Career Opportunities

As a Nutritional Science (NUTR) major, you will leverage your Penn State education and a vast network of like-minded professionals to find a fulfilling career that encompasses the science of nutrition to help consumers, healthcare practitioners, and industries to improve health and promote wellness.

There is an endless array of positions in which your skills and knowledge will be put to great use, including:

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist: As a registered dietitian nutritionist, you may work in healthcare, business and industry, community/public health, education, research, government agencies, or private practice. You may counsel patients about their specific nutritional needs, recommend or prescribe medical nutrition therapy, or collaborate with other health professionals to improve the health of patients.

Public Health or Health Education: Help the public maintain a healthy lifestyle through nutrition by working in a public school helping develop and implement a nutrition program, impact public health policy decisions, promote health and wellness at the corporate level, or by educating the community about the connection between food, fitness, and health.

Medical Field: You will have the opportunity to gain a firm foundation in nutrition, human health, chemistry, and biology, which is an excellent fit if you are interested in medical school, physical or occupational therapy, or becoming a physician’s assistant working in a hospital or other healthcare facility.

Research Careers: Graduates of the Nutritional Sciences program also work in research, helping organizations, universities, and industry answer critical nutrition questions. You might develop and promote nutritional foods, enhance the understanding of the biochemical basis of disease, or improve the way nutrition messages are presented to the public.

Food Industry/Services: If you are interested in the food industry/services, you may want to pursue career opportunities in product development, marketing, labeling and regulations, consumer affairs, public relations, or consulting with chefs in restaurants and culinary schools.

Career Services

It is never too early in your academic experience to explore all of the career services available to you, and Penn State Career Services is an excellent place to start. You can meet with a drop-in counselor any time between 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. weekdays in the Bank of America Career Services Center to discuss your concerns or to schedule an appointment with a career counselor.

For Students: Recruiting Calendar — Take advantage of a variety of recruiting events offered right here on campus.

For Recruiters: Our Students — Learn how to hire Penn State graduates for a wide variety of positions.

Become a Protégé

As a junior, our Mentor Program allows you an opportunity to be matched with a professional in your field(s) of interest who can offer advice and information about career options and other related issues. The program allows you to explore internships, career choices, and plans after graduation with your mentor.

Career Services

See Also