Nutrition & Wellness
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Discover how nutrition professionals promote sustainable food systems, address health disparities and advocate for food justice.
Going Beyond Basic Food Science
Contribute to the future of nutrition science and the well-being of your clients with a Ph.D. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition. Through comprehensive training in functional biochemistry, our online nutrition doctorate program will teach you to assess body dysfunctions and incorporate environmental, social, psychological, and physiological sciences into your integrative care practice.
Nutrition is a complex field of study. You will learn to simplify the subject for lay people and explain its intricacies in a clear and easy-to-follow manner.
With an emphasis on deep, rigorous research, you will also be challenged to pursue opportunities that directly relate to your personal and professional aspirations. As a graduate of the online doctoral nutrition program, you will be prepared to lead integrative nutrition practices, educate others in the science of functional nutrition, and advance the field through research.
The Ph.D. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition online degree program fulfills the current academic requirements for the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) exam. In addition, the program fulfills the current core academic requirements in nutrition of the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB) for the Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) credential.
If you are interested in seeking the Registered Dietitian (RD) credential upon completion of the Ph.D. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition program at Saybrook University, please visit the website of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). ACEND® policies for Individualized Supervised Practice Pathways (ISPPs) allow individuals holding a doctoral degree without a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification statement to apply for an ISPP; however eligibility requirements and options may vary by program. You can see which Dietetic Internships, Coordinated, or Didactic programs currently offer ISPPs by visiting Accredited Education Programs. Nutrition doctoral degree holders without a DPD verification statement must attend an ISPP that is approved to offer a track for individuals with a doctoral degree. Students interested in applying to an ISPP should research the eligibility requirements of the program where they intend to submit an application, including whether you are required to locate your own preceptors, and then contact the program director. Individuals with work experience should also inquire whether the program grants credit for specific competency requirements through an assessment of prior learning.
Ph.D. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition Job Outcomes
Upon graduating from our online nutrition Ph.D. program, you will have the skill set to work in a variety of rewarding careers, including:
- Nutrition consulting
- Health program development
- Product development
- Research
- Higher education
Ph.D. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition Specializations
Saybrook offers multiple options that may align more closely with your goals.
- Culinary Nutrition Specialization
- Integrative Wellness Coaching Specialization
- Mind-Body Medicine Specialization
Other Online Integrative and Functional Nutrition Programs
Interested in another online nutrition program? We offer multiple options that may align more closely with your goals.
- M.S. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition
- M.S. to Ph.D. Pathway in Integrative and Functional Nutrition
- M.S. to Ph.D. Pathway in Integrative and Functional Nutrition: Culinary Nutrition Specialization
- M.S. to Ph.D. Pathway in Integrative and Functional Nutrition: Integrative Wellness Coaching Specialization
- M.S. to Ph.D. Pathway in Integrative and Functional Nutrition: Mind-Body Medicine Specialization
*Credits earned depend on approved transfer credits, prerequisite courses, and selected specialization.
Program Components
Admissions Requirements
Applicants for the Ph.D. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition degree must submit the following documents:
- Completion of a master’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a GPA of 3.3 or better
- Those with a master’s GPA of 3.0 to 3.3 may be conditionally accepted and required to take a lighter course load for at least one year
- Official transcripts showing completion of the following three pre-requisite science courses with a grade of B or above within the past 10 years: human nutrition, biochemistry or organic chemistry, and anatomy and/or physiology
- Those lacking one or more of these pre-requisites may be accepted but will be required to add the course/s to their program curriculum
- 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)
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 Ph.D. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition degree.
Career Outcomes
Saybrook University prepares you to make an impact in a variety of high-demand careers within the nutrition field. Below, you will find possible career options and salaries associated with this online nutrition doctorate 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 this nutrition doctorate 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 the online Ph.D. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition 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
Ethics in Health Care
This course presents the ethical standards and codes of conduct that formulate the guidelines for integrative health professionals. You will reflect on your own personal values, beliefs, and biases pertaining to ethical dilemmas and decision-making. Issues such as cultural competency, health equity, and diversity will be explored within the field of integrative medicine.
Integrative Approaches to Chronic Diseases
This course will teach you about the multi-faceted causes and consequences of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally. Through evaluation of research, you will develop an evidence-based integrative approach to prevent and manage these chronic diseases.
Catalog
Please refer to our academic catalog for more information on the Ph.D. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition program.
FAQs
Is the Ph.D. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition program fully online?
Yes! The online nutrition doctorate degree is offered at 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.
How long does the online Ph.D. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition program take to complete?
Students in the 62-credit nutrition Ph.D. program can expect to earn their degree in approximately 4.5 to 5.5 years. Keep in mind that any required prerequisite courses may lengthen the time of study.
Is the online Ph.D. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition program flexible for students who are working?
Yes! As a pioneer of online learning, Saybrook University understands the importance of flexibility for working professionals. Our online, asynchronous format provides the flexibility working professionals need to earn their degree while maintaining their other responsibilities. This advanced nutrition program is ideal for current nutrition professionals seeking a terminal degree that will distinguish them as experts in the field; non-nutrition health practitioners seeking to complement their existing skill set; and professionals from non-scientific backgrounds who are prepared to transition themselves into the field of advanced, applied nutritional sciences.
How much money do dieticians and nutritionists make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dieticians and nutritionists make an average salary of $69,680 a year. The salary for nutritionists can range depending on the level of education and specialized training as well as the work environment (organization or private practice).
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University Learning Experience
Our Ph.D. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition program is a 100% online program. While the core of this program is completed asynchronously, there are some 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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