Mar 14, 2026  
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog

Sport Nutrition Major, B.S.


Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences  

College of Health and Human Sciences  

  Available Program Format(s): In-Person   

About the Program


The Sport Nutrition major is designed for students who are interested in nutrition and exercise science. Specifically the program is designed for students interested in how diet influences human performance. The program incorporates classes from the Departments of Nutrition and Exercise and Sport Sciences. The program addresses both the acute and chronic adaptations to exercise. Also, it addresses nutrition plans and strategies for the specific needs of athletes and the general population who are training with specific fitness goals.

Graduates will be prepared for careers in sports nutrition, strength and conditioning, personal training, or work in the general fitness industry. Students also will be able to extend and augment their education by applying for the Masters program in Nutrition at MSU Denver. They may also pursue graduate opportunities outside MSU Denver in physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, or exercise science graduate programs. Some additional prerequisite classes could be needed depending on the graduate program. Graduates also will be prepared to obtaining personal training and/or strength and conditioning certification. The degree program is interdisciplinary, with 28 credits coming from existing Nutrition classes and 33 credits coming from existing Exercise and Sport Sciences classes.

Student Outcomes


  1. Sport nutrition students will utilize appropriate assessment tools to evaluate health and physical fitness status.
  2. Sport nutrition students will employ appropriate  tools to collect, evaluate, and prescribe proper nutritional recommendations for a wide variety of athletes and sports. 
  3. Sport nutrition students will be able to use fitness status information and administer an appropriate fitness training plan, utilizing the FITT framework, for improving health and physical performance.
  4. Sport nutrition students will evaluate and develop fitness and nutrition plans for athletes and fitness enthusiasts based on current scientific research, sport-specific needs, and performance goals.
  5. Sport nutrition students will critique and communicate nutrition and fitness information and strategies as they relate to performance for diverse populations.

General Degree Requirements


To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements. 

Program Requirements


  • A total of 120 semester hours are required for graduation. 
  • A grade of C or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required. 
  • Students must have a 2.75 GPA in the major to be eligible for an internship.

General Studies Requirements: 33 credits


Students should consult the General Studies Requirements  for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements for degree completion.  

Global Diversity (0 or 3 credits)**

** Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences. 

Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Requirement: 0 or 3 credits


  • Students should consult the Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Graduation Requirement  for a list of courses that fulfill the ESSJ Requirement for degree completion.  
  • Many programs include courses that meet this requirement. Students should consult with their advisor to determine what program courses may fulfill this requirement. 

Prerequisite Courses: 26 credits


These courses serve as prerequisites for some of the required core courses in NUT and EXS. Some of these may be taken as part of the General Studies requirement.

Senior Experience: 10 credits


Summary of Requirements


General Studies Requirements 33 credits
ESSJ Requirement 0-3 credits
Prerequisite Courses 26 credits
Required Courses 51 credits
Senior Experience 10 credits
Unrestricted Electives 0-9 credits
Total for the Sport Nutrition Major, B.S. 120 credits

Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and ESSJ requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.