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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.

*Credits earned may vary based on specialization courses chosen.

 

Due Dates and Deadlines

SPRING 2026 SEMESTER

Start January 5, 2026
Apply by December 15, 2025

Learn More

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.

Finance your future.

 

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.

Cost Calculators

 

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.

 

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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.

University Learning Experience

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. 

Jessica Weissman
Department chair, Integrative and Functional Nutrition
  • Program Director, Integrative and Functional Nutrition
  • Past President, Florida Public Health Association
  • Past Co-President, Broward Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

UNBOUND: Integrative and Functional Nutrition

Guided by an interdisciplinary, integrative approach, you will examine the field of nutrition through a systems-based, humanistic lens that incorporates the environmental, social, psychological, and physiological sciences.

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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 […]