Nutrition and Wellness
Explore your passion for food
Simmons University’s Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition and wellness empowers you to turn your passion for food into a meaningful career. This major draws on courses primarily from the Department of Nutrition, as well as biology, chemistry, public health, communication, and management.
You will learn to communicate accurate nutrition information to diverse populations, encouraging healthier decisions in individuals and communities. The program provides a strong foundation in the health sciences, communications, and business. In the process, you'll build skills in health education, counseling, and program development for community health promotion.
You will also gain experience in critically evaluating and communicating scientific research, applying behavioral counseling techniques, and utilizing evidence-based approaches for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.
Nutrition Internship Opportunities in Boston
As a Simmons student, you’ll have opportunities to explore your interests in food and nutrition through internships. You'll build your skills and develop mentoring relationships with leaders in the field.
Students in our nutrition and wellness major have applied their skills through fieldwork at organizations like:
- Panera Bread
- Women’s Lunch Place
- Rosie’s Place
- The Boston Elder Protective Services Program
- Aramark
- Somerville Health Department
What Can You Do with a BS Degree in Nutrition and Wellness?
With a nutrition and wellness degree, you can pursue careers in nutrition education and counseling, wellness promotion, and nutrition programming in community organizations and government agencies.
You may also continue your education through graduate programs in public health, nutrition, or journalism. Learn more about Simmons' master's degree in nutrition and health promotion.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Pathways
Please note that this major does not fulfill the Didactic Program in Dietetics requirements for becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Simmons’ BS in nutrition and dietetics fulfills this requirement for an RDN credential. Learn more about academic pathways to launch a career as an RDN, including our dietetic internship program.
Our Faculty
The faculty in the Nutrition Department are nationally known in their area of expertise. Each has years of practice experience in their areas of teaching. They have served in state government boards and national committees, and won national awards.
They are dedicated educators committed to the success of our students. Each student will have a faculty advisor in nutrition who will provide individualized guidance for coursework selection and career planning.
Lisa Brown
Professor, Nutrition Co-Chair, and Director of the Dietetic Internship Program
Teresa Fung
Professor, and Ruby Winslow Linn Endowed Professor, Nutrition Co-Chair, and Director of Didactic Program in Dietetics
Jacqueline Beatty
Assistant Professor
Sharon Gallagher
Professor of Practice and Assistant Director of the Dietetic Internship Program
Yara Gholmie
Assistant Professor
Kathrina Prelack
Associate Professor
Elizabeth Colavito Siu
Associate Professor of Practice and Director the Masters Program
Urshila Sriram
Assistant Professor and Director of General Education
Kate Walker
Assistant Professor of Practice and Nutrition Clinical Instructor of DIP
Spotlight on Nutrition Students and Alums
Dietitian Alumna Gives People a ‘Leg Up’ on Nutrition
As the founder and owner of Leg Up Nutrition, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Allegra Egizi ’18, ’20MS helps clients attain a holistic, non-diet-based relationship with food. In honor of National Nutrition Month (March) 2025, she spoke with us about her intuitive approach and how Simmons helped jumpstart her career.
What's the Difference Between Nutritionists and Dietitians?
What is the difference between a Nutritionist and a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)? The job titles sound similar, but the roles are in fact quite distinct. The difference between the two lies in their education and training.
Nutrition Alum Receives Award for Article
Jennifer Lerman ’09 received the 39th annual Huddleson Award for the article, “Evaluation of the Healthy Eating Index-Toddlers-2020” which was featured in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
The Simmons Connection: A Tale of Two Sisters
Abby (Bent) McKie ’00 ’02HS (Nutrition) and Dana Bent ’24MSW share their Simmons connection.
Kerri Axelrod ’22DPD Explores Connections between Nutrition and Mental Health
Kerri Axelrod ’22DPD completed the Didactic Program in Dietetics Certificate at Simmons, and now offers nutrition counseling through her private practice, Kerri Axelrod Wellness, where she focuses particularly on the connection between gut health and mental health.
Jasmin Dieb ’24DIP Celebrates Nutrition as Portal to Healing, Family, and Love
To honor National Nutrition Month this March, we spoke with Jasmin Dieb ’24DIP, a certificate student in the Nutrition and Dietetics Internship Program. Dieb discussed her passion for nutrition and how food forms health, community, and love.
Mindful Eating with Stephanie Meyers ’03MS, author of 'End the Mealtime Meltdown'
Stephanie Meyers '03MS is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, and the founder of Families Eating Well, a nutrition practice that coaches parents to encourage healthy eating habits in their children. A nutrition manager in The Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and...
Dietitian Dasha Agoulnik ’19DPD Wins Pitch Competition for Vegan Protein Powder
What made you choose to pursue your degree/major? I have always been interested in how our bodies work. I did my undergraduate degree in biology at UMass Amherst and thought I may be a doctor. I like understanding the biochemistry...