About the department
With increasing evidence supporting the role of lifestyle factors in the prevention and management of chronic diseases—obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer— there is increasing demand for professionals trained in health-related disciplines. The Department of Health Behavior and Nutrition Sciences offers undergraduate majors in health behavior science, health promotion, integrated health sciences, nutrition and dietetics, and nutrition and medical sciences, all of which open the door to a wide range of career opportunities. Our programs prepare students not only for employment in diverse health settings but also for advanced study in graduate school or professional programs, such as medicine, dietetics, physician assistant, occupational therapy, pharmacy, public health, and more. Our students gain the knowledge and skills to address the physiological and psychosocial aspects of health, wellness, illness, and aging. Join us and become a leader in advancing health outcomes for individuals and communities!
ABOUT OUR MAJORS
Nutrition
Nutrition is a fundamental pillar of health. Grounded in biological, chemical, and social sciences, our nutrition programs equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to assess the diet and nutritional status of individuals and populations, and to develop effective strategies to prevent and treat disease and improve overall health. With an undergraduate nutrition degree, students can pursue careers as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, wellness coordinators, clinical research coordinators, community nutrition specialists, or prepare for advanced study in graduate school, medical or dental school, or other health-related professions such as physician assistant, pharmacy, or physical therapy. Our graduate programs in nutrition further prepare students for dietetic internships, advanced clinical practice, research, and leadership roles in healthcare, academia, industry, and public service.
Health Behavior Science
Health Behavior Science explores how human actions, perceptions, communication, and environmental factors influence health, chronic disease, relationships, and quality of life. Grounded in psychology and the health sciences, students acquire skills in health behavior analysis, behavior change strategies, and the design and evaluation of health programs. The Health Behavior Science degree prepares students for careers in public health, health and wellness promotion, non-profit organizations, healthcare settings, and worksite wellness programs, as well as for post-graduate study in fields such as public health, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
Integrated Health Sciences
The Integrated Health Sciences degree provides students with a strong foundation in both the physical sciences—such as biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology—and the social sciences, including psychology and sociology. This interdisciplinary curriculum introduces core scientific principles essential to health and medical fields while emphasizing the critical influence of health behaviors and nutrition on health outcomes. The program combines scientific knowledge with practical insights from behavioral and nutritional sciences, preparing students for a wide range of careers in health and wellness. It also prepares students for post-baccalaureate graduate programs such as occupational therapy, accelerated nursing, or other graduate programs in the health sciences. The curriculum includes a generous number of elective courses, which allow students to tailor their coursework to align with specific career interests or advanced education goals.
Message from the Chair
Welcome to the Department of Health Behavior and Nutrition Sciences (HBNS) at the University of Delaware!
HBNS offers four undergraduate majors: Health Behavior Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, Nutrition and Medical Sciences, and Integrated Health Sciences. Many HBNS students also choose to add a minor as part of their academic program to further expand their skills and knowledge, make them more employable upon graduation, or to enhance their application to graduate school, health professional school, or medical school. Minors in the HBNS Department include Public Health, Nutrition, Health and Wellness, Physical Activity & Disability, and Medical Social Services. There are also numerous other minors across the University that students can select to tailor their program of study to their career goals.
HBNS encourages students to take part in the many experiential learning opportunities we offer. These opportunities enhance learning and provide students with additional skills to meet their future career or educational goals. HBNS provides hands-on learning opportunities through practicums, internships, independent studies, undergraduate research experiences, community engagement projects, and volunteer activities. We welcome students to expand their abilities and expertise through learning opportunities with Student Wellbeing, Health Coaching Clinic, Nutrition Clinic, Foods & Nutrition Education Lab, Nutrition and Dietetics Club, HBNS faculty research labs, or numerous registered student organizations.
Upon graduation, Health Behavior Science students have found rewarding careers in the fields of health promotion, public health, epidemiology, fitness and recreation, athletics and sport, higher education, social marketing and health communication, or community health. Nutrition and Dietetics and Nutrition and Medical Sciences majors have found rewarding careers in dietetics, community nutrition, research, public health, sports nutrition, as well as the food, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries. Students in these majors have also gone on to further their education in medicine, physician assistant, dentistry, and physical therapy programs. Integrated Health Sciences students have successfully pursued careers promoting healthy lifestyles and well-being or furthered their education in post-graduate health programs, such as occupational therapy.
We welcome the opportunity to meet with prospective students and provide further information on HBNS majors or minors. Our exceptional team of faculty, academic advisors, and administrators are committed to you and your success. Please feel free to contact our academic advisor at hbnsadvising@udel.edu to schedule an appointment. We look forward to meeting you!
Sincerely,
Jillian Trabulsi, PhD
UD Alumna
ADDITIONAL LINKS
Connect
Tower at STAR: 100 Discovery Blvd, Newark, DE 19713 | Health Sciences Complex: 540 S. College Ave, Newark, DE 19713 chs-info@udel.edu Phone: 302-831-1060