Nutritional Sciences, Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences (BSNS) program will be focused on graduating students with exceptional knowledge and skills in wellness and nutrition. The BSNS is designed to prepare students for nutritional sciences careers and position them to pursue higher education at the levels of Masters and PhD in Nutritional Sciences, MSCPD (Cooperative program in Dietetics) and related field at UTRGV and other Higher Education Institutions within Texas. Nutritionists are experts in the use of nutrition and food to promote health and wellness.
Note: For a PDF version of the degree requirements for this program go to the Undergraduate Programs page on the UTRGV website.
Core Curriculum Requirements – 42 Hours
Students must fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements. The courses listed below satisfy both degree requirements and Core Curriculum requirements.
Mathematics – 3 hours
Life and Physical Sciences – 6 hours
Language, Philosophy and Culture – 3 hours
Choose One:
| PHIL 1310 | Ethics, Happiness, and the Good Life | 3 |
| PHIL 1366 | Philosophy and History of Science and Technology | 3 |
Integrative and Experiential Learning – 6 hours
The one hour lab component of BIOL 1406 will be applied above.
Choose One:
Major Requirements – 78 Hours (42 advanced)
Nutritional Sciences Foundation Courses – 59 hours (30 advanced)
Required
Concentration – 19 hours (12 advanced minimum)
Choose one of the concentrations listed below.
Nutrition Concentration – 19 hours (15 advanced)
Required
Food Technology and Management Concentration 19 hours 12 advanced
Required
Nutrition and Fitness Concentration – 19 hours (19 advanced)
Required
| KINE 3353 | Physiology of Exercise | 3 |
| KINE 3360 | Exercise Testing and Prescription | 3 |
| KINE 3160 | Exercise Testing and Prescription Lab | 1 |
| KINE 3365 | Physiology and Techniques of Strength/Power Fitness | 3 |
| KINE 4310 | Measurement Techniques in Physical Education and Sport | 3 |
| KINE 4355 | Pediatric Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| KINE 4360 | Clinical Exercise Physiology | 3 |
Honors Concentration – 19 hours (12 advanced)
Required
Total Credit Hours: 42
Total Credit Hours: 120
Admission, Progression, And Graduation Requirements, if applicable:
Admission requirements
Admission to the program is determined by a minimum High school or current undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale with no additional criteria. Students who have completed college level courses should have a minimum GPA of 2.7 in Nutrition, Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics courses required in the program. With the exception of a minimum GPA, the program is open enrollment and program capacity will only be limited by personnel availability and laboratory space. Deadline to apply to the program will be April 30th of each year.
Progression requirements
Students must maintain a grade of "C" or above in all the major requirement courses to remain in the program. The students are also expected to complete the required prerequisites for the courses. They are also expected to co-register in courses as detailed in the degree plan.
Graduation requirements
Completion of the major is based on the student receiving a minimum grade of "C" in all required courses for the major in section B – Major Requirements in the degree plan.