Undergraduate Program

The Penn State Department of Nutritional Sciences offers many unique learning opportunities for undergraduate students, both inside and outside of the classroom, that train them to be critical thinkers, well-rounded lifelong learners, and future leaders in nutritional sciences.

Undergraduates who choose the major in Nutritional Sciences may choose the Applied Sciences, Basic Sciences, or Dietetics option. A Nutrition minor is offered for students who want a nutrition emphasis to complement their major area of study.

Applied Sciences Option

The Applied Sciences option prepares students for careers in nutrition education, food service management, health-related pre-professional programs, public-health nutrition, applied research, and further graduate study.

Basic Sciences Option

The Basic Sciences option prepares students for health related pre-professional programs, laboratory-based research, and further graduate study.

Dietetics Option

The Dietetics option prepares students for careers in clinical dietetics, nutrition education, food-service management, health-related pre-professional programs, public-health nutrition, private practice, applied research, and further graduate study. Students who complete this option have taken the first of three steps toward obtaining the Registered Dietitian credential.

Nutrition Minor

The Nutrition minor offers students a background in nutrition to complement their major degree requirements.

Emphasis Areas

The Department of Nutritional Sciences offers four distinct emphasis areas that will provide students with additional preparation in an area of study that complements their Nutritional Sciences degree. These emphases were chosen based on the upcoming need for individuals with expertise in these areas in the job market as well as for graduate study. The emphases include:

  • Public Health Nutrition and Policy
  • Nutrition and Foods in Business
  • Nutrition Education and Communications
  • Community Food Security

Contact Information

Nutritional Sciences Undergraduate Program Contact Information.

Video

5-minute video on the Nutrition Undergraduate Program

View a five-minute video on the Nutrition Undergraduate Program.