B.S. Nutrition, Pre-Health

The Pre‑Health & Nutrition Science options are intentionally structured for students preparing for clinical professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and related fields. These options emphasize rigorous science coursework, applied nutritional biochemistry, and experiential learning that strengthens readiness for graduate and professional study.

Students seeking a broader application of nutrition may choose the Health & Wellness option, which integrates core nutrition science with the opportunity to select a complementary minor. This pathway prepares graduates for roles in community health, corporate wellness, health promotion, and lifestyle‑focused professions.

Throughout the curriculum, students engage in hands‑on learning, research experiences, and opportunities that connect scientific knowledge to real‑world health challenges. A dedicated pre‑health advisor supports students in selecting the right option, planning professional prerequisites, and preparing for the next steps toward their chosen careers.

The mission of the Nutrition Science option at Auburn University is to provide a high-quality program of study that integrates core nutrition science courses with additional courses in chemistry, physics, and biology to prepare graduates for entry into professional/graduate schools or nutrition-related careers dedicated to enhancing human well-being and quality of life.

 Student Learning Outcomes

1. Foundational Knowledge: Apply basic nutritional principles in macro-nutrient and micro-nutrient metabolism and function.
2. Critical Thinking: Assess the relationships between health and nutrient intake for individuals and populations using scientific evidence (using your foundational knowledge).
3. Communication: A. Identify best practice modalities for communicating with target groups. B. Communicate complex nutrition concepts for target groups.
4. Skill/technology: Employ technologies in nutrition science and practice ethical decision making in the use of technology (e.g. diet analysis software, evidence libraries, AI, etc.)

Student learning outcomes data are available upon request.

The Nutrition Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Program (ABM) offers students an opportunity to earn both the bachelor's and the master's degrees in less time and at less cost than usual. The ABM program allows these students to count 9 hours toward both the bachelor's and master's degrees, reducing the total number of credits to be taken during the Dietetic Internships affiliated with Auburn University. 

Below is a list of approved courses (maximum of 9 credits allowed) that can be taken in the ABM program and what course that replaces at the undergraduate level for DPD students:

NTRI 6040        Global Nutrition and Hunger (Replaces NTRI 4620 Public Health Nutrition)

NTRI 7040        Health Behavior Theory for Nutrition Counseling & Education (Replaces NTRI 5760 Nutrition Counseling)

NTRI 7030        Leadership and Management in Nutritional Sciences (Replaces NTRI 5560 Nutrition and Food Service Management) 

Eligibility Requirements for the Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s include:

• Cumulative GPA of 3.4
• Completed 45 hours of coursework, with at least 24 hours at Auburn University

• Clinical & Professional Health Careers
  • Medicine
  • Dentistry
  • Optometry
  • Physician Assistant Studies
  • Physical Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Chiropractic care
  • Podiatry
• Research & Scientific Fields
  • Students interested in scientific inquiry can work in:
    • Biomedical research labs
    • Nutrition science research centers
    • Public health and epidemiology projects
    • Aging, chronic disease, and metabolic research Research‑oriented students often pursue MS or PhD programs to deepen expertise.
• Public Health & Community Wellness
  • Graduates who want to improve population‑level health can enter:
    • Public health departments
    • Nonprofit health organizations
    • Community nutrition programs
    • Governmental health agencies (local, state, federal) These roles focus on disease prevention, health promotion, and nutrition education.
• Corporate, Wellness & Lifestyle Industries
  • Students in the health & wellness track often pursue:
    • Corporate wellness programs
    • Health coaching
    • Fitness and sports nutrition
    • Food and nutrition communications
    • Health technology and digital health platforms This pathway blends nutrition knowledge with communication, behavior change, and business strategy.
• Education & Advocacy
  • Graduates may also engage in:
    • Nutrition education
    • Community teaching programs
    • Health policy advocacy
    • Extension services