Nutrition and Health Sciences Undergraduate Degree Option

Nutrition and Health Sciences

Nutrition undergraduate option

Get nerdy about the physical, biological and chemical elements of food

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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.

Explore pre-med options

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
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Melanie Jackson

Melanie Jackson, '10
Endocrinologist at Samaritan Health Services

“Nutrition and health sciences gave me an extra set of tools I can use. It is more complementary than biology or chemistry.”

Learn more about Melanie's path to medical school

Learn more

Explore other nutrition major options

Each option within the nutrition major aligns with various careers in food and nutrition.

Contact us

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peers group photo sept 2023

Peer ambassadors

If you have questions regarding classes, student clubs or campus, our peer ambassadors would love to chat. Call or email them for advice.

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 Mikaela Swaim

Mikaela Swaim

Student Outreach and Support Coordinator

For questions about the program, application process or requirements, contact our COH recruitment team.