FUELING TOMORROW’S HEALTH EXPERTS

The Human Nutrition program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of nutritional science and its role in promoting health, while serving as a foundation for professional schools.

A degree in Human Nutrition will provide you with an understanding of how diet and physical activity play a role in preventing and treating chronic diseases. Our comprehensive STEM program combines classroom and research experiences with evidence-based practice to prepare you for advanced study in health-related fields. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to promote evidence-based practices that positively influence community health and well-being through improved nutrition.

Students pursuing a degree in Human Nutrition are supported by faculty and staff who prioritize student success. No matter what your academic journey, you will receive one-on-one support along the way. For those seeking advanced study at a professional school, the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment offers supplemental pre-professional advising in the health-related areas of Dentistry, Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physician Assistant, and Physical Therapy.

Careers

The Human Nutrition degree will prepare you for opportunities in a variety of health-related fields, such as:

  • Dentistry
  • Endocrinologist
  • Entrepreneur
  • Gastroenterologist
  • Health coach
  • Medical doctor
  • Optometrist
  • Pharmacist
  • Physician assistant
  • Research scientist

Accelerate Your Career Into Graduate School

For highly motivated students, the opportunity exists to integrate up to 12 credit hours of undergraduate and graduate coursework through the Accelerated Master’s Pathways or AMP program. Students will save time and money by receiving dual credit for select courses taken during their senior year of undergraduate studies. Those interested in pursuing this path to a graduate degree should consult with their academic advisor.

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BRIDGE SCHOLARS PROGRAM

The Bridge Scholars program is a unique experiential learning opportunity for select undergraduate students to further their leadership, communication, critical thinking, and problem- solving skills. Under the supervision of faculty mentors, Scholars complete research projects in the UK College of Dentistry’s Diagnosis, Wellness, and Prevention Clinic or UK’s Department of Pediatrics Clinic Amiga. These projects focus on how to bridge the gap between disease prevention and nutrition-focused education in community clinics.

Bod Pod
Lemon Tree food prep

GET INVOLVED

Opportunities abound for students in the Human Nutrition program. Whether you are interested in undergraduate research with the Food as Health Alliance, exploring the world while learning about global nutrition, or volunteering with the student-led Campus Kitchen organization to reduce food waste and eliminate food insecurity in our community, the Human Nutrition program is sure to have an opportunity that meets your interests.

Experiential Learning

Hands-on learning is at the heart of what we do. Our program provides students with opportunities for hands-on learning in the classroom and in real-world settings. Motivated students can also earn undergraduate certificates in Nutrition for Human Performance and Food Systems and Hunger Studies as part of the major.

DHN 212 Introductory Nutrition

Students learn core nutrition knowledge related to wellness, quality of life, and diet-related health conditions.

DHN 311 Nutritional Biochemistry

Students learn about the physiochemical properties of nutrients and other essential biochemicals and their effect on human health.

DHN 315 Nutrition Issues in Physical Activity

Students explore the special nutritional needs of those engaged in regular physical activity and the link to athletic performance.

DHN 593 Introduction to Culinary Medicine

Students explore how culinary medicine can assist healthcare providers and nutrition professionals in caring for patients.

Living Learning Program

The Living Learning Program (LLP) supports student success by placing students with similar interests into smaller communities in particular residence halls.

Academic Enrichment

Our college believes in learning by doing. Our students are required to complete at least one type of experiential or hands-on learning opportunity, such as undergraduate research, an internship or an education abroad experience.

Scholarships

Thanks to generous alumni, donors and community partners, we have one of the largest scholarship programs at UK. Only one application is required for our college’s scholarships, but there are hundreds of potential awards.

Student Services

We’re here to help you grow personally, academically and professionally.

Ready to turn your passion into a career?

Explore endless opportunities at the University of Kentucky and take the first step toward your future.

Senior Academic Advisor
Kelsie Potter

Director of Undergraduate Studies
Jessica Houlihan, MPH, MSPAS, PA-C

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