Bachelor of Science in Nutrition 

Program Overview

Nutrition is one of the key factors in creating a healthy society, and we’re preparing students to address global nutrition challenges head-on. The nutrition program at AIC offers a deep dive into the science of food and its effects on human health, preparing you to become an expert in food and nutrition and to address the complex challenges of global food systems. Choose your track – either Public Health or Exercise Science – a design that equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary for a variety of professional pursuits.

Program Format

On Campus and Online

Degree Options

  • Four-Year BS Program 

Time to Complete

Full Time: 4 Years 

Why Major in Nutrition at AIC? 

Nutrition is key to tackling rising global health challenges. As diet-related diseases like obesity and diabetes surge, the demand for experts in dietary strategies is skyrocketing.

Our mission is to cultivate a passion for food and nutrition. AIC’s Nutrition program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to bridge the gap between food and health, and we’re dedicated to promoting sustainable food systems that empower individuals to make informed dietary choices for optimal well-being. At American International College, we aim to develop professionals who will lead in the transformation of food systems and the enhancement of health outcomes, contributing to a healthier future for all. 

Our catalog of courses has been developed by leading academic experts in Nutrition, offering a wide portfolio of skills, career pathways, and learning experiences.

What to Expect

  • Food Science: Dive into the science behind food, exploring methods of cooking, preservation, and the factors affecting the appearance, taste, and quality of finished food products. 
  • Food Economics: Ever wonder how food gets from the farm to your table? This course focuses on food safety, procurement, production, and the various policies affecting our food system on local to global scales. 
  • Medical Nutrition Therapy: Food increasingly plays a role in the way doctors heal their patients. This dives into the science of therapeutic diets, giving students insights into how to recommend dietary changes based on a patient’s unique medical and nutritional needs. 
  • Organic Chemistry: This course provides a necessary foundation for students to understand the science of how the world around us impacts our bodies and underlying health.

Program Details

The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition program at American International College provides you with the tools needed to address a broad array of global health challenges. From the basics of food science to understanding full lifecycle nutrition, our curriculum is designed to nurture your passion for health and well-being, and prepare you for an impactful career in nutrition, dietetics, public health, or wellness coaching. This program aligns to the ACEND Registered Dietitian certification and prepares students to further pursue that in a certified master’s program. As of 2024, a graduate program is necessary to qualify for the certification.

  • Articulate and evaluate the complex interplay between nutrition, health, and disease across different life stages, encompassing a wide range of dietary needs, nutritional components, and lifestyle factors. 
  • Demonstrate proficiency in assessing, planning, and implementing dietary and nutritional interventions, integrating knowledge from food science, medical nutrition therapy, and life cycle nutrition. •
  • Possess a comprehensive understanding of the modern food system, from its historical underpinnings to current practices in food safety, production, and policy, and assess its impact on individual and community health. 

Major Courses: In addition to AIC Plan for Excellence (APEX) requirements, students must complete all courses listed here to receive a Bachelor’s in Nutrition: 

  • BIO1200/1201: Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab 
  • BIO1210/1211: Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab 
  • BIO1300/1301: Principles of Microbiology with Lab 
  • CHE1210/1211: Chemistry for Nursing 
  • ENG1201/1601: English Composition 
  • ENG1202/1602: Analytical Writing 
  • PSY1200: Introduction to Psychology 
  • PSY2302: Statistics 
  • PSY2450: Developmental Psychology 
  • SPA1100: Spanish for Health Care Professionals 
  • INT1200: Health Science Professions 
  • HCM2200: American Health Care System 
  • NTR1100: Introduction to Nutrition 146 
  • NTR2200: Food Economics 
  • NTR2300: Food Science 
  • NTR3000: Life Cycle Nutrition 1 
  • NTR3100: Life Cycle Nutrition 2 
  • NTR4100: Medical Nutrition Therapy 
  • NTR4800: Internship in Nutrition and Wellness 
  • NTR4900: Capstone in Nutrition and Wellness

Choose one track option:

Public Health

  • PCH1030: Introduction to Public Health 
  • INT2040: Disease Detectives and Epidemiology 
  • PCH4100: Research Methods in Public Health 
  • INT2540: Health Psychology

Exercise Science

  • EXS1000: Introduction to Exercise Science 
  • EXS2100: Research Methods 
  • EXS2400: Sport and Exercise Nutrition 
  • SRM3203: Sports Psychology

Please reference the current catalog for all course descriptions. 

Individuals interested in studying Nutrition at AIC—or exploring related studies in The Health Promotion, Research, and Management Hive—will apply for admission as a first-year or international student. 

Review tuition rates and fees for the upcoming academic year. 

Scholarships 

Grants and scholarships are awarded based on both need and merit. 

AIC’s campus culture – whether in-person or online – allows everyone to build connections and explore options for career success: 

  • Clubs and Organizations: Getting involved in student clubs and organizations is an important way to connect with the AIC community. Participation allows you to build relationships, explore career interests, and contribute to campus initiatives and events. Browse all student organizations. 
  • Service and Leadership: AIC provides a range of opportunities to develop personally and strengthen leadership skills. Students can take on leadership roles within clubs and organizations, serve in the Student Government Association, or lead as captains of athletic teams, gaining experience that extends beyond the classroom.
  • Networking and Professional Development: You’ll have access to internship opportunities and resume assistance tailored to dietetics and nutrition careers as well as graduate school preparation for ACEND-aligned pathways.

Have a Question?

Contact the leader of our Division of Health and Human Performance. 

Susan Lachowski, PhD, CSCS
Executive Director and Associate Professor, Division of Health and Human Performance | Core Faculty, Division of Physical Therapy | Founding Director, Center for Sport Physiology and Exercise Testing

Location: Room 110, Colaccino Center for Health Sciences
Phone: 413.205.3014
Email: susan.lachowski@aic.edu
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

American International College Director of Exercise Science Susan Lachowski, PhD, CSCS

Academic and Career Support

AIC gives you the space to explore your interest while preparing you for life after college. Throughout, you’ll work with advisors and mentors to define your academic and professional goals and the ways to achieve them.

What Can You Do with a Nutrition Bachelor’s Degree?

Job Titles 

AIC Nutrition majors may pursue careers such as: 

  • Clinical Nutritionist/Dietitian
  • Health and Wellness Manager
  • Nutrition Educator
  • Food Product Developer
  • Health and Wellness Content Creator

Salary Expectations

Nutrition-related job postings have doubled in the last five years, reflecting the growing importance of nutrition in personal and community health and increasing demand for experts in this field. Employment in this field is projected to grow by 6%, faster than the average for all occupations through 2034. About 5,000 openings are projected each year: 

Where Our Graduates Work 

AIC students find their Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition giving them an edge for careers in:

  • Hospitals and Clinics
  • Community Health Organizations and Schools
  • Public Health Agencies
  • Food Industry
  • Online Nutrition Content Creation

Related Programs

Whatever type of healthcare role you want to pursue, AIC’s programs offer real-world experience to set you on your path: 

Ready to Take the Next Step?

At AIC, your passions will lead you on the path to professional success: