February 24, 2026
Clinical Nutrition Meets Functional Medicine
The Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition and Functional Medicine (MS-CNFM) program prepares you to utilize evidence-based nutrition practices to assess, understand, and support people struggling with complex conditions.
Designed for licensed health professionals and bachelor’s-level students with a science background, UWS’ clinical nutrition master’s degree program examines the biochemistry, physiology, and molecular mechanisms behind such conditions to help you better address their root causes.
Functional Medicine Integration
Functional medicine is the framework that supports our entire MS-CNFM curriculum and focuses on highly personalized patient care to better understand the root causes of disease and dysfunction.
Each MS-CNFM course reinforces systems-oriented problem-solving, helping you to address the underlying issues causing imbalance in patients. You will also learn the clinical intake methods, timeline, matrix, and personalized care pathways established by The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM).
CNS® Exam Preparation
The M.S. in Clinical Nutrition and Functional Medicine degree meets all the academic coursework requirements to sit for the Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®) exam.
CNS® certification supports the evidence-based, clinically oriented nutrition practices we teach at UWS. This widely recognized credential proves your commitment to the field of advanced clinical nutrition.
UWS 2025 CNS® pass rates = 92%
Evidence-Based Clinical Analysis
The capstone is not simply an academic paper. This culminating project will be a practical demonstration of your clinical readiness, evidence literacy, and ability to translate complex nutrition science into effective therapeutic insights for real-world patient care.
Based on our whole-person health approach, the capstone project ensures that you understand not just what works in functional nutrition but also why and how nutrition works at the biochemical, physiological, and clinical level.
Flexible and Diverse Student Pathways
The MS-CNFM program is perfect for both experienced health professionals and those just entering the field. Delivered 100% online and asynchronously, you can learn at a pace that’s right for you. Those without a health sciences background may still qualify for admission by completing the required prerequisites. Read Admissions Requirements below to learn more.
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Curriculum
- Principles of Functional Medicine
- Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Assessment
- Evidence-Based Nutrition
- Whole Food Nutrition and Supplementation
- Gastrointestinal Imbalances
- Capstone-CNFM
- Nutritional Epidemiology and Clinical Research
- Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism
- Detoxification and Biotransformation Pathways and Imbalances
- Oxidative/Reductive Dynamics and Energy Production
- Cardiovascular Disease and Metabolic Imbalances
- Immune Imbalances and Inflammation
- Hormone and Neurotransmitter Regulation and Imbalances
- Autoimmune Disease: Causes and Strategies
- Meal Planning in Health and Illness
- Clinical Nutrition Through the Life Cycle
Curriculum Note: Some courses have prerequisites and must be taken in sequence. Full course descriptions, prerequisite details, and registration requirements are available in the Academic Catalog.
- Foundations of Nutritional Biochemistry *Required in Q1 for students who enter the program without an approved biochemistry course
- Fundamentals of Mind-Body Medicine and The Psychology of Well-Being
- Botanical Medicine
- Advanced Practices Modules
- Pharmacology and Drug-Nutrient Interactions
- Supervised Nutrition Mentorship I
- Supervised Nutrition Mentorship II
- Psychology of Eating and Wellness
- Plant-Based Nutrition
- Nutrition Practice Strategies
- Ethical Use of Telehealth Platforms
- Identifying Mental Illness
- Mental Health Communication Skills
Admissions Requirements
University of Western States admits students to the M.S. in Clinical Nutrition and Functional Medicine program in the fall (October) and spring (April) academic quarters. You should carefully review the program’s selection criteria to ensure your application reflects your academic preparation, professional interests, and readiness for graduate-level study.
In addition to the general entry requirements for the College of Graduate Studies, you must meet the following program-specific entry requirements:
- Completed application, including a well-written personal statement outlining professional goals and how the MS-CNFM program supports those goals
- Official transcripts showing:
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree, or
- Completion of a first professional degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75
- Two letters of recommendation
- Current resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Interview with the MS-CNFM program directors or program instructor.
- Application fee of $50
- Required prerequisite coursework (grade of C or higher):
- Biology (minimum 3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits)
- Physiology or Anatomy & Physiology (minimum 3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits)
- Biochemistry (minimum 3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits; must be completed within the last eight years)
- Nutrition (one course)
Applicants are encouraged to complete a medical terminology course to support success in the program.
- Biochemistry prerequisite alternative:
- Applicants without a completed biochemistry course may be admitted conditionally and must complete Foundations of Nutritional Biochemistry during their first term. A college-level chemistry course is required as a prerequisite.
Accreditation & Licensure
Accreditation
University of Western States is an accredited institution. The M.S. in Clinical Nutrition and Functional Medicine program does not lead directly to state licensure, as licensure and scope of practice for nutrition professionals vary by state and professional title.
Licensure
The master’s curriculum meets the academic coursework requirements to sit for the Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®) exam and contributes toward the required 1,000 hours of supervised practice, which are to be completed outside the degree program.
The curriculum also satisfies the coursework requirements for additional professional certifications, including the Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) and the Diplomate of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition (DACBN). Certification and licensure requirements vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to review applicable regulations in your intended area of practice.
Tuition & Fees
Visit our Tuition and Fees page to learn more.
UWS Whole Health
At University of Western States, whole health means caring for the whole person, not just their symptoms. This approach recognizes how physical, mental, emotional, and environmental factors shape overall well-being.
In the M.S. in Clinical Nutrition and Functional Medicine program, this philosophy is reflected through an integrated clinical nutrition and functional medicine framework. Students learn to apply a root-cause-focused, evidence-based, systems-oriented model that supports individualized care, addresses complex chronic conditions, and promotes whole-person, whole-body health.
Financing Your Future
University of Western States remains committed to keeping higher education affordable and accessible. Our financial aid department is ready to offer guidance and support in determining suitable financial assistance tailored to your needs, including potential scholarship opportunities, grants, and more.
Catalog
Please refer to our academic catalog for more information on the M.S. in Clinical Nutrition and Functional Medicine program.
Career Pathways
Whether you envision joining an interdisciplinary health care team, building an independent practice, or contributing to education and industry, the M.S. in Clinical Nutrition and Functional Medicine program prepares you to apply clinical nutrition in rewarding career roles and diverse settings.
Career roles:
- Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
- Functional nutrition practitioner
- Health coach
- Consultant
- Educator
- Professional settings:
- Private practice
- Integrative health care clinics
- Community and public health centers
- Wellness organizations
- Academia
- Culinary and food industries
“UWS is increasingly recognized as a leader in integrative health and functional medicine education—this leadership provides opportunities to advance the profession in ways that will benefit patients and practitioners for many years to come. It's exciting to be part of an institution that's helping to create positive change in the world of health care.”
Chris Browne, CNFM
Director, M.S. in Clinical Nutrition and Functional Medicine (CNFM)
