Nutrition & Wellness
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Nutritional Focus on Comprehensive Care
Declining global health and increasing food scarcities dictates a greater need for well-trained, compassionate nutrition practitioners. Our Master's in Integrative and Functional Nutrition online program examines the many factors influencing physical health, including biological, environmental, behavioral, and emotional factors and the role nutrition plays in relation to them.
Through the study of biochemistry and physiology, functional nutrition assessment methodologies, and integrative nutritional therapies, you will learn to make informed nutritional diagnoses and develop personalized care plans to help your clients achieve optimal health and vitality.
The Integrative and Functional Nutrition online master's program is designed to fulfill the current academic requirements for the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) credential from the American Nutrition Association. This degree program is also designed to meet the core academic requirements for the Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) credential from the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board. The M.S. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition program does not lead to eligibility for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential.
Online M.S. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition Job Outcomes
Upon graduation from the functional nutrition program, you will have the skill set to work in a variety of roles at health care facilities and beyond, including:
- Hospitals and other health care organizations
- Nonprofit organizations
- Corporate wellness programs
- Athletic and fitness organizations and facilities
- Wellness centers and spas
Other Integrative and Functional Nutrition Programs
Interested in another integrative and functional nutrition master's or doctoral program? We offer multiple options that may align more closely with your goals.
- M.S. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition Specializations
- M.S. to Ph.D. Pathway in Integrative and Functional Nutrition
- Ph.D. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition
*Credits earned depend on approved transfer credits and prerequisite courses.
Program Components
Admissions Requirements
Applicants for the M.S. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition degree must submit the following documents:
- An official transcript from an accredited university demonstrating successful completion of a bachelor’s degree, with a 3.0 GPA or better
- Professional resume or CV
- Personal statement
- Writing sample (if the department chair determines the personal statement contains grammatical mistakes, spelling errors, or poorly organized text)
Students must provide official transcripts showing completion of undergraduate- or graduate-level science courses in the past 10 years, with a minimum grade of a B in each, including three credit units in the following: biochemistry or organic chemistry, anatomy and/or physiology, and human nutrition.
Invest in Your Future
Saybrook University remains committed to keeping higher education affordable and accessible. Our Financial Aid Department is ready to offer guidance and support in determining suitable financial assistance tailored to your needs, including potential scholarship opportunities, grants, and more.
Cost
Saybrook wants you to have the information you need to make an informed decision about your academic and career aspirations. Our cost calculator provides an estimated cost of attending Saybrook to earn your M.S. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition degree.
Career Outcomes
Saybrook University prepares you to make an impact in a variety of high-demand careers. Below, you will find possible career options and salaries associated with an online functional nutrition degree.
Data is pulled by a third-party tool called Lightcast, which includes data from sources including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, and other government databases. The information below represents a regional and national career outlook related to the Integrative and Functional Nutrition degree program*. Saybrook University is dedicated to assisting you in achieving your career goals.
*Many degree programs are intended to fulfill licensure requirements in specific states. The data shown here may not represent the state where you currently reside. For more information on how this program is applicable to the requirements of your state, please speak with your admissions specialist.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics annual data update
Sample Courses
Foundations of Integrative and Functional Nutrition
You will expand upon your knowledge of basic nutrition science and gain a foundational understanding of integrative and functional approaches to nutrition. This course reviews the fundamental principles and perspectives of conventional, traditional, integrative, and functional medical models to identify best practices for nutritional care.
Systems Biology
Key to identifying and supporting interventions that address chronic disease, this course helps you explain the physiology, pathophysiology, and applicable biochemistry that underlie the core imbalances within functional medicine. You will explore cardiovascular functions, immunity and inflammation, digestion, absorption, and elimination.
Catalog
Please refer to our academic catalog for more information on the M.S. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition program.
FAQs
Is the M.S. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition 100% online?
Yes! The integrative and functional nutrition master’s program is offered by Saybrook University in a completely virtual format. While the core of this program is completed asynchronously, there are required synchronous, online features designed to deepen the educational experience. The online functional nutrition degree is available to international students looking to earn their degree from a U.S.-based university, military personnel and veterans, and adults who wish to earn their degree without the hassle of relocation.
How long does the M.S. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition program take to complete?
Full-time students can expect to complete the 40-credit integrative and functional nutrition online master’s degree program in approximately 28 months. Students who need to incorporate prerequisite sciences, academic writing, or specialization courses into their programs may require more time to complete the degree.
Can I become a certified nutritionist with the M.S. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition degree?
Yes, the integrative and functional nutrition online master’s program is designed to fulfill the academic requirements for the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) credential from the American Nutrition Association and the Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) credential from the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board. Graduates of our functional nutrition program only need to pass the respective certification exam.
Is Saybrook’s M.S. in Functional Nutrition accredited?
Our Integrative and Functional Nutrition program is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). This ensures that the online master’s degree meets rigorous academic and institutional standards, focusing on educating students in integrative health, mind-body practices, and personalized nutrition.
What’s the difference between an M.S. in Nutrition and an MPH in Nutrition?
While both master’s are advanced degrees, they differ in the nature of study. A Master of Public Health (MPH) is a degree that has a large focus on public health and public health policy. It’s great for students looking to pursue a career in government policy making. A Master of Science (M.S.) in Nutrition has a heavy focus on research, data analysis, and nutrition science. The M.S. is a great option for students looking to practice nutrition post-graduation.
What should I look for in a nutrition graduate program?
To get the most out of your education, you need your program to work for you. If you need a flexible schedule, an online nutrition master’s degree is the best way to get your graduate degree on a timeline that you’re comfortable with. You should also look for an accredited nutrition program. Saybrook University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Lastly, pursuing a specialized nutrition degree is a great way to hone in on your interests and set you apart in the job market post-graduation. We offer specialized degrees in culinary nutrition, mind-body medicine, and integrative wellness coaching.
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University Learning Experience
Our M.S. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition program is a 100% online program. While the core of this program is completed asynchronously, there are required synchronous, online features designed to deepen your educational experience. We call this a Virtual Learning Experience (VLE). In addition to the VLE, you will begin your studies with a virtual Welcome Week. Welcome Week activities, including a program orientation, are held online during the week before the start of Fall and Spring semesters. The in-person Community Learning Experience (CLE) is also available for you to explore. The CLE is held every odd-numbered year. It is optional and not required to complete the program.
Integrative and Functional Nutrition Faculty
Saybrook’s Integrative and Functional Nutrition faculty are practitioner-scholars dedicated to advancing their field through continued practice and comprehensive instruction. Meet some of our faculty members below.
Department Chair, Integrative and Functional Nutrition
- Associate Professor, Integrative and Functional Nutrition
- Past President, Florida Public Health Association
- Past Co-President, Broward Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
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Integrative and Functional Nutrition’s Role in Your Health
Earning an M.S. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition from Saybrook University can significantly enhance your journey to becoming a functional nutritionist. This degree will support your continuing education and board certification efforts and separate you from other holistic nutritionists by providing a comprehensive education. Our hands-on experience in diverse communities prepares graduates to consider life […]
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Submit an inquiry and one of our admissions specialists will connect with you to answer your questions and guide you through next steps.