Functional nutrition looks for the underlying contributors to a health problem, such as diet, gut function, stress, and lifestyle, and builds an individualized nutrition plan around them. In degree programs it appears as a master’s or doctorate in functional or integrative nutrition, a concentration inside a clinical nutrition degree, an emphasis within a bachelor’s, or a graduate certificate. Each program in the table below is listed because the school’s own pages name a functional, integrative, or functional medicine nutrition program, track, or concentration.
Functional nutrition is not a protected title and has no accrediting body of its own. Most of these programs are not accredited by ACEND, so on their own they do not make a graduate eligible for the registered dietitian exam. Graduates who want a credential usually pursue either the RD route or the Certified Nutrition Specialist credential, which sets its own graduate coursework and supervised experience requirements. The RD Pathway column describes each school’s route to the credential, which is not always the same program as the functional track.
Functional Nutrition Programs at 7 Schools
| School | Functional nutrition program | Credentials | RD Pathway | Format | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern Health Sciences University Bloomington, MN | M.H.S. and D.C.N., Functional and Integrative Nutrition | MS, PhD, Certificate | No no ACEND-accredited program | Online | $545/credit |
| Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, FL | M.S. Nutrition, functional nutrition concentration | BS, MS | Yes DPD + MS-RDN (ACEND FG program, 67 credits) | Online, Hybrid, Campus | $1,350/credit |
| Parker University Dallas, TX | M.S. Functional Nutrition | BS, MS | No no ACEND-accredited program | Online | $871/credit |
| Saybrook University Pasadena, CA | M.S., Ph.D., and certificate in Integrative and Functional Nutrition | MS, PhD, Certificate | No no ACEND-accredited program | Online | $1,497/credit |
| Stephen F. Austin State University Nacogdoches, TX | M.S. Nutrition and Integrative Health, Functional Nutrition concentration | BS, MS | Yes via the combined M.S. and Dietetic Internship (after a DPD) | Online, Hybrid | $481–$535/credit |
| University of Western States Portland, OR | M.S., certificate, and D.C.N. in Clinical Nutrition and Functional Medicine | MS, PhD, Certificate | No no ACEND-accredited program | Online | $641/credit |
| Weber State University Ogden, UT | B.S. Human Nutrition, Integrative Nutrition emphasis | BS | No feeds into RD programs at other Utah schools | Online, Campus | $274/credit |
The table lists only schools with a profile on this site, so it is not every functional nutrition program in the country. Costs are per credit as published on each profile, and each school name links to the full profile with curriculum, admission, accreditation, and cost details.
How to Choose a Functional Nutrition Program
Decide whether you need the RD credential
If you want to practice as a dietitian, start with the RD Pathway column and look for a program that is ACEND-accredited. Nova Southeastern is the one school in this table whose profile shows an RD route with a functional nutrition concentration. The other programs teach functional nutrition without leading to the RD exam, which can suit health coaches, wellness practitioners, and clinicians who already hold a license or credential.
Check what your state allows
Rules on who may provide individualized nutrition counseling differ by state, and some states restrict it to licensed dietitians or nutritionists. Confirm your state’s licensure law before choosing a program that does not lead to the RD.
Match the level to the role
The table mixes a bachelor’s emphasis, master’s degrees, doctoral programs, and graduate certificates. A bachelor’s emphasis adds integrative coursework to a general nutrition degree. A master’s goes deeper into the clinical science, and the doctoral options are aimed at working clinicians. Each profile lists the credits and duration.
Look for clinical training and delivery
Ask each program whether it includes supervised clinical practice or only coursework, and whether it can be completed online. The Format column shows how each program is delivered, and the profiles note where the school does not publish a practicum.