Degree Requirements: See Requirements Tab
Completion Time: 4.5 to 5.5 years
Earned Credits: 75-78
Graduates are prepared serve as educators, coaches, consultants, directors or managers, and researchers in a variety of professional settings:
- Complementary and integrative medicine
- Psychophysiology
- Contemporary Neuroscience
- Research and ethics
- Movement modalities
- Mindfulness and meditation; guided imagery
- Applied hypnosis and 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 well-being, students enrolled in the Ph.D. 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 across the College of Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences (CIMHS), representing domains of integrative health care, mind-body science, practice, advanced research, and ethics. To expand their knowledge and focus of study in a specific discipline, students may choose to add a specialization in applied psychophysiology, integrative mental health, integrative wellness coaching, and mindful leadership in health care. The generalist degree or no specialization option offers the most flexible sequence for individuals pursuing multiple certificates such as integrative wellness coaching, integrative and functional nutrition, biofeedback, and clinical hypnosis.
The Ph.D. MBM program attracts students from a broad range of education and career backgrounds in health, wellness, education, and non-health care 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.
Graduates are prepared to serve as educators, coaches, consultants, directors or managers, and researchers in a variety of professional settings:
- Private practice and independent consulting
- Integrative medicine and wellness centers
- Medical centers, hospitals, community health, primary care
- Medical spas
- Yoga retreat centers
- Sports medicine
- Corporate wellness programs
- Colleges and universities
Specializations
- Specialization in Mindful Leadership in Healthcare
- Specialization in Integrative Mental Health
- Specialization in Integrative Wellness Coaching
More program information can be found in our academic catalog.
The requirements for the Ph.D. MBM degree include 75 credits within specific categories of coursework: core (15 credits), research (21 credits), mind-body science (6 credits), practice (9 credits), electives (9 credits), and specialization (15 credits). Students who prefer to not to add a specialization will complete 15 credits of additional electives from any category or degree program. If the academic writing course is required, another elective may be added to the degree, thus increasing the requirements to 78 credits. Prerequisites must be met to register for certain courses.
Students enrolled in this degree program must attend five five-day residential conferences (RCs). They must also attend any additional RC days, as required for courses in which they choose to enroll.
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
Mind-Body Therapies and Practices
This course provides a foundational introduction to the principles and approaches of mind-body-spirit wellness. Students will be introduced to the research and the practices that support health, wellness, and healing outcomes. Through readings, discussions, and practices, students will have opportunities to integrate these principles and techniques personally and professionally. 3 credits
Ethics in Healthcare
This course presents the ethical standards and codes of conduct that formulate the guidelines for integrative health professionals. Issues such as cultural competency, health equity, and diversity will be explored within the field of integrative medicine. Students will reflect on their own personal values, beliefs, and biases pertaining to ethical dilemmas and decision-making. 3 credits
Psychophysiology of the Human Stress Response
This course introduces the scientific study of psychophysiology, with an emphasis on the psychophysiology of the human stress response. Students will critically examine the impact of stress on several systems in the body, including the autonomic, cardiorespiratory, digestive, and immune systems. Additional topics include behavioral and mind-body interventions that moderate or reverse the effects of the stress response on physiology and the emotions. Students will also explore research strategies for investigating mind-body interactions and the impact of stress. 3 credits
“In addition to teaching, MBM faculty conduct research, publish books and articles in peer-reviewed journals, present papers at conferences, host seminars, and serve clients in private practice or organizations within the integrative health care field.”
—Devorah Curtis, Ph.D., Mind-Body Medicine Department Chair