Nutrition and Health Sciences
Nutrition undergraduate option
Get nerdy about the physical, biological and chemical elements of food
Corvallis Campus
What is nutrition and health sciences?
If questions like “Does broccoli lower cancer risk?" or “How does food affect health?” fascinate you, choose the nutrition and health sciences option at Oregon State.
Get your hands dirty in the lab of a sports nutrition company. Or help someone manage a chronic disease.
Choose between two tracks within the nutrition and health sciences option:
- Nutrition science track: A route that could lead to a career in academia, the food industry or health-related research.
- Physician assistant and pre-med track: This track can prepare you for medical school and allied health studies, such as physician assistant programs or pharmacy school.
Courses
Use the nutrition and health sciences option sheet and degree map to explore required courses and when to take them.
From nutrition to medical school
The nutrition and health sciences option is a great stepping stone on your way to a physician assistant program, medical school or pharmacy school.
What will you do with the nutrition and health sciences degree option?
With an education in nutrition science, you’ll have many career options due to the growth and aging of our population, a focus on obesity prevention, management of chronic diseases and a growing emphasis on health, nutrition and wellness.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dietitian and nutritionist jobs are projected to grow at a rate of 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Start with the nutrition and health sciences option and become:
*These roles may require post-baccalaureate/graduate/professional education to qualify.
- Community nutritionist
- Food policy analyst
- Food scientist*
- Instructor*
- Nutrition writer
- Nurse*
- Physician assistant*
- Physician*
- Research scientist*
- Worksite wellness coordinator
Request info
“Nutrition and health sciences gave me an extra set of tools I can use. It is more complementary than biology or chemistry.”
Melanie Jackson, '10
Major: Nutrition
Now: Endocrinologist at Samaritan Health Services
Nutrition options and related programs
Dietetics
In the dietetics degree option, you’ll play an important role in helping people make nourishing choices about what they eat and understand how nutrition impacts their health and well-being.
Nutrition and Health Sciences
Choose the nutrition and health sciences degree option if you’re curious about the science behind the food we eat and/or want to pursue med school or the allied health sciences.
Nutrition in Foodservice, Culinary and Food Systems
The nutrition in foodservice, culinary and food systems degree option will prepare you for a career directing foodservice operations focused on serving healthy options using local ingredients.
Nutrition Science Minor
In the nutrition science minor, you’ll study the science behind nutrients, health promotion and disease prevention while gaining skills in research, communication and critical thinking.
Community Nutrition Minor
In the community nutrition minor, you'll learn how food, nutrition and education impact public health. Gain hands-on skills to support wellness in schools, communities and families.
Minors and certificates
A health minor or certificate will give you unique skills and perspectives on how to ensure health and well-being for all — in any future career.
Contact us
Have questions about classes, clubs or campus life? Our peer ambassadors are happy to help. Call or email them.
For program or admissions info, email the College of Health recruitment team.