disease. They also build analytical, laboratory, and critical-thinking skills that support careers in research, healthcare, public health, and the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Nutrition Science B.S. provides a science-based foundation for research and health-related careers, but it is not the same as Purdue’s professional Nutrition and Dietetics pathway. Students aiming to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists should verify the specific accredited education, supervised practice, and examination requirements for that profession.

Reputation (Employability)

Purdue identifies career paths for Nutrition Science graduates in research, healthcare, public health, and industry. The university lists potential roles including nutrition researcher, food scientist, pharmaceutical sales representative, public health nutritionist, and laboratory technician, and highlights preparation for advanced professional study.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Purdue’s Nutrition Science program connects classroom learning with research opportunities that explore how nutrition affects health and disease. Students may investigate topics such as cancer, muscle health, obesity, and diabetes, gaining exposure to scientific research and laboratory methods. Purdue also highlights its extensive research environment, with more than 400 research labs across the university.

Students can develop practical skills through the following opportunities:

Nutrition Research: Explore research questions related to nutrients, metabolism, and human health.
Independent Undergraduate Research: Eligible students may pursue NUTR 49000 – Independent Undergraduate Research to gain research experience.
Nutritional Assessment: Study methods for evaluating nutritional status through NUTR 43600 – Nutritional Assessment.
Laboratory Experience: Build scientific knowledge relevant to nutrition research, biochemistry, and physiology.
Faculty Research Opportunities: Explore research interests related to cancer, diabetes, obesity, muscle health, and other nutrition-related topics.
Interdisciplinary Learning: Connect nutrition science with biological sciences, healthcare, public health, and pharmaceutical research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Purdue’s Nutrition Science degree prepares students for a variety of opportunities across research, healthcare, public health, and industry. It is also designed to provide a strong academic foundation for students planning to pursue professional or postgraduate education in health-related fields.

Potential Career Roles: Nutrition Researcher, Food Scientist, Laboratory Technician, Public Health Nutritionist.

Students can prepare for these career paths through Purdue’s academic and professional opportunities:

Academic Advising: Undergraduate Student Services helps students understand degree requirements, plan their coursework, and explore academic pathways.
Career Preparation: Purdue’s Center for Career Opportunities offers career planning, résumé and cover-letter guidance, interview preparation, and access to job opportunities.
Research Experience: Students can explore research opportunities related to nutrition, metabolism, human health, and disease prevention.
Industry Opportunities: Graduates can pursue roles in food, agriculture, pharmaceutical, healthcare, government, and nonprofit organizations.
Graduate Outcomes: Purdue identifies graduates who have progressed into medical school, physician assistant studies, epidemiology, and research-related positions.
Employment and Salary Information: The official Nutrition Science major page does not publish a specific employment-placement rate or average starting salary for this degree.

Further Academic Progression:

Graduates can pursue master's or doctoral programs in Nutrition Science, Public Health, Epidemiology, Biomedical Sciences, or related research fields. The degree also provides preparation for professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, and veterinary medicine, subject to each program's admission requirements. Purdue also offers an accelerated Master of Public Health option for eligible students.