Human Physiology & Nutrition B.S.

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology and Nutrition is an interdisciplinary program that combines the study of human body functions with the science of nutrition. This comprehensive degree explores the biochemical and physiological processes that sustain human life, alongside how nutrients impact health, disease prevention, and optimal performance.

Students in this program gain a deep understanding of human anatomy, physiology, metabolism, and biochemical processes, integrated with nutritional science principles. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based approaches to understanding how diet affects physical performance, disease prevention, and overall health maintenance throughout the lifespan.

Graduates develop critical thinking skills and practical laboratory experiences that prepare them for various professional pathways in healthcare, research, fitness industries, public health, and food science. The program provides a solid foundation for those pursuing advanced degrees in medicine, physical therapy, or other health professions.

Curriculum

The Human Physiology and Nutrition B.S. program encompasses 120 credit hours, including general education requirements, major coursework, and electives. The curriculum balances foundational scientific knowledge with specialized study in physiology and nutrition.

Core Courses

Elective Courses

Students can customize their education by selecting from a variety of elective courses, including:

• Advanced Sports Nutrition
• Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals
• Clinical Dietetics
• Pediatric Nutrition
• Nutrition and Aging
• Food Science and Technology
• Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating
• Public Health Nutrition
• Research in Physiology
• Mechanisms of Disease

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Human Physiology and Nutrition B.S. program are well-prepared for diverse career paths that combine knowledge of human body function with nutrition science. The degree opens doors to various professional opportunities in healthcare, research, and wellness industries.

Direct Career Paths

Admissions Requirements

Admission to the Human Physiology and Nutrition B.S. program requires strong foundational knowledge in sciences and mathematics. The following are typical requirements for prospective students:

High School Preparation

• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Strong performance in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics (through trigonometry)
• SAT/ACT scores (if required by institution)
• Limited to no remedial coursework needed

Transfer Student Requirements

• Minimum 2.5 GPA in college-level coursework
• Completion of prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher:
  • General Biology I & II
  • General Chemistry I & II
  • College Algebra or higher mathematics

Application Materials

• Completed application form
• Official transcripts from all high schools and colleges attended
• Personal statement or essay addressing interest in human physiology and nutrition
• Letters of recommendation (typically 2-3)
• Resume or other relevant experience documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Human Physiology and Nutrition different from other related majors?

Human Physiology and Nutrition uniquely combines the study of how the human body functions with comprehensive nutrition science. While physiology programs may focus primarily on body systems, and nutrition programs on dietary principles, our integrated approach examines how these two fields interact. Students learn not just what nutrients do, but how they impact physiological processes at cellular, tissue, and organ levels.

Can this program prepare me for medical school?

Yes, the Human Physiology and Nutrition B.S. provides an excellent foundation for medical school and other health professional programs. Our curriculum covers many prerequisite courses required for medical programs and offers advanced coursework in physiology and biochemistry that can give you a competitive edge in medical school admissions and during your medical education.

Are there opportunities for hands-on experience?

Our program emphasizes practical experience through laboratory courses, undergraduate research opportunities with faculty, and internships in clinical and community settings. Students can gain experience in physiological assessment techniques, nutritional counseling, research methodology, and program implementation.

Can I become a Registered Dietitian with this degree?

While our Human Physiology and Nutrition B.S. provides strong foundational knowledge, to become a Registered Dietitian, you would need to complete additional requirements specified by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. These typically include specific coursework not included in our program and completion of a supervised practice program. Our program can be combined with additional coursework or pursued as pathway to nutrition-related graduate programs that meet these requirements.

What is the job outlook for graduates?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong growth in fields related to human physiology and nutrition. Dietitians and nutritionists are expected to see an 11% increase in employment from 2020-2030, faster than the average for all occupations. Similarly, careers in healthcare, wellness, biomedical research, and public health offer promising opportunities for graduates with specialized knowledge in both physiology and nutrition.