There are nine essential skills you should have in order to find, acquire, maintain, and grow within a job.

Essential skills build through majoring in Nutrition Studies include:

• Career Development
• Oral & Written Communication
• Critical Thinking

Click here to learn more about each essential skill.

Students graduating in Nutrition Studies often find themselves working in community nutrition, consulting, and education. 

Click here to explore career opportunities by major.

Students who choose to pursue a graduate degree often consider:

• Master’s in Public Health (MPH)
• Master of Science in Nutrition, General Nutrition Concentration or Dietetics Concentration
• Lactation Consultant Training Graduate Certificate Program

Click here to learn more about applying to graduate school.

Major milestones consist of activities students should complete during their first year, middle years and last year at MSU Denver. These milestones will help prospective and current students explore major and career options and create a year-by-year plan to integrate curricular (what happens inside the classroom), co-curricular (what happens inside and outside the classroom, and non-curricular (what happens outside the classroom) experiences. For example, milestones might list specific classes student should take at specific times along their journey or may suggest when students should participate in research opportunities with faculty members.

Simply put, Major Milestones are meant to enhance your student experience and set you up for success.

To use this tool to the fullest, follow these steps

1. Click on your year in school from the list below.
2. Read the steps listed in each category: Cultivate, Engage and Prepare.
3. Complete any necessary steps listed.
4. Check out further resources by connecting with your academic advisor, the Classroom to Career Hub, and your department faculty.

All options listed below are available in-person and online unless noted otherwise.

• Attend orientation and register for classes.
• Meet with your Academic Advisor.
• Complete FAFSA/CASFA/COF and the General Scholarship Application.

• Join a student organization and get connected to support on campus.
• Declare a major, (explore our fully online programs!) or meet with an exploratory advisor to learn about options.
• Attend signature events on campus (Convocation, Fall Fest, Spring Fling, etc.).

• Meet with an academic advisor in the Department of Nutrition to verify you are in the correct nutrition major.
• Create a degree plan with an academic advisor in the Department of Nutrition.
• Use academic resources such as tutoring, writing center, and the Department of Nutrition’s laptop and textbook rental program.

• Meet with an advisor in the Department of Nutrition to discuss career paths.
• Build your social network by joining a student club (e.g., Auraria Campus Student Dietetic Association, Nutrition Nerds Journal Club, Diversity in Dietetics Club, Eating Disorders Awareness Group).
• Shadow or interview a nutrition professional or other health professional to learn what professional skills they use, what their workday entails, and how to prepare for a career in this area.

• Begin to explore possible career pathways by enrolling in Careers in Nutrition and Dietetics (NUT 1800).
• Consider adding a minor or coursework in one of the following areas (depending on your interests): Public Health; Entrepreneurship; Non-Profit Studies; Integrative Healthcare/Lifestyle Medicine; Psychology; Fitness and Exercise Leadership.
• Schedule an appointment with the C2Hub to create a resume.

• Consider adding a minor or certificate to your chosen major.
• Explore resources like the tutoring program or the writing center.
• Get familiar with MSU Denver’s Academic Planning Tool.

• Explore student leadership on campus and volunteering in your community.
• Earn credit and gain experience through an internship, study abroad, or community-engaged learning.
• Attend identity or interest-based campus events like the Richard T. Castro speaker series.

• Connect with the Undergraduate Research and Scholarship program.
• Attend an in-person Career Fair to network and secure a professional headshot.
• Connect with the Classroom to Career Hub (C2Hub) for opportunities for professional mentoring and job shadowing.

• Explore Study Abroad and/or Student Travel opportunities.
• Meet with a Department of Nutrition advisor to discuss progress toward completing General Studies requirements.
• Meet with a Department of Nutrition or MSU Denver tutor.

• Attend a professional meeting or speaking event.
• Become a member of a professional organization.
• Take on a leadership role in a student organization; volunteer for an organization such as Metro Caring, Project Angel Heart or We Don’t Waste.

• Seek out a mentor (health professional in your area of interest) to help advise you on your path after graduation.
• Explore graduate school or other postgraduate training options.
• Apply to become a Department of Nutrition Teaching Assistant (TA) or Supplemental Instructor (SI).

• Meet with your advisor to complete remaining graduation requirements.
• Ready to Graduate? Check out this guide from the registrar!
• Attend or present in-person at a major-specific or industry-specific conference or networking event.

• Attend in-person alumni and campus-wide networking events.
• Submit a proposal to present in-person at the Undergraduate Research Conference.
• Seek to collaborate with local civic organizations.

• Finalize your portfolio of relevant projects and skills.
• Attend in-person career-focused events with an industry-ready resume.
• Identify needs for Professional Certifications or MCAT/LSAT etc. and prepare for professional school admissions.
• Prepare and submit applications for jobs, graduate school, or relevant post-grad training.

• Meet with a Department of Nutrition academic advisor to discuss degree completion and apply for graduation.
• Register for the Senior Experience course –Nutrition Capstone (NUT 4720).
• Meet with a Department of Nutrition faculty advisor to review your resume and/or personal statement.

• Join national professional organizations and/or subscribe to affiliated publications/newsletters.
• Consider attending a local conference, and/or the Undergraduate Research Conference.
• Consider offering to guest lecture for a local group/school or lower-division course.

• Attend career fairs, graduate school fairs, and/or networking events within the Department of Nutrition and MSU Denver.
• If applying for graduate school, connect with faculty for recommendation letters.
• Schedule an appointment with the C2Hub for resume and cover letter reviews and/or job opportunities.