Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition (BS)

Study the role of nutrition in health, performance, and disease prevention. Students will analyze the effect of social, economic, environmental, cultural, and political factors on health and nutrition policies. One of the majors in the Health and Fitness Studies department, the nutrition degree includes a strong science-based curriculum with requirements in biology and chemistry. Foundational knowledge is developed in courses such as health and wellness, obesity and body weight management, and nutrition along the health continuum. Students gain practical experience as they progress through the program applying their knowledge and skills in menu planning, meal preparation, nutrition counseling, and working with community nutrition programs. During their senior year, students are required to extend their experiential learning and career development by completing two internships in their area of interest.

Students in the nutrition major are encouraged to choose a minor in an area of study such as public health, social work, or exercise science. A Minor in Nutrition is also available for students interested in gaining additional information and experience to enhance their primary field of study. It is a common addition for both nursing and exercise science majors.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to

Apply knowledge and principles related to nutrition, health, and personal well-being within various individual and community contexts.
Evaluate and analyze research in nutrition and health and apply this knowledge in various contexts.
Create, implement, evaluate, and improve programs and policies related to nutrition and health to meet the needs of diverse populations.
Apply interventions and strategies for improving nutritional and health status of individuals with varying needs based on food science principles and national dietary guidelines.
Demonstrate a variety of communication and motivational strategies to educate the public regarding nutrition for health and well-being.
Demonstrate knowledge of and apply professionalism, interprofessional collaboration, advocacy and leadership within nutrition and health.

Studying nutrition at Regis gave me a lot of insight into a career path that deserves more recognition. I learned about many different diets and nutritional lifestyles, how the body can be affected by different ailments, and how these disease processes can be impacted by a person’s nutritional intake. The hands-on learning through meal prep courses and internships allowed my skills to develop even more. Although my career path has changed, I feel prepared and know I can apply my scientific knowledge and skills within my new career as a marine biologist.
Samantha Finnegan '17

Recent Internships

All students in the BS in Nutrition must complete two internships during their senior year of study. Internship experiences in areas such as community nutrition, infant and child nutrition programs, food banks, community gardens, nutrition education, or school nutrition provide students with the opportunity to explore careers in the field. Internship sites include numerous Women, Infants, and Children’s (WIC) programs in the Boston area, school nutrition programs at Weston Elementary and Everett High School, Headstart programs, and working with individual registered dietitians in the field. Students may choose to complete their internships at previously established sites, or develop a relationship in a new setting. Establishing a quality internship that fits the student’s goals and provides them with hands-on experience are key factors in preparing them to enter their career or to pursue future graduate studies.

Students participate in numerous community events providing nutrition education and healthy food samples to participants.

Outcomes

This is

Rachel Tortora

Within a week of graduating, I was offered my first job. After six months of working at the hospital, I confidently applied to ABCD Headstart in South Boston for the health and nutrition manager opening. I currently hold the position and come to work every day excited because I have a job I enjoy. I am grateful for the experience Regis has given me.

This is

Emily Goncalves '23

“My experience in the Regis nutrition program was wonderful! The program prepared me for a career in nutrition and helped me gain independence by having to find my own internship placement, which ultimately led to my first job less than a month after graduating. Within the nutrition program at Regis, I felt as if they really cared for my well-being. I also felt supported when I became a new mother and had to adapt my class schedule. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who has a passion for nutrition and wants to make a difference in other people’s lives one bite at a time.”