Objective The aim of this study was to explore the possibility of offering maternal and child nutrition course in preventive medicine specialty from the perspective of students in our university. Methods A questionnaire on the knowledge of maternal and child nutrition was conducted among undergraduates of first-year and grade five majoring in preventive medicine. It also included the attitude of the course, the understanding of the role of the course and the interest in maternal and child nutrition. Results Most of the students were interested in maternal and child nutrition, and recognized the important role of the course. Moreover, first-year students were lack of maternal and child nutrition knowledge. The students of grade five learned some related knowledge through the standardized curriculum, and their level of related knowledge was higher than that of first-year students, but their practical application ability were still limited. Conclusion In order to improve maternal and child nutrition knowledge of preventive medical students and meet the needs of their daily work, it is necessary to offer the course and to ensure the quality of teaching through a variety of ways.