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

At a Glance

  • Flexibility
    Full Time
  • Delivery Options
    On Campus
  • Degree
    BS

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What courses will you take?

nutritional-science-Best-Nutrition-Program-2021

The B.S. in Nutritional Science begins with core courses including anatomy and physiology, human nutrition, wellness, public health and psychological science.

At UMass Lowell, we offer three options, which lead to a wide range of career opportunities.

  • Dietetics Option — This accredited degree option prepares graduates for supervised practice (leading to eligibility for the CDR credentialing exam for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists), graduate school and/or a career in the health sciences. Courses for Dietetics Option
  • Nutrition and Wellness Option — Take a combination of courses to gain knowledge in nutrition, fitness and public health. You will graduate prepared for positions such as health educator, community nutritionist and wellness coordinator. Courses for Nutrition and Wellness Option
  • General Science Option — Gain a strong science background to prepare you for graduate school. Apply to physician’s assistant and medical school or master’s and Ph.D. programs. Courses for General Science Option

Visit the Academic Catalog for a complete course listing and to learn about the Nutrition minor.

View all degree pathways, including those from prior enrollment years.

    1. Apply analytical and critical thinking to solve problems in laboratory and clinical settings.
    2. Demonstrate leadership skills of accountability, delegation, education, and supervision.
    3. Clearly communicate scientific information both orally and in writing.
    4. Interpret research results and apply to the general understanding of nutritional science and health.
    5. Earn admittance and be successful in graduate/professional programs.
    6. Secure a bachelor’s-prepared position in their preferred profession.
    7. Disseminate evidence-based information related to nutritional science and health.

Why study nutritional science at UMass Lowell?

Three young children smile and hold carrots above their heads

Real-world Experiences

Participate in experiential learning opportunities and community-engaged research under the supervision of faculty. Potential sites include:

  • Girls Inc.
  • Granite State Fit Kid
  • Lowell Public Schools
  • Lowell Boys & Girls Club
  • U.S. Air Force ROTC



Two female dietetics students help a ROTC student compare labels on jars of nut butter

Research Opportunities

Work alongside faculty and graduate students to master practical research skills. Examples of research projects led and authored by students:

a female student presenting her nutritional science project

Path to Graduate School

Nutritional science provides a strong foundation for health profession graduate degree programs.

Assorted fruit with a measuring tape, stethoscope, and person taking notes in the background

Become a Registered Dietitian

The Nutritional Science Dietetics and General Options satisfy all prerequisite courses for the UMass Lowell Master of Public Health (MPH) Coordinated Program in Dietetics. 

  • The MPH program is accredited by ACEND for both coursework and internship requirements.
  • Upon successful completion of the MPH program, you will be qualified to take the Registered Dietitian exam.

What can you do with a degree in nutritional science?

With a B.S. in Nutritional Science, you’ll be prepared for a career in fields such as dietetics, nutrition and wellness, food science and nutrition research. You will also be equipped for graduate programs to become a Registered Dietitian, or to earn a master’s degree or Ph.D. in Nutritional Science or a related field. 

UMass Lowell alumni Michelle Palladino pictured in a school cafeteria with a table full of healthy snacks and information on leading a healthy lifestyle

Our graduates are qualified for positions in:

  • Food inspection
  • Health and wellness
  • Health promotion/Public health nutrition
  • Marketing and sales
  • Non-profit program planning
  • Nutrition and fitness
  • Nutrition and health policy
  • Nutrition education
  • Nutrition research
  • Product development

Meet Our Students and Alumni

Kyle Mehan at his desk
Kyle Mehan '21
Nutritional Science

Kyle Mehan began researching nutrition when trying to heal his own injuries. Now he promotes a plant-based diet.

I knew that fitness and nutrition go hand in hand, so I thought if I wasn’t going to go into sports medicine, I’d go into the nutrition side of it.
Read More About Kyle Mehan 
Jeremy Duford and other student talk over table with laptop
Jeremy Duford '23
Nutritional Science

A first-generation college student, Jeremy Duford was nervous about starting college. He says the River Hawk Scholars Academy was a tremendous support.

The RHSA provided a solution to every single thing. It’s a bridge into college.
Read More About Jeremy Duford 
Bryanna Ippolito sitting on a bench outside working on her laptop
Bryanna Ippolito '20
Nutritional Science

After working with Alzheimer’s patients while in high school, Bryanna Ippolito is pursuing her bachelor's in nutritional science and developed a program for students who someday may be working with Alzheimer’s patients to understand what it’s like to live with the disease.

I fell in love with UMass Lowell when I toured here. It's close to my home in Billerica, and South Campus was the homelike feeling that I wanted to find in a school.
Read More About Bryanna Ippolito 
UMass Lowell student Rabia Haider
Rabia Haider '21
Nutritional Sciences and Master of Public Health

Knowing how cultural differences make an impact on health, Rabia Haider is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree.

There is so much work to be done related to nutrition and health care, especially for historically overlooked populations.
Read More About Rabia Haider