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Nutrition Major & Minor

Nutrition is the science that connects food and eating to health and well-being. Information about food and nutrition, some of it not very reliable, surrounds us. Nutrition professionals work in a variety of roles to support individuals, communities and populations. A strong foundation in nutrition is important for professionals seeking careers in nutrition and dietetics, healthcare, fitness, food science and technology, public health, sports nutrition and other fields.

Why study nutrition at St. Thomas?

Our program is designed to help students build and apply knowledge of nutrients – their food sources, functions and metabolism – and how these impact the human body. Students will learn to communicate behaviors that align with healthy eating patterns to support the needs of different life stages and diverse populations. Nutrition students will build skills in finding, evaluating and translating information about food and nutrition for a variety of audiences. Many of our nutrition major graduates pursue graduate degrees in nutrition and dietetics. The nutrition minor is open to students from all academic areas of study.

Program Overview

  • Course Requirements
  • Four-Year Plan
  • Degrees Awarded
  • Scholarships
  • Internships

    • Course Requirements

    Students in the major and minor complete courses in nutrition, food science, sports nutrition, and food and nutrition communication. Students in the major also explore biology, chemistry, psychology, statistics and other courses - preparing for the future careers in food, nutrition and pre-health.

    Four-Year Plan

    Students will complete foundational courses in biology and chemistry, along with courses in food and nutrition. We recommend connecting with the program director early in your academic career to make sure you stay on track with the program for graduation.

    Degrees Awarded

    Bachelor of Science in Nutrition

    Minor in Nutrition

    Scholarships

    We offer the Bridget A. Duoos Endowed Research Fund Scholarship to students each year, sponsoring faculty-mentored research and travel funds for other student research. Dr. Duoos was a St. Thomas professor from 1995 to 2016 and chair of the Health and Exercise Science Department. She was a highly productive scholar, making significant contributions to the discipline and was a dedicated advocate to student academic success.

    Internships

    All of our students complete a 100-hour internship with one-on-one guidance from a faculty member. We often see students intern with healthcare, athletic, community, food-service and other food and nutrition-focused settings. We designed the internship program to provide you with real-world experience to ensure you find a career that interests you.

    Course Requirements

    Course Requirements

    Students in the major and minor complete courses in nutrition, food science, sports nutrition, and food and nutrition communication. Students in the major also explore biology, chemistry, psychology, statistics and other courses - preparing for the future careers in food, nutrition and pre-health.

    Four-Year Plan

    Four-Year Plan

    Students will complete foundational courses in biology and chemistry, along with courses in food and nutrition. We recommend connecting with the program director early in your academic career to make sure you stay on track with the program for graduation.

    Degrees Awarded

    Degrees Awarded

    Bachelor of Science in Nutrition

    Minor in Nutrition

    Scholarships

    Scholarships

    We offer the Bridget A. Duoos Endowed Research Fund Scholarship to students each year, sponsoring faculty-mentored research and travel funds for other student research. Dr. Duoos was a St. Thomas professor from 1995 to 2016 and chair of the Health and Exercise Science Department. She was a highly productive scholar, making significant contributions to the discipline and was a dedicated advocate to student academic success.

    Internships

    Internships

    All of our students complete a 100-hour internship with one-on-one guidance from a faculty member. We often see students intern with healthcare, athletic, community, food-service and other food and nutrition-focused settings. We designed the internship program to provide you with real-world experience to ensure you find a career that interests you.
    Fresh fruit in a basket

    Career Paths

    We'll give you the knowledge and tools you need to work in a career you're passionate about after graduation:

    • Nutrition and dietetics
    • Healthcare
    • Fitness
    • Food science and technology
    • Public health
    • Sports nutrition

    Teachers with Experience

    Amber Roy headshot

    Amber Roy, MS, RDN, LDN

    Amber Roy, MS, RDN, LDN is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Health and Exercise Science and the Nutrition Program Director. She strives for excellence in teaching and mentoring by exploring active, learner-centered and inclusive strategies.

    Meet Amber Roy

    Take the Next Step

    best-value-logo-2022-transparent.pngThere is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.

    Related Majors and Minors

    Our program pairs well with a number of other majors at St. Thomas.

    Majors