Nutritional Science

Nutritional Science: A Path in Pre-Health Professions

The Nutritional Science Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree at Iowa State University looks at the connection between diet and health. Students who major in Nutritional Science can select the pre-health professional and research option and learn how diet can play a crucial role in the cause, treatment, and prevention of many diseases. A good diet is also important in maintaining normal health, growth, and development.

In studying for a degree in Nutritional Science, you will gain insights into the relationship of diet, disease, and wellness. Graduates of this major are well prepared to go on to health professional schools such as medical school, dental school, pharmacy school, or physician’s assistant school. Students are also prepared for careers in nutrition research.

General curriculum and course pre-requisites

Fulfilling requirements

The Nutritional Science B.S. degree is a good fit for several pre-health professions.

Medical School Preparation

These are the courses required for admission to most medical schools:

Specific program requirements: As with all programs, students should contact the admissions counselor at the medical school they plan to attend to determine specific program requirements.

Dental School Preparation

These are the courses required for admission to most dental schools.

Specific program requirements: As with all programs, students should contact the admissions counselor at the dental school they plan to attend to determine specific program requirements.

Pharmacy school preparation

These are the courses required for admission to most pharmacy schools.

Specific program requirements: As with all programs, students should contact the admissions counselor at the pharmacy school they plan to attend to determine specific program requirements.

Physician assistant preparation

These are the courses required for admission to most physician assistant schools.

Specific program requirements: As with all programs, students should contact the admissions counselor at the physician assistant school they plan to attend to determine specific program requirements. 

Other

For information about how the Nutritional Science major fulfills requirements for other health professional programs such as the following, contact the Food Science and Human Nutrition adviser:

How do health professional schools view a nutritional science degree?

Professional programs and schools do not require specific majors for entrance. This means that students should choose a major that interests them. Professional schools do not give preference to any major; instead, students must have completed the pre-requisite courses required by the school.

The Nutritional Science degree at Iowa State University combines the pre-requisites for entry into health professional schools with a unique focus on how nutrition impacts human beings. The program also includes substantial flexibility to select research and Independent Study experiences for credit — a valuable experience according to the American Association of Medical Schools. Here are ten things to do to prepare for Medical School.

American Medical Association: Indicates that  completion of prerequisites, a strong foundation in science, and “mastery in an area that a student is passionate about” are most important. More information on the American Medical Association website.

American Dental Association: Many students incorrectly assume they must major in biology, but a specific undergraduate major is not required for acceptance into dental school, only a good foundation in the sciences. More information on the American Dental Association website.

American Pharmacists Association: Students do not need to major in pre-pharmacy or chemistry and students enter pharmacy school with a mix of majors. More information on the American Pharmacists Association website.

If I change my mind…

Have a backup plan. Less than 10 percent of new freshman who declare themselves pre-med ever apply to medical school, usually because they change their mind. This is an important reason to choose a major that interests you. 

In addition to pre-health professional schools, Nutritional Science graduates are prepared to go on a to graduate education in nutrition and participate in nutrition research and education. Some Nutritional Science students also choose to double major in dietetics so that they have the option to complete a supervised practice experience and take the national registration exam to become a registered dietitian.

Careers

Graduates of the pre-health professional and research option are well-prepared for entrance in health professional programs such as medical, dental, and pharmacy school or to pursue careers in nutrition research and advanced study. Students pursuing a pre-professional program of study are encouraged to contact the admissions counselor at the university where they plan to complete their practice degree to determine specific course requirements.

Career services
Prepare for your next job or internship with Career Services, where staff help you with job searches, interview preparation, and resume/cover letter review. As a student in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences or the College of Health and Human Sciences, use the career services offices associated with your college.