• Note: For certain locations, program enrollment is onsite with online instruction.

  • This program is offered online.

  • Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science

    Increasing emphasis on health and nutrition has created new opportunities for employment in one of the nation's fastest-growing industries: health care.* Kaplan University's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science is designed to prepare you to enter this exciting industry in which you may make a positive difference in the lives of others. With Kaplan University's online program, you can continue working in your current job while you earn your bachelor's degree  from the convenience of your home, office, or anywhere you have Internet access.

    Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science Program Highlights

    In this program you will explore various topics, concepts, values, research methods, and applications in nutrition science. 

    Your coursework will focus on:

    • Exploring the principles and pharmacology of nutrition and how dietary choices can contribute to a healthy lifestyle
    • Acquiring an understanding of digestion, absorption, and metabolism of foods and nutritional needs at various stages of the life cycle
    • Developing the administrative, ethical, and professional skills necessary for leadership positions throughout the health care field
    • Completing an original comprehensive capstone project that demonstrates your ability to apply your nutrition science knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios

    What are the Career Opportunities?

    The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science degree could help advance your career in holistic health care, health science, nutrition, and other health care- and health science-related industries.† Your degree may help you qualify for nutrition-related careers in hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, athletic clubs and wellness centers, public health programs, and the food and pharmaceutical industries. Experienced nutrition science professionals often work as consultants for sports teams, corporations, and restaurants.*‡ 

    Fast Track to Your Degree

    Students enrolled in Kaplan University’s Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science can choose to complete the accelerated Master of Health Care Administration or Master of Public Health option. Designed for high-potential undergraduate students interested in earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, the accelerated option allows you to work toward your bachelor’s degree while simultaneously completing up to five core courses in either the Master of Health Care Administration  or the Master of Public Health. If you successfully complete these courses with a minimum course grade, and have applied and been accepted to the applicable Kaplan University master’s degree program, you will enter a shortened version of the master’s degree program.

    The accelerated option allows you to earn your Kaplan University Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science and a master’s degree at a faster pace and lower cost than completing each degree separately. Qualification for the accelerated Master of Health Care Administration and Master of Public Health options is subject to eligibility requirements. Please contact an Admissions Advisor for more information.

    Advanced Start Option

    If you already have an associate's degree from another accredited institution, our advanced start program may help you earn a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science in as little as two years.§ 

  • Kaplan University offers multiple start dates, giving you greater flexibility with your education, life, and work schedules.

    Jun 05

    Online Start Date
    Jun 05, 2013

    Jul 03

    Online Start Date
    Jul 03, 2013

    View the Academic Calendar

  • Curriculum: Standard Track

    Core

    100/200 LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE (5  Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    100/200 LEVEL: MATHEMATICS COURSE (5 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    200 LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE (5 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    300/400 LEVEL: ARTS AND HUMANITIES COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    300/400 LEVEL: PHYSICAL SCIENCE COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    300/400 LEVEL: SOCIAL SCIENCE COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    Major

    HS 100: INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH SCIENCE (5 Credits)

    In this required introductory course, students will identify current issues in health science and how they relate to chosen health science professions. Educational and credentialing requirements will be defined for health science occupations. Students will create a personal education plan, choosing appropriate electives and identifying specific career optionsbased on personal goals and research of the profession. Professional traits and skills for success in the field will be explored as well as discussion of roles and responsibilities of selected health professionals.

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    MA 104: ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I (5 Credits)

    This course is an integrated study of the human body. The course presents the chemical basis of life, a basic understanding of cells, cellular metabolism, and tissue composition and functions. The course also includes the study of the structures and functions of the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and somatic.

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    MA 107: ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II (5 Credits)

    This course is a continuation of the integrated study of the human body. The course emphasizes the morphology and physiology of the following systems: circulatory, lymphatic, endocrine, digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive.

    Prerequisites Required: MA 104

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    NS 205: FOOD SAFETY AND MICROBIOLOGY (5 Credits)

    This course covers the major issues in food safety and food microbiology. It includes the basic principles of food safety and sanitation, various microorganisms that cause foodborne illnesses, the flow of food through the food service establishment, and management's role in training the food handler.

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    NS 210: NUTRITIONAL ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT (5 Credits)

    This course includes the study of methods and equipment used for nutritional analysis in health, obesity, and malnutrition. Students learn how to utilize the software based on manual data-gathering systems to assess nutritional status.

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    NS 220: NUTRITION PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT (5 Credits)

    This course addresses the nutritional planning for the maintenance of health and wellness. The studies include identification, assessment, and management of nutritional deficiencies occurring due to food choices and pharmacotherapy.

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    NS 315: NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY (6 Credits)

    The course examines the physiochemical aspects of energy metabolism and macro- and micronutrients. Mechanisms underlying the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and special nutrients are discussed. The biochemical basis of various nutritional disorders, including metabolic and genetic disorders, is studied.

