There are three concentration options in the Nutrition major: Biomedical Nutrition Science, Community Nutrition, and Dietetics. All concentrations include a foundation in basic sciences and introductory nutrition coursework, which is built upon through advanced coursework in nutrition and other concentration-specific courses. For qualified students, all concentrations can lead to completion of both BS and MS degrees in 5 years. All concentrations can lead to exciting careers in a variety of settings.
The Biomedical Nutrition Science Concentration can serve as a pre-health professions major that prepares students to pursue many different health careers including medical doctor, physician assistant, pharmacist, dentist, optometrist, or physical therapist. Students can also prepare for graduate study and advanced research careers in the biomedical and biological sciences. An advantage of choosing a degree in nutrition for pre-health is that, in addition to chemistry, biology, anatomy, and physiology, students also can choose elective upper-level nutrition courses to explore the role of nutrition in health care, disease prevention and treatment, and biomedical research. A foundational knowledge of nutrition prepares students to become health care providers who effectively integrate lifestyle change approaches into practice for better health outcomes.
The Community Nutrition Concentration is designed for students interested in working in community-based organizations in a variety of roles, such as nutrition educators, WIC nutritionists, health and wellness coaches, and worksite wellness program coordinators, and in a variety of settings, such as healthcare, public health, Extension, government, university, business, community/non-profit, and K-12 education settings. Graduates may opt to sit for the Community Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification exam, as coursework has been designed to meet the requirements for this credential.
The Dietetics Concentration is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) to prepare students for healthcare careers as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), once they have also completed a minimum of a master’s degree, an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program, and passed the national RDN credentialing exam. RDNs are employed in hospitals, medical offices, and private practice settings working in clinical specialty areas such as diabetes, critical care, cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, and disordered eating. They also may be employed in community nutrition organizations, in wellness and health promotion roles, as directors of healthcare or school foodservice operations, or novel roles such as sports nutritionists.
The nutrition minor is an excellent option for students majoring in the sciences or those preparing for careers in healthcare.The minor consists of 12 credit hours plus all prerequisites for selected minor courses. A student must earn a grade of C or better in each Nutrition course to successfully complete the requirements for this minor. The requirements are listed in the Undergraduate Catalog. To make an appointment with an advisor to add nutrition as a minor or change your major to nutrition, please contact CEEHS advising.
University Financial Aid and Scholarship Information
Scholarship deadlines:
November 1 for incoming freshmen
February 1 for current undergraduates
Loan information:
All questions regarding loans and work study information can be directed to One Stop Student Services.
CEHHS scholarships are also available.
Tennessee Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Deadline: Generally early February each year
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Requires Academy student membership and minimum junior standing.
Deadline: April each year.
The Undergraduate Nutrition Student Association (UNSA) is an active organization of students interested in Nutrition. Becoming involved in this group is a great way to get to know your fellow students better AND to gain leadership and nutrition-related volunteer experience. You can run for office, chair a committee, volunteer for a committee, or simply take advantage of opportunities to participate in the group’s activities. In recent years, UNSA members have been involved in various community service activities with organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House and the Boys and Girls Club, participated in health fairs, and have given various nutrition presentations to campus and community groups.
Go to Volink and join UNSA
Contact the faculty advisor if you have any questions: Jenna Martin