Master of Science in
Nutrition and Integrative Health
Now Enrolling for September 2012
This program offers a unique approach to the study of nutrition, one that emphasizes the vital and interrelated physiological, medicinal, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual roles food plays in our lives.
Anchored in a wellness-based philosophy, this distinctive curriculum offers a solid biochemical and physiological understanding of the complex role of food and nutrition in human health combined with a rich personal learning process that enables students to cultivate sustainable change in themselves and others. Students will gain practical skills and apply theory through participation in whole foods cooking labs, practice coaching sessions, and a clinical, research, or community-based practicum.
The 47-credit program is designed to accommodate working professionals and can be completed in two years of concentrated weekend study (approximately one weekend each month plus two week-long intensives each year). A variety of elective courses are offered to meet students’ specific interests. The comprehensive and multifaceted program ensures that graduates are prepared for a variety of careers in the diverse field of nutrition as practicing nutritionists, consultants, coaches, educators, researchers, and writers.
Program Highlights
- Taught from a holistic and integrative perspective
- Prepares graduates for a variety of nutrition and wellness careers
- Prepares graduates to sit for the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) exam
- Delivered in a two-year weekend and intensive format
- Features custom-designed science courses and core competencies in nutrition assessment and treatment strategy design and implementation
- Includes whole foods cooking as part of academic curriculum
- Addresses sustainability and the relationships between our food choices, our agricultural and food processing practices, and the environment
- Integrates students into the broader Tai Sophia health and wellness learning community
- Eligible for federal financial aid
Professional Opportunities
The future is bright for nutritionists. That future will grow ever brighter as the varied and profound roles of food and nutrition in health, well-being, and healing continue to be fully recognized and integrated into more aspects of health care as well as the daily choices of individuals, institutions, and indeed entire industries.
At a time when our food choices can influence the health and future of our society and the earth’s ecosystems, the holistically-trained nutritionist will be an essential voice to inspire and activate personal, cultural, and global change.
Graduates of the Master of Science in Nutrition and Integrative Health program will be uniquely prepared to help lead this revolution and fill the growing demand for practitioners and educators with advanced skills and expertise in nutrition and wellness.
In fact, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates for the current projection decade (2008-2018), employment of nutritionists and dietitians is increasing right now: “Job growth will result from an increasing emphasis on disease prevention through improved dietary habits. A growing and aging population will boost demand for nutritional counseling and treatment…. Public interest in nutrition and increased emphasis on health education and prudent lifestyles also will spur demand.” The study also reports that job applicants “with specialized training, an advanced degree, or certification beyond the particular state’s minimum requirement should enjoy the best job opportunities.”
(U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition,” April 2010)
Career opportunities for Nutrition and Integrative Health graduates include:
- Nutritionist, private and group practice
- Corporate nutritionist
- Nutritionist at fitness centers, medical centers, and other health-related organizations
- Faculty at community colleges, state colleges, and universities
- Community health educator
- Consultant to nutraceutical companies, apothecaries, and other nutrition-related companies
- Writer/publisher of books and articles
- Researcher
Graduates also will be well-positioned to continue their education and earn a doctorate in this expanding field.
Program graduates are qualified to become Certified Nutrition Specialists through the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists (CBNS). In order to acquire the CNS credential, graduates will need to pass an examination and document 1,000 hours of postgraduate nutrition experience and/or
practice. To facilitate the hours required by the CBNS,
Tai Sophia will launch a clinical internship program in September 2013 for program graduates.
For more information, please call 410-888-9048 ext. 6647 or contact the Office of Graduate Admissions.