Integrative and Functional Nutrition, Ph.D.

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Saybrook’s PhD in Integrative and Functional Nutrition is a fully on-line* 62-credit doctoral degree program for those looking to enhance their expertise and contribute to the scientific advancements in the field of integrative and functional nutrition.  Graduates of this doctoral program will be prepared to lead integrative nutrition practices, educate others in the science of functional nutrition, and advance the field through research.

Saybrook’s PhD in Integrative and Functional Nutrition prepares its graduates to use an evidence-based, holistic approach that applies the knowledge of functional biochemistry to assess body dysfunctions and incorporate environmental, social, physiological, and psychological sciences to provide person-centered, integrative care.  This program is ideal for current nutrition professionals seeking a terminal degree that will distinguish them as experts in the field; non-nutrition health practitioners seeking to complement their existing skillset; and professionals from non-scientific backgrounds who are prepared to transition themselves into the field of advanced, applied nutritional sciences.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing Saybrook’s PhD in Integrative & Functional Nutrition will be prepared to:  

1. Apply evidence-based integrative and functional nutrition approaches to comprehensively assess and promote the health and wellness of diverse individuals and communities.  
2. Critically evaluate and utilize evidence-based resources to inform professional practice.  
3. Explain the science of integrative and functional nutrition in health promotion and disease prevention and management to lay audiences and health professionals. 
4. Apply knowledge of biochemical, physiological, and psychosocial sciences to assess nutritional status and design integrative interventions.  
5. Identify and articulate the ethical, humanistic, and legal guidelines for professional nutrition practitioners.  
6. Synthesize nutrition research to identify information gaps in the literature and articulate implications for future research.
7. Propose and conduct a quality research study and present the findings to professional audiences.

Admissions Requirements

The following is a list of required and preferred criteria for acceptance into the PhD in Integrative and Functional Nutrition.  Each applicant is assessed individually and all materials including academic transcripts, statement of interest, professional experience, and personal interview are used to determine appropriateness of each candidate. 

• Completion of a master’s degree from a regionally accredited university with GPA of 3.3 or above (on a scale of 4.0).
  • Those with a master’s GPA of 3.0 to 3.3 may be conditionally accepted and required to take a lighter course load and achieve a B or above in all coursework for at least one year.
  • Preference is given to those with a BS or MS in the health, life, or physical sciences (e.g., nutrition, exercise physiology, biochemistry, chemistry) or whose academic transcripts demonstrate significant science coursework.
    • Alternative degrees will be considered on an individual basis.
• Transcripts from an accredited university showing completion of the following three pre-requisite science courses with a B or above within the past 10 years*.
  • 3 credits Human Nutrition
  • 3 credits Biochemistry or Organic Chemistry
  • 3 credits Anatomy and/or Physiology
    • Those lacking one or more of these pre-requisite courses may be accepted but will be required to add the course(s) to their doctoral program at Saybrook.
    • Applicants whose pre-requisite coursework was completed more than 10 years prior to applying, but who have recent related work experience (e.g., Registered Dietitians) may waive some pre-requisite requirements.

Applicants for the doctoral degree in Integrative and Functional Nutrition must submit:

1. Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate universities;
2. A 250-500-words personal statement explaining their professional interest in pursuing the PhD in Integrative and Functional Nutrition;
3. A current resume or CV;
4. Provide a sample demonstrating academic writing skills. Writing samples and other Admissions documents must be solely and independently authored by the applicant, not professionally edited, and written within the past ten years. Due to the importance of scholarly writing standards, all PhD IFN students will be required to take the graduate level academic writing course. Writing samples will be analyzed to assess whether the applicant can be waived from this requirement. Note that if plagiarism is found, it can be disqualifying for admission. Plagiarism is defined in the Saybrook catalog section, “Policy on Academic Honesty (Plagiarism) and Authorship.

Degree Requirements

Students in this 62-credit program take a core set of advanced nutritional science courses to establish a strong foundation on which to build.  Students then select from a variety of nutrition electives, covering topics such as dietary supplements, culinary medicine, gastrointestinal health, and sports nutrition to allow for program customization.  Students may also elect to take courses from other programs across the university, from which they can acquire complementary knowledge in areas of mind-body medicine, wellness coaching, psychology, and more. 

Saybrook may accept up to nine graduate-level transfer credits into the PhD in Integrative and Functional Nutrition.  Credits must be from suitable coursework completed at another regionally accredited college or university within the past 15 years with a grade of B or above.  Transfer credits must be approved by the Department Chair and are applied to the number of elective or required course credits needed for degree completion. For further details regarding transfer credit policies, consult the Institutional Transfer Credit Guidelines  section of the University Catalog.

The PhD in Integrative and Functional Nutrition requires completion of a doctoral research dissertation.  Students take a series of advanced research courses to prepare them to design and conduct a research study on a nutrition topic of their choice.  Students must complete all degree requirements, including completion of the research dissertation process, to graduate from the program.  Approximate time to graduation is four years, but varies depending on each individual’s pace, course requirements, and dissertation progress.