Nutritional Sciences
Examining how to minimize disease and maximize years of life through optimal nutrition
Bridging Health, Food and Science
Nutritional sciences examine how diet intersects with human experience at many levels: from the molecular level—of genes, metabolites and cells—to the systems level: individual people, families and societies. Faculty have expertise in many areas of biomedical and human science, conducting research at the intersection of epidemiology, genetics, public health, cell biology and medicine. Scientists here explore the interconnectedness of human systems, through basic and applied research, and involve students in their research.
I was interested in human health, public health and preventative health care. I found nutrition through that passion. It also is so interdisciplinary because it intersects with things like the economy and the environment.”
Aaliyah Jenkins
Nutrition & Plan II
Experiences & Careers
Nutrition students receive training at UT in and out of the classroom. They conduct research into nutrient intake and metabolism, nutrient-regulated gene expression, school gardening and nutrition education, growth and development, and child and family health. They study abroad, land internships with work in clinical care, volunteer in community-based organizations, and join research laboratories. Graduates go on to a wide range of careers including research, the pharmaceutical and food industries, healthcare, and education. Recent grads have jobs like:
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Research scientist
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Registered Dietitian (RD)
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Wellness consultant
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Nutrition educator
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Quality assurance analyst
Explore Stories
In UT Austin nutritional sciences courses and spaces, students discover opportunities to learn through experience. They support researchers examining connections between obesity and cancer, explore with scientists how prenatal weight problems can affect children later in life and work under the guidance of a trained faculty member-chef in our academic kitchen. They also support research-based interventions in local schools and efforts to extend outreach about nutrition beyond the bounds of the Forty Acres.
Cooking up lessons as a UT undergraduate
Study & Learn
Nutritional sciences is an integrative science with the overall objective of improving the health and well-being of individuals and groups. Areas of inquiry here encompass not only the roles of electrons, atoms, molecules, genes, cells, organs and complex organisms in biological processes; they also explore links between life science and health, behavior, education, population, culture and economics. Undergraduate degrees, including honors, are listed below, and graduate study is also available. For non-majors, there also is an undergraduate Food and Society certificate available.
Evidence and Inquiry
Food and Society
Nutrition
Nutrition: Option 1
Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)
Nutrition: Option 1
Dietetics, Coordinated Program (ICPD)
Nutrition: Option 2
Nutritional Sciences
Nutrition: Option 3
Public Health Nutrition
Nutrition: Option 4
Dean’s Scholars Honors
Nutrition: Option 5
Integrated Coordinated Program in Dietetics (ICPD)
Nutritional Sciences News
Nuance Needed Regarding Weight-Gain Recommendations During Pregnancy
Patients with obesity while pregnant may receive recommendations from their doctors that need revisiting, researchers say.
