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Your Ph.D. Pathway in Culinary Nutrition
To address the increasing need for nutrition professionals, Saybrook’s M.S.-to-Ph.D. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition: Culinary Nutrition Specialization program prepares you become a professional nutrition practitioner, while saving you time and money in the process.
In this M.S.-to-Ph.D. program, you will participate in a comprehensive exploration of culinary nutrition and the relationship between diet, health, and disease prevention. Integrating the science of nutrition with the art of cooking, you will learn how to support health and wellness through nutrition science, macronutrients, micronutrients, and whole foods.
Our online dual-degree pathway allows you to enter directly into the Ph.D. program, following the advanced research course sequence required of doctoral students. Upon completion of the 40 credits required for the M.S. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition, you will be awarded the M.S. degree while continuing seamlessly with the Ph.D. program requirements. No time off is necessary.
The M.S.-to-Ph.D. Pathway in Integrative and Functional Nutrition: Culinary Nutrition Specialization program fulfills the current academic requirements for the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) credential from the American Nutrition Association. This program is also designed to meet the core academic requirements for the Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) credential from the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board.
If you are interested in seeking the Registered Dietitian (RD) credential upon completion of the M.S.-to-Ph.D. Pathway in Integrative and Functional Nutrition: Culinary Nutrition Specialization 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. 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.
M.S.-Ph.D. Pathway in Integrative and Functional Nutrition: Culinary Nutrition Specialization Job Outcomes
Upon graduation, you will have the skills to work in a variety of rewarding professional settings, including:
- Test kitchens
- Hospitals and other health care organizations
- Nonprofit organizations
- Research centers
- Corporate wellness programs
- Athletic and fitness organizations
- 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
- 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.-to-Ph.D. Pathway in Integrative and Functional Nutrition: Culinary Nutrition Specialization 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
- Preference is given to those with a B.S. in the health, life, or physical sciences (e.g., nutrition, exercise physiology, biochemistry, chemistry)
- 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 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.
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
Introduction to Culinary Nutrition
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of culinary nutrition, emphasizing the relationship between diet, health, and disease prevention. Students will explore the basics of nutrition science, macronutrients, micronutrients, and the role of whole foods in maintaining health and wellness. This course will emphasize practical applications of culinary skills, integrating the science of nutrition with the art of cooking, to support health and wellness.
Whole Foods Cooking Lab
This remote course combines theoretical knowledge with practical cooking skills, focusing on the preparation of whole foods to promote health and prevent disease. You will participate in live cooking demonstrations, virtual kitchen labs, and interactive discussions.
Cultural Competency in Culinary Nutrition
Focusing on the importance of cultural competency in cultural nutrition and emphasizing the diverse dietary practices and food traditions around the world, you will explore of cultural beliefs and practices influence dietary choices and nutritional health.
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.-to-Ph.D. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition: Culinary Nutrition Specialization degree.
Catalog
Please refer to our academic catalog for more information on the M.S.-to-Ph.D. Pathway in Integrative and Functional Nutrition: Integrative Wellness Coaching Specialization program.
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University Learning Experience
Our M.S. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition: Culinary Nutrition Specialization 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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