Nutrition - Major (B.S.)

dietitian measuring avocado on scale at office

Major: Nutrition
Degree awarded: Bachelor of Science
Tracks: Traditional 4-year or Accelerated 3-year (Fall 2027)
Total credit hours: 28
Internship/Practicum opportunities: Visit the Career Development Center for internship and practicum information.

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About the Nutrition Major

If you’re interested in how food, health, and lifestyle choices shape well-being across the lifespan, the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition at Thiel College provides a strong, science-based foundation grounded in personalized learning and real-world application.

Nutrition is the study of how nutrients affect human health, disease prevention, and overall wellness—within biological, social, and cultural contexts. At Thiel, you’ll explore nutrition science through small classes, hands-on labs, and supportive faculty who help you connect coursework to meaningful careers.

This program is well suited for students who want to:

Prepare for careers in nutrition, dietetics, and community health
Choose the accelerated 3-year track or a traditional 4-year track path, depending on your goals and timeline.
Pursue graduate study or professional programs in healthcare or allied health
Combine nutrition with interests in wellness, fitness, public health, or pre-medical pathways
Make a measurable impact on individual and community health outcomes

At Thiel, you’ll gain the scientific knowledge and professional skills needed to promote wellness—while learning in a close-knit academic environment that prioritizes your success.

At the end of your program, not only will you be a Thiel graduate, but you will also gain practical food safety training and have the opportunity to earn the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification, a nationally recognized credential used throughout the foodservice and healthcare industries.

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Program Curriculum

The Nutrition B.S. offers a focused curriculum emphasizing human biology, food science, and applied nutrition—paired with experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for health-focused careers.

You’ll study core topics such as:

Principles of nutrition and metabolism
Nutrition across the lifespan
Food science and food safety
Nutrition and disease prevention
Performance and community nutrition

Through labs, practicums, and applied coursework, students translate scientific evidence into practical nutrition guidance for individuals and populations—an approach that reflects Thiel’s applied, student-centered curriculum and prepares graduates to both understand nutrition science and communicate it effectively in real-world settings.

Students can also supplement their curriculum with a variety of certification programs designed to strengthen practical skills, enhance professional credentials, and expand career readiness across health, wellness, and nutrition-related fields.

Explore the curriculum in the Academic Catalog.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Nutrition comes to life through experience. As a Nutrition major at Thiel, you’ll apply classroom knowledge through hands-on learning opportunities that connect science to people and communities.

Nutrition students at Thiel College receive applied training in food safety and foodservice management. Through the program, students have the opportunity to earn the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification, a nationally recognized credential that prepares graduates to oversee safe food operations in healthcare, athletic, and community settings.

Students may participate in:

Internships or practicums in healthcare, wellness, or community settings
Faculty-guided labs and applied research experiences
Community health or nutrition education initiatives

These experiences help students build professional confidence while developing practical skills valued by employers and graduate programs.

Preparation for Graduate and Professional Programs

The Nutrition B.S. provides a strong academic foundation for students planning to pursue advanced study or professional pathways. Graduates may continue into:

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) programs
Healthcare or allied health professional programs
Public health or community wellness programs
Medical, dental, or other health-related graduate study (with appropriate advising and coursework)

With individualized advising, students can tailor their academic plan to align with long-term professional goals.

Nutrition Major Objectives

The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition emphasizes scientific understanding, applied problem-solving, and professional communication—essential skills for health-focused careers.

Nutrition students at Thiel will:

Develop a strong understanding of nutrients, human biology, and the factors influencing diet and health
Apply evidence-based nutrition principles to promote wellness and prevent disease
Interpret scientific data and assess nutritional needs across diverse populations
Communicate nutrition information clearly through oral, written, and educational formats
Build interpersonal and teamwork skills for collaborative healthcare and community environments

Alumni & Careers

A Nutrition degree from Thiel opens doors to a wide range of health-related careers focused on service, prevention, and wellness.

Over the years graduates have established careers at:

Hospitals and healthcare systems
Clinics and long-term care facilities
Schools and community nutrition programs
Corporate wellness and fitness organizations
Food and nutrition industries

They have also gone on to graduate and professional programs at institutions such as Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Duke University, Vanderbilt University, the University of Pittsburgh, and more.

Thiel’s alumni network and Career Development Center support students well beyond graduation—offering career guidance, networking opportunities, and professional preparation.

Student Life Experiences

Your experience as a Nutrition major extends beyond the classroom. Students are encouraged to engage in campus organizations that enhance leadership, collaboration, and professional growth.

Nutrition majors may be interested in:

Health Professions Institute
Sigma Xi (Scientific Research Society)
Beta Beta Beta (National Biology Honorary)
Haller Enterprise Institute

These experiences help students build connections, explore interests, and develop a well-rounded college experience.

Scholarship Opportunities

Thiel College is committed to making education accessible. Nutrition majors may qualify for scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership, or service.

Nutrition-related scholarships include:

Marion G. Resch Science Scholarship
Dr. Florence West Tribute to Dr. Bly
Ruth and Sheridan Brown Allied Health Scholarship
Dr. Judith A. Crissman ’64 Endowed Scholarship Fund
Maenpa Family Biotechnology Endowed Scholarship Fund
Elizabeth McElhaney Scholarship
Arthur E. Smith Scholarship Fund
TWC Amelia Earhart Scholarship
The Ethel Smith Vierheller Award Fund
Irene Wintersteen Memorial Science Scholarship

Visit the Financial Aid page to learn more about available aid options.

Learn More About Thiel College’s Nutrition Major

If you’re looking for a nutrition degree that combines science, hands-on learning, and personalized support, the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition at Thiel College offers a pathway built around your goals.

You’ll graduate prepared to promote health, support communities, and pursue meaningful careers—guided by faculty who invest in your success and a campus community that feels like home.