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    Saybrook University
   
 
  Mar 28, 2024
 
2021-2022 Academic Catalog and Student Handbook with Spring addendum 
    
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2021-2022 Academic Catalog and Student Handbook with Spring addendum [Archived Catalog]

PhD in Integrative and Functional Nutrition - MS-to-PhD Pathway


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Applicants whose ultimate goal is to obtain a PhD in Integrative and Functional Nutrition, but who do not yet hold a master’s degree, may apply directly to PhD in Integrative and Functional Nutrition.  If accepted, these students will enter as PhD students via and follow the 76-credit MS-to-PhD in Integrative and Functional Nutrition pathway.  In this pathway, students will be registered as doctoral students.  Upon completion of the 39-credits required for the MS in Integrative and Functional Nutrition, students are awarded the MS degree while continuing seamlessly with the remaining PhD requirements. No time off is required at completion of the MS requirements.  This pathway saves the student time and facilitates progression to towards the PhD in Integrative and Functional Nutrition. 

Degree Requirements and Learning Outcomes

Students in the MS-to-PhD pathway will complete all degree requirements for the Master of Science and the PhD in Integrative and Functional Nutrition within a single 76-credit degree program, including completion of both the MS IFN Capstone and a doctoral research dissertation.  Students in this pathway will enter directly into the PhD program and, as such, will follow the advanced research course sequence required of doctoral students in Integrative and Functional Nutrition.  Students in this program will be required to complete a doctoral research dissertation to graduate.  By taking 6-9 credits per semester, students in the MS-to-PhD pathway will be awarded the PhD in Integrative and Functional Nutrition in an estimated average of 5 years. However, this time will vary depending on the student’s course sequence and dissertation progress.  Upon completion of all requirements, students will have met the program learning outcomes of PhD in Integrative and Functional Nutrition.

Admissions Requirements

The following is a list of required and preferred criteria for acceptance into the PhD in Integrative and Functional Nutrition via the MS-to-PhD pathway.  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 bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with GPA of 3.0 or above (on a scale of 4.0).
    • Preference is given to those with a BS 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 coursework with a B or above within the past 10 years*.
    • 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 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

Course Options


Notes:


  • Students who demonstrate equivalent professional learning to waive a required course(s) will be able to take elective course(s) in place of the waived course(s).  Available electives will be discussed with your academic advisor in your first term of enrollment.
  • Students who hold the credential of Registered Dietitian through the Commission on Dietetic Registration are eligible for Advanced Standing and will receive a 6-credit reduction from the Master of Science in Integrative and Functional Nutrition program or a 9-credit reduction from the PhD in Integrative and Functional Nutrition program.  This is the maximum allowance for credit reduction for these programs.  Credit reduction may be made by removal of required or elective courses and will be determined on an individual basis by the department chair or academic advisor.
  • The Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) provides holistic training in the field of nutrition. IIN’s Health Coach Training Program includes coursework in nutrition, health and wellness, coaching techniques, business skills, and personal development. The articulation agreement with Saybrook University allows graduates of the IIN training programs to authorize six credits of graduate credit toward CIMHS masters and doctoral programs.

MS to PhD IFN Total Degree Requirements with Minor in MBM - 88-100 credits


Optional: Minor in Integrative Wellness Coaching (IWC) - 9 credits


MS to PhD IFN Total Degree Requirements with Minor in IWC - 85-97 credits


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