Bachelor of Science in Nutrition

Questions? 503.552.1660 / Toll-free 877.669.8737 or admissions@nunm.edu

The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition degree (BScN) program is designed for third-year students seeking to develop an in-depth understanding of nutrition. Our curriculum features three core threads: nutrition, natural sciences and social sciences. The nutrition thread is a unique blend of contemporary science and evidence-based medicine focusing on individual and community nutrition, human nutritional requirements, the link between diet and disease, food systems, food security, nutritional epidemiology and more.

The natural sciences thread includes anatomy and physiology, organic chemistry, biochemistry and genetics. These courses provide a solid scientific understanding of the human body and the basic principles of health and disease, and provide fundamentals in research, and scientific and professional communication. The social sciences thread highlights the interpersonal and professional growth of the student with a strong focus on the development of cultural competency skills, ethical decision-making, expository writing, self-reflection and self-management.

Your studies culminate with a final capstone project, the stepping stone to the next phase of your career or continued graduate study.

Student Experience

“I want to heal people through clinical nutrition.” Derek Webster, BScN (’19), shares his personal path to holistic nutrition and why NUNM is the right place to be.

Learn more

Program News

Faculty Highlight

Dulcinea Childs, MSN

Professor Childs has been an adjunct faculty member at the National University of Natural Medicine for the past four years. Serving as an educator and mentor to students in intro/advanced nutrition, diet and disease and graduate level courses in business and childhood nutrition.

“I appreciate educating a new generation of nutrition students, to help them incorporate whole foods nutrition into their own professional journeys and bring these tenants to a larger audience. It is inspiring to work with students as they push me to continue to research, learn and always bring up new questions and thoughts I have not considered.”

Professor Childs received a Masters in Nutrition from the University of Alabama, her registered dietitian license through an accredited program at the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Cornell University. She currently provides nutrition counseling for those struggling with morbid obesity. This work inspired her to focus her graduate studies on childhood nutrition; how/what/when foods are introduced, how our food relationships begin to develop in early childhood and how we can help create a positive food foundation and prevent disease starting with children.

  • BScN

    Admissions Requirements for BScN

    A GPA of 2.0 or higher

    Prerequisite Courses

    Students may apply to the programs while still completing their prerequisite coursework and may receive conditional admittance pending successful completion of those courses. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and have either 60 semester or 90 quarter credits before beginning coursework at NUNM. All applicants must have completed the general education requirements of the previously-attended institution. Within these general education requirements, NUNM has specific requirements. These are outlined below.

    General Biology 3 One academic year of General or Principles of Biology. These courses must be designed for science majors or pre-med students and include labs. Students on a semester system, only need to complete two courses in this subject.
    General Chemistry 3 One academic year of General or Principles of Chemistry. These courses must be designed for science majors or pre-med students and include labs. Students on a semester system, only need to complete two courses in this subject.
    Mathematics 1 Must be algebra, calculus, or math-based statistics at the college level.
    English Composition 2
    Social Sciences 3 Courses in the areas of anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, law, linguistics, politics, psychology and sociology will satisfy this requirement. One of these courses must be psychology.
    Humanities 3 Courses in the areas of art, religion, philosophy, literature, music and other related fields will satisfy this requirement.
    • General Biology — 3 Courses
      One academic year of General or Principles of Biology. These courses must be designed for science majors or pre-med students and include labs. Students on a semester system, only need to complete two courses in this subject.
    • General Chemistry — 3 Courses
      One academic year of General or Principles of Chemistry. These courses must be designed for science majors or pre-med students and include labs. Students on a semester system, only need to complete two courses in this subject.
    • Mathematics — 1 Course
      Must be algebra, calculus, or math-based statistics at the college level.
    • English Composition — 2 Courses
    • Social Sciences — 3 Courses
      Courses in the areas of anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, law, linguistics, politics, psychology and sociology will satisfy this requirement. One of these courses must be psychology.
    • Humanities — 3 Courses
      Courses in the areas of art, religion, philosophy, literature, music and other related fields will satisfy this requirement.

    A grade of C or better is required for all prerequisite coursework. Candidates may apply while in progress.

    Credit Requirements

    Students must have a minimum of 90 undergraduate quarter credits (60 undergraduate semester credits), including coursework in basic sciences and general education. Please contact an admissions counselor for details.

    Documents & Essays

    Applicants are required to submit essays to be considered for admission. Essays provide applicants the opportunity to share their background, abilities, interests and experiences, and how these will make them a good candidate for the programs at NUNM. Applicants should share some personal experiences and genuine thoughts in their essays. Explaining why you are applying to NUNM and how you would enrich that community is also helpful. The Admissions Committee will look for writing ability, as well as content when reading the essays.

    Required Documents and Essays for the BScN Program

    • Personal Statement

      Please share a little bit about yourself and your background along with what interests you about receiving your undergraduate degree from NUNM. (maximum of 1200 words, double spaced)