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 assistant/physician associate school. Students are also prepared for careers in nutrition research.
General curriculum and course pre-requisites
- Catalog Requirements (PDF)
- Sample Four-Year Plan (PDF)
- Course Sequence Flow Sheet (PDF)
- Accelerated Degree Option (PDF)
Fulfilling requirements
The Nutritional Science B.S. degree is a good fit for several pre-health professions. All of the typical prerequisites for health professional programs are included in the Nutritional Science degree requirements or are options for fulfilling requirements. Advisors work with students to create individual plans that incorporate health professional admission requirements and reflect unique student goals helping students stand out as well rounded and prepared applicants.
Medical School Preparation
These are the courses required for admission to most medical schools:
Course(s) | Included in Nutritonal Science degree requirements? |
---|---|
BIOL 2110 and 2110L & BIOL 2120 and 2120L | Yes |
CHEM 1770 and 1770L & CHEM 1780 and 1780L | Yes |
CHEM 3310 and 3310L & CHEM 3320 and 3320L | Yes, select from course list |
PHYS 1310/1310L and PHYS 1320/1320L | Yes, select from course list |
BBMB 4040 and 4050 OR BBMB 3030 OR BBMB 3160 | Yes |
PSYCH 1010 | Yes, select PSYCH 1010 for social science credits. |
SOC 1340 | Yes, select SOC 1340 for social science or required elective credits. |
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.
Course(s) | Included in Nutritional Science degree requirements? |
---|---|
BIOL 2110 and 2110L & BIOL 2120 and 2120L | Yes |
CHEM 1770 and 1770L & CHEM 1780 and 1780L | Yes |
CHEM 3310 and 3310L & CHEM 3320 and 3320L | Yes |
PHYS 1310/1310L and PHYS 1320/1320L OR PHYS 2210 and 2320 | Yes |
BBMB 4040 and 4050 OR BMB 3030 OR BBMB 3160 | Yes |
Math requirements vary based on individual schools; a semester of statistics and a semester of calculus is typically recommended | Yes |
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.
Course(s) | Included in Nutritional Science degree requirements? |
---|---|
CHEM 1770 and 1770L & CHEM 1780 and 1780L | Yes |
CHEM 3310 and 3310L & CHEM 3320 and 3320L | Yes |
BIOL 2110/2110L and BIOL 2120/2120L | Yes |
PHYS 1310/1310L and PHYS 1320/1320L OR PHYS 2210 and 2320 | Yes |
BBMB 4040 and 4050 OR BBMB 3030 OR BBMB 3160 | Yes |
PSYCH 1010 | Yes, students can select as social science or required elective credits. |
ECON 1010 | Yes, students can select as social science or required elective credits. |
STAT 1010 | Yes |
MATH 1600 OR MATH 1650 | Yes |
SPCM 2120 | Yes |
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.
Course(s) | Included in Nutritional Science degree requirements? |
---|---|
BIOL 2110/2110L and BIOL 2120/2120L | Yes |
BIOL 2550 and 2550L & BIOL 2560 and 2560L | Yes |
CHEM 1770 and 1770L & CHEM 1780 and 1780L | Yes |
CHEM 3310 and 3310L & CHEM 3320 and 3320L OR CHEM 2301 and 2310L | Yes, select CHEM 332/L from list of courses. |
BBMB 3010 OR BBMB 3030 OR BBMB 3160 | Yes, select from list of courses. |
PSYCH 1010 | Yes, select for social science or required elective credits. |
STAT 1010 | Yes |
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 advisor:
- Nursing
- Occupational therapy
- Optometry
- Physical therapy school
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. Commonly, students who begin as pre-health change their mind. That’s why it’s important to choose a major that interests you.
In addition to pre-health professional schools, Nutritional Science graduates are prepared to go on to advanced graduate education as preparation for careers in nutrition research and education careers. 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.

Ready for the Next Step?
Pursue your passion in our nutritional science program!