Nutritional Science BS

As a nutritional science major, you will be prepared for a career in public health, education, health and wellness, research or industry. 

What Is Nutritional Science?

Two students and a professor conduct an experiment in a UMass Lowell nutritional science lab.

Nutritional science is the secret ingredient that makes food more than just something to eat – it’s the science behind how food powers our bodies, prevents disease and brings communities together. 

Have you wondered how our bodies digest food and absorb nutrients? Have you heard about antioxidants, probiotics or bioactives in foods? Nutritional science dives into these concepts from the cellular level to the human. You’ll understand how food can help us live long, functional lives and how it can build healthy communities.

Majoring in Nutritional Science is right for you if you’re:

  • Interested in promoting health and wellness through nutrition
  • Passionate about helping people live healthier lives
  • Curious about the scientific principles behind food, nutrition, and metabolism
  • Interested in a career that helps people prevent and manage diseases
  • Committed to positively impacting individuals, communities, and global health outcomes by promoting evidence-based nutrition practices 
  • Excited about hands-on learning experiences, such as internships, clinical rotations, and research projects, allowing you to apply nutrition knowledge in real-world settings
  • Motivated to work with various disciplines, including biology, chemistry, psychology, sociology, business, and public health, offering a holistic perspective on health and wellness
  • Eager for an opportunity for lifelong learning, as nutritional science is a continuously evolving field of study

Gain experiences and skills for a range of careers

The need for nutritional scientists is fueled by:
  • Growing awareness of nutrition’s role in health
  • Rising rates of diet-related diseases
  • Aging population
  • Global food insecurity
  • Changing food environment
  • Public health initiatives
  • Advancements in research
  • Globalization and urbanization

UMass Lowell’s nutritional science program will equip you with the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to thrive in this dynamic field. Depending on the option you choose – dietetics, nutrition and wellness or general science - you’ll be prepared for a wide range of career opportunities. These include: 

  • Registered dietitian
  • Sports nutritionist
  • Nutrition researcher
  • Public health nutritionist
  • Nutrition content creator
  • Corporate wellness coordinator
  • Food industry scientist 

Contact Us

Kelsey Mangano, PhD, RDN
Associate Professor, Undergraduate Nutrition Program Director
Email: Kelsey_Mangano@uml.edu