Nutrition Science
Explore the science behind food, health, and human performance.
What happens when nutrition meets system biology, health and human performance? Discover how nutrients affect the body, how diet influences health and disease, and how nutrition research can help shape the future of healthcare.
Quick Look
Plan Your Four Years With An Advisor
One Major. Many Ways to Make It Your Own.
Explore Your Options Within the Nutrition Major
The Nutrition Science major gives you a strong foundation in the biological and physical sciences—with flexibility to shape your coursework and experiences around what you want to do next.
Nutritional Biology
Passionate about research and the science of nutrition? Explore nutritional biology, metabolism and laboratory science through coursework and hands-on research opportunities.
Nutrition in Public Health
Drawn to public health and population health? We offer courses and experiences that connect nutrition to communities, health equity, policy and prevention.
Nutrition for Health Careers
Interested in medicine or another health profession? You can select courses and experiences that complement your professional-school goals while building a deeper understanding of nutrition, health and disease.
Your interests may change as you learn. That's part of the journey. Work with your academic advisor to build a four-year plan that reflects your goals—and adjust your path as those goals evolve.
Explore Courses & Options
Where Can This Major Take You?
Prepare for a Future in Health
Nutrition Science can open doors to a wide range of careers and further educational opportunities in research, science, healthcare and public health. Whether you want to begin your career after graduation or continue on to professional or graduate school, you'll build knowledge and skills that can take you in many directions.
One major. A world of possibilities.
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Why Nutrition Science Matters
Food affects everything from metabolism to public health.
Today's food and nutrition challenges go far beyond what we eat. Obesity, dietary supplement use, food safety and availability, and the challenge of maintaining healthy diets in busy lifestyles all influence health.
At the same time, researchers continue to uncover how specific food components affect metabolism and promote health.
That’s where Nutrition Science comes in.
As a Nutrition Science student, you'll explore the the biochemical and physiological aspects of nutrition and food constituents, giving you a strong foundation in laboratory-based sciences.
Nutrient Metabolism
Biochemical reactions underlying nutrient metabolism.
Nutrition & Health
The impact of diet on health and disease.
Public Health & Policy
Nutrition-related public health and policy issues.
Biological Sciences
Biology, chemistry, calculus, physics, and more.
Learn From Researchers. Get Hands-On Experience.
Our world-class faculty conduct cutting-edge research in nutrition, health and policy.
At UC Davis, your education can extend beyond the classroom. Undergraduate students have opportunities to work with faculty, gain hands-on research experience and explore questions that connect with their interests.
Bring a Different Perspective to Healthcare
Nutrition plays a central role in health and disease prevention.
A Nutrition Science degree gives you a strong scientific foundation in an area that directly connects to healthcare. Bring your knowledge of nutrition into medicine, public health and other health professions—and contribute a valuable perspective to the future of healthcare.
For guidance on health-profession prerequisites, application requirements, and planning your path, connect with Health Professions Advising early in your undergraduate experience.
Connect with Health Professions Advising
Plan Your Nutrition Science Degree
Nutrition Science gives you the flexibility to shape your degree around your interests and future goals. Whether you're interested in medicine or other health professions, nutrition research, public health, or another career in the health and life sciences, you can work with an advisor to plan your coursework and experiences to support your path.
Nutrition for Health Careers
Students interested in a career in healthcare or medicine should work with their Nutrition academic advisor and Health Professions Advising (HPA). HPA can help you plan prerequisites and prepare for professional school and a career in the health professions.
Contact Health Professions Advising
Wondering What It's Like to Be a Nutrition Science Major?
Hear from a UC Davis student.
Get a student's perspective on coursework, opportunities, and what to expect as a Nutrition Science major.
What Can I Expect as a Nutrition Science Major?
Ready to Explore Nutrition Science?
Whether you're interested in medicine, research, public health, or another health profession, Nutrition Science can help you build the scientific foundation for what's next.