BS Nutrition and Health Sciences: Nutrition & Biomedical Sciences Option

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Nebraska Lincoln

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Health Sciences with a Nutrition Science Option at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is designed for students interested in understanding the scientific relationship between nutrition, food, and human health. The program provides a strong foundation in nutritional science and biological processes, preparing students for careers in health-related fields and further professional or graduate study.

Curriculum Structure:

In the first year, students build a foundation in biological sciences, chemistry, and nutrition. Introductory coursework helps them understand the fundamentals of human health, nutrients, and the scientific principles underlying nutrition.

During the second year, students deepen their understanding of human biology, metabolism, and nutritional requirements. Coursework in chemistry and life sciences helps explain how nutrients are processed and utilized by the body.

In the third year, students explore advanced topics in nutrition and biomedical science. They develop analytical and research skills while studying the relationships between diet, metabolism, disease prevention, and overall health.

In the final year, students build on their scientific knowledge through advanced coursework and research-oriented learning. These experiences help prepare them for graduate studies and careers in nutrition research, biomedical sciences, and related health fields.

Focus Areas: Nutritional Science, Human Metabolism, Biological Sciences, Nutrition and Disease Prevention, Biomedical Research

Learning Outcomes: Understanding nutrient functions and metabolism, applying biological and chemical principles to nutrition, evaluating scientific research, analyzing the relationship between diet and health, and developing critical-thinking skills for nutrition and biomedical applications.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Students interested in professional healthcare careers or becoming Registered Dietitian Nutritionists should verify the specific accreditation and additional educational requirements for their intended career pathway. The Nutrition Science Option should not automatically be considered an accredited dietetics pathway.

Employability and Career Opportunities: Graduates can explore opportunities in nutrition research, biomedical laboratories, healthcare support, scientific research, and health-related industries. Potential career paths include nutrition research assistant, biomedical research assistant, clinical research coordinator, laboratory technician, and nutrition science specialist.

Experiential Learning: Students can strengthen their academic preparation through research projects, laboratory-based coursework, and faculty-guided research opportunities, depending on course availability and program requirements.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue master's or doctoral studies in nutrition, biomedical sciences, public health, physiology, or related disciplines. Students planning to enter medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or other regulated healthcare professions will need to meet the separate prerequisites and admission requirements for those pathways.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BS in Nutrition and Health Sciences at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln offers students opportunities to connect nutrition science with practical applications in food and health. Students can strengthen their skills through relevant learning experiences such as:

Food Science Laboratories: Explore food composition, food quality, and scientific principles related to food processing and product development.
Culinary Practice: Develop practical knowledge of food preparation, recipe development, and the relationship between food and nutrition through relevant coursework.
Sensory Evaluation: Learn how food characteristics, taste, texture, and consumer preferences influence food product development.
Internship Opportunities: Seek relevant industry placements to gain professional experience in food science, nutrition, and related fields.
Group Projects: Collaborate with classmates on assignments involving nutrition, food systems, and product development.
Industry Exposure: Explore food production facilities and related organizations to understand food industry practices and applications.
Research Opportunities: Participate in faculty-guided research related to nutrition, food science, and health, subject to availability.

These learning opportunities can help students develop practical, analytical, communication, and teamwork skills for careers in food science, nutrition, and related industries.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BS in Nutrition and Health Sciences with a Nutrition Science Option at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln can explore career opportunities in nutrition research, food science, biomedical sciences, and health-related industries. The program develops a scientific foundation that can support entry-level employment or further professional education.

- University Career Services: Students can access career counseling, resume assistance, interview preparation, and job-search guidance to help them prepare for internships and employment opportunities.

- Employment Opportunities and Salary Information: Graduates can pursue roles such as Nutrition Research Assistant, Food Science Technician, Biomedical Research Assistant, Clinical Research Assistant, and Laboratory Technician. Salaries and employment prospects vary depending on the position, location, qualifications, and experience.

- University–Industry Connections: Students can explore research and professional development opportunities through university resources, faculty research, and relevant employers in the food, nutrition, biotechnology, and healthcare sectors.

- Professional Credentials: Students interested in specialized careers can investigate relevant professional certifications. Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist requires completing the appropriate accredited education and supervised practice requirements, along with meeting examination and credentialing requirements.

- Graduation Outcomes: Career opportunities depend on students' experience, additional qualifications, and chosen specialization. Research experience, internships, and relevant technical skills can strengthen employment prospects.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue master's or doctoral degrees in Nutrition, Food Science, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, or related disciplines. Advanced study can support careers in research, product development, scientific analysis, public health, and academia. Students interested in becoming Registered Dietitian Nutritionists should select an appropriate accredited pathway, while those pursuing food science careers may consider relevant food science qualifications or certifications.