About the department
With increasing understanding of the myriad benefits of a healthy lifestyle, coupled with nationwide attention on health problems such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and osteoarthritis, there is an abundance of professional opportunities for individuals educated professionals in the fields of health behavior science, health promotion, integrated health sciences, and nutrition and dietetics. Our majors offer abundant career and employment options and prepare students for advanced study in graduate school or professional programs such as medicine, dietetics, physician assistant, occupational therapy, pharmacy, public health, and more. Majors in the Department of Health Behavior and Nutrition Sciences equip students with the knowledge and skills to address both the physiological and psychosocial aspects of health, wellness, illness, and aging. Join us to become a leader in improving health outcomes for individuals and communities!
ABOUT OUR MAJORS
Nutrition
Nutrition is the foundation of health. Rooted in biology, chemistry, and the social sciences, nutrition majors gain knowledge and skills needed to assess diet and nutritional status of individuals and populations, and identify effective strategies to prevent and treat disease and improve overall health. With a variety of undergraduate degrees in nutrition, students can prepare for careers as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, wellness coordinators, clinical research coordinators, community nutrition specialists, or for an advanced degree in graduate school, medical or dental school, or other health-related professions (e.g. physician assistant, pharmacy, physical therapy, etc.). Our graduate programs in nutrition prepare students for advanced clinical practice, research, and leadership roles in healthcare, academia, industry, and public service.
Health Behavior Science
Health Behavior Science students explore healthy lifestyles through evaluation on how human actions, perceptions, communication, and environment affect health, chronic disease, relationships, and quality of life. Students acquire skills in health behavior analysis, behavior change strategies, and program development and evaluation. Studying Health Behavior Science can prepare students for specialist positions in public health, health and wellness, non-profits, medical offices, and worksite wellness. It will also prepare students for post-graduate studies in public health, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
Integrated Health Sciences
Integrated Health Sciences students build a robust foundation in both the physical sciences—such as biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology—and the social sciences, including psychology and sociology. This interdisciplinary curriculum not only introduces the core scientific principles essential to health and medical fields but also emphasizes the critical role of health behaviors and nutrition in shaping health outcomes. The degree program offers a comprehensive blend of scientific knowledge and practical insights into behavioral and nutritional sciences, preparing students for diverse careers in health and wellness. The curriculum also prepares students for post-baccalaureate graduate programs such as Occupational Therapy, accelerated nursing, and other programs in the health sciences. The curriculum includes a generous number of electives courses which allow students to tailor their coursework to meet career or further education goals.
Message from the Chair
Welcome to the Department of Health Behavior and Nutrition Sciences (HBNS) at the University of Delaware!
HBNS offers four undergraduate majors: Health Behavior Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, Nutrition and Medical Sciences, and Integrated Health Sciences. Many HBNS students also choose to add a minor as part of their academic program to further expand their skills and knowledge, make them more employable upon graduation, or to enhance their application to graduate school, health professional school, or medical school. Minors in the HBNS Department include Public Health, Nutrition, Health and Wellness, Physical Activity & Disability, and Medical Social Services. There are also numerous other minors across the University that students can select to tailor their program of study to their career goals.
HBNS encourages students to take part in the many experiential learning opportunities we offer. These opportunities enhance learning and provide students with additional skills to meet their future career or educational goals. HBNS provides hands-on learning opportunities through practicums, internships, independent studies, undergraduate research experiences, community engagement projects, and volunteer activities. We welcome students to expand their abilities and expertise through learning opportunities with Student Wellbeing, Health Coaching Clinic, Nutrition Clinic, Foods & Nutrition Education Lab, Nutrition and Dietetics Club, HBNS faculty research labs, or numerous registered student organizations.
Upon graduation, Health Behavior Science students have found rewarding careers in the fields of health promotion, public health, epidemiology, fitness and recreation, athletics and sport, higher education, social marketing and health communication, or community health. Nutrition and Dietetics and Nutrition and Medical Sciences majors have found rewarding careers in dietetics, community nutrition, research, public health, sports nutrition, as well as the food, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries. Students in these majors have also gone on to further their education in medicine, physician assistant, dentistry, and physical therapy programs. Integrated Health Sciences students have successfully pursued careers promoting healthy lifestyles and well-being or furthered their education in post-graduate health programs, such as occupational therapy.
We welcome the opportunity to meet with prospective students and provide further information on HBNS majors or minors. Our exceptional team of faculty, academic advisors, and administrators are committed to you and your success. Please feel free to contact our academic advisor at hbnsadvising@udel.edu to schedule an appointment. We look forward to meeting you!
Sincerely,
Jillian Trabulsi, PhD
UD Alumna
ADDITIONAL LINKS
Connect
Tower at STAR: 100 Discovery Blvd, Newark, DE 19713<br> Health Sciences Complex: 540 S. College Ave, Newark, DE 19713 chs-info@udel.edu Phone: 302-831-1060