Overview
Nutrition Science is the study of how nutrients and food components influence growth, metabolism, health, and disease and also includes human behavior as it relates to food choices. Nutrition Science is a multi-faceted and cross-disciplinary field, encompassing chemistry, biology, physiology, and public health. Nutrition scientists work to develop, extend, and apply all aspects of nutrition through research to improve clinical practice and public health.
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nutrition Science program mission is to provide undergraduates with an in-depth understanding of the scientific aspects of food and nutrition. The program also aims to lay the groundwork for integrating nutrition science across disciplines and provides students with the foundation required to apply nutrition to the health sciences.
Join T.E.A.M Milken! T.E.A.M. Milken is open to all GWSPH undergraduate majors. Our goal is to provide individualized support to students so you will thrive at GW and be prepared to launch your public health career.
Curriculum
Per GW policy, undergraduate students may not take courses on-line during the fall or spring semesters.
University General Education Requirements
University Writing: UW 1020-University Writing or HONR 1015 (4 credits)
WID: Two WID courses (may also be counted in another category) (6 credits)
Humanities: One course in Humanities (3 credits)
Math/Stats: One course in Mathematics or Statistics (3 credits)
Science: One Natural or Physical Science Course with Laboratory (4 credits)
Social Science: Two courses in the Social Sciences (6 credits)
* Note some classes will double count: for GenEd and Exercise Science Core requirements.
GenEd TOTAL 26 credits
See the University Bulletin for most up-to-date version of GenEd requirements and approved courses: GenEd's Here
Basic Science & Math Core
BISC 1111 | Intro Biology: Cells & Molecules (0 credits)
BISC 1112 | Intro Biology: Biology of Organisms (4 credits)
EXNS 1110 | Applied Anatomy & Physiology I & Lab (4 credits)
EXNS 1111 | Applied Anatomy & Physiology II & Lab (4 credits)
CHEM 1111 | General Chemistry I (4 credits)
CHEM 1112 | General Chemistry II (4 credits)
CHEM 2151 | Organic Chemistry I (3 credits)
CHEM 2153 | Organic Chemistry I Lab (1 credit)
CHEM 2152 | Organic Chemistry II (3 credits)
CHEM 2154 | Organic Chemistry II Lab (1 credit)
BISC 2337 | Introductory Microbiology (4 credits)
BISC 3165 or CHEM 3165 | Biochemistry (3 credits)
MATH 1220 | Calculus with Precalculus I (or higher level) (3 credits)
- *BISC 1111 - also fulfills GenEd Science Requirement
SCIENCE/MATH TOTAL: 38 credits
Nutrition Science Core
EXNS 1109 | Professional Foundations in Nutrition Science (1 credit)
EXNS 2114 | Nutrition Science I (3 credits)
EXNS 2115 | Nutrition Science II (3 credits)
EXNS 3111 | Nutrition Science Research Methods (3 credits)
EXNS 4112 | Nutrition Science Capstone Seminar (1 credit)
PUBH 1101 | Introduction to Public Health (3 credits)
EXNS 2120 | Assessment of Nutritional Status (3 credits)
EXNS 2123 | Nutrition and Chronic Disease (3 credits)
EXNS 2124 | Lifecycle Nutrition (3 credits)
PSYC 1001 | General Psychology (3 credits)
- *COMM 1040 or 1041 | Communications Requirement- also fulfills Social Science & Oral Communication GenEd Requirement
- *ANTH 1002, 1003 or 1004 | Anthropology Requirement- also fulfills Social Science & Global/Cross Cultural GenED Requirement
- *STAT 1051, 1053 or 1127 | Statistics Requirement- also fulfills GenEd Statistics Requirement
* Counts for GenEd AND meets core Nutrition Science requirement
NOTES: a.) Students must earn a minimum of a C- in each nutrition science core course, and earn a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the Nutrition Science core to graduate.
b.) Nutrition Science majors may not take EXNS 2119 in place of EXNS 2114 and EXNS 2115
NUTRITION SCIENCE CORE TOTAL: 26 CREDITS
Exercise and Nutrition Science Department Course Descriptions
Nutrition Science Guided Electives
General Electives
General electives (18 additional credits) can also be chosen from the Guided Elective list, or any other undergraduate course at the University, except LSPA designated courses.
For the most up to date list of program courses and program requirements, please reference the program guide or click the button below for course descriptions.
GENERAL ELECTIVES TOTAL: 18 CREDITS
Non-Academic Requirements
Professional Enhancement
Students in GW SPH programs must participate in eight hours of Professional Enhancement. These activities may be Public Health-related lectures, seminars, or symposia related to your field of study.
Professional Enhancement activities supplement the rigorous academic curriculum of the SPH degree programs and help prepare students to participate actively in the professional community. You can learn more about opportunities for Professional Enhancement via the Milken Institute School of Public Health Listserv, through departmental communications, or by speaking with your advisor.
Students submit a completed Professional Enhancement Form to the Office of Student Records which is required documentation to be cleared for graduation.
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Training
All students are required to complete the Basic CITI training module in Social and Behavioral Research. This online training module for Social and Behavioral Researchers will help new students demonstrate and maintain sufficient knowledge of the ethical principles and regulatory requirements for protecting human subjects - key for any public health research.
Academic Integrity Quiz
All Milken Institute School of Public Health students are required to review the University’s Code of Academic Integrity and complete the GW Academic Integrity Activity. This activity must be completed within 2 weeks of matriculation. Information on GWSPH Academic Integrity requirements can be found here.
Careers
Students completing an undergraduate degree in Nutrition Science are employed in a variety of settings and many pursue advanced degrees.
Graduates of the program may work in areas including:
- federal agencies (e.g. USDA, FDA, NIH, CDC, etc.)
- worksite wellness and health promotion
- management of nutrition interventions and research studies
- food and nutraceutical industry positions
- trade associations related to food and nutrition
- non-profit organizations
- nutrition advocacy groups
- international organizations
Many nutrition science majors will also pursue masters and/or doctoral degrees in nutrition science, dietetics, or public health nutrition. Advanced degree opportunities for BS Nutrition Science graduates include pursuing post-baccalaureate schooling in medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, dietetics, nursing, physician assistant and/or pursuing doctoral work in nutrition science, public health, biochemistry, food technology, and related disciplines.
Faculty
Primary faculty from the Exercise and Nutrition Science Department teaching and advising students in this undergraduate program include:
Dr. Allison Sylvetsky, Program Director