Undergraduate

Nutrition is the science in which biology, chemistry. and social sciences meet to study and explain metabolic pathways for nutrients, therapies for diseases, and food habits and customs.

Pre-Med? Pre-PA? Pre-Dental? Reasons to consider Nutritional Sciences:

1. You’re already taking many of the same courses
   • There is significant overlap in the Nutritional Sciences major requirements and the courses needed for Medical, Dental, PA, etc. This means you can complete you’re pre-health requirements more efficiently and have space for potential double majors, certificates, and/or study abroad.
   • For more information on pre-health requirements, check out prehealth.wisc.edu/explore-healthcare.
2. Foundational Knowledge & Interdisciplinary Skills
   • Nutritional Science students gain skills across multiple disciplines, including biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, and for Dietetics students, food science and business. At the same time, our curriculum provides a comprehensive foundation in biological and chemical sciences, all of which are crucial for the health professionals.
3. Research Opportunities
   • Our students have the opportunity to engage in nutrition-related research, which can enhance critical thinking and evidence-based practice.
4. Unique Background & Holistic Approach to Health
   • The field of Nutritional Sciences emphasizes the importance of nutrition and lifestyle on overall health. This holistic perspective is increasingly valued in healthcare settings where preventative medicine is becoming a focal point. Health providers should understand the role of nutrition in managing chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. This unique background can set you apart in competitive admissions and hiring processes.
5. Flexible Career Options
   • Beyond the health professions, Nutritional Sciences students can pursue careers in research, public health, food service management, corporate wellness, sports and performance nutrition, and more. Our dietetics program can lead to becoming an RDN, adding a valuable credential that can complement other health careers.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Nutritional Sciences
offers undergraduates a choice of 2 degrees that reflect areas of nutrition:

• Dietetics
  • The UW-Madison Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) combines clinical and managerial courses with the nutrition core to prepare students to become registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN). RDNs work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, colleges, wellness programs and nursing homes as well as in public health agencies, the food industry, and research labs. Learn more about careers as a RDN by visiting the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
  • The DPD is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education and Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
    Students who complete the Nutritional Sciences major in the DPD program receive the Bachelor of Science–Dietetics degree.
• Nutritional Sciences
  • This degree is focused on the natural sciences necessary for a solid background in the biological aspects of Nutrition. A Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Sciences with a major in Nutritional Sciences prepares a student for work in research laboratories, food and nutrition industries, or experimental stations. This degree provides an excellent foundation for graduate study, medical school, and health-related careers in nursing and nutrition.

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