    Prerequisites Required: SC 155 and NS 220 or NS 270

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    NS 325: NUTRITION ACROSS THE HUMAN LIFE CYCLE (6 Credits)

    Studies in this course encompass the nutritional issue across the life cycle, including pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation. The course considers nutritional aspects related to neonates, infants, and children. The special needs of adolescents and disorders affecting this age group are discussed. The coursework will also include a discussion of nutritional demands and food choices in the geriatric population.

    Prerequisites Required: SC 115, NS 220, or NS 270

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    NS 335: NUTRITION FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS (6 Credits)

    Studies in this course emphasize the nutrition and dietetic considerations for healthy individuals with special needs, such as geriatric and gender-specific needs. The coursework includes analyzing nutritional and dietetic needs, and designing appropriate protocols for clients with chronic, progressive, or degenerative diseases and metabolic disorders, as well as for special needs children and infants. The course addresses the underlying principles of total parenteral nutrition and nasogastric tube feeding.

    Prerequisites Required: SC 155, NS 220, or NS 270

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    SC 155: INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY-MATTER AND EQUILIBRIUM (5 Credits)

    This course allows students to explore the fundamental theories of chemistry, with an emphasis on the chemical processes that affect their lives. Students will learn how to apply new knowledge about a variety of topics-the states of matter, the periodic chart, chemical properties and reactions, bonding and kinetics, and solutions, including acids, bases, and buffers-to better understand the natural and human-made world. No previous knowledge of chemistry is needed to enroll in this nonmajors science course.

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    100/200-LEVEL: MAJOR ELECTIVE (5 Credits)

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    300/400-LEVEL MAJOR ELECTIVES (24 Credits)

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    NS 499: BACHELOR'S CAPSTONE IN NUTRITION SCIENCE (6 Credits)

    This capstone course is the culminating experience for the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science. This course builds on the concepts of all the courses students have taken within the program of study. The capstone course provides students with the opportunity to integrate and synthesize the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their coursework in an original comprehensive project, and to assess their level of mastery of the stated outcomes of their degree program in nutrition science.

    Prerequisites Required: Last term

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    Open Elective

    OPEN ELECTIVES* (59 Credits)

    Total Open Elective Credits: 59
    Total Program Credits: 180

    *Eligible students who choose to complete the accelerated Master of Health Care Administration or Master of Public Health option will take up to five graduate-level courses in addition to selected undergraduate electives.

    Prior Degree

    Total Prior Degree Credits (90 Credits)

    Total Prior Degree Credits: 90
    Total Program Credits: 90

    *Comparability is determined by a course-by-course examination of the prior associate's or bachelor's degree against the core requirements of a Kaplan University associate’s degree.

    Prerequisites

    HS 260: ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, AND CHEMISTRY (5 Credits)

    This course is designed to introduce the student to essential concepts in anatomy, physiology, and chemistry. This knowledge is necessary to successfully matriculate to upper-level courses in the School of Health Sciences. The focus is on understanding the interrelated nature of the systems of the body. This includes the concept of homeostasis as well as the relationship between structure and function. This course encompasses the anatomy of selected systems as well as the physiology and terminology as applied to the body. The course presents the chemical basis of life, a basic understanding of cells, cellular metabolism, and tissue composition and functions. Students are taught how to apply new knowledge about a variety of topics: the states of matter, the periodic chart, chemical properties and reactions, bonding and kinetics, and solutions, including acids, bases, and buffers, to better understand the natural and human-made world.

    Prerequisites Required: Advanced start students only

    Total Prerequisites Credits: 15
    Total Program Credits: 90

    NS 270: NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT (5 Credits)

    This course is designed to introduce the student to essential concepts in nutrition that are necessary to successfully matriculate to upper-level courses in the School of Health Sciences. This course includes study of methods and equipment used for nutritional analysis in health, obesity, and malnutrition and also addresses nutritional planning for maintenance of health and wellness. Also included are the identification, assessment, and management of nutritional deficiencies that occur due to food choices and pharmacotherapy.

    Prerequisites Required: Advanced start students only

    Total Prerequisites Credits: 15
    Total Program Credits: 90

    SC 155: INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY-MATTER AND EQUILIBRIUM (5 Credits)

    This course allows students to explore the fundamental theories of chemistry, with an emphasis on the chemical processes that affect their lives. Students will learn how to apply new knowledge about a variety of topics-the states of matter, the periodic chart, chemical properties and reactions, bonding and kinetics, and solutions, including acids, bases, and buffers-to better understand the natural and human-made world. No previous knowledge of chemistry is needed to enroll in this nonmajors science course.

    Total Prerequisites Credits: 15
    Total Program Credits: 90

    Bachelor's Core

    300/400 LEVEL: ARTS AND HUMANITIES COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Bachelor's Core Credits: 18
    Total Program Credits: 90

    300/400 LEVEL: PHYSICAL SCIENCE COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Bachelor's Core Credits: 18
    Total Program Credits: 90

    300/400 LEVEL: SOCIAL SCIENCE COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Bachelor's Core Credits: 18
    Total Program Credits: 90

    Major

    NS 315: NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY (6 Credits)

    The course examines the physiochemical aspects of energy metabolism and macro- and micronutrients. Mechanisms underlying the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and special nutrients are discussed. The biochemical basis of various nutritional disorders, including metabolic and genetic disorders, is studied.

    Prerequisites Required: SC 155 and NS 220 or NS 270

    Total Major Credits: 48
    Total Program Credits: 90

    NS 325: NUTRITION ACROSS THE HUMAN LIFE CYCLE (6 Credits)

    Studies in this course encompass the nutritional issue across the life cycle, including pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation. The course considers nutritional aspects related to neonates, infants, and children. The special needs of adolescents and disorders affecting this age group are discussed. The coursework will also include a discussion of nutritional demands and food choices in the geriatric population.

    Prerequisites Required: SC 115, NS 220, or NS 270

    Total Major Credits: 48
    Total Program Credits: 90

    NS 335: NUTRITION FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS (6 Credits)

    Studies in this course emphasize the nutrition and dietetic considerations for healthy individuals with special needs, such as geriatric and gender-specific needs. The coursework includes analyzing nutritional and dietetic needs, and designing appropriate protocols for clients with chronic, progressive, or degenerative diseases and metabolic disorders, as well as for special needs children and infants. The course addresses the underlying principles of total parenteral nutrition and nasogastric tube feeding.

    Prerequisites Required: SC 155, NS 220, or NS 270

    Total Major Credits: 48
    Total Program Credits: 90

    300/400 LEVEL: MAJOR ELECTIVES (24 Credits)

    Total Major Credits: 48
    Total Program Credits: 90

    NS 499: BACHELOR'S CAPSTONE IN NUTRITION SCIENCE (6 Credits)

    This capstone course is the culminating experience for the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science. This course builds on the concepts of all the courses students have taken within the program of study. The capstone course provides students with the opportunity to integrate and synthesize the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their coursework in an original comprehensive project, and to assess their level of mastery of the stated outcomes of their degree program in nutrition science.

    Prerequisites Required: Last term

    Total Major Credits: 48
    Total Program Credits: 90

    Electives

    OPEN ELECTIVES (24 Credits)

    Total Electives Credits: 24
    Total Program Credits: 90

    Tuition & Fees: Standard Track

    The 25% tuition reduction applies only to international students living outside of the United States. This discount does not apply to military students. Please check with your advisor to see if you are eligible. 

    The 25% tuition reduction applies only to international students living outside of the United States. This discount does not apply to military students. Please check with your advisor to see if you are eligible. 

    Standard Track Online &
    Learning Center     		Campus
    Cost Per Credit
    Number of Credits / Terms  
    Total Tuition Cost

    Tuition and Fees

    Some programs have additional associated fees that are not included in the price of tuition. Click here or check with an Admissions Advisor for more information. 

    Learn More about Kaplan University Tuition and Fees  

    Notice to Learning Center Students

    Kaplan University Learning Center students will only complete a portion of this program on site. You will need to complete at least 50% of the program requirements online, or through transfer credit awarded via prior learning assessment. If you have any questions about these requirements, please speak with an admissions advisor.

    Scholarships and Grants

    Learn more about grants and Kaplan University Scholarships and that may help reduce the cost of your education.

    Kaplan University tuition reductions (including active-duty, spouse, and veterans military tuition rates; scholarships; grants; vouchers; and alumni and alliance reductions) cannot be combined. 

    Tuition Rates for Military Students and Spouses

    Kaplan University has significantly reduced many of our tuition rates and fees for active-duty servicemembers, their spouses, and veterans. Click here for more information.
     

  • Some states have additional curricular requirements. Check the University Catalog or speak with an Admissions Advisor.

  • * Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-2013 Edition, Dietitians and Nutritionists, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Dietitians-and-nutritionists.htm (accessed April 2012). National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.

    † Kaplan University’s Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science program is not accredited by the The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). While the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science program is designed to academically prepare students to pursue a variety of nutrition-oriented careers and advanced education, the program does not lead directly to certification as a registered dietitian.

    ‡ Kaplan University cannot guarantee employment or career advancement.

    § Associate’s and bachelor’s degrees and credits considered to be remedial, occupational, or specialized may not be accepted for transfer. Average completion time based on a full-time schedule. Programs will take longer for part-time students to complete. Refer to the University Catalog for our Transfer of Credit policy.

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