The underlying theme of the Certificate of Advanced Study in Integrative and Functional Nutrition at Syracuse University’s Falk College is to educate and train nutrition and other allied health professionals in personalized approaches to health and wellness by enhancing their understanding of nutrition within the context of the individual’s genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors through educational training that is inter-professional and evidence-based using the Nutrition Care Process and Model. Nutrition care within the integrative and functional healthcare paradigm seeks to promote optimal wellness by combining evidence-based conventional and complementary diet and lifestyle therapies in a sustained, coordinated manner that addresses the spectrum of disease conditions. Complete a CAS in integrative and functional nutrition through fully online, asynchronous coursework. This CAS is also offered in a residential format.
Why this degree makes a difference in society today…tomorrow…
The demand for trained nutrition professionals in integrative and functional healthcare systems is fueled by the rising public interest and awareness in nutrition, the burgeoning rates of chronic disease, an expanding aging population, the childhood obesity epidemic, and increased emphasis on health education and healthy lifestyles. These professionals may work in private practice, as part of interprofessional healthcare teams, in health and wellness-related businesses, in academic settings that foster research and education for advocacy groups and with policy makers to ensure all people have access to adequate nutrition across the lifespan. Whether you want to inspire health in your community or around the world, nutrition is a universal avenue to make a difference.
Sample Courses
Coursework for the online CAS is completely online and asynchronous. Core courses focus on training students to enhance their knowledge of the systems biology approaches to work with clients in a patient centered manner. Courses you will take include:
- Introduction to Integrative and Functional Nutrition
- Nutritional Genomics
- Integrative Food and Nutrition Therapy
- Nutrition Counseling
- Problems in Human Metabolism
Why a CAS is Important
Students consider CAS programs to advance or complement an existing skill set, or to develop a new one. Earning a graduate certificate can also make candidates more competitive when applying for career opportunities. For some students, CAS programs are helpful stand-alone options to enhance an advanced degree they already have. For others, supplementing a master’s program with a CAS generally entails coursework that matches M.A. or M.S. requirements. With little to no additional time or financial investment required, pairing a master degree and a CAS simultaneously is appealing.
What’s Next
Several professional development opportunities are available for pursuing further education and training as well as enhancing skills in this field of dietetics practice. Certifications are available through the Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine Dietetic Practice group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, The Institute for Functional medicine, Center for Mind Body Medicine, The Arizona Center for integrative Medicine to name a few. Those who wish to pursue careers in academia and/or research can explore graduate degrees such as the DCN (Doctor of Clinical Nutrition) offered through selected U.S. universities.
Careers
The CAS will provide advanced skills to current health professionals and graduate students pursuing future careers in health. Nutrition practice as part of integrative and functional healthcare is expanding across various settings in clinical nutrition and community and public health serving diverse populations. Even beyond health professions, skills in this area of nutrition practice are in-demand in research, consultation, education, and business.
Getting Admitted
The Integrative and Functional Nutrition CAS is open to current nutrition graduate students at Syracuse University or other universities, practicing Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) with an undergraduate and/or graduate degree in nutrition, and other health professionals. A minimum GPA of 3.0 will be required. International students with degrees in food and nutrition science or biological sciences can apply by providing TOEFL (>100) or IELTS scores (>7.5) taken within the past 5 years.
Learn More:
For additional admissions information, contact the Office of Admissions at falk@syr.edu, or fill out our online form: