BS in Nutrition
Be part of the evolving science of nutrition and health
The B.S. in nutrition is a pathway to a career as a dietitian, nutritionist, health educator while it also provides excellent preparation for other professions in the health sciences, such as physicians, physician assistants, dentists, osteopaths, nurses, naturopaths and biomedical researchers.
UMass Amherst nutrition students follow one of three tracks, each designed for students with different interests and career goals: dietetics, nutrition and health sciences, nutrition and society.
Students on all three tracks complete a core of science courses that provides a foundation for understanding the relationship between nutrition health and disease. They also complete a core of nutrition courses in which they learn about: the actions, interactions and balance of nutrients and other bioactive compounds; foods and their nutritional content; changes in nutrient needs across the life span; nutrition in the prevention and treatment of disease; nutrition science research and communication; social, economic, cultural, and psychological factors that influence consumption choices and access to foods.
Nutrition is a major with exciting, innovative career opportunities.
Benefits list
ACEND Accreditation
The dietetics track is accredited with the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), and fulfills the ACEND Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) requirements. It is the first step toward becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).
Career-Ready Skills
Graduates of this program have the skills to assess nutritional needs, provide counseling and education, and implement dietary plans for individuals or groups. The program can also prepare you for careers as physicians, physician assistants, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, and biomedical researchers.
Featured faculty
Heather Wemhoener
Director, Online MPH in Nutrition Program
Focus on clinical dietetics
Claire Norton
Undergraduate Program Director, Nutrition
Didactic Program in Dietetics Director, Nutrition
Focus on dietetics and eating disorders
Nicole Goldstein
Undergraduate Academic Advisor, Nutrition
Nutrition advising, and nutrition science communication and education
Lorraine Cordeiro
Director, Center for Research on Families
Focus on food security, adolescent health and nutrition, undernutrition, refugees/immigrants
Lindiwe Sibeko
Department Chair, Nutrition
Maternal and child health in racial/ethnic minorities and low-income populations, breastfeeding & lactation; community-based research; childhood obesity
Application information & deadlines
Prospective students interested in the nutrition major begin by applying to the university.
Fall 2023 Early Action Deadline
Prospective first-year students must submit their application via the Common App by Nov. 5.
Regular Decision Deadline
Prospective students should apply to the Common App by Jan. 15.
Spring Semester Application Deadline
Prospective students who wish to begin in the spring term should submit the Common App by Oct. 15.
Nutrition
Offering an interdisciplinary approach to the study and application of the relationship between diet, foods, and health.