A minor in Nutrition Sciences is an opportunity for a non-Nutrition major to gain exposure to food, nutrition, wellness and more. Our minor is open to any interested student, but we see specific benefits for students majoring in a life science discipline such as biology, health or exercise science.

A nutrition minor is also a benefit for students who wish to pursue an advanced degree such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies and other clinical health professions. It can also assist those who are interested in working in the food industry, physical fitness, education and other arenas that involve a nutrition component.

Why Get a Minor in Nutrition Sciences?

The Minor in Nutrition Sciences from UAB will help give you an understanding of health education, nursing, public health, medical research, and community health. This completely online undergraduate minor is ideal if you are interested in the science and application of nutrition in health-related professions. The program is designed to help you develop a firm foundation of knowledge in food studies, food systems, nutrition and health, nutrition and genetics, lifecycle nutrition, and consumer nutrition. You will have the experience of examining food and nutrition practices as well as learn policies that affect sustainable diets and long-term health. This program can also help you meet the prerequisite requirements for a master's degree in nutrition sciences.

Career Paths and Job Opportunities

There is a growing need in community settings for support workers who focus on nutrition and health promotion, particularly for child and maternal health groups, older adults, school, and childcare based nutrition education and for agencies who build health initiatives within and across communities. Furthermore, with the challenges of an aging population and complications associated with the rising rates of obesity, there is an ongoing need for highly trained individuals with expanded skills to meet the healthcare related issues of the future.

While this track does not qualify you to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), you will be positioned to work within a multiprofessional team to assist in the design, development, and dissemination of comprehensive programs that promote health and wellness and reduce the burden of chronic disease of individuals and communities.

The Undergraduate Minor in Nutrition Science is designed to complement your main program of study.

Application Process

The minor in Nutrition Sciences is available to any current UAB student in good academic standing. Before declaring a minor in Nutrition Sciences, you must take and pass NTR 222: Nutrition and Health. All courses in the Nutrition minor are offered online. Declaring a minor in Nutrition Sciences is done through BlazerNet.

Prerequisites for Admission and Program Curriculum

A complete list of prerequisites and courses are available in the UAB School of Health Professions Undergraduate Catalog.

The Undergraduate Minor in Nutrition Sciences requires that students successfully complete a total of 18 semester hours of coursework, as outlined below. These 18 semester hours comprise 15 semester hours of required courses and an additional 3 semester hours of an approved elective course. All courses in the Minor in Nutrition Sciences are offered online only.

Please note that NTR 222: Nutrition and Health is a required prerequisite for all other courses and therefore must be taken before declaring a minor or taking the other courses offered. Declaring a Minor in Nutrition Sciences is done through BlazerNet.

Have an immediate question about the Undergraduate Minor in Nutrition Sciences program? You might find it in our “Frequently Asked Questions” section below.