Overview
Nutritional Science examines the impact of food and nutrients on human health, bridging the gap between foundational science and practical nutrition applications. This degree is particularly beneficial for students aspiring to enter professional fields such as medicine or dentistry.
- Degree Level: Bachelor’s
- Academic Focus: Nutritional science, food and nutrient analysis, nutrition assessment, and applied nutrition
- Delivery Format: On-campus
- Application Notes: No separate application is necessary; students can select this major during their application to the University of Maryland.
- Program Code: 1306H
- Pre-Professional Pathways: Suitable for premedical and pre-dental preparation
- Language of Instruction: English
What You'll Study
The typical curriculum encompasses various areas, including human nutrition, food science and technology, laboratory methods, and practical nutrition applications. Course offerings may differ based on academic year and advising plans.
Example Course List:
- Elements of Nutrition
- Food: Science and Technology
- Nutrition During the Life Cycle
- Foodservice Operations
- Methods of Nutritional Assessment
- Experiential Learning
- Nutritional Genomics
- Food Processing Technology
- Mechanics of Food Processing
- Food Chemistry
- Food Product Research and Development
- Food Chemistry Laboratory
- International Nutrition
- Food Microbiology
- Food Quality Control
- Food Microbiology Laboratory
- Advanced Human Nutrition
- Food and Nutrient Analysis
- Medical Nutrition Therapy
- Practicum in Nutrition
- Community Nutrition
- Special Problems in Nutrition
- Issues and Problems in Dietetics
Learning Experience:
- Practicum/Experiential Components: Designed to enable students to apply nutrition concepts in structured learning environments.
- Laboratory Learning: Focuses on developing skills in food chemistry, microbiology, and nutrition-related analysis.
Entry Requirements
No GRE or GMAT scores are required for this program, and specific GPA cut-offs are not specified in the available information.
English Language Requirements:
- Duolingo English Test (DET): minimum score of 120
- TOEFL iBT: minimum score of 95
- IELTS: minimum score of 7.0
General Application Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Non-refundable application fee
- Two letters of recommendation (typically one from a school counselor and one from a teacher)
- Official high school transcripts
- Official college transcripts (if applicable)
- Activities and awards list or resume
- Personal essay
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Nutritional Science program can pursue a variety of career paths in healthcare, nutrition, food service, and wellness sectors. Positions may include roles as nutritionists, dietitians, food technologists, or health educators, among others, depending on individual interests and further qualifications.