Degrees
Colleges
About
First, some facts. Of the Nutrition Sciences graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 658 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 65%, Nutrition Sciences graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-2%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 47% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Nutrition Sciences graduate.
See the details:
|
Relevance score: 92% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2014 from Meredith College with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nutrition Sciences. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONGraduate Assistant Appalachian State University Aug 2014 - May 2015 Dietetic Intern  Caldwell Memorial Hospital Aug 2015 - Feb 2016 Dietetic Intern Caldwell County Health Dept Feb 2016 - Apr 2016 Dietitian and Nutrition Coordinator CarolinaEast Health System Jun 2016 - Jan 2022 Clinical Dietitian II- Outpatient Oncology UNC Health Feb 2022 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Science (MS)Appalachian State University 2014 - 2016 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When diving into the career paths of individuals who have earned a degree in Nutrition Sciences, a clear trend begins to emerge. Many graduates often find themselves in roles that heavily utilize their specialized knowledge, but just as frequently, they end up in positions that have little to do with the intricacies of nutrition. This analysis showcases a mix of relevant and irrelevant job roles that highlight the potential applications—and limitations—of a Nutrition Sciences degree.
Among the more relevant job titles, we see a significant number of registered dietitians, clinical dietitians, and nutritionists. These positions typically require the advanced knowledge of dietary practices, nutritional guidelines, and patient care that graduates of nutrition sciences acquire. For example, registered dietitians working in hospitals often directly implement nutrition care plans, reflecting their educational foundations. Roles like clinical dietitians at various healthcare settings underscore the degree's relevance, as they rely on the ability to assess patients’ dietary needs and prescribe appropriate interventions. Another common position is that of dietetic interns, which is often essential for gaining practical experience in clinical settings before obtaining full professional status.
However, it’s also evident that many Nutrition Sciences graduates step into roles that do not utilize their degree effectively. Positions in sales, administration, and customer service—such as those found in retail or in roles unrelated to health and wellness—are quite prevalent. For instance, many graduates end up as customer service representatives, marketing specialists, or even administrative assistants, where the specialized knowledge of nutrition becomes an afterthought and is rarely applied. Some individuals take on managerial or operational roles in the food industry that require oversight of nutrition but do not necessitate a detailed understanding of dietary science.
This mix of relevant and irrelevant positions illustrates a fundamental truth about the field: while Nutrition Sciences provides invaluable skills and knowledge for certain careers, many graduates may find their paths leading them away from traditional roles in nutrition. Factors such as job availability, personal interests, and broader industry needs often dictate where these graduates will land. Hence, while there are promising career avenues for Nutrition Sciences graduates, a significant number also face disconnects between their education and employment, resulting in their skills not being fully leveraged in the workforce.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Nutrition Sciences graduates:
Analyzing the career trajectories of graduates who have studied Nutrition Sciences reveals a diverse pattern in their career paths. For recent graduates, the initial positions often reflect a combination of entry-level jobs related to nutrition as well as roles in healthcare settings. For instance, many early-career professionals start as dietetic interns, nutrition assistants, or in clinical roles like nursing or nursing assistants. This trend indicates that graduates have a strong foundational interest in direct patient care and community health engagements immediately post-graduation, which is absolutely in line with their academic background.
As we look five to ten years down the line, however, the workforce outcomes become a bit mixed. While numerous alumni have successfully transitioned into roles like registered dietitians or clinical dietitians in reputable healthcare organizations, it appears that a fair number of graduates have found themselves in positions that strayed from direct applications of nutrition science. Roles in project management, sales, and other seemingly unrelated fields appear frequently among this cohort. This suggests that while some graduates have leveraged their education directly into nutrition-focused careers, others have diverted into alternative career paths, either due to market limitations, personal choices, or a broadening of their professional interests.
It's also notable that several individuals pursuing advanced degrees or certifications in related fields, such as nurse practitioners, physicians, or further studies in nutrition technology, highlights a trend of continued education and specialization. Given the dynamic nature of the healthcare and nutrition fields, this upward trajectory into more advanced roles demonstrates ambition and the pursuit of expertise—characteristics that will likely serve them well in the long run.
In summary, graduates from Nutrition Sciences are starting their careers with solid footing in relevant fields, predominantly within health and wellness. However, as time passes, there is a noticeable divergence where ambition leads some to stay in nutrition-focused roles, while others embark on alternative pathways. Adapting and evolving in response to personal interests and job market demands is part of the journey, but one should note that many have successfully built rewarding careers directly aligned with their education.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition Sciences can be a bit of a mixed bag, honestly. It's not as easy as some might think—you're diving into subjects like biochemistry, physiology, and even some advanced math. You’ll also need to get cozy with research methods and apply what you've learned through practical experiences. That said, if you're genuinely interested in health, food, and how the body processes nutrients, it can feel more like a fun challenge than a chore. So, while it’s definitely challenging, especially if you're not super into science, it's also manageable with the right mindset and dedication!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Nutrition Sciences.
Looking at the career paths of these nutrition sciences graduates, it seems like some have done quite well financially, while others are still on their journey toward higher income potential. Graduates from prestigious schools like Cornell University and University of Southern Indiana appear to have moved quickly into senior positions, such as consultants and managers at well-known firms like Deloitte and Proactive MD. These are roles that generally come with a solid paycheck, suggesting these individuals are likely making decent money.
However, there are others, particularly those who have taken more traditional paths in healthcare and community nutrition roles, such as dietitians in hospitals or educators with less visible upward mobility. Their earnings might be more modest, especially if they're in teaching or nonprofit sectors, which usually pay less. Overall, while many have the potential to earn well over time, the financial outcomes vary widely among the group, indicating a mix of situations when it comes to salary and job satisfaction.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Nutrition Sciences. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Nutrition Sciences (ordered by the average relevance score of their Nutrition Sciences graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 University of Connecticut
|
85 | 11 |
 Penn State University
|
76 | 13 |
 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
|
75 | 12 |
 University of New Hampshire
|
71 | 10 |
 Arizona State University
|
70 | 12 |
 Texas A&M University
|
70 | 19 |
 The University of Texas at Austin
|
60 | 21 |
 Montclair State University
|
59 | 10 |
 Kaplan University
|
54 | 12 |
 University of Arizona
|
46 | 20 |