Degree Requirements: See Requirements Tab
Completion Time: 2 to 3 years
Earned Credits: 39
As part of the MS Mind-Body Medicine program, students will gain knowledge in and skills in different areas such as:
- Complementary and integrative medicine
- Psychophysiology
- Contemporary Neuroscience
- Research and ethics
- Movement modalities
- Mindfulness and meditation; guided imagery
- Applied hypnosis or applied biofeedback
- Spirituality and health
- Energy Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine
- Wellness coaching
Applying the principles and evidence supporting the effectiveness of mind-body approaches for health outcomes and overall wellbeing, students enrolled in the MS Mind-Body Medicine (MBM) program integrate the philosophy, science, and techniques of mind-body medicine in their personal and professional work. The curriculum presents a foundation of scholarship within the domains of integrative health, mind-body science, practice, research literacy, and ethics. Students may choose to add a minor in integrative wellness coaching or integrative and functional nutrition to expand their knowledge and skills in one of these professional disciplines.
The MS MBM program attracts students from a broad range of education and career backgrounds in health, wellness, education, and non-healthcare fields. Nurses, therapists, coaches, yoga instructors, dieticians, nutritionists, educators, business consultants, and recent graduates from other degree programs, represent the student body. This degree does not qualify graduates for medical licensure.
Depending on their professional interests, MS MBM students may need to pursue additional education in doctoral studies if they intend to teach graduate level courses, conduct research, or seek employment in a healthcare setting.
- The M.S. Mind-Body Medicine degree does not qualify graduates for medical licensure.
- The average time to complete the M.S. Mind-Body Medicine degree requirements is 2 to 3 years.
- Students also may choose to pursue a nationally recognized certificate in clinical hypnosis, biofeedback, or integrative wellness coaching. Refer to the departments of Applied Psychophysiology and Integrative Wellness Coaching to learn more.
Available Minors
- Integrative and Functional Nutrition
- Integrative Wellness Coaching
Houston-Based Satellite Residential Conference Program
Students who enroll in the Houston Residential Conference (RC) program will take part in multiple four-day residential conferences throughout the program, as fulfillment of the residential training requirements for the 39-credit M.S. Mind-Body Medicine or the 75-credit Ph.D. Mind-Body Medicine. RCs will be held at the offices of the Institute for Spirituality and Health in the Texas Medical Center.
More program information can be found in our academic catalog.
The requirements for the M.S. Mind-Body Medicine degree include 39 credits within specific categories of coursework: core (12 credits), research (6 credits), mind-body science (6 credits), practice (9 credits), and electives (6 credits). If the graduate level writing course is required, an additional elective (3 credits) may be added to the degree requirements (42 credits). The category requirements are listed below and in the degree program plan templates. Adding a minor in integrative wellness coaching or integrative and functional nutrition will add 3 to 12 more credits to the degree program. Prerequisites must be met to register for certain courses.
Students enrolled in this degree program must attend three five-day residential conferences (RCs). They must also attend any additional RC days, as required for courses in which they choose to enroll.
Mind-Body Therapies and Practices
This course introduces students to the principles and evidence supporting mind-body practices as one of the leading complementary approaches in the health care field. A large amount of published research supports the effectiveness of mind-body medicine for health outcomes and overall well-being. Thousands of studies have documented the therapeutic benefits of mind-body therapies on physical, mental, and emotional health. Through the weekly readings, discussions, and practices, students will have opportunities to integrate these principles and techniques in their personal life and professional work.
Complementary and Integrative Medicine
This survey course introduces integrative professions and practices within a system for health, wellness, and healing. Throughout the term, students will critically investigate the research literature supporting the paradigms, practices, and services associated with complementary systems including naturopathy, manual, and traditional medicine. In addition, specific modalities within the systems will also be explored. These topics include naturopathy, homeopathy, herbal medicine, chiropractic medicine, massage therapy and bodywork, Traditional African and Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, and Ayurveda. The final module concludes with an examination of trends and opportunities in the field of integrative health and wellness.
3 credits
Mindfulness, Meditation, and Health
This course is both theoretical and experiential. Students learn about and discuss the origins of mindfulness practices, the modern scientific underpinnings of mindfulness research, and multiple applications of mindfulness in medicine, health care, and society. Students learn and are supported in the personal development of a simple mindfulness practice. Students’ personal experiences are the basis for understanding mindfulness as a tool for stress management, self-awareness, and self-efficacy. Students are also encouraged to assess the appropriateness of mindfulness in their own lives as a spiritual practice and a way of life.
“Influenced by humanistic principles and values, the College of Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences empowers faculty and students to apply their knowledge and skills to facilitate mind, body, and spirit wellness in personal and professional life.”
—Devorah Curtis, Ph.D., Mind-Body Medicine Department Chair