Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nutritional Science Degree
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nutritional Science Degree
journey today.
The Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences degree program at Grand Canyon University can prepare you to turn a passion for health, wellness and food into a career with the goal of helping others achieve and maintain optimal health. By teaching the science of nutrition, this program can serve as a solid foundation for you to position yourself to grow and establish yourself as a professional in various fields, including nutrition, healthcare, fitness and education.
A career in nutritional science is an opportunity to address nationwide health issues and help people take charge of their health. Students pursuing a nutritional science degree may work with individuals and populations in ways that help them choose the right foods and make healthy lifestyle choices that pertain to overall health. This industry may also offer opportunities for individuals with a background in nutritional science to position themselves to potentially pursue leadership positions in preventative care.
By examining connections among diet, physical activity and health, you will be taught the knowledge and skills necessary to promote proper food, nutrition and health management in the lives of others. Focus is placed on understanding the science of how food influences health. A career path in nutritional science may lead to consulting, guidance and counseling on healthy eating and the general welfare of populations.
At GCU, you can gain a biblically-rooted college education. Our rigorous curriculum, nationally ranked campus, philanthropic relationships and collaborative community sets the GCU college experience apart.
Admission Requirements
For more information about degree requirements and program qualifications, visit our admission requirements page. GCU’s nutritional sciences degree follows the standard application process.
Students can explore and develop their understanding and competency in key areas, such as:
This program concludes with a writing-intensive capstone course in which you will apply what you've learned in study such as ethics of nutritional sciences and principles. This course concentrates on creating individualized health plans for clients with different health needs and offers valuable opportunities for networking with industry nutrition professionals and gaining hands-on experience within the field of nutrition.
Skills and Concepts You Will Be Taught
GCU offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential topics in nutrition and can provide a solid foundation for a career in the field. You will have access to knowledgeable faculty members who are passionate about teaching and can provide guidance and support throughout your academic journey.
In addition, a nutritional science degree can teach you the necessary skills that can prepare you to position yourself for a graduate education in dietetics and work toward fulfilling the requirements to become a registered dietitian nutritionist.
This program can further provide the basis for students interested in pursuing advanced education in nutritional sciences, opening doors to potential graduate school programs for further specialization and possible career advancement.
Possible career paths for graduates may include positions such as dietitians and nutritionists. Professionals in this field have the opportunity to help others make personal lifestyle choices that improve their quality of life and influence how others can achieve goals specific to their health.
Graduates may go on to apply their knowledge and skills in helping others with:
Promoting healthy lifestyles
Providing nutrition counseling
Managing food services
Contributing to wellness programs
Work Settings
As Americans become more aware of the many benefits of living a healthy lifestyle, the need for qualified nutritionists continues to grow.1 Job growth for dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow by an estimated 7% from 2022 to 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1
These settings may offer opportunities for graduates to apply their knowledge and skills in promoting healthy lifestyles, providing nutrition counseling, managing food services and contributing to wellness programs.
Graduates with a bachelor's degree in nutritional science can explore diverse workplace settings, including:
GCU remains committed in its dedication to student learning and the pursuit of continuous improvement. The university proudly carries institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, an independent accrediting institution with a legacy dating back to 1895.
Bachelor’s Degree in Nutritional Science FAQs
The decision to pursue any college degree often comes with many questions. To help you make your decision on choosing a bachelor’s degree program, we’ve answered a few frequently asked questions about the nutritional science degree.
This degree may hold value for individuals interested in pursuing careers related to nutrition, health and wellness. It may also lead to a number of diverse career opportunities in a variety of industries, including healthcare, research and the food industry. Further, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dietitians and nutritionists had a median annual wage of $69,680 in May 2023.2
A bachelor’s degree in nutritional science incorporates a range of scientific disciplines essential to understanding the relationship between food, nutrition and human health. You can expect to study biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physiology, food science, nutritional biochemistry and nutritional epidemiology. These courses teach a foundation in understanding the composition of nutrients, their metabolism in the body and their impact on health and disease prevention.
Earning a degree in nutrition can be a valuable choice considering the established importance of diet in preventing and managing certain illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. As a result, there is a growing need for dietitians and nutritionists to offer care and support to individuals with, or at risk of developing, these conditions.1 According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5,200 new jobs are estimated to open for dietitians and nutritionists from 2022 to 2032.1
Make an Impact in the Lives of Others
Start your path toward a bachelor's degree in nutritional sciences. To apply to the College of Natural Sciences, click the button below.
1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dietitians and Nutritionists, retrieved on April 24, 2024.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Dietitians and Nutritionists as of May 2023, retrieved on May 3, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as dietitians and nutritionists, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.