Master of Health Science in Functional & Integrative Nutrition Curriculum

This course explores the roles and requirements of macro and micronutrients in fueling energy systems and the applications to make nutritional recommendations for physically active persons at all levels of performance (beginners, youth, and elite athletes) to meet training demands. Nutrition assessment and examination of popular performance enhancing ergogenic aids, supplements, functional sports nutrition methodologies, and the fundamentals of energy balance, exercise and body composition are discussed.

This course expands on the concepts of NUTR 6212 to include the athlete specific variability from genetics, environment, sport-type, and training-level components and the role of functional nutrition to optimize athletic health and performance.

*Prerequisite Needed

This course explores the current understanding and practical application of nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics. By considering the impact of individual genetic variations on nutritional status and requirements (nutrigenetics), students will learn to provide personalized dietary and nutritional recommendations that accommodate common genetic variants. Students will evaluate the evidence for food and nutrient modulation of gene expression (nutrigenomics) which will improve the student’s ability to design nutritional treatment plans that address common chronic illnesses and aid in their prevention. Students will learn connections to nutritional epigenetics and genetic testing options to assist the student in navigating the complexities of gene-mediated influences on health and illness.

This course explores the growing role of diagnostics and technology in functional and personalized nutrition intervention. Students will examine and evaluate current and emerging technologies and tools for their potential efficacy in patient treatment. Students will learn more in-depth about the methods of various diagnostic assessments and technology used in functional medicine and how to interpret data from those sources to be applied in patient care planning.

In this course, students will explore the relationship between diet and mental as well as neurological health conditions by analyzing the gastrointestinal microbiome-brain axis. Furthermore, students will evaluate the factors which influence microbiome shaping, stress response, and resilience. Finally, students will also learn to personalize nutrition, supplement, and lifestyle intervention protocols based upon a client’s gastrointestinal microbiome as well as mental and neurological health status.

In this course, students will explore the roles inflammation plays in the development of disease as well as how diet, inflammation, and immune responses influence one another. Students will evaluate the role various immunoglobulins and inflammatory mediators have on health status as well as describe inflammatory health conditions related to nutrient status from cardiovascular disease to pain conditions. Students will also learn how to personalize dietary, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based upon the analysis of an individual’s inflammatory and immune responses or conditions.

In this course, students will cover individual nutritional needs of throughout various critical stages of development from prenatal support through young adulthood including the changing needs for developmental health conditions. Furthermore, students will explore the changes in biochemical need for nutrients for the aging adult as well as how to support wellness via functional nutrition throughout the life cycle. Also, students will learn the consequences of over- and under-nutrition as well as how to identify and address such lifecycle nutrition issues.

In this course, students will analyze the roles nutrition plays in endocrine system function as well as explore how diet and endocrine system signaling influence one another. Furthermore, students will learn about underlying causes of endocrine dysfunction, signs and symptoms of hormone imbalance, as well as how to create personalized dietary recommendations based on the analysis of an individual’s endocrine system panel.

In this course, students will explore the intricate mechanisms of detoxification and biotransformation processes in the human body, focusing on nutritional and functional care approaches for support. Students will understand the biochemical pathways involved in detoxification, the critical nutrients required for these processes, as well as how to use diet, supplementation, and lifestyle interventions to optimize detoxification in nutrition care and wellness plans. The course will also specially cover phase I and II biotransformation pathways, gastrointestinal health, liver function, environmental toxins, heavy metals, mycotoxins, xenobiotics, and other cutting-edge considerations from a functional nutrition lens.

This course explores the interconnections between human nutrition, ecological health, and sustainable food systems through the lens of regenerative principles. Students will examine how agricultural practices, food production, and dietary patterns influence planetary and human well-being. Emphasis will be placed on understanding food as part of a living system where soil health, biodiversity, cultural traditions, and nutrient density are deeply intertwined. Students will learn to evaluate and design nutrition strategies that promote both individual and environmental wellness. The course integrates functional nutrition science with systems ecology, regenerative agriculture, and sustainability frameworks to cultivate a holistic understanding of “food as medicine” within regenerative food systems.

Success in Integrative Healthcare requires business competence and leadership skills. This course will focus on sound business strategies and practices that drive the development, management, and implementation of Integrative Healthcare. Practical programs and processes support providers and the entire team in delivering patient and family-centered care while ensuring both patient outcomes and financial sustainability.

This course expands on learning from NUTR 6100 and provides a foundation of Health Coaching theory and practice. This course examines the core building blocks for optimal health from a holistic perspective. As part of the foundation of Health Coaching, each person is treated as an intrinsically healthy, whole, and wise being, who is the ultimate expert in his or her healing journey. The basic tenets of the health coaching model (a 4-pillared construct) include: deep listening, effective and empathic communication, and tools for self-development will be covered. It is the role of the Health Coach to provide a safe, guided environment and professional expertise to support their health journey. In this course you will learn how to facilitate the client’s process by identifying and benchmarking stages and patterns of change, effectively interfacing with a wide range of interdisciplinary health care providers, and educating clients on a variety of self-care practices.

*Prerequisite Needed

This course provides the advanced learning platform to effectively facilitate the health coaching process from evaluating the stages and patterns of change, effectively interfacing with a wide range of interdisciplinary health care providers, locating optimal resources to assist clients in decision making, and educating clients on a variety of self-care practices. Students will participate in a peer-coaching model and case-based practice to apply tools, skills and utilize resources for effective health coaching and client outcomes. This course will fulfill the required student practice coaching sessions that are followed by faculty-led developmental feedback on practical coaching skills. Additionally, discussions related to health coaching ethics, professional boundaries, professional growth opportunities, referral processes, and client selection will be covered.

*Prerequisite Needed

This course provides the further development of interpersonal, communication, and patient care skills is the focus of this course. Students evaluate and coach patients under the supervision of a clinical instructor at local clinical facilities to practice skills learned in the didactic portion of the program. Students finalize the plan for affiliations.

*Prerequisite Needed