You are now in the main content area

Nutrition and Food (BASc)

Nutrition students in classroom preparing food

With their understanding of nutrition, food, and health, Nutrition and Food program graduates are well prepared to meet the nutrition-related needs of individuals, families, and communities. Diverse academic options support our students to pursue a range of professional pathways that promote healthy eating habits and enhance Canadians’ quality of life.

Program at a Glance

Program Format

Full-time, Four-year

 

Degree Earned

Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc)

Professional Accreditation

This dietetic education program is an accredited program recognized by the Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice (PDEP) (external link)  and prepares students for eligibility for registration with a provincial dietetics regulatory body.

Start Date

September entry

Tuition Fees  

Tuition fee details

Industry Recognition

This program is recognized by the Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology, the Canadian Association of Food Service Professionals, Ontario Home Economists in Business and the Ontario Family Studies/ Home Economics Educators Association.

Food industry:

  • Food stylist
  • Nutrition consultant
  • Food specialist/economist
  • Freelance writer

Food service management and hospitality:

  • Nursing home administrator
  • Dietary technician
  • Hospitality manager
  • Director of hospitality services

Health promotion:

  • Public health policy and administration
  • Health promoter/educator
  • Consultant
  • Lactation consultant

Health research and food science:

  • Food scientist
  • Lab technician
  • Research and development
  • Process technologist
  • Product development
  • Test kitchen assistant/manager
  • Health researcher

Dietetics/ Registered Dietitian:

Graduating with a BASc in Nutrition and Food is the first step towards becoming a Registered Dietitian (external link) . Dietitians provide advice on diet, food and nutrition, working in settings that include:

  • Health care
  • Private practice
  • Community health
  • Public health
  • Corporate education

Education:

  • Elementary school teacher
  • High school teacher (Science/Family Studies)
  • Educational consultant

Business:

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Advertising and promotions manager
  • Marketing communications/development
  • Market research
  • Product specialist
  • Consumer relations consultant
  • Program coordinator

Government and regulatory affairs:

  • Federal public servant
  • Provincial public servant
  • Food inspector
  • Quality assurance manager/director

Our graduates also find opportunities in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, community agencies, government, ingredient suppliers, and companies involved in marketing and promoting consumer food products.

For over 60 years, the School of Nutrition has set the bar for excellence in nutrition and food education.

Our curriculum bridges disciplines, positioning you for responsible citizenship and professional success. A rich blend of courses in science, nutrition, research, communications and social science — along with professional education and liberal studies — supports you to achieve your learning and career goals.

Our outstanding faculty members bring their diverse experience as teachers, scholars and researchers to the classroom.

Research labs such as the Nutrition Discovery Labs (external link, opens in new window)  and the Centre for Studies in Food Security provide exciting opportunities for hands-on learning, while community initiatives, including the Urban Farm (external link, opens in new window) , connect you with opportunities beyond the classroom.

Student groups, including the Nutrition Course Union (external link, opens in new window) , and Diabetes Canada at Ryerson (external link, opens in new window) , provide incredible opportunities to get involved.  

A variety of academic options ensures that our graduates are flexible and responsive to changing trends in health and community settings, food-service and food industries, education, private practice and entrepreneurial endeavours.

Required courses

Required courses in science, nutrition, research, communications and the social sciences support you to develop an interdisciplinary foundation in nutrition, food and health. You can view required courses in the undergraduate calendar.

Professional education

Align your education with your professional goals. You can pursue Chang School certificates in Food Security or Gerontology and gain specialized knowledge and skills.

You can also take a minor and enhance your understanding of social innovation, marketing and more.

Complete the seven Dietitians of Canada required Courses (marked with this symbol † in Core Elective Table I and ACC100 from the Open Elective table) needed to meet the academic requirements for becoming a dietitian (external link) . Following graduation, go on to pursue the highly competitive practical experience requirement.

Liberal Studies

Liberal Studies courses allow you to broaden your perspective. Take history, sociology, geography and more. Pursue the Chang School Certificate in Proficiency in French.

Nutrition and health research

Pursue an independent research interest through our brand new Concentration in Nutrition and Health Research, upon the completion of a cluster of six required courses. You can view the concentration requirements in the undergraduate calendar.

When you apply to the program, you must meet a number of admission requirements.

You need to meet certain deadlines when submitting your application online and may be required to submit supporting documents.

Meet our Students and Alumni