Functional and Integrative Nutrition

Mission Statement

The Master of Health Science in Functional and Integrative Nutrition program brings together the much-needed progressive approach to functional personalized nutrition and integrative health. Additionally, our program uniquely prepares students in the disciplines of behavioral design and business to prosper not only as a professional but for the clients our graduates serve. Students of the MHS in Functional and Integrative Nutrition program will ground their work in scientific knowledge, collaborative innovation, patient centered clinical proficiency, and the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior.

Programs of Study

Northwestern Health Sciences University’s (NWHSU) Master of Health Science (MHS) in Functional and Integrative Nutrition fully online program is designed to meet the needs of professionals from diverse career fields, including current health professionals, who desire to expand their expertise in personalized and functional nutrition, a whole person approach to wellness, resilience, business, and behavioral science. The degree prepares students for health coaching, clinical practice in healthcare, organizational leadership, academic teaching, program and policy reform, and research in health and wellness.

NWHSU Master of Science in Functional and Integrative Nutrition requires 36 credits for those students meeting all the prerequisite pre-program course requirements. Two of the graduate program courses do not require prerequisites and can be taken co-currently while completing program entrance requirements while pending full admission to the program. No face-to-face on-campus components are required for this degree. Students will complete a Capstone project that brings together program elements in their final semester in order to graduate from the program. No thesis is required. The program runs with condensed a 7-week course schedule with one or two week breaks in-between sessions. The 36-credit program can be completed in approximately 12 months following the default course schedule for students enrolled full-time or 18-24 months for part-time students. Program length can vary depending on the student’s need to take courses at a different pace.

Northwestern Health Sciences University may accept up to nine graduate transfer credits into the Master of Health Science in Functional and Integrative Nutrition from other regionally accredited colleges and universities prior to entrance. Transfer credits must be suitable for transfer to the intended degree and approved by the Program Chair. Credits are applied to the number of elective or required course credits needed for degree completion.

This Master’s program prepares students for advanced functional and integrative nutrition practice and exposes them to various complementary healthcare practices, business practice management, performance/sports nutrition, and next generation healthcare technology and tools. Additionally, this degree prepares individuals for advanced doctoral level studies in nutrition or other health-related professions.

This degree program is designed to fulfill the current academic requirements for the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) exam. The Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS) requires a graduate degree in the field of nutrition from a regionally accredited university, specific coursework, and 1000 hours of supervised experience. The BCNS reviews each candidate individually, including current course descriptions, transcripts and experience to determine eligibility. To learn more about becoming a CNS, see www.theana.org.

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. The CNCB reviews course descriptions, applicant’s transcripts, and academic programs to determine eligibility for the CCN examination. To learn more about becoming a CCN, see www.cncb.org

All supervised practice hours that are required for these credentials are not covered as part of the program and are up to the student to obtain if they chose.

The Master of Health Science in Functional and Integrative Nutrition program does not lead to eligibility for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN®) credential.

Depending upon each state’s specific credentialing and practice requirements, graduates may consider careers in:

Independent consulting and private practice
Healthcare settings such as: Concierge and boutique clinics, medical centers, hospitals, chiropractic offices, long-term care facilities, and other clinical care settings
Higher education
Employee Wellness programs
Community health promotion and wellness education programs
Yoga, wellness, and spa retreats
Fitness centers
Culinary institutes
Restaurants and corporate food service establishments
Public health care, community organizations, legislature and policy settings