Biology + Nutrition and Health Promotion (4+1)

Undergraduate

Students in an exercise science class

Studying biology alongside nutrition helps you see how food really works in the body. You’ll learn how nutrients are absorbed and turned into energy, which impacts everything from fitness to long-term health. 

Simmons University’s combined Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master of Science in Nutrition and Health Promotion (4+1) gives you the scientific tools to help people live healthier lives. You’ll be ready for careers in public health, hospitals, schools, community organizations, private practice, and the food industry.

In this accelerated program, you can earn both your BS in biology and MS in nutrition in just five years. You will:

  • Gain a strong foundation in the basic principles of biology, including the structure, biochemistry, function, and metabolism of cells
  • Learn in a community committed to advancing women and gender equity
  • Receive guidance from dedicated faculty and connect to Boston-area internships

As an undergraduate, you’ll partner with your academic advisor to map out your coursework. By finishing prerequisites in your first three years and taking two graduate courses during your senior year, you’ll save both time and tuition.

BS in Biology

Life sciences are crucial to advancing the fields of health and wellness. A BS in biology will provide you with a strong foundation in biological principles and methodology within a student-centered classroom, laboratory, and research experience. 

In our program, you will:

  • explore diverse topics, including organismal diversity in the environment, cell biology, conservation biology, and genetics
  • Receive one-on-one mentorship and support from expert faculty
  • Gain hands-on experience in Boston’s world-class hospitals and research centers

MS in Nutrition and Health Promotion

In our master’s degree program, you’ll examine the science of nutrition and its impact on health promotion. You’ll study both theory and practice — learning how to critically evaluate research and apply it in real-world settings. The program offers options for both on-campus and fully-online study.

You can customize your degree by choosing one of two tracks:

  • Applied Nutrition Science: Build skills to interpret nutrition research and apply it in clinical, community, and practice environments.
  • Entrepreneurship: Gain the tools to design innovative ventures in nonprofit, for-profit, or government sectors. This track includes coursework in the Simmons School of Management and culminates with a business plan.

Graduates pursue careers in public health, hospitals, schools, community organizations, private practice, and the food industry.

First Year

BIOL113 General Biology 4
CHEM111 Principles of General Chemistry 4
OR
CHEM113 General & Quantitative Chemistry I 4
CHEM216 General & Quantitative Chemistry II 4
BIOL218 General Biology II-Organismal Diversity in the Environment 4
OR
BIOL221 Microbiology 4

Sophomore Year

CHEM224 Organic Chemistry I 4
CHEM225 Organic Chemistry II 4
BIOL225 Cell Biology 4
NUTR112 Introduction to Nutrition Science 4

Junior Year

BIOL231 Anatomy and Physiology I 4
BIOL232 Anatomy and Physiology II 4
CHEM345 Biochemistry 4
STAT118 Introductory Statistics 4
OR
STAT239 Regression and Design of Experiments 4
Elective

Senior Year

BIOL350 Independent Laboratory Research 4
OR
BIOL370 Internship 4
NUTR410 Research Methods 3
NUTR453 Advanced Topics in Preventative Nutrition 3
OR
NUTR455 Nutrition, Fitness and Wellness 3

BIOL 350 or BIOL 370: need 8 credits for Capstone.

NOTE: For the NUTR 410, NUTR 453, NUTR 455 Sequencing: During the Fall and Spring terms of their senior year, students will work with their advisor and choose either NUTR 453 or NUTR 455 after taking NUTR 410. A minimum 3.0 overall GPA must be maintained and students must earn a B or better in their two graduate courses to continue in the program.

Become a Dietitian

An MS in Nutrition fulfills the master’s requirement to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Simmons also offers a Dietetic Internship Program and a Didactic Program in Dietetics Certificate if you wish to pursue this pathway.

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