The Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN) program explores the principles and practice of functional nutrition to develop the next generation of leaders in the field. Functional nutritionists evaluate biological, environmental, dietary, and lifestyle factors to address each individual’s unique health goals and needs. Students build the skills and knowledge to provide advanced nutrition care that incorporates personalized, evidence-informed plans. Research skills are emphasized, and students prepare publishable case report manuscripts.The program can be completed entirely online in 8-10 trimesters, depending on the start date:
Fall Start Date: 8 trimesters
Spring Start Date: 10 trimesters
Summer Start Date: 9 trimesters
Eligible applicants include those with certain master’s degrees and RD/RDNs with a bachelor’s degree (details below).
The Doctor of Clinical Nutrition program is designed for nutritionists, registered dietitians, other clinicians, educators, and researchers, who seek the high-level knowledge and skills to work in cutting-edge private practice or integrative medicine settings and contribute to the advancement of functional nutrition as a core discipline in healthcare. The program is open to individuals who hold specific master’s degrees (details below) and to registered dietitians (RDs)/registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) whose highest degree is a bachelor’s degree. RD/RDNs can enter the program without first earning a master’s degree.
Graduates are equipped with the tools they need to expand the types of clients and cases they work with, including individuals with complex clinical conditions. Graduates will hold the title doctor (Dr.), enhance their stature with clients and other healthcare professionals, and expand their job opportunities and career paths.
The Doctor of Clinical Nutrition program is a professionally-oriented, clinical doctoral program designed to educate students in all aspects of functional nutrition. Functional nutrition uses a holistic, flexible, and personalized approach to address each individual’s unique health goals and needs. Functional nutritionists consider the root causes of symptoms, the relationship between environmental and lifestyle factors, genetic predisposition, core biological functions and imbalances, and disease expression to inform clinical assessment and recommendations.
The program reinforces and builds on students’ existing skills and knowledge in research literacy, ethics, and foundational nutrition; provides specialized coursework in nutritional genomics, environmental health, nutrition-focused physical exam, and case report writing; and explores advanced functional nutrition care in gastrointestinal, immune, cardio-metabolic, neurological, energy metabolism, and endocrine health. The program culminates with either applied practice within a clinical setting or an advanced clinically-oriented project.
There are two entry pathways for this program:
- Master’s Degree/Doctoral Degree Pathway
- RD/RDN Bachelor’s Degree Pathway
| Trimester of Entry: | Fall, Spring, Summer | |
| Application Priority Deadline: | Application deadline by Trimester | |
| General Requirements for all applicants: |
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| There are two entry pathways for this program:
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Degree must be from a degree-granting college or university accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, or if a school uses a Pass/Fail system, passing grades in all coursework.
Coursework must be from a degree-granting college or university accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. |
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| ENTRY PATHWAY 2: Program Specific Requirements for the Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) Bachelor’s Degree Pathway: |
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Required Courses
This program consists of 44 credits of required courses.
- MUIH500 University-Wide New Student Orientation (0 cr)
- MUIH550 Academic Research & Scholarship (0 cr)
- NUTR801 Principles of Integrative & Functional Nutrition (3 cr)
- NUTR802 Nutritional Approaches to Detoxification (3 cr)
- NUTR822 Epigenetics and Nutritional Genomics (3 cr)
- NUTR823 Ethics in Clinical Nutrition (1.5 cr)
- NUTR824 Research Literacy in Nutrition (3 cr)
- NUTR831 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Gastrointestinal Health and Disease (3 cr)
- NUTR832 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Immune Health (3 cr)
- NUTR833 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Cardio-Metabolic Health (3 cr)
- NUTR834 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Neurological Health (3 cr)
- NUTR835 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Endocrine and Energy Health (3 cr)
- NUTR837 Integrative and Functional Nutrition for Complex Cases (3 cr)
- NUTR850 Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (1.5 cr)
- NUTR898 Nutrition DCN Comprehensive Exam (0 cr)
- RSCH811 Case Reports in Integrative Health (3 cr)
- RSCH850 Research Manuscript I (1 cr)
- RSCH851 Research Manuscript II (1 cr)
Choose one of the following for 3.0 credits:
- NUTR904 Advanced Nutrition Clinic I (3 cr)
- NUTR910 Advanced Nutrition Final Project I (3 cr)
Choose one of the following for 3.0 credits:
- NUTR905 Advanced Nutrition Clinic II (3 cr)
- NUTR911 Advanced Nutrition Final Project II (3 cr)
Course Descriptions
Course descriptions are available in the Academic Catalog.
Advanced Standing for Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) Certified Practitioners
Individuals who are Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) Certified Practitioners are eligible for 3 credits of advanced standing and will only need to complete 41 credits of coursework at NDMU SOIH. Such students are exempt from taking NUTR801 (3 cr). Advanced standing recognizes students’ certified learning in nutrition at the doctoral level. Advanced standing reduces credits, costs, and time to program completion for IFM Certified Practitioners.
To receive advanced standing, students MUST submit official documentation of their IFM certification BEFORE starting their first class at NDMU SOIH. Such documentation is only required to receive advanced standing; it is not required for admission into the program.
Students who complete the Doctor of Clinical Nutrition program will be able to:
- Apply principles of integrative and functional nutrition to provide advanced nutrition care in the areas of gastrointestinal, immune, cardio-metabolic, neurological, nutritional genomics, energy metabolism, and endocrine health.
- Evaluate data from the client history, diet history, nutrition-focused physical examination, lifestyle, anthropometrics, genomics, environmental impacts, and laboratory findings to provide a comprehensive client assessment.
- Synthesize didactic and clinical knowledge and skills and translate this into personalized nutrition care plans.
- Apply principles of research methodology, bioethics, academic journal writing, and case studies in practice and research settings.
- Promote nutrition and lifestyle interventions for disease prevention and health optimization as part of a collaborative healthcare team
Program Format
This program is offered in the online format.
The program includes 1-2 weekends where you may be expected to participate in a synchronous (real-time) online classroom.
Program Schedule
For trimester start and end dates, see the Academic Calendar.
The program can be completed in 8-10 trimesters, depending on students’ start date.
- Fall Start Date: 8 trimesters
- Spring Start Date: 10 trimesters
- Summer Start Date: 9 trimesters
There is a unique schedule of classes for each start date.
For students who start the program in the Fall trimester:
Trimester 1
- NUTR801 Principles of Integrative & Functional Nutrition (3 cr)
- NUTR824 Research Literacy in Nutrition (3 cr)
- MUIH500 University-Wide New Student Orientation (0 cr)
- MUIH550 Academic Research & Scholarship (0 cr)
Trimester 2
- NUTR823 Ethics in Clinical Nutrition (1.5 cr)
- NUTR831 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Gastrointestinal Health and Disease (3 cr)
- NUTR850 Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (1.5 cr)
Trimester 3
- NUTR833 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Cardio-Metabolic Health (3 cr)
- NUTR834 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Neurological Health (3 cr)
Trimester 4
- NUTR832 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Immune Health (3 cr)
- RSCH811 Case Reports in Integrative Health (3 cr)
Trimester 5
- NUTR802 Nutritional Approaches to Detoxification (3 cr)
- NUTR835 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Endocrine and Energy Health (3 cr)
Trimester 6
- NUTR822 Epigenetics and Nutritional Genomics (3 cr)
- NUTR837 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Complex Cases (3 cr)
- NUTR8EXI Nutrition DCN Comprehensive Exam (0 cr)
Trimester 7
- NUTR904 Advanced Nutrition Clinic I (3 cr) OR
- NUTR910 Advanced Nutrition Final Project I (3 cr)
- RSCH850 Research Manuscript I (1cr)
Trimester 8
- NUTR905 Advanced Nutrition Clinic II (3 cr) OR
- NUTR911 Advanced Nutrition Final Project II (3 cr)
- RSCH851 Research Manuscript II (1 cr)
For students who start the program in the Spring trimester:
Trimester 1
- NUTR801 Principles of Integrative & Functional Nutrition (3 cr)
- MUIH500 University-Wide New Student Orientation (0 cr)
- MUIH550 Academic Research & Scholarship (0 cr)
Trimester 2
- NUTR833 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Cardio-Metabolic Health (3 cr)
Trimester 3
- NUTR824 Research Literacy in Nutrition (3 cr)
Trimester 4
- NUTR823 Ethics in Clinical Nutrition (1.5 cr)
- NUTR831 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Gastrointestinal Health and Disease (3 cr)
- NUTR850 Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (1.5 cr)
Trimester 5
- NUTR834 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Neurological Health (3 cr)
Trimester 6
- NUTR832 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Immune Health (3 cr)
- RSCH811 Case Reports in Integrative Health (3 cr)
Trimester 7
- NUTR802 Nutritional Approaches to Detoxification (3 cr)
- NUTR835 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Endocrine and Energy Health (3 cr)
Trimester 8
- NUTR822 Epigenetics and Nutritional Genomics (3 cr)
- NUTR837 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Complex Cases (3 cr)
- NUTR8EXI Nutrition DCN Comprehensive Exam (0 cr)
Trimester 9
- NUTR904 Advanced Nutrition Clinic I (3 cr) OR
- NUTR910 Advanced Nutrition Final Project I (3 cr)
- RSCH850 Research Manuscript I (1cr)
Trimester 10
- NUTR905 Advanced Nutrition Clinic II (3 cr) OR
- NUTR911 Advanced Nutrition Final Project II (3 cr)
- RSCH851 Research Manuscript II (1 cr)
For students who start the program in the Summer trimester:
Trimester 1
- NUTR801 Principles of Integrative & Functional Nutrition (3 cr)
- MUIH500 University-Wide New Student Orientation (0 cr)
- MUIH550 Academic Research & Scholarship (0 cr)
Trimester 2
- NUTR824 Research Literacy in Nutrition (3 cr)
Trimester 3
- NUTR823 Ethics in Clinical Nutrition (1.5 cr)
- NUTR831 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Gastrointestinal Health and Disease (3 cr)
- NUTR850 Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (1.5 cr)
Trimester 4
- NUTR833 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Cardio-Metabolic Health (3 cr)
- NUTR834 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Neurological Health (3 cr)
Trimester 5
- NUTR832 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Immune Health (3 cr)
- RSCH811 Case Reports in Integrative Health (3 cr)
Trimester 6
- NUTR802 Nutritional Approaches to Detoxification (3 cr)
- NUTR835 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Endocrine and Energy Health (3 cr)
Trimester 7
- NUTR822 Epigenetics and Nutritional Genomics (3 cr)
- NUTR837 Integrative and Functional Nutrition in Complex Cases (3 cr)
- NUTR8EXI Nutrition DCN Comprehensive Exam (0 cr)
Trimester 8
- NUTR904 Advanced Nutrition Clinic I (3 cr) OR
- NUTR910 Advanced Nutrition Final Project I (3 cr)
- RSCH850 Research Manuscript I (1cr)
Trimester 9
- NUTR905 Advanced Nutrition Clinic II (3 cr) OR
- NUTR911 Advanced Nutrition Final Project II (3 cr)
- RSCH851 Research Manuscript II (1 cr)
Tuition
| Trimester | Course Code | Cost per Credit | # of Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall ’25 | NUTR | $1060 | 6 |
| Spring ’26 | NUTR | $1060 | 6 |
| Summer ’26 | NUTR | $1060 | 6 |
*Prices subject to change.
Additional Fees
| Fees | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $0 |
| Non-Refundable Tuition Deposit | $150 |
| University Fee (per trimester) | $275 All students, including students taking a voluntary break in enrollment. Click here to learn more about the fee. |
| Institute for Functional Medicine Toolkit Fee (1st Trimester) | $100 |
As an advanced degree in nutrition, the Doctor of Clinical Nutrition program is not designed to meet entry-level requirements for licensure or certification. The prerequisite for admission is CNS certification, the RDN credential, or meeting the educational requirements (degree and coursework) to earn the CNS credential. Those seeking initial licensure or certification in the field of nutrition should enroll in the Master of Science in Nutrition and Integrative Health program.
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Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
The Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS) administers the advanced certification for personalized nutrition practitioners: Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS). Depending upon a student’s prior clinical training, the Doctor of Clinical Nutrition may complete the educational requirements needed for graduates to sit for the CNS exam. BCNS also requires that applicants complete 1000 hours of supervised practice experience and pass the CNS Certifying exam. The board reviews each applicant individually to determine eligibility. Interested individuals are encouraged to check for the most recent requirements with the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists at https://theana.org/advocate. certify.
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Diplomate of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition
Graduates of the Doctor of Clinical Nutrition are eligible to apply to become a Diplomate of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition. This board requires that applicants hold a professional doctorate and have at least 300 hours of nutrition education and a minimum of two years practice experience and write an article or paper on a nutritional topic that could be published. Interested individuals are encouraged to check for the most recent requirements with the American Clinical Board of Nutrition at acbn.org.
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Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN)
The Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB) reviews each applicant individually. They review all transcripts to determine eligibility. Interested individuals are encouraged to check for the most recent requirements with the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board at cncb.org.
The Doctor of Clinical Nutrition prepares students for careers in integrative health practices and health care organizations; to serve as educators in communities, in schools and in colleges and universities; to work in government agencies and/or policy settings; and to be leaders in the field of integrative and functional nutrition. Graduates will hold the title doctor (Dr.), enhance their stature with clients and other healthcare professionals, expand the types of clients and cases they work with, and expand their job advancement opportunities.
Graduates of NDMU SOIH's nutrition programs are employed in a variety of settings including private practice; integrative group practices; nutrition clinics; health care systems; hospitals; community, non-profit, and outreach organizations; state and local health departments; school systems; culinary organizations; athletic and recreational organizations; and colleges and universities. Many graduates chose to have a portfolio career in which they have multiple positions and employers within one or more professions, rather than one full-time job. A portfolio career provides such individuals with variety in their work life and the opportunity to develop a wide and varied professional network.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics indicates jobs for nutritionists and dietitians are projected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031. The role of food in preventing and treating diseases, such as diabetes, is now well known. More dietitians and nutritionists will be needed to provide care for patients with various medical conditions and to advise people who want to improve their overall health.
Contact the Department: muih-nutrition@muih.ndm.edu
James Snow D.C.N.
Department Chair
Elizabeth Owens, M.S.
Director, Experiential Programs
Rachel Voss, M.P.A.
Department Manager
Casey Opperman, M.A.
Academic Advisor
Crystal Hoyte, M.S.
Associate Director of Academic Advising