Nutrition majors will typically take classes equaling at least 30 credits in chemistry, food science, anatomy and other related subjects. Most colleges also require an additional 60 credits in liberal arts classes. An additional 30 credits can be used to select a minor, take additional nutrition courses or do a nutrition related internship. In addition to lectures and papers, nutrition students get to do a lot of hands-on lab work and projects.
Messiah College located in Pennsylvania offers both a bachelors of science degree in nutrition and dietetics and a bachelor of arts degree in nutrition science. Messiah College has modern labs and gives students the opportunity to get involved with advanced research projects. Students can also join the Student Nutrition Awareness Club as an extracurricular activity where they can use their passion to be a leader and do community service. All faculty members in the nutrition department belong to the American Dietetic Association.
Simmons College in Boston offers undergraduate degrees in nutrition for women and graduate programs in nutrition in a co-educational atmosphere. Nutrition students at Simmons have the opportunity to do co-ops and internships at top places of employment including the Boston Food Bank, Department of Public Health and the South Boston Health Center. In addition to taking nutrition related courses, Simmons also asks its nutrition majors to participate in community service work related to healthy living.
Once you have obtained a nutrition degree, there are many career paths that you can follow. Nutrition students go on to work as dietitians who can create meal plans for patients with chronic health conditions, eating disorders and the elderly. Other nutrition students will go for a master's in education or even a PhD so that they can educate others about nutrition. Nutrition students can also get jobs writing about healthy living, working for nonprofit organizations or working in public relations promoting healthy living.