Nutrition Science Degrees Online: Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition Science

Increasing emphasis on health and nutrition has created new opportunities for employment in one of the nation's fastest-growing industries: health care.* Kaplan University's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science is designed to prepare you to enter this exciting industry in which you may make a positive difference in the lives of others. With Kaplan University's online program, you can continue working in your current job while you earn your degree from the convenience of your home, office, or anywhere you have Internet access.

| Curriculum | Tuition and Fees

Program Highlights

In this program you will explore various topics, concepts, values, research methods, and applications in nutrition science. Your coursework will focus on:

Exploring the principles and pharmacology of nutrition and how dietary choices can contribute to a healthy lifestyle
Acquiring an understanding of digestion, absorption, and metabolism of foods and nutritional needs at various stages of the life cycle
Developing the administrative, ethical, and professional skills necessary for leadership positions throughout the health care field
Completing an original comprehensive capstone project that demonstrates your ability to apply your nutrition science knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios

A Fast Track to a Master’s Degree

Students enrolled in Kaplan University’s Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science can choose to complete the accelerated Master of Health Care Administration or Master of Public Health option. Designed for high-potential undergraduate students interested in earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, the accelerated option allows you to work toward your Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science while simultaneously completing up to five core courses in either the Master of Health Care Administration or the Master of Public Health. If you successfully complete these courses with a minimum course grade, and have applied and been accepted to the applicable Kaplan University master’s degree program, you will enter a shortened version of the master’s degree program.

The accelerated option allows you to earn your Kaplan University Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science and a master’s degree at a faster pace and lower cost than completing each degree separately. Qualification for the accelerated Master of Health Care Administration and Master of Public Health options is subject to eligibility requirements. Please contact an Admissions Advisor for more information.

What Are the Career Opportunities?

The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science degree may advance your career in holistic health care, health science, nutrition, and other health care- and health science-related industries. Your degree may help you qualify for nutrition-related careers in hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, athletic clubs and wellness centers, public health programs, and the food and pharmaceutical industries. Experienced nutrition science professionals often work as consultants for sports teams, corporations, and restaurants.^†‡

Curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science

Course #	Course Title	Credits
100/200-level	100/200-LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE	5 100/200-LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE
	100/200-LEVEL: MATHEMATICS COURSE	5 100/200-LEVEL: MATHEMATICS COURSE
	200-LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE	5 200-LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE
300/400-level	300/400-LEVEL: ARTS AND HUMANITIES COURSE	6 300/400-LEVEL: ARTS AND HUMANITIES COURSE
300/400-level	300/400-LEVEL: PHYSICAL SCIENCE COURSE	6 300/400-LEVEL: PHYSICAL SCIENCE COURSE
300/400-level	300/400-LEVEL: SOCIAL SCIENCE COURSE	6 300/400-LEVEL: SOCIAL SCIENCE COURSE

Course #	Course Title	Credits
HS 100	INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH SCIENCE	5 INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH SCIENCE In this required introductory course, students will identify current issues in health science and how they relate to chosen health science professions. Educational and credentialing requirements will be defined for health science occupations. Students will create a personal education plan, choosing appropriate electives and identifying specific career optionsbased on personal goals and research of the profession. Professional traits and skills for success in the field will be explored as well as discussion of roles and responsibilities of selected health professionals.
MA 104	ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I	5 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I This course is an integrated study of the human body. The course presents the chemical basis of life, a basic understanding of cells, cellular metabolism, and tissue composition and functions. The course also includes the study of the structures and functions of the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and somatic.
MA 107	ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II	5 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II This course is a continuation of the integrated study of the human body. The course emphasizes the morphology and physiology of the following systems: circulatory, lymphatic, endocrine, digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive.
NS 205	FOOD SAFETY AND MICROBIOLOGY	5 FOOD SAFETY AND MICROBIOLOGY This course covers the major issues in food safety and food microbiology. It includes the basic principles of food safety and sanitation, various microorganisms that cause foodborne illnesses, the flow of food through the food service establishment, and management's role in training the food handler.
NS 210	NUTRITIONAL ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT	5 NUTRITIONAL ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT This course includes the study of methods and equipment used for nutritional analysis in health, obesity, and malnutrition. Students learn how to utilize the software based on manual data-gathering systems to assess nutritional status.
NS 220	NUTRITION PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT	5 NUTRITION PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT This course addresses the nutritional planning for the maintenance of health and wellness. The studies include identification, assessment, and management of nutritional deficiencies occurring due to food choices and pharmacotherapy.
NS 315	NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY	6 NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY The course examines the physiochemical aspects of energy metabolism and macro- and micronutrients. Mechanisms underlying the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and special nutrients are discussed. The biochemical basis of various nutritional disorders, including metabolic and genetic disorders, is studied.
NS 325	NUTRITION ACROSS THE HUMAN LIFE CYCLE	6 NUTRITION ACROSS THE HUMAN LIFE CYCLE Studies in this course encompass the nutritional issue across the life cycle, including pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation. The course considers nutritional aspects related to neonates, infants, and children. The special needs of adolescents and disorders affecting this age group are discussed. The coursework will also include a discussion of nutritional demands and food choices in the geriatric population.
NS 335	NUTRITION FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS	6 NUTRITION FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS Studies in this course emphasize the nutrition and dietetic considerations for healthy individuals with special needs, such as geriatric and gender-specific needs. The coursework includes analyzing nutritional and dietetic needs, and designing appropriate protocols for clients with chronic, progressive, or degenerative diseases and metabolic disorders, as well as for special needs children and infants. The course addresses the underlying principles of total parenteral nutrition and nasogastric tube feeding.
SC 155	INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY-MATTER AND EQUILIBRIUM	5 INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY-MATTER AND EQUILIBRIUM This course allows students to explore the fundamental theories of chemistry, with an emphasis on the chemical processes that affect their lives. Students will learn how to apply new knowledge about a variety of topics-the states of matter, the periodic chart, chemical properties and reactions, bonding and kinetics, and solutions, including acids, bases, and buffers-to better understand the natural and human-made world. No previous knowledge of chemistry is needed to enroll in this nonmajors science course.
	100/200-LEVEL MAJOR ELECTIVE	5 100/200-LEVEL MAJOR ELECTIVE
	300/400-LEVEL MAJOR ELECTIVES	24 300/400-LEVEL MAJOR ELECTIVES
NS 499	BACHELOR'S CAPSTONE IN NUTRITION SCIENCE	6 BACHELOR'S CAPSTONE IN NUTRITION SCIENCE This capstone course is the culminating experience for the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science. This course builds on the concepts of all the courses students have taken within the program of study. The capstone course provides students with the opportunity to integrate and synthesize the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their coursework in an original comprehensive project, and to assess their level of mastery of the stated outcomes of their degree program in nutrition science.

Course #	Course Title	Credits
	OPEN ELECTIVES*	59 OPEN ELECTIVES*

*Eligible students who choose to complete the accelerated Master of Health Care Administration or Master of Public Health option will take up to five graduate-level courses in addition to selected undergraduate electives.

Total Program Requirements	180 Total Program Requirements

Core
Major
Open Elective
Total Program Requirements

You Could Save Time and Money on Your Kaplan University Degree

Credit for Prior Learning

Our undergraduate degree programs feature large pools of open electives designed to offer greater flexibility when applying transfer credits toward program requirements. In addition, you can enroll in our portfolio development course, which helps you document your work and life experience in a portfolio you can submit for consideration for college credits. Qualifying transfer credit may reduce your total costs for undergraduate programs. Refer to the University Catalog for our transfer of credit policy.

Continuing Students

Students who earn their bachelor’s degree at Kaplan University and enroll in a master’s degree program may be eligible for an alumni tuition reduction. For more information, contact your Admissions Advisor.

Students in the Military

Kaplan University is proud to support our military and veterans in their educational pursuits by offering significantly reduced tuition. Undergraduate program tuition is reduced up to 55 percent for active-duty servicemembers and up to 38 percent for veterans. In addition, Kaplan University participates in the Yellow Ribbon program for all of our graduate programs, and both active-duty servicemembers and veterans are eligible for special tuition rates for these programs. A 10 percent tuition reduction is also available to spouses of active-duty servicemembers. For more information, call 866.583.4412 (Toll Free) to speak to a military Admissions Advisor or visit the Kaplan University military site.

Tuition and Fees

Cost per credit hour	$371.00
Total program requirements Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science	180
Total cost of tuition	$66,780.00
This program requires a $100 technology fee per term. A nonrefundable application fee, depending on your program and as described in the Tuition and Fees Supplement, may be required at the time of enrollment. We encourage you to explore the availability of financial aid and scholarships. For more information, contact an Admissions Advisor.

Chat with a representative about your financial aid options

Chat Now

Kaplan University’s Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science program is not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE). While the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science program is designed to academically prepare students to pursue a variety of nutrition-oriented careers and advanced education, the program does not lead directly to certification as a registered dietitian.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Tomorrow's Jobs, http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco2003.htm (accessed April, 2011). National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.
^†Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Dietitians and Nutritionists, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos077.htm (accessed April, 2011).
^‡Kaplan University's programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job, eligible for job advancement opportunities, or employed at all. Additional training or certification may be required.

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science

School of Health Sciences