Nutrition + Nutrition and Health Promotion (4+1)
Learn the science of nutrition to fuel whole-body health
Turn your passion for food and health into a thriving career in the field of nutrition. Our accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Master of Science in Nutrition and Health Promotion (4+1) program allows you to earn both degrees in only five years.
Good nutrition is crucial to our well-being. It influences energy levels, moods, our disease risk, and gut health. As a nutritionist, you'll have the power to help people optimize their health and live their best lives.
In this program, you will gain:
- Build a strong foundation in nutrition science and health promotion strategies
- Join a diverse, inclusive learning community with small, rigorous classes
- Benefit from close faculty mentorship and Boston-area internship connections
As an undergraduate, you’ll work closely with your academic advisor to plan your coursework. By completing prerequisites in your first three years and taking two graduate-level courses in your senior year, you’ll save time and tuition.
Two Nutrition BS Programs to Explore
You can choose from Simmons’ two nutrition majors:
- Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Wellness focuses on critically evaluating and communicating scientific research, behavioral counseling, and understanding approaches for chronic disease prevention and treatment.
- Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics prepares you to enter the dietetics field and promote healthy lifestyles
Both programs, especially our Bachelor’s in Nutrition and Dietetics program, are great entry points into our master’s program. You’ll build expertise in applying nutrition science while learning how to evaluate research and evidence to guide your practice.
MS in Nutrition and Health Promotion
Simmons’ master’s program will prepare you for advanced roles in nutrition and wellness, with options for both on-campus and fully-online study.
Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) at Simmons
Whether you are just starting out or want to change careers, our programs will give you everything you need to complete the requirements to earn the RDN credential.
Customize your degree by choosing one of two tracks:
- Applied Nutrition Science: Interpret research and apply it in clinical, community, and professional settings.
- Entrepreneurship: Gain business skills to develop innovative ventures in nonprofit, for-profit, or government sectors. This track includes courses from the Simmons School of Management and culminates in a career-focused business plan.
Our graduates work in public health, hospitals, schools, community organizations, private practice, and the food industry. They succeed in areas such as nutritional counseling, program management, and community-based research.
Nutrition Programs at Simmons
Alumnae Allegra Egizi and Chantelle Arentsen reflect on their experiences in the nutrition program at Simmons.
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.
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...
Contributing to a Healthier Community: Brittany Barrett '18C Finds Passion in Nutrition
Congratulations to Brittany Barrett '18C, named Outstanding Student from the Colorado Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics! We spoke with Brittany about her passion for nutrition and how Simmons prepared her for her professional journey.
Highlights of Nutrition Programs at Simmons
97%
Simmons Dietetic Internship Program RDN Exam Pass Rate
Simmons graduates consistently surpass the national pass rate average on the Registration Exam for Dietitian Nutritionists. The national average is 88%.
100+ Years
History of Nutrition Education at Simmons
Simmons’ history of nutrition education spans more than a century, highlighted by our department’s many contributions to nutrition science, health, and wellness.