As our knowledge of human health and nutrition grows, so does the demand for expertise that can help us get the most out of our lives. We turn to athletic trainers, nutritionists, occupational therapists, and similar health professionals to help us better understand how we should eat and move to maximize our performance.

About Salem’s Human Nutrition & Performance Bachelor’s Degree

The foundation of Salem University’s Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Human Nutrition & Performance specialization is to extend and apply your knowledge of human anatomy and physiology to practical settings. Students can gain a comprehensive understanding of nutrition required specifically for better athletic performance in all sports and how it applies to practical settings. We offer a supportive, diverse experience that combines classroom instruction by experienced faculty with skills-building exercises and real-world applications. A biology bachelor’s degree can also be a great stepping-off point toward getting your Master of Science in Health and Human Performance.

We’ve designed our biology bachelor’s degree curriculum with the goal of providing a high-quality education that prepares you for lifelong learning. We aim to develop your leadership and problem-solving skills and encourage our students to read critically, ask appropriate questions, gather information, and apply critical analysis. And we do all of this within a framework that fits into your current life and responsibilities with our unique, one-course-a-month schedule. Salem offers STEM Designated Degree Programs identified by the US Department of Homeland Security, signaling their importance to the Nation and the World.

What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Nutrition & Performance?

A bachelor’s degree in biology with an emphasis in human nutrition and performance can help you prepare for entry-level employment in careers like:

  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Physical or Occupational Therapist
  • Chiropractor
  • Nursing
  • Athletic Trainer
  • Athletic Nutritionist

The Human Performance degree specialization’s main focus is to prepare you for further professional study in health science-related fields, such as athletic or occupational nutritional therapy.

What Will I Learn in Salem’s Bachelor’s Degree in Human Nutrition & Performance?

With Salem’s Human Nutrition & Performance specialization, you’ll start with acquiring knowledge and skills related to physical, biological, and health sciences. From there, you’ll build on that base with specialized nutrition classes, studying topics like nutrition requirements for skeletal structure, muscles, and nervous motor components, how the body responds to dietary supplements, how to assess performance based on nutrition, how internal biology influences outer functions such yoga and exercise, pre- and probiotic nutrition-related options to boost your immune system, and so on. In all of these biology bachelor’s degree specialization courses, we like to focus on practical applications of these concepts to better apply what you’re learning and the skills and tasks you’ll need on the job.

In your specialized Human Nutrition & Performance courses, you’ll cover topics like:

  • The basics of skeletal structure, anatomy, the motor learning components of the central nervous system, basic Newtonian mechanics, and general force-velocity physics
  • The nutritional importance of performance optimization as it relates to endurance, power, and speed, including meal timing, circadian rhythms, and sleep
  • Foundational knowledge of the gut microbiome and the physiological significance and nutritional importance of the gut-brain axis as it influences the behavior of an individual
  • Alternative therapies, including herbal supplements, yoga, and meditation for the better performance of exercise and various sport activities
  • The interrelationships between optimal nutrition absorption and various nutrients for better athletic performance, focusing on nutrient requirements, hormones, metabolism, and dietary supplements

What Human Nutrition & Performance Classes Will I Take?

The Bachelor of Science in Biology degree program with a specialization in Human Nutrition & Performance requires the completion of 75 foundational and elective credits, as well as 30 core biology credits that include:

  • BIO110 General Biology
  • BIO111 General Biology 2
  • BIO112 General Biology Lab
  • BIO210 Anatomy & Physiology
  • BIO211 Anatomy & Physiology 2
  • BIO499 Senior Capstone Project
  • CHM110 General Chemistry
  • CHM111 General Chemistry 2
  • CHM112 General Chemistry Lab
  • CHM210 Organic Chemistry
  • CHM211 Organic Chemistry 2
  • CHM212 Organic Chemistry Lab
  • CHM350 Biochemistry
  • CHM351 Biochemistry 2
  • PHY110 General Physics
  • PHY111 General Physics 2
  • PHY112 General Physics Lab

You’ll also take 15 credits in the Human Nutrition & Performance specialization:

  • BIO260 Kinesiology and Biomechanics
  • BIO441 Active Nutritional Assessment of Athletes
  • BIO445 Pathophysiology of Gut and Nutrition
  • BIO449 Natural Therapies and Exercise Physiology
  • BIO460 Human Nutrition and Physical Performance

How Long Will It Take to Get My Human Nutrition & Performance Bachelor’s Degree?

On average, a full-time student can earn their Bachelor of Science in Biology degree with a specialization in Human Nutrition & Performance in approximately 40 months. However, we recognize every student is different, with different circumstances. Contact one of our admissions advisors to discuss your specific questions and goals.

Why Choose Salem University?

Since 1888, Salem University has built upon our tradition of accessible, affordable higher education by constantly innovating and looking to the future. We aim to develop lifelong learners who embrace problem-solving with a global perspective. We offer:

  • Accelerated undergraduate and graduate programs of study with continuous enrollment via distance education or on-campus
  • A unique one-course-a-month format that allows students to focus on a single subject at a time and build their knowledge in a way that feels natural
  • Online courses are structured to work within the constraints of full-time employment, allowing you to earn your degree with minimum disruption to your busy schedule
  • Supportive faculty and staff who serve as thought leaders and mentors
  • A beautiful 100-acre campus situated in the Smoky Mountains where programs of study are available for campus residents and commuter students

Admission Requirements

Admission to Salem is open to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or ability/disability. Anyone wishing to attend Salem can obtain the necessary application from the Office of Admissions or apply online. The completed application should be submitted to the Office of Admissions at the earliest possible date. The University admits students on a rolling, monthly start basis. Acceptance is within the discretion of Salem University; some programs have additional admissions requirements.

Take the Next Step

If you’re interested in getting started on your degree from Salem University, request more information by filling out a quick form or start a live chat with us today!