NUTRITION AND MEDICAL SCIENCES

About the program

The Nutrition and Medical Sciences major is a great fit for students interested in Pre-Med, Pre-PA, Pre-Dental, Pre-OT, Pre-PT or other professional and graduate schools. The coursework builds a strong science foundation in biology, physiology, and chemistry while also educating students in metabolism, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and diet and disease relationships. The integration of science and nutrition through the Nutrition and Medical Sciences major successfully prepares students to pursue an advanced degree in nutrition, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, or other related health professions. Students can access the Center for Health Profession Studies for further advisement and peer mentorship. Our students have been extremely successful in pursuit of their educational and career goals - meet some nutrition majors!

Additionally, the Department of Health Behavior and Nutrition Sciences offers majors in Nutrition and Dietetics and Nutrition. The option to combine the Nutrition and Medical Sciences and the Nutrition and Dietetics major is available to students who are interested in having the option to apply to medical, dental, PA, or other health professional/graduate school or apply to a dietetic internship.  

Career Opportunities for Nutrition and Medical Sciences Major Graduates

Depending upon the advanced degree, Nutrition and Medical Sciences graduates can achieve careers as a physician, physician assistant, dentist, pharmacist and physical therapist. This major can also lead to a career in laboratory research in pharmaceutical or food industries, local and state public health departments, the government, or academia.  Some graduates use their nutrition major for innovative careers.

Additional Information

The Nutrition and Medical Sciences major requires students to take foundational sciences like biology, chemistry and physiology early in their academic career. In Junior and Senior, year there is a greater focus on advanced sciences and nutrition courses that are clinically focused. The following plan is only one example: not every student will take every course in the same order.

Students should review the pre-admission requirements for post-undergraduate programs to ensure they complete all required courses. Students are encouraged to contact the Center for Health Profession Studies and those considering careers in medicine or dentistry are encouraged to apply to the Medical-Dental Scholars Program.

To earn a Bachelor of Science degree, students must complete 120 credits and meet specific requirements as outlined in the University of Delaware catalog. Each semester’s courses will vary depending on the student’s background and academic preparation. The average number of credits per semester ranges from 14-17. Winter and summer sessions can help lighten the load of regular semesters.