Auburn University Nutrition Degree Programs

Auburn, AL | Department of Nutritional Sciences

Auburn University offers 5 Nutrition degree tracks:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nutrition – Dietetics Option
  • Bachelor of Science in Nutrition – Nutrition Science Option
  • Bachelor of Science in Nutrition – Wellness Option
  • Master of Science in Nutrition
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Nutrition

The programs combine rigorous scientific training with practical application, featuring options for dietetics preparation, pre-health professional pathways, wellness careers, and advanced research in nutritional genomics, physiology, and biochemistry.

Program Tracks Overview

ProgramEst. TuitionEst. Duration
BSN – Dietetics Option$79,896 4 years (full time)
BSN – Nutrition Science Option$83,225 4 years (full time)
BSN – Wellness Option$83,2254 years (full time)
MSN$39,918–$43,956 1.5–2 years (full time)
Doctor of Philosophy in Nutrition$119,835–$134,895 4–6 years (full time)

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition – Dietetics Option

The estimated cost for the undergraduate Dietetics program is approximately $79,896 for in-state students ($216,132 for out-of-state) and would take 4 years to complete on a full-time basis (120 credits total: 2-year pre-professional + 2-year Professional Didactic Program in Dietetics).

Dietetics Curriculum

The 120-credit BS Nutrition/Dietetics consists of pre-dietetics coursework followed by the ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), preparing students for dietetic internship applications and eventual RD/RDN credentialing.

Freshman Year (34 credits):

  • CHEM 1030/1031: Fundamentals Chemistry I with Lab (4cr)
  • CHEM 1040/1041: Fundamental Chemistry II with Lab (4cr)
  • MATH 1150: Pre-Calculus Algebra and Trigonometry (4cr)
  • BIOL 1020/1021: Principles of Biology with Lab (4cr)
  • NTRI 2000/2007: Nutrition and Health (3cr)
  • ENGL 1100: English Composition I (3cr)
  • ENGL 1120: English Composition II (3cr)
  • PSYC 2010: Introduction to Psychology (3cr)
  • Core History courses (6cr)

Sophomore Year (27 credits):

  • BIOL 2500/2501: Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab (4cr)
  • BIOL 2510/2511: Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab (4cr)
  • CHEM 2030: Survey of Organic Chemistry (3cr)
  • STAT 2510: Statistics for Biological and Health Sciences (3cr)
  • NTRI 2070: Careers in Nutrition, Dietetics and Wellness (1cr)
  • COMM 1000: Public Speaking (3cr)
  • HDFS 2100, HOSP 2000, or NTRI 2000 (3cr)
  • Core Literature (3cr)
  • Core Fine Arts (3cr)

Junior Year (32 credits):

  • BCHE 3180: Nutritional Biochemistry (3cr)
  • NTRI 3560: Experimental Study of Foods (4cr)
  • NTRI 3750: Nutrition Education (3cr)
  • NTRI 4820: Macronutrient Metabolism (3cr)
  • NTRI 4830: Micronutrient Metabolism (3cr)
  • NTRI 4090: Professional Issues in Dietetics and Nutrition (1cr)
  • BIOL 3200/3201: General Microbiology with Lab (4cr)
  • PHIL 1030: Ethics and the Health Sciences (3cr)
  • HDFS 2100, HOSP 2000, or NTRI 2000 (3cr)
  • Core Social Sciences (3cr)
  • Elective (2cr)

Senior Year (27 credits):

  • NTRI 4560/4561: Food Systems Operations with Lab (4cr)
  • NTRI 4620: Public Health Nutrition (3cr)
  • NTRI 5020: Medical Nutrition I (4cr)
  • NTRI 5030: Medical Nutrition II (4cr)
  • NTRI 5560: Nutrition and Food Service Management (3cr)
  • NTRI 5760: Nutrition Counseling (2cr)
  • NTRI 5820: Nutrition in the Life Cycle (3cr)
  • NTRI 5830: Nutritional Genomics (3cr)
  • NTRI 5910: Clinical Practicum in Dietetics (1cr)
  • UNIV 4AA0: Achieve the Creed (0cr)

Dietetics Clinical/Practical Requirements

Clinical practicum completed through NTRI 5910 (1 credit) during senior year, providing supervised experience in dietetics settings. Graduates must complete a post-baccalaureate ACEND-accredited supervised practice program (dietetic internship, coordinated master’s program, or ISPP) before eligibility for the CDR credentialing exam to become an RD/RDN.

  • Clinical Practicum in Dietetics (1 credit supervised hours)
  • Post-graduation dietetic internship required (540+ hours)
  • Supervised practice in clinical nutrition, community nutrition, foodservice management

Dietetics Admissions Requirements

Pre-Dietetics Admission:

  • Students admitted to Pre-dietetics (NTDX) as freshmen or transfer students
  • Must complete 45+ semester hours including NTRI 2000/2007 and 4 of 6 required science courses

DPD Admission Requirements:

  • Minimum 2.8 GPA on pre-dietetics prerequisite courses
  • No grade lower than “C” in any prerequisite course (BIOL 1020/1021, BIOL 2500, BIOL 2510, CADS 2000, CHEM 1030/1031, CHEM 1040/1041, CHEM 2030, HDFS 2000, NTRI 2000/2007, NTRI 2070, PSYC 2010)
  • Formal application to DPD upon completion of admission requirements
  • Personal statement and career goals
  • Limited seats available; minimum standards do not guarantee admission

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition – Nutrition Science Option

The estimated cost for the undergraduate Nutrition Science program is approximately $83,225 for in-state students ($226,461 for out-of-state) and would take 4 years to complete on a full-time basis (125+ credits depending on professional pathway).

Nutrition Science Curriculum

The Nutrition Science option provides integrative curriculum grounded in basic sciences with practical application of nutrient biochemistry and metabolism, designed for health-related professional schools and graduate study preparation.

Core science foundation includes:

  • CHEM 1030/1031, 1040/1041: Fundamentals Chemistry I & II with Labs
  • CHEM 2030: Survey of Organic Chemistry
  • BIOL 1020/1021: Principles of Biology with Lab
  • BIOL 2500/2501, 2510/2511: Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II with Labs
  • BCHE 3180: Nutritional Biochemistry
  • STAT 2510: Statistics for Biological and Health Sciences

Nutrition-specific coursework includes:

  • NTRI 2000/2007: Nutrition and Health
  • NTRI 2070: Careers in Nutrition, Dietetics and Wellness
  • NTRI 3560: Experimental Study of Foods
  • NTRI 3750: Nutrition Education
  • NTRI 4820: Macronutrient Metabolism
  • NTRI 4830: Micronutrient Metabolism
  • NTRI 4620: Public Health Nutrition
  • NTRI 5820: Nutrition in the Life Cycle

Special Pathway Programs:

  • 3+3 Agreement with Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy (BS conferred after first pharmacy year)
  • 3+2 Partnership with Bluefield University/VCOM-Auburn Anesthesia Assistant Program (BS conferred after first program year)

Nutrition Science Clinical/Practical Requirements

The Nutrition Science option focuses on research and pre-professional preparation rather than clinical requirements. Students have opportunities for basic science research in faculty laboratories and access to dedicated pre-health advisor for professional school applications and career planning.

  • Optional undergraduate research experiences
  • Laboratory-based coursework in experimental foods and biochemistry
  • Preparation for professional/graduate school entrance requirements

Nutrition Science Admissions Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Standard Auburn University freshman admission requirements
  • Strong foundation in mathematics and sciences recommended
  • Students must earn “C” or better in all NTRI courses
  • Students must earn “C” or better in all prerequisite courses to enroll in subsequent NTRI courses

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition – Wellness Option

The estimated cost for the undergraduate Wellness program is approximately $83,225 for in-state students ($226,461 for out-of-state) and would take 4 years to complete on a full-time basis (125 credits).

Wellness Curriculum

The 125-credit Wellness option combines nutrition science core with health promotion, wellness education, and communication skills for careers in preventative healthcare and wellness professions across philanthropic, public, and private sectors.

Freshman Year (34 credits):

  • CHEM 1030/1031, 1040/1041: Chemistry I & II with Labs (8cr)
  • BIOL 1020/1021: Principles of Biology with Lab (4cr)
  • MATH 1150: Pre-Calculus Algebra and Trigonometry (4cr)
  • NTRI 2000/2007: Nutrition and Health (3cr)
  • ENGL 1100, 1120: English Composition I & II (6cr)
  • PSYC 2010: Introduction to Psychology (3cr)
  • Core History courses (6cr)

Sophomore Year (31 credits):

  • BIOL 2500/2501, 2510/2511: Human A&P I & II with Labs (8cr)
  • NTRI 3560: Experimental Study of Foods (4cr)
  • CHEM 2030: Survey of Organic Chemistry (3cr)
  • NTRI 2070: Careers in Nutrition, Dietetics and Wellness (1cr)
  • COMM 1000: Public Speaking (3cr)
  • HDFS 2000, CADS 2000, or HOSP 2000 (3cr)
  • Literature Core (3cr)
  • Social Science Core (3cr)
  • Fine Arts Core (3cr)

Junior Year (30 credits):

  • BCHE 3180: Nutritional Biochemistry (3cr)
  • NTRI 2010: Basic Sports Nutrition (3cr)
  • NTRI 3750: Nutrition Education (2cr)
  • NTRI 4820: Macronutrient Metabolism (3cr)
  • NTRI 4830: Micronutrient Metabolism (3cr)
  • STAT 2510: Statistics for Biological and Health Sciences (3cr)
  • KINE 1100: Wellness & Public Health (3cr)
  • ENGL 3040: Technical Writing (3cr)
  • PHIL 1030: Ethics and the Health Sciences (3cr)
  • Professional Electives (2cr)
  • Free Electives (2cr)

Senior Year (30 credits):

  • NTRI 4620: Public Health Nutrition (3cr)
  • NTRI 5820: Nutrition in the Life Cycle (3cr)
  • NTRI 5100: Nutrition in Disease Prevention (2cr)
  • HDFS 2000, CADS 2000, or HOSP 2000 (3cr)
  • Professional Electives (15cr)
  • Free Electives (4cr)
  • UNIV 4AA0: Achieve the Creed (0cr)

Professional Electives Options: HOSP 1010, NTRI 4560/4561, NTRI 5560, COMP 1000, KINE courses, COMM courses, JRNL courses, HDFS 2010, Business minor, Hunger minor, Auburn Abroad, PYSC, COUN, Foreign Language, Undergraduate Research (with department head approval)

Wellness Clinical/Practical Requirements

The Wellness option emphasizes community-based learning and practical application through professional electives and experiential coursework. Students gain skills in program development, health education, and wellness counseling without formal clinical hour requirements.

  • Experiential learning through professional electives
  • Community nutrition and public health focus
  • Skills development in wellness program planning and implementation

Wellness Admissions Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Standard Auburn University freshman admission requirements
  • Students must earn “C” or better in all NTRI courses to graduate
  • Students must earn “C” or better in all prerequisite courses to enroll in subsequent NTRI courses

Master of Science in Nutrition

The estimated cost for the MS Nutrition program is approximately $39,918-$43,956 for in-state students ($107,958-$119,076 for out-of-state) and would take 1.5-2 years to complete on a full-time basis (30 credits thesis option or 33 credits non-thesis option).

MS Curriculum

The MS program offers thesis (30 credits) or non-thesis (33 credits) options with at least half of credits at 7000/8000-level. Students can emphasize nutrition science, clinical nutrition, sports nutrition, or community nutrition through elective selection.

Core Nutrition Courses (Required for all students):

  • NTRI 6106: Nutrition in Disease Prevention (2cr)
  • NTRI 6820: Nutrition in the Life Cycle (3cr)
  • NTRI 8970: Advanced Topics in Nutrition (1-6cr)
  • BIOL 6521: Gene Expression Recombinant DNA Laboratory (2cr)
  • BIOL 6190: Cell and Molecular Signal Transduction (3cr)
  • BIOL 6600: Biomedical Physiology (5cr)
  • VBMS 7070: Endocrinology (4cr)

Sample Clinical Nutrition Emphasis Electives:

  • NTRI 6020: Medical Nutrition I (4cr)
  • NTRI 6030: Medical Nutrition II (4cr)
  • NTRI 6760: Nutritional Counselling (2cr)

Sample Sports Nutrition Emphasis Electives:

  • NTRI 6620: Sports Nutrition (3cr)
  • KINE 7680: Advanced Physiology of Exercise I (3cr)
  • KINE 7700: Advanced Physiology of Exercise II (3cr)
  • KINE 7500: Exercise Technology I (4cr)
  • KINE 7550: Exercise Technology II (4cr)
  • KINE 6400: Exercise Prescription for Normal and Special Populations (3cr)
  • KINE 7750: Advanced Sports Psychology (3cr)

Sample Community Nutrition Emphasis Electives:

  • ADED 7600: Nature of Adult Education (3cr)
  • ADED 7060: Curriculum and Program Planning in Adult Education (3cr)
  • NTRI 6560: Nutrition and Food Services Management (3cr)

MS Clinical/Research Requirements

Thesis option requires original research project with faculty advisor culminating in thesis defense. Non-thesis option emphasizes advanced coursework with applied projects. Research focus areas include diabetes, obesity, nutritional genomics, and nutritional epidemiology.

  • Thesis option: Original research and thesis defense
  • Non-thesis option: Applied coursework and projects
  • Access to Auburn University Metabolic Phenotyping Lab

MS Admissions Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution (nutrition or related field preferred)
  • Graduate School admission requirements
  • GRE scores (requirements vary by program decision)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • Contact Graduate Program Officer for specific requirements

Doctor of Philosophy in Nutrition

The estimated cost for the PhD Nutrition program is approximately $119,835-$134,895 for in-state students ($323,865-$364,755 for out-of-state) and would take 4-6 years to complete on a full-time basis (60+ credits beyond bachelor’s degree).

PhD Curriculum

The 60+ credit PhD program requires minimum 30 semester hours of graded 7000/8000-level coursework (21 hours completed as doctoral student at Auburn) plus 30 additional hours including minimum 10 dissertation hours, emphasizing nutritional genomics, physiology, cellular/molecular nutrition, biochemistry, and epidemiology.

Required Core Courses (31+ credits):

  • NTRI 7500: Minerals (3cr)
  • NTRI 7510: Vitamins (3cr)
  • NTRI 7520: Macronutrients: Integration and Metabolism (4cr)
  • NTRI 7530: Human Nutrient Metabolism (4cr)
  • NTRI 7280: Laboratory Methods in Food Science and Nutrition (3cr)
  • NTRI 7050: Methods of Research (3cr)
  • STAT 7000: Experimental Statistics I (3-4cr) OR ERMA 7300: Design and Analysis in Education I
  • STAT 7010: Experimental Statistics II (3cr) OR ERMA 7310: Design and Analysis in Education II
  • NTRI 8850: Research Seminar for Doctoral Program (1-2cr, minimum twice)
  • NTRI 8970: Advanced Topics in Nutrition (1-6cr)
  • NTRI 8990: Research and Dissertation (minimum 10cr)

Sample Elective Options:

  • ADED 7060, 7600: Adult Education courses
  • BCHE 7220, 7280: Biochemistry courses
  • BIOL 6190, 6220, 6500: Cell/Molecular Biology courses
  • KINE 6400, 6500, 7680, 7700, 7750, 8780: Exercise Physiology/Psychology courses
  • NTRI 6020, 6030, 6560, 6820, 7620: Advanced Nutrition courses
  • NTRI 7010, 7910, 7930: Practicum/Independent Study
  • VBMS 7070: Endocrinology

More curriculum details are available here.

PhD Research/Dissertation Requirements

Dissertation research focuses on intensive study in nutritional genomics, physiology, cellular/molecular nutrition, biochemistry, or epidemiology. Department strength emphasizes diabetes and obesity research with access to state-of-the-art Metabolic Phenotyping Lab.

  • Minimum 10 credits dissertation research (NTRI 8990)
  • Original research contributing to nutrition science knowledge
  • Comprehensive examinations
  • Dissertation defense
  • Research conducted under faculty advisor supervision

PhD Admissions Requirements

  • Master’s degree preferred (exceptional bachelor’s degree holders considered)
  • Graduate School admission requirements
  • GRE scores
  • Strong academic record in nutrition or related sciences
  • Letters of recommendation from academic/research professionals
  • Research statement outlining interests and goals
  • Official transcripts from all institutions
  • Interview with potential faculty advisor recommended
  • Contact Graduate Program Officer for specific requirements

Tuition

Undergraduate in-state tuition is approximately $6,659 per semester ($13,318 annually) and out-of-state tuition is $18,011 per semester ($36,022 annually) for 2025-2026.

Graduate in-state tuition is $6,653 per semester ($13,306 annually) and out-of-state tuition is $17,993 per semester ($35,986 annually) based on 12 credit hours (undergraduate) or 9 credit hours (graduate) per semester.

Additional costs include housing/food ($7,936-$8,605 per year), books/materials/supplies/equipment ($3,760 per year), and miscellaneous expenses.

See the official tuition page for more details.

Accreditation

Auburn University’s Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Effective January 1, 2024, CDR requires minimum master’s degree to be eligible for RDN credentialing exam, and all coursework/supervised practice must be completed in ACEND-accredited programs.

The DPD achieves strong outcomes with 80%+ completion rates, 60%+ dietetic internship application/admission rates, 80%+ one-year CDR exam pass rates, and 90%+ program director satisfaction ratings.

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