Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Nutritional Sciences
100% of nutritional sciences majors participate in at least one internship, co-op, fieldwork or practicum.
With hands-on, cutting-edge training, this program equips you to take on today’s biggest health challenges—from obesity and chronic diseases to broken food systems. Get ready to make a real impact on both people and the planet.
Nutritional Sciences Degree at a Glance
Program Type
Major
Mode of Study
On Campus
Internship
Guaranteed
Est. Time
4 Years
Start Terms
Fall, Spring
Cost
School
Accreditation
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Spring Open House
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
from 1:00 pm
to 4:00 pm
At our Spring Open House, you'll attend academic breakout sessions, connect with members of our community, and take a tour of our beautiful New England campus.
The Nutritional Sciences Major
As a Nutritional Sciences major, you’ll dive deep into how food impacts your health, the world around you and the planet.
What You'll Study
By applying psychology, social science and behavior principles, you’ll bring real-world solutions to clinical practice. Plus, you’ll sharpen your critical thinking and scientific skills to evaluate and reshape nutrition and food systems. It’s all about making smarter, healthier choices for individuals and society.
Anatomy and Physiology
Nutritional Sciences
Public Health
Health Behavior and Promotion
Community Nutrition
Basic Statistics
Chemistry
Exercise Program Design
Global Public Health
Environmental Health
Skills You'll Learn
As a Nutritional Sciences major, you’ll develop a diverse set of skills that combine science, critical thinking and practical application. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll gain:
Health Assessment
Public Health Program Design
Nutritional Counseling
Ethical Decision-Making
Communication Skills
Nutritional Sciences Courses You'll Take
Careers in
Health Sciences
HSC 1000
Explore the diverse professions in the Health Sciences. Students will learn the educational requirements, academic performance and credentials needed. Students will also explore the day-to-day responsibilities of different professions, the traits that make an individual suited to the profession.
Community
Nutrition
HSC 3510
Public health efforts in communities are implemented in many different types of settings, including community non- profit agencies, worksites, health centers, clinics, hospitals, schools, churches, supermarkets, recreational and sports centers, councils on aging/senior centers and emergency feeding sites.
Environmental
Health
HSC 3322
Introduce the field of environmental health to public health majors and those interested in environmental health issues. It places environmental health in the broader context of public health, teaching students how to evaluate environmental health problems in relation to other social, economic and health disparity issues.
See All Courses & Options Available to Nutritional Sciences Majors
Nutritional Sciences Major Requirements
General Education Requirements
In addition to the major requirements below, you will also need to complete Merrimack’s general education requirements. To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide
Why Choose the Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences?
Merrimack’s Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences is an empowering decision for anyone passionate about health, science and making a real-world impact.
REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE, GUARANTEED
Dive into hands-on research - explore cutting-edge tech like the BodPod and Precision Sweat System or level up with clinical experience through internships at top-tier places like Boston Children’s Hospital or Harvard’s Center for Genomics Research.
GLOBAL SOLUTIONS
Malnutrition, food scarcity and public health crises are challenges that span the globe. With this degree, you’ll have the opportunity to work internationally whether through humanitarian aid, global food policy or research.
POSITIVE RETURN ON INVESTMENT
The world of nutrition is constantly evolving with new research, trends and technologies emerging all the time. Be at the forefront of cutting-edge developments in personalized nutrition, plant-based diets, food tech and sustainable food systems.
Career Outlook: Where Can a Nutritional Sciences Degree Take You?
Career Outcomes Rate
94% of the undergraduate class of 2023 in Nursing & Health Sciences were either employed, participating in voluntary service or continuing their education within nine months of graduation.
Experiential Learning
100% of the undergraduate nutritional sciences class of 2023 participated in at least one internship, co-op, clinical, practicum or research opportunity while at Merrimack.
Graduate School
Northeastern University, Sacred Heart University, MCPHS and Merrimack are just some of the graduate programs Nursing and Health Sciences graduates are attending.
Jobs with a Nutritional Sciences Degree
Upon completing our program, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue graduate study or a career in nutritional sciences and related disciplines. Positions may include:
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
- Nutritionist
- Public Health Nutritionist
- Clinical Nutritionist
- Food Scientist
- Community Health Specialist
- Health & Wellness Coach
- Sports Nutritionist
Where Merrimack Nutritional Sciences Graduates Work & Intern
Winchester Hospital
Dietetic Technician
Northeastern University
Nursing Student
Whittier Health Network
Diet and Hospitality Aide
Lawrence General Hospital
Clinical Dietician
Boston Children's Hospital
Technician
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Registered Dietician
University of Houston
Dietic Intern
Crest
Collab
Nutrition Intern
Beyond the Classroom
Student Life
You’ll have endless opportunities to find your fit, get involved and pursue what makes you happy—all while making lifelong friends (and memories!).
Explore your passions alongside others with similar interests, whether that means a cappella singing or outdoor adventuring.
- 70+ student organizations
- Division I Athletics, club and intramural sports
- Beloved traditions like Homecoming, Block Party and Spring Concert
- Fraternities and sororities
Internships & Co-Ops
Our students gain valuable work experience and connections with leading companies through guaranteed internships and the Warriors at Work co-op program. Recent placements include:
- Interning with Homeland Security Investigations, shadowing special agents
- Interning at Delta Tech-Ops, working in components engineering
- Working as a tax intern at Baker Tilly
Research with Faculty
With access to cutting-edge tools, undergraduate students can collaborate with faculty on research projects that can lead to presentations and publications.
- Explore the complexities of the human mind in a state-of-the-art psychology lab.
- Understand how inflammation affects immune cell aging in our Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility.
- Build fully functional battle bots for competitions.
Study Abroad
Global Merrimack provides transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Our 30+ study abroad programs include semesters abroad, faculty-led trips and international internships.
- Explore and study in the Dominican Republic or Iceland.
- Immerse yourself in cities like Dublin, Madrid or Rome.
- Experience a semester at sea or intern in vibrant cities like London or Paris.
Service Learning
Community and service are at the heart of our Augustinian mission.
Over 1,000 students work together to engage in hands-on service learning projects each year, supporting our communities and those in need.
- Participate in our campus-wide Mack Gives Back volunteer days.
- Spend your winter, spring, or summer break on an immersive SEND trip in the U.S. or abroad, helping those in need.
- Tutor students in nearby school districts.
See for Yourself
Programs Related to the Nutritional Sciences Major
Explore other areas and where they can take you.
Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)
At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way!
Upcoming Events
Info Session & Campus Tour
Monday-Friday & Most Saturdays
Attend a 20-minute info session led by an admission counselor and then take a student-led campus tour. Registration is required.
Merrimack College Awards & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2024)
- Most Innovative Schools (#5)
- Regional Universities North (#39)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (#19)
- Best Colleges for Veterans (#15)
- Best Value Schools (#51)
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