ABOUT US
Hawthorn was founded in December 2002 as Hawthorn Health and Nutrition Institute and began offering the Nutrition Consultant certificate program. Hawthorn is approved to operate programs in holistic nutrition from the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE), school code #8441699.  

Hawthorn received approval to operate as a degree granting institution adding a Master of Science in Holistic Nutrition degree in 2004 and a Master of Science in Health and Nutrition Education in 2006. The Doctor of Science in Holistic Nutrition Education program offering an Ed.D. was also approved in 2006. In late 2008, the degree designation of Doctor of Education was changed to Doctor of Science in Holistic Nutrition to better reflect the goals and objectives of the program.

Hawthorn’s degree programs have been reviewed and are recommended by the National Association of Nutritional Professionals. Hawthorn graduates are eligible to sit for the board certification exam in Holistic Nutrition from the U.S. Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board (http://hncb.org).

In December 2009, Hawthorn University received approval and recognition from the International Organization of Nutrition Consultants (IONC). Graduates of the Master of Science in Holistic Nutrition and the Doctorate of Science in Holistic Nutrition programs are now recognized as Registered Orthomolecular Health Practitioner (ROHP) and graduates of the Master of Health and Nutrition Education and the Nutrition Consultant programs may refer to themselves as Registered Nutritional Consultant Practitioners (RNCP).

Hawthorn’s history and continuing forward movement ensures that students learn the principles of nutrition using the most current scientifically based information sources in the field. The teaching model continues to focus on holistic and conventional scientific information, utilizing guided independent study. Programs emphasize critical thinking, teaching students to discern quality and accuracy of recent research while providing students with nutritional tools that can be applied in everyday life to increase vitality, energy, and well being while reducing long range disease risk. Professional development and personal health are nurtured as students are challenged to apply concepts and demonstrate a sound understanding of the principles of holistic nutrition. Students develop written concepts and oral presentations that can serve expanding nutrition careers.

In 2010 Hawthorn University announced a new initiative in Continuing Education: an ongoing series of educational, professional development, and webinar certificate courses. These courses are focused, cutting edge and designed to be completed in as little as 3 weeks. Many are independent study courses.

We currently offer the following programs:

For information about our Weston A. Price Foundation courses leading to a WISE Traditions Nutrition certificate and our other Continuing Education courses, click on the links located on this page.

Hawthorn University is a branch of Bright Start Corporation, a not-for-profit public benefit corporation.