College Description
Mission Statement
Influenced by humanistic principles and values, the College of Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences (CIMHS) empowers faculty and students to apply their knowledge and skills to facilitate mind, body, and spirit wellness in personal and professional life. Recognizing the importance of collaborative, person-centered care strategies, CIMHS embraces an educational model that endorses a range of health-related disciplines, scholarship, evidence-based practices, and skill development. CIMHS is dedicated to promoting interdisciplinary modalities and scholarship that enhance optimal health and well-being for individuals and communities
Graduate Degrees and Programs
CIMHS offers M.S. and Ph.D. graduate degrees and certificate programs in Mind-Body Medicine (MBM), Integrative and Functional Nutrition (IFN), Integrative Social Work (ISW), and Applied Psychophysiology (APH). These academic programs combine cutting-edge curricula with a university-wide emphasis on student-centered learning and faculty engagement.
The master's degrees and doctoral specializations are designed for professionals from diverse career fields who wish to expand their expertise in health, wellness, and resilience. The degrees prepare students for clinical practice, organizational leadership, academic teaching, program and policy reform, and research in health and wellness. In addition, CIMHS students may add a minor, specialization, or certificate to their general degree requirements if they are interested in extending their knowledge or skill set in a specific discipline. The M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, with their optional minors and specializations, include:
MS Integrative and Functional Nutrition
- Specialization in Integrative Wellness Coaching
- Specialization in Mind-Body Medicine
- Specialization in Culinary Nutrition
MS Mind-Body Medicine
- Specialization in Applied Psychophysiology
- Specialization in Contemplative End of Life Care
- Specialization in Integrative Wellness Coaching
- Specialization in Integrative and Functional Nutrition
- Specialization in Mindful Leadership
MS Psychology
- Specialization in Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health
- Specialization in Creativity, Innovation, and Leadership
- Specialization in Existential and Humanistic Psychology
- Specialization in Psychophysiology
MS Psychophysiology
- Science and Research Specialization
- Optimal Performance Specialization
MS in Sport Performance Psychology
PhD in Applied Psychophysiology
- Clinical Psychophysiology Specialization
- Optimal Functioning Specialization
- General/Investigational Specialization
PhD in Integrative Social Work
- Specialization Community Studies Specialization
- Interdisciplinary Specialization
- Legal Studies Specialization
PhD in Mind-Body Medicine
- Applied Psychophysiology Specialization
- Contemplative End-of-Life-Care Specialization
- Integrative and Functional Nutrition Specialization
- Integrative Mental Health Specialization
- Integrative Wellness Coaching Specialization
- Mindful Leadership Specialization
College Specific Policies
CIMHS Academic Writing Class
The 3-credit MBM5507 Graduate Academic Writing class is a required class for all CIMHS students, except for students in the MS Degree in Sport Performance Psychology.
The department chair may require a writing sample for select applicants based on evidence of writing challenges in applicant’s admissions material, including grammatical mistakes, spelling errors, or poorly organized text.
In some instances, students may request to waive the MBM5507 Graduate Academic Writing course and substitute an open elective at the department chair’s discretion. The department chair will make the determination based on any one of three criteria: (a) students may document solo-authored professional publications in a peer-reviewed journal, (b) per our institutional transfer credit policy, students may document completion of an equivalent 3-credit graduate-level writing course within the past 10 years and earned a grade of B or better, or (c) students may submit an optional writing sample, and achieve a score of 90% or better on the writing sample grading rubric.
Each degree program will differently accommodate the three credits for the MBM5507 Graduate Academic Writing Course
CIMHS Distance Learning Model
Most of the coursework is conducted online and at a distance, so students can live and work anywhere in the world as they engage with CIMHS faculty and peers. Classes incorporate a variety of instructional and assessment methods including asynchronous discussion forums, live video conferences, interactive web-based activities, and written assignments. In addition, the MBM, ISW, and APH departments utilize virtual and in-person learning experiences for face-to-face training, to support online classes. These residential learning experiences are usually held at the start of the spring and fall semesters.
Courses for graduate degrees in the CIMHS are offered during three semesters each year: fall, spring, and summer. Fall and spring semesters each have two 7-week terms (A and B) and one semester long term of 15-weeks. The summer semester has one term of 8 weeks or 12 weeks.
CIMHS Virtual Student Orientations, Virtual Learning Experiences, Residential Learning Experiences, and Community Learning Experiences
All new students in the College of Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences participate in a virtual orientation (VO) in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. During the VO, the students are introduced to Saybrook University’s administrative staff, faculty, current students and University-wide policies. Students are oriented to technology, student services, library databases, and more.
New MBM degree program students participate in the MBM 0506 Mind-Body-Spirit Integration (MBSI) Seminar. The MBSI consists of two full days of experiential learning, and four 4-hour virtual sessions on consecutive Saturdays. See the course descriptions for requirements. The MBSI is offered in a face-to-face format during the semesters when the university conducts a face-to-face Community Learning Experience. In other semesters, the MBSI is offered virtually. Students may opt to delay the MBSI to attend a face-to-face or virtual version.
New students in the Applied Psychophysiology degree programs are required to attend a five-day Virtual or Residential Learning Experience. The Department will schedule these five-day conferences virtually or face-to-face, and inform the new students.
The number of required virtual or residential learning experiences for continuing CIMHS students varies by degree program and selected coursework. Review the degree program requirements for more information about the requirements.
Community Learning Experience
Every autumn in odd calendar years, all departments gather for a university-wide face-to-face Community Learning Experience (CLE). Students in the Applied Psychophysiology programs are required to attend. Other students in CIMHS are strongly encouraged to attend. The CLE provides valuable contact with faculty, a wide variety of educational and training classes, and interaction with students across degree programs.
Faculty Directory
Faculty in the College of Mind-Body Medicine include world-renowned scholar-practitioners, many of whom lead professional organizations, direct community health centers, conduct research, publish scholarly articles and books, deliver keynote speeches and workshops around the country and the world, and develop protocols for treatments that support and complement those used in conventional, Western medicine.
The College has three categories of instructors: (a) core faculty, who are salaried and provide extensive participation in student instruction, student advising, and research, and in departmental and university governance, (b) adjunct faculty, who are contracted to teach by the course and who may also serve in student’s research, and (c) teaching fellows, who are contracted to teach specific courses. Teaching Fellows are either advanced doctoral students or recent doctoral graduates, who provide course instruction under supervision by core faculty. Biographies and photographs of all categories of faculty are included in the Faculty Directory, along with description of their research expertise and interests. The Faculty Directory is available at: Faculty Directory Index - Saybrook University.
Department of Humanistic Psychology (HP)
Department Description
The Humanistic Psychology Department in the College of Social Sciences together comprise the heart of the legacy of the Old Saybrook Conference held in Connecticut in 1964. Luminaries such as Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow, Gordon Allport, and Rollo May came together at that time to articulate the need for a psychology of the whole human being to address what was lacking in other emerging approaches psychotherapy and psychological research. They, and other innovative thinkers as James Bugental, Henry Murray, Viktor Frankl, Charlotte Bühler, and Virginia Satir, realized an approach to psychotherapy and human science that did not reduce human beings to fragments of their life experience. Under May’s original guidance and inspiration, what is now Saybrook University evolved as a distance learning institution over the past five decades, expanding on and giving birth to vibrant and creative offshoots of the original vision. Today, these two departments embody and impart through their curriculum a truly expansive view of the prosocial human being seeking meaning and wholeness in the context of multicultural, global social justice, ecological sustainability, and deeper spiritual awareness and connection. Cultural humility and respect for indigenous sources of our cherished notions about healing and living the good life are affirmed.
The uniqueness of Saybrook’s Humanistic Psychology degree programs lies in our heritage of humanistic, existential, transpersonal, and phenomenological inquiry. Saybrook faculty, alumni, and students continue to question, critique, and offer alternatives to many of the axioms of mainstream academic psychology and professional practice, including those of the now predominant bio-medical model. Through creativity, spiritual commitment, sound research, scholarly writing, and integrative professional practice, members of the Saybrook community keep alive the spirit of innovative and creative approaches to the increasingly complex issues of our times. The Humanistic Psychology degree programs offer students a foundation of scholarship and practice based in the tradition of existential, humanistic, and transpersonal psychology. Learning encompasses a course of study that takes the student beyond traditional field-specific boundaries to focus on such subjects as consciousness, spirituality, and integrative health; creativity, innovation, and leadership; and existential and humanistic psychology.
Our research and practice encourage the best in human qualities and activities while also adhering to rigorous scholastic standards. By producing humanistic scholars, researchers, and practitioners, the Humanistic Psychology degree programs offer interdisciplinary graduate education that crosses and merges many disciplines within the diverse field of Humanistic Psychology. Through such an approach, exploration of what it means to be human in the 21st century is expanded beyond traditional definitions of the fields of psychology.
Saybrook faculty, alumni, and students continue to question, critique, and offer alternatives to many of the axioms of mainstream academic psychology and professional practice, including those of the now predominant bio-medical model. Through creativity, spiritual commitment, sound research, scholarly writing, and integrative professional practice, members of the Saybrook community keep alive the spirit of innovative and creative approaches to the increasingly complex issues of our times. Discovery that is informed by a variety of disciplines and modes of inquiry can enliven each student’s primary field of study and enrich the learning process. It is with this in mind that these legacy degree programs have expanded the definition of the field to include not only human processes that occur at an intrapsychic level, but also those that occur within groups, communities, societies, and at the global level.
Our work offers a vital, viable, and emancipatory alternative to individuals, families, groups, and societies as they effectively respond to human needs in an increasingly complex world. The emphasis of the course of study is on disciplined inquiry that includes various ways of knowing, scholarly research and writing, and the conceptualization of issues in psychology within the framework of their philosophical, scientific, social, and political contexts, as well as practical “real world” implications. The Humanistic Psychology degree programs are leading humanistic education committed to the study of human experience from multiple frameworks informed by this historical and evolving humanistic, existential, and transpersonal perspectives. While the Humanistic Psychology degree programs do not prepare students for clinical practice or eligibility for clinical licensure, the Humanistic Clinical Psychology degree program does. However, many Humanistic Psychology degree programs students are already licensed clinicians and find the coursework offered through Humanistic Psychology curricula complements and enhances their prior or concurrent study of clinical issues.
Values, Mission, and Learning Outcomes
Department Mission Statement
The mission of the Humanistic Psychology Department at Saybrook University is to educate and empower humanistic leaders who embody the principles of compassion, integrity, and social responsibility. Grounded in a humanistic approach, we strive to advance the understanding of human experience and contribute to positive social transformation. Through rigorous scholarship, critical inquiry, and inclusive practices, we aim to cultivate compassionate practitioners, researchers, and scholars who are equipped to address complex societal challenges and promote well-being at individual, community, and global levels.
Department Values
- Humanistic Approach: We embrace a humanistic perspective that acknowledges the inherent worth and dignity of each individual, fostering a holistic understanding of human experience.
- Social Justice: We are committed to promoting social justice by addressing systemic inequities, advocating for marginalized populations, and working towards inclusivity and equality.
- Ethical Practice: We uphold the highest standards of ethics in our research, teaching, and professional practice, ensuring the well-being and autonomy of individuals involved.
- Cultural Humility: We cultivate a climate of cultural humility, valuing diverse perspectives, honoring indigenous knowledge, and respecting the richness of multicultural experiences.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: We foster interdisciplinary collaboration, recognizing the value of integrating knowledge from multiple fields to enhance our understanding of human behavior and well-being.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
- Critical Thinking: Graduates will demonstrate advanced critical thinking skills, utilizing a humanistic lens to analyze complex psychological phenomena and apply theoretical frameworks to real-world contexts.
- Cultural Competence: Graduates will possess cultural competence, displaying an understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, experiences, and worldviews, and integrating this awareness into their professional practice.
- Ethical Awareness: Graduates will exhibit a strong ethical awareness, adhering to ethical guidelines in their research, teaching, and practice, and demonstrating a commitment to the well-being and autonomy of individuals and communities.
- Research Proficiency: Graduates will develop proficiency in conducting rigorous research informed by humanistic, existential, transpersonal, and phenomenological perspectives, employing qualitative and quantitative methodologies to advance the field of humanistic psychology.
- Social Justice Advocacy: Graduates will engage in social justice advocacy, actively promoting equity, inclusivity, and social change by addressing systemic disparities, advocating for marginalized populations, and contributing to the creation of a just and sustainable society.
- Applied Skills: Graduates will possess practical skills and interventions grounded in humanistic psychology, enabling them to facilