Your degree in Nutritional Sciences

Skills you’ll develop

While studying Nutritional Sciences, you’re learning knowledge of human nutrition by combining the foundational elements of biology and chemistry to influence and educate communities and organizations involved in the human health sector.

You’ll develop important skills through acquiring in-depth nutritional knowledge and be prepared for careers in research that impact public health and advance scientific knowledge.

These skills may include:

  • Quantitative and qualitative research and data synthesis related to nutrition, such as vitamin deficiencies in remote communities
  • Usage of laboratory techniques, such as titration and extraction
  • Project management and experimental design for the food industry
  • Critical analysis of current nutritional science literature and report writing related to nutrition and community health
  • Application of logical and systematic thought processes to understanding the structure and functioning of nutrients
  • Use of quantitative and qualitative research to identify nutritional issues in a community
  • Creation of nutrition care plans based on scientific research and a variety of social factors, such as income, geography, and/or education
  • Microscopy
  • Analytical method development or validation, ensuring compliance with safety regulations regarding quality assurance or quality control

Career possibilities

Career opportunities vary across a range of fields including nutritional research, wellness, healthcare programming, food industry consulting, nutritional education, community and social services, hospital management, nutritional promotion and communication, food service management, and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.

Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.

  • Health policy research analyst
  • Health promotion program officer
  • Health services researcher
  • Mental health programs consultant
  • Aboriginal outreach worker
  • Medical doctor
  • Pharmacist
  • Nurse
  • Rehabilitation sciences
  • Food service supervisor
  • Freelance researcher for nutrition book
  • Health food supplement sales agent
  • Health services researcher
  • Home economics teacher
  • Lab technician
  • Mental health programs consultant
  • Naturopathic doctor
  • Nutrition and fitness consultant
  • Nutrition communication associate
  • Nutrition specialist
  • Pharmaceutical sales representative
  • Quality assurance/lab technician
  • Veterinary medicine food service supervisor

Make the most of your major

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help clarify understanding of your values and interests.

  • UBC Dairy Education and Research Centre
    Access this state-of-the-art facility which provides opportunities for dairy research and education.
  • Departmental research opportunities
    Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions.
  • UBC Farm
    Get involved with many different opportunities in teaching and research on this 24-hectare community farm on campus.
  • UBC Wine Research Centre
    Connect with this centre that brings together researchers from the Vancouver and Kelowna campuses focused on technological advancement of the wine industry in British Columbia and Canada.
  • UBC Nutrikids
    Meet other UBC students to work together to provide nutrition education workshops for Lower Mainland elementary schools.
  • Roots on the Roof
    Join this student-run club that manages community garden plots and hosts community events  on the roof of the Nest.
  • UBC Sprouts and Seedlings
    Volunteer your time with this student-run non-profit grocery store and café on campus.
  • Vegans of UBC
    Work with other vegans to build a more ethical and healthier UBC community.
  • Beneath One Sky UBC
    Volunteer with this non-profit student-run organization to support impoverished communities in Greater Vancouver through events like a soup kitchen.
  • UBC PATHS
    Attend events and help raise awareness and funds for common neurodegenerative diseases.
  • BC Children’s Hospital research
    Participate in an undergraduate research project related to child and family health.
  • SuperChefs
    Empower and educate children on obesity using programs showcasing balanced nutrition, food preparation, and building positive lifelong habits for well-being.
  • Canadian Food Inspection Agency
    Learn about the agency that safeguards food, animals, and plants for Canadian communities.
  • Health Canada
    Dive into the department assisting Canadians with their individual health situations.
  • Canadian Institutes of Health Research
    Connect with 13 health research institutes involved in innovating the Canadian health care system.
  • Agora Eats Café
    Provide affordable, healthy food choices volunteering with this student-run café within the MacMillan building.
  • Summer Abroad for Faculty of Land & Food Systems
    Study overseas and immerse yourself in a new culture during the summer with a partnering university.

Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

Connect with alumni on LinkedIn

Find UBC Nutritional Science graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.

More information

From your Land and Food Systems degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Land and Food Systems degree.