Functional Nutrition Degree Program Online

What sets our Functional and Integrative Nutrition program apart?

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Of graduates completed in 2 years or less (2020-2023, graduate exit data)

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Growth in Career Field for Nutritionists and Dietitians by 2031 (bls.gov)

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Average Student-to-Faculty Ratio (2023, fall headcount)

Functional and Integrative Nutrition Degree Overview

NWHSU offers a Master of Health Science in Functional and Integrative Nutrition.

You can graduate in just one year or go at your own pace with a customizable schedule that works for you. We offer start dates in the fall, spring, or summer. Most courses are seven weeks long. Take two courses at a time (full-time) to finish in just one year or take one course at a time (part-time) for a more flexible pace.

You’ll take 21 credit hours (7 courses) in core courses, and 15 credit hours (5 courses) in elective courses. Exact required courses vary by specialization, which you will determine with your advisor based on your goals.

Competency-Based Coursework

In this program, you will build on your background in health sciences and gain the skills to run your own nutrition business, learning:

Behavioral design
Research evaluation
Medical technologies
Complementary healthcare practices
Health coaching
Business management

Curriculum Overview – Functional and Integrative Nutrition

Preparation for Nutrition Certifications

Our program satisfies the coursework requirements for sought-after nutrition certifications and prepares graduates as a pathway opportunity to become a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) or to pursue the Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition credential.

Health Coaching Certification

Integrative Health and Wellbeing Coaching Overview
The Integrative Health and Wellbeing Coaching specialization consists of five online courses, two of which are fully asynchronous and three of which are a combination of required synchronous and asynchronous components. Four courses are designed as seven-week intensives, and the final course is a 15-week practicum, providing learners with all the practice sessions needed to become eligible for national board certification by National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC).

Integrative Health and Wellbeing Coaching: Professional Licensure Registration or Certification

Because learners are coming from many different professions and points of view, this degree does not result in a discreet license or certification, but instead enhances existing skills and broadens the healthcare perspective to include a transdisciplinary approach.

The Integrative Health and Wellbeing Coaching Curriculum is an Approved Health and Wellness Coach Training & Education Program by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching. Completers of this program are eligible to apply for the HWC Certifying Examination to become National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). Currently, there is no state licensure for health coaching. Students should contact the appropriate board for eligibility requirements, and their State Department of Health to determine which of these certifications may be recognized for practice in their state, as well as any other licensing, registration, or certification requirements, as they are subject to change.

The University makes no guarantees that an individual student will satisfy the licensure, registration or certification requirements of any particular state or other jurisdiction. It is the responsibility of an individual student to confirm the regulatory requirements that may apply in any jurisdiction in which that student intends to practice.

Receipt of a certificate or degree from Northwestern Health Sciences University does not guarantee a license or certification to practice. States vary in the specific courses of study required and/or state-based testing for certification or licensing. Students are responsible for confirming with the appropriate board(s) to determine the specific requirements for the state(s) in which they intend to practice and/or seek employment.

Nutrition Virtual Info Session

April 10, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Join Dr. Sasha Hope and a NWHSU admissions counselor to explore the exciting world of nutrition and its impact on health and wellness

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Financial Aid Zoom at Noon

April 15, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Are you ready to take the next step toward a fulfilling career in healthcare? Join us for an informative and interactive virtual Q&A session.

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Talk with a Current Faculty Member

Find out what it’s like to be an NWHSU student by talking with a faculty member.

Faculty members are available to talk with you and answer your questions.

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Specialization 1: Nutrition Specialist

This specialization focuses on emerging areas of study within the nutrition discipline and allows students to take any five of the program’s nutrition- or business-focused electives in addition to their core required courses. This specialization prepares students as a pathway for the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) exam from the American Nutrition Association (ANA).

Specialization 2: Sports Nutrition

This specialization focuses on the sports nutrition area of study within the nutrition discipline. Within this specialization, students must take NUTR-6212 Sports and Human Performance Nutrition, NUTR-6304 Advanced and Applied Sports Nutrition, NUTR-6315 Functional Nutrition Technology and Diagnostics, and any two of the program’s nutrition- or business-focused electives in addition to their core required courses. This specialization prepares students as a pathway for the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) exam from the American Nutrition Association (ANA).

Specialization 3: Health Coaching

This specialization focuses on the health and wellness coaching area of study within the nutrition discipline. Within this specialization, students must take INCR-6112 Foundations of Integrative Health and Wellbeing Coaching 1, INCR-6113 Foundations of Integrative Health and Wellbeing Coaching 2, INCR-6115 Community Practicum in Health and Wellness Coaching, and any two of the program’s nutrition- or business-focused electives in addition to their core required courses. This specialization best prepares students as a pathway for the Health Coaching exam from the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC).

Specialization 4: General Studies

This specialization provides a general area of study within the nutrition discipline and allows students to take any five of the program’s nutrition-, health coaching-, or business-focused electives in addition to their core required courses for those seeking a broader approach or for those who are undecided.

Online, Flexible
Coursework

This program is offered fully online, mostly asynchronously. Courses are seven weeks long, and you can complete the program in as little as one year or go at your own pace.

Evidence-Based
Expert Taught Curriculum

Our faculty are experienced practitioners, recognized thought leaders, innovators, and are passionately dedicated to creating the future of healthcare. The curriculum is both scientifically rigorous and forward-thinking.

Opportunities
to Specialize

With four unique specializations available, you can choose a pathway towards your own personal goals and stand out in the healthcare field. Our specializations can prepare you as a pathway toward the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) certification or National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) certification

Hear from a highly successful Functional Nutrition Practitioner

“The high-quality learning opportunities provided by the NWHSU’s Master of Health Science in Functional and Integrative Nutrition are exceptional. The online environment offers unprecedented opportunities for people who would otherwise have limited access to education. Although the program is academically rigorous, ample resources are available to succeed, including a supportive faculty who are always enthusiastic, available, and eager to share their knowledge. The community of students and faculty create a learning environment that fosters self-discovery and growth. I would highly recommend this program.”

Meghan M. DCM, LAc - Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

Admission Requirements

Who can apply?

We admit new students in January, May, and September.

The MHS in Functional and Integrative Nutrition is designed for a variety of professionals, including current health professionals, who are looking to advance their scope of practice and are seeking a graduate-level degree to advance their knowledge of functional, integrative, and holistic nutrition, in addition to gaining business management and health coaching best practices.

Academic Programs Financial Aid Quick Link

NWHSU Financial Aid

Financial Aid at NWHSU

NWHSU offers students generous financial aid through federal aid, state aid, institutional scholarships, external scholarships, grants, and other forms of student aid. Our goal is to make an NWHSU education affordable and accessible for every student. Our financial aid experts are ready to work with you to create the best financial aid package possible.

The growing field of health coaching allows you to build a career helping others live healthier, active lives.

As part of the integrative nutrition approach to care, our program includes the embedded option for you to become a certified health coach. This certification provides the ability for you to increase your scope of practice.

Northwestern Health Sciences University – Integrative Health and Wellbeing Coaching Curriculum is an Approved Health and Wellness Coach Training & Education Program by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for the HWC Certifying Examination to become National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC).

The growing field of health coaching allows you to build a career helping others live healthier, active lives.

Apply Today

Ready to launch your Functional and Integrative Nutrition Career with NWHSU?

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Northwestern Health Sciences University’s Masters of Functional & Integrative Nutrition Program fulfills the current requirements of the CNS with the allowance of the program’s prerequisite courses. The BCNS requires a graduate degree in nutrition from a regionally accredited university, specific coursework, and 1,000 hours of supervised practice experience. The BCNS reviews the candidate individually, including current course descriptions, transcripts, and experience, to determine eligibility. To learn more about becoming a CNS, visit TheANA.org/Certify

Graduates from the Masters of Functional & Integrative Nutrition Program at Northwestern Health Sciences University are eligible to accrue up to 250 hours of indirect Supervised Practice Experience. This opportunity is facilitated through elective courses offered within the program, contributing significantly towards the 1,000 hours of supervised practice required for obtaining the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) Certification. This is reviewed by the CNS board on an individual basis.

Note: Each state’s requirements for professional licensure and/or certification vary and are subject to change. Please contact the Department of Health and appropriate board in your state to confirm eligibility requirements and to determine which certification(s) or licensure(s) may be recognized for practice in your state.

For more information, please visit the ANA’s website.

Online Functional and Integrative Nutrition Program