Nutrition & Dietetics Major
Nutrition & Dietetics is the study of food, nutrients, and their effect on human health. It is a major within Health & Medicine.
Nutrition and Dietetics is the study of food, nutrients, and how they affect human health and disease. The major examines the science behind what people eat—including how the body uses proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals—and applies that knowledge to real-world situations. Students explore questions like how diet influences chronic conditions, what constitutes healthy eating across different life stages, and how cultural and economic factors shape food choices. The field combines biology and chemistry with practical problem-solving about nutrition in individuals and communities.
Students drawn to this major typically have interests in both science and helping others improve their health. The curriculum usually begins with foundational courses in chemistry, biology, and basic nutrition science, establishing core knowledge about how nutrients work in the body. As students progress, coursework becomes increasingly applied, moving toward topics like medical nutrition therapy, food service management, and community nutrition programs. This structure allows students to build scientific understanding first, then learn how to translate that knowledge into counseling, program planning, and health guidance for different populations.
Typical coursework
Course requirements vary by school, but a Nutrition & Dietetics program commonly includes topics such as:
- Human nutrition
- Food science
- Medical nutrition therapy
- Community nutrition
- Biochemistry
- Lifecycle nutrition
Most programs also include general-education requirements and, in many fields, a capstone project, internship, or research experience.
Degree levels
Nutrition & Dietetics is commonly offered at these levels:
- Bachelor's
- Master's
Availability differs by institution, and program names can vary (for example, a Bachelor of Arts versus a Bachelor of Science track).
Common career directions
Graduates with a Nutrition & Dietetics background pursue a range of paths. Some roles related to this field of study include:
- Dietitian
- Nutritionist
- Community nutrition educator
- Food service manager
Many careers require additional steps beyond the major — such as a graduate degree, a license, or a certification — and many graduates work in fields unrelated to their major. What you study is one factor among many in where your career goes.
General career information is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Career paths vary widely by person, school, and region; this is not a list of guaranteed jobs or earnings.
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Find degree programs →Frequently asked questions
What is a Nutrition & Dietetics major?
Nutrition & Dietetics is the study of food, nutrients, and their effect on human health. It is part of health & medicine, and combines foundational coursework with more focused study as you advance.
What courses do Nutrition & Dietetics majors take?
Coursework varies by school, but commonly includes topics such as human nutrition, food science, medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition, and others, plus general-education requirements.
What can you do with a Nutrition & Dietetics major?
Graduates pursue a range of paths, including roles such as dietitian, nutritionist, community nutrition educator. Many roles require additional steps such as a graduate degree, license, or certification. This is general information, not a guarantee of any job or salary.
What degree levels is Nutrition & Dietetics offered at?
It is commonly offered at the bachelor's, master's level, though availability varies by institution.