Doctor of Clinical Nutrition Curriculum

A Functional & Integrative Nutrition Doctoral Degree Designed for Working Clinicians

NWHSU’s Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN) in Functional and Integrative Nutrition is a 45-credit, 100% online doctoral program that can be completed in just over one year. One of the few DCN programs in the country built around a functional and integrative approach, it is designed for nutrition and healthcare professionals (including those holding a master’s degree in nutrition or a clinical doctoral degree such as a Doctor of Chiropractic) who are ready to advance their clinical expertise, take on leadership roles, and deliver personalized, root-cause care.

Compared to other functional nutrition doctoral programs, NWHSU’s DCN is more affordable and faster to complete, without sacrificing academic rigor. Courses are offered with three start dates per year and full- or part-time options, so you can earn your doctorate while continuing to practice.

The curriculum combines required doctoral courses in areas like functional nutrition systems biology, nutrition research methods, therapeutic food planning, and a capstone project, with electives you choose based on your clinical interests — from nutrigenomics and epigenetics to gut-brain connection and sports performance nutrition.

Earn Your Master’s and Doctorate Together in Just Over Two Years

Already interested in NWHSU’s Master of Health Science (MHS) in Functional and Integrative Nutrition? You don’t have to choose. At NWHSU, you can earn both graduate degrees at a full-time pace — completing your MHS and DCN in just over two years. It’s one of the most efficient pathways available to reach the doctoral level in functional nutrition, and both programs are delivered entirely online with the same flexible scheduling.

Doctoral Required Courses

All required – 30 credits

Doctoral Nutrition Elective Courses

Choose three – 9 Credits

Doctoral Integrative Care Elective Courses

Choose two – 6 Credits