BS Nutrition and Health Sciences:Community Health and Wellness Option

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Nebraska Lincoln

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Health Sciences with a Community Health and Wellness Option is designed for students interested in improving community health and promoting healthy lifestyles. The program focuses on nutrition, health education, wellness promotion, and community-based approaches to preventing disease and supporting overall well-being.

Curriculum Structure:

In the first year, students build a foundation in nutrition, biology, psychology, and healthy living. These subjects introduce students to health-related behaviors, biological principles, and the factors that influence individual and community well-being.

During the second year, students develop their understanding of human nutrition, health disparities, and scientific principles. They explore how nutrition affects health and how health education can address inequalities in communities.

In the third year, students focus on health promotion, communication, and program planning. They develop skills in designing health initiatives, evaluating health information, and communicating evidence-based guidance to diverse populations.

In the final year, students explore public health research, epidemiology, and community advocacy. They learn to assess community health needs, develop health initiatives, and evaluate their effectiveness, preparing them for careers in health promotion and community wellness.

Focus Areas: Community Health Education, Health Promotion, Nutrition and Public Health, Health Advocacy, Epidemiology, Wellness Program Planning

Learning Outcomes: Understanding the relationship between nutrition and health, interpreting public health data, assessing community health needs, planning and evaluating health promotion programs, communicating health information effectively, and advocating for equitable health outcomes.

Professional Alignment (Certification): Graduates may be eligible to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination, subject to certification requirements. Students interested in becoming Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) need to pursue an appropriate accredited educational and supervised practice pathway.

Employability and Career Opportunities: Graduates can explore careers in workplace wellness programs, schools, public health agencies, nonprofit health organizations, and community health services. Potential roles include health education specialist, community health educator, wellness program coordinator, health promotion specialist, and public health program assistant.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue postgraduate studies in public health, health policy, community health, health education, or related disciplines. Students interested in becoming Registered Dietitian Nutritionists can explore appropriate accredited graduate pathways.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BS in Nutrition and Health Sciences with a Community Health and Wellness Option at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln helps students connect classroom learning with practical applications in community health and wellness. Students can develop professional skills through the following opportunities:

Community Health Practicum: Apply classroom knowledge to community health and wellness activities.
Health Promotion Projects: Develop and evaluate initiatives that encourage healthier lifestyles.
Group Projects: Collaborate with peers to address health education and community wellness challenges.
Research Opportunities: Explore public health, nutrition, and health promotion topics through academic research.
Health Communication: Develop skills in communicating health information to diverse audiences.
Community Outreach: Learn about community health needs and approaches to improving public well-being.
Library and Learning Resources: Use academic research materials and databases to support coursework and projects.

These experiences help students develop communication, critical-thinking, program-planning, and community engagement skills, preparing them for careers in health education and wellness promotion.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BS in Nutrition and Health Sciences with a Community Health and Wellness Option at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln can explore careers in public health, health education, and wellness promotion. The program develops skills in health communication, community outreach, program planning, and health promotion, preparing students to contribute to organizations focused on improving individual and community well-being.

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

- Employment Opportunities and Salary Information: Graduates can pursue roles such as Community Health Educator, Health Education Specialist, Wellness Program Coordinator, Health Promotion Specialist, and Public Health Program Assistant. Salaries and job prospects vary depending on the position, qualifications, location, and experience.

- Community and Industry Connections: Students can explore opportunities with public health agencies, nonprofit organizations, schools, healthcare organizations, and workplace wellness programs to gain relevant experience and develop professional connections.

- Professional Certification: Graduates may pursue the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential if they meet the certification requirements. This undergraduate option does not independently qualify graduates to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs).

- Graduation Outcomes: Career outcomes depend on students’ experience, professional qualifications, and chosen career paths. Students can use university career services and experiential learning opportunities to prepare for employment.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue a master's degree in Public Health, Health Education, Community Health, Health Promotion, or a related discipline. Further study can support careers in public health research, health program management, policy development, and community wellness leadership. Students interested in advanced research or academic careers may also consider doctoral programs in relevant fields.