Nutrition
Care for others through a Nutrition Degree.
Turn your interest in food, health, and science into a career that can make a difference in people’s lives. Rockford University’s Nutrition programs explore the connection between what we eat and how we live, preparing you with a strong foundation in nutrition, health, and the sciences.
Nutrition Science, B.S.
If you want to understand nutrition at the scientific level – and are considering becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) – the Nutrition Science major provides the rigorous preparation you’ll need for your next step.
You’ll build a strong foundation in biology and chemistry while studying topics such as food science, lifecycle nutrition, and medical nutrition therapy. The curriculum is specifically designed to prepare students for graduate study in dietetics through an accredited program, an essential step toward pursuing the RDN credential.
Nutrition Studies, B.S.
Interested in nutrition but looking for a broader path into the field? The Nutrition Studies major combines a foundation in the natural sciences with focused study of nutrition, food, and health, preparing you to apply what you learn in a variety of professional settings.
Through courses in food science, lifecycle nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, kinesiology, and related areas, you’ll explore nutrition from multiple perspectives. This flexible degree is designed for students interested in entering fields such as food science or community health after graduation and provides a strong foundation for a variety of nutrition- and health-related professional pursuits.
Which Nutrition Degree is Right for You?
Both programs explore the connections between nutrition, food, and health—but they are designed for different academic and career goals.
Nutrition Science |
Nutrition Studies |
| Best for: Students interested in becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or pursuing graduate study in dietetics. | Best for: Students interested in careers in food science, community health, or other nutrition- and health-related fields. |
| Science focus: A rigorous natural science foundation with extensive coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and biochemistry. | Science focus: A broader natural science foundation complemented by coursework in nutrition, health, and kinesiology. |
| Nutrition coursework: Explore food science, food economics, lifecycle nutrition, and medical nutrition therapy. | Nutrition coursework: Explore food science, food economics, lifecycle nutrition, and medical nutrition therapy. |
| Where it can lead: Provides the undergraduate foundation for pursuing an accredited graduate program in dietetics and the RDN credential. | Where it can lead: Prepares graduates to pursue opportunities in areas such as food science and community health. |
| Choose this path if: You want a science-intensive nutrition degree and plan to continue your education toward becoming an RDN. | Choose this path if: You want a versatile nutrition degree designed to prepare you for professional opportunities after graduation. |
Program Highlights
Food Science Dive into the science of food, exploring methods of cooking, preservation, and the factors affecting quality of food products.
Impact on Health Make a positive impact on people’s health through nutrition.
Opportunities Graduates can pursue a variety of paths including grad school, wellness coordinators, nutrition education, product development, etc.
Nutritional Industry 10 Year Outlook*
$73K
Median Annual Pay
6%
Industry Growth
6,200
Annual Job Openings
Office of Admission
Johnson Center
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
Phone: 815-226-4050
Fax: 815-226-2822
Email: Admissions@rockford.eduHours
Mon-Fri: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Sat: 9:00am - 1:00pm
Please call to reserve an appointment on Saturdays.
