University of Alabama

How this program compares

Benchmark this program against our national recognition pages and use the key guides below to evaluate ROI, admissions difficulty, and outcomes.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: High school diploma or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 3.0 preferred; SAT or ACT scores are optional but recommended for competitive admission.

About This Program

University of Alabama's online Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition combines love of science with education about human nutrition. The program teaches the relationship between nutrition and human health with application across careers. The program is ACEND-accredited and has been ranked number 2 among best bachelor's in nutritional sciences by TheBestSchools.org. Ideal for students pursuing careers as registered dietitians or exploring other nutrition pathways. Most affordable program on this list. Flexible admission with rolling applications year-round. Two accredited tracks available: Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and general Nutrition Science track.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the DPD track are prepared to pursue registered dietitian nutritionist credentials through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, leading to careers in clinical dietetics, hospitals, and food service management. General track graduates pursue diverse careers in nutrition education, community health, wellness consulting, food science, health coaching, and related health professions.

• 1. Registered Dietitian
• 2. Community Nutritionist
• 3. Clinical Dietitian
• 4. Food Service Manager

What You'll Learn

• Principles of human metabolism and nutrient requirements
• Application of medical nutrition therapy for disease management
• Food composition, safety, and processing techniques
• Strategies for community and public health nutrition programs

Curriculum Highlights

Major Courses (59 credits): Introduction to Human Nutrition; Introduction to Dietetics and Nutrition; Nutrition in the Life Cycle; Food Science; Introduction to Research in Food and Nutrition; Community Nutrition; Nutrition Counseling; Nutrition Education; Nutritional Biochemistry; Nutrition at the Cellular Level; Applied Nutrition; Medical Nutrition Therapy I & II; Food Service Management; Purchasing and Design; Quantity Food Production. Science Courses (20 credits): Chemistry I & II; Anatomy and Physiology I & II; Microbiology. General Education (44 credits). DPD track includes additional capstone courses.

Top Employers

Common employers include hospitals, public health departments, food companies, and school districts.

Admissions

High school diploma or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 3.0 preferred; SAT or ACT scores are optional but recommended for competitive admission.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Optional
• Letters of Recommendation: Optional
• Resume: Optional
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Academic Requirements

• Degree Required: High School Diploma
• GRE/GMAT: Not Required
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international students (TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+)