Nutritional sciences is the relationship between diet and health
Nutritional sciences is the study of how diet impacts health and disease on a biochemical and physiological basis.
As a Nutritional Sciences major you will:
- Understand how nutrients in food affect the body through biological concepts such as biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, kinesiology, community nutrition, and epidemiology
- Customize your studies with classes on topics such as microbiology, genetics, obesity, metabolism, kinesiology, and sports nutrition, as well as ethics of public health, global health, community nutrition, and cultural aspects of food
- Develop a broad nutritional perspective and use critical thinking to solve real-world human health issues with scientific knowledge and hands-on experience
Career Paths
Nutritional sciences graduates are prepared for health and research careers in a variety of settings, including healthcare, education, corporate wellness, sports nutrition, government agencies, food companies, or pharmaceuticals.
Here are just a few examples of what our nutritional sciences graduates are doing with their careers:
What CALS alumni do:
Clinical Dietician
Physician
Clinical Nutrition Manager
Physician Assistant
Nutrition Assistant
Nurse
Nutrition Educator
Physical Therapist
Where CALS alumni work:
UW Health
US Department of Veterans Affairs
American Red Cross
Medical College of Wisconsin
UnityPoint Meriter
SSM Health
General Mills
Amazon
What CALS alumni do:
Research Assistant
Clinical Research Coordinator
Clinical Dietician
Associate Product Manager
Where CALS alumni work:
Epic
Abbott
Covance
Exact Sciences
What can CALS offer you?
CALS students are curious to discover how our living world works and are passionate about using science to improve it.
Our programs span five areas of study and encourage students to pursue their passions in the classroom and beyond. Learn more about how our students are set up for success:
- Scholarships
- Career Services
- Study Abroad
- Honors Program
- QuickStart – online, summer program for first-year students
Want to learn more about nutritional sciences?
Explore admission requirements, course offerings, 4-year plans, and more on UW–Madison’s undergraduate Guide.
Your CALS Experience
82%
Students who participate in research
20+
Courses on nutritional sciences topics
60%
Students who pursue a certificate or double major
Advisor & Contact Information
Advisors can answer your questions, help you create a degree plan that meets your personal and professional goals, and connect you to resources across the UW–Madison campus.
Incoming students should reach out to CALS Academic Affairs to direct your questions. Current UW–Madison students should schedule with their assigned advisor using Starfish.
CALS Academic Affairs
116 Agricultural Hall
1450 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706
academicaffairs@cals.wisc.edu
(608) 262-3003
Department of Nutritional Sciences
266 Nutritional Sciences Building
1415 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706
(608) 262-2727
Want to learn more about nutritional sciences?