Purdue Global Nutrition Degree

About the Program

Health Science

Purdue Global’s Online Bachelor of Science in Nutrition is a flexible, 180-quarter-credit degree designed to be completed in about 3.5 years with a weekly effort of 15–18 hours.

The program is offered fully online, making it ideal for students balancing school with work or family obligations. It prepares students to pursue entry-level roles in nutrition and wellness, and offers pathways toward further graduate study.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes 33 total courses, covering areas such as medical nutrition therapy, nutritional counseling, food safety, nutritional assessment, and nutrition across the lifespan.

Coursework includes:

NS105 Fundamentals of Nutrition
Introduces core nutrition concepts, including dietary guidelines, digestion, and energy metabolism, while exploring the evolving role of food in health and wellness.

NS106 Nutrition Profession and Career Planning
Covers career paths, credentials, and industry standards in nutrition, helping students assess their strengths and set clear professional goals.

NS230 Macronutrient Metabolism
Examines the digestion, metabolism, and physiological functions of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, with a focus on energy production and health impact.

NS235 Micronutrient Metabolism
Explores the roles of vitamins and minerals in human health, addressing absorption, deficiency, toxicity, and personalized supplementation strategies.

SC131 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Continues the study of body systems—cardiovascular, immune, digestive, urinary, and reproductive—at multiple biological levels, including lab work.

SC190 General Chemistry II
Covers chemical equilibria and kinetics, focusing on reactivity concepts essential for life sciences and health-related studies.

NS305 Food Safety
Covers principles of foodborne illness, sanitation, and regulatory compliance, preparing students for the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Exam.

NS310 Nutritional Assessment
Teaches techniques and tools for evaluating nutritional status using both manual methods and nutrition analysis software.

NS325 Nutrition Through the Life Cycle
Explores changing nutritional needs from pregnancy to aging, considering physiological development and health at each life stage.

NS410 Personalized Diet Planning and Management
Focuses on designing evidence-informed dietary plans by integrating research, client preferences, and clinical judgment.

NS420 Nutritional Counseling
Covers counseling techniques such as motivational interviewing and goal setting to support clients in achieving long-term nutrition goals.

NS480 Medical Nutrition Therapy I
Introduces diet-based interventions for managing metabolic and systemic diseases, emphasizing the role of balanced nutrition in treatment.

NS490 Medical Nutrition Therapy II
Focuses on nutrition care for neurological and gastrointestinal conditions, applying advanced dietary strategies for complex clinical needs.

SC320 Microbiology for Health Professions
Explores the role of microorganisms in health, disease, and industry, with emphasis on microbial structure, genetics, and immune response.

SC335 Biochemistry
Covers the structure and function of biomolecules like proteins and nucleic acids, including enzyme kinetics and biochemical processes.

NS499 Bachelor’s Capstone in Nutrition
Serves as the final project where students integrate knowledge from the program to demonstrate mastery through a comprehensive nutrition-focused project.

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Students may choose an optional holistic nutrition concentration, which prepares them for the Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® (BCHN) exam.

The program emphasizes evidence-based care, cultural sensitivity, and communication skills essential for working in diverse communities.

See detailed course information here:

Tuition

Tuition is $371 per quarter credit, bringing the estimated total tuition to $66,780 before any transfer credits or tuition reductions.

Purdue Global offers options to lower cost and time to completion through transfer credit, military benefits, corporate partnerships, and credit for prior work experience.

Outcomes and Certification

Graduates gain foundational knowledge to assess nutritional status, develop diet plans, and design nutrition programs.

They may qualify for certifications such as ServSafe, Certified Dietary Manager (CDM), and Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® (with concentration).

However, this program is not ACEND-accredited, so it does not qualify graduates to become Registered Dietitians (RD/RDN).

Admissions

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and must complete an orientation.

Undergraduate Program Requirements

Applicants must show proof of high school completion or equivalent via attestation, transcripts, GED, home study documents, or prior college credentials. Indiana and Maine have specific state-based requirements (e.g., Core 40 curriculum or immunizations).

Graduate Program Requirements

A bachelor’s degree is required for master’s or graduate certificates; a master’s is required for doctoral or postgraduate certificates. Applicants must submit official transcripts and have a 2.5 GPA minimum (with possible exceptions based on academic potential).

Suitability

This program is a good fit for those interested in non-clinical nutrition roles, such as health coaches, wellness specialists, or nutrition educators, and who seek a flexible, online degree with a customizable academic track.

Career Readiness

Graduates are prepared for roles in community health, wellness programs, corporate nutrition, and non-clinical healthcare settings.

The program supports future academic progression and includes an optional internship for hands-on experience. Students can also start a graduate program pathway to shorten time to a master’s degree.