Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine (MS-HNFM)

The Master of Science in human nutrition and functional medicine (MS-HNFM) program is designed to prepare learners to serve as outstanding health care clinicians, consultants, educators and researchers in the field of human nutrition and functional medicine. Functional medicine is a science-based healthcare field that focuses on assessment and management strategies to improve, maximize and/or restore a patient’s physical and emotional/psychological health. The discipline takes a patient-centered approach to the clinical management of complex, chronic disorders that recognizes the interconnectedness of the physiological factors that influence health and contribute to the progression of disease. The core competencies of functional medicine are based on an understanding of the principles of molecular medicine and nutritional biochemistry as applied in a clinical setting. Functional medicine is discipline-blind and can be incorporated into patient management approaches rendered by medical physicians, chiropractic physicians, naturopathic physicians, nutritionists, nurse practitioners and other health care practitioners.

The MS-HNFM program focuses on the clinical management of chronic illnesses and conditions as the framework for presenting the nutrition subject materials. Students are provided effective, patient-centered management strategies by which to address the myriad of clinical disorders commonly manifest in the current healthcare system population. This approach allows training to occur in the same context the practitioner will be applying the knowledge. The required coursework combines traditional nutrition science courses with coursework based on the clinical application of functional medicine.

The MS-HNFM program consists of 56 quarter credits provided online. This allows health care practitioners to enroll in the program without having to sacrifice time from their clinical practices. The courses are offered with sufficient frequency to allow students to progress with flexibility in scheduling the number of credits they take each term.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Master of Science in human nutrition and functional medicine is to prepare current and future nutrition professionals to improve the well-being of their patients, clients, and communities using whole-person functional medicine approaches. By addressing the underlying factors that result in illness, graduates will contribute to progress in their field and improved health outcomes for the recipients of nutrition-focused health care.

Admission Requirements - MS-HNFM

UWS admits new students into the MS-HNFM program each fall (October) and spring (April). Applicants should carefully review the program’s selection criteria to ensure that they are making the best possible presentation of their qualifications. The application for admission is available on the UWS website.

In addition to the general entry requirements for the College of Graduate Studies, students must also meet specific entry requirements listed below for the MS-HNFM program.

• Complete standard admissions application, including a detailed, well-written personal statement discussing professional goals and explaining how the UWS MS-HNFM program will help the applicant achieve those goals.
• Official transcripts showing successful completion of a bachelor’s degree, or successful completion of a first professional degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75.
• Prior college coursework in biology (minimum three semester credits or four quarter credits), physiology or anatomy/physiology (minimum three semester credits or four quarter credits), biochemistry (minimum three semester credits or four quarter credits) and nutrition (one course) are required. Students are encouraged to take a medical terminology course to support success. The biochemistry prerequisite is required to have been successfully completed within eight years of the start of the program. Prerequisite coursework must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
  • Applicants who have not completed a biochemistry course may be admitted to the MS-HNFM program on the condition that they complete MSN 6050  during their first term of study. MSN 6050  requires a college level chemistry course as a prerequisite.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Current resume or curriculum vitae.
• An interview with the MS-HNFM program directors or program instructor.
• Application fee.

Graduation Requirements - MS-HNFM

The MS-HNFM degree is conferred upon an individual who has fulfilled the following requirements:

• Maintenance of enrollment eligibility through satisfactory academic performance, professional development and behavior, and non-academic behavior.
• Successful completion of all required courses, lectures, labs, practicums and seminars with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on all required coursework.

Program Learning Outcomes - MS-HNFM

Graduates of the MS-HNFM program will be able to:

1. Integrate whole food nutrition with strategies for health promotion and disease prevention.
2. Apply the functional medicine model to the therapeutic needs a patient or client could present.
3. Apply appropriate interventions to address physiological imbalances and illness states.
4. Appraise research evidence to answer clinically relevant questions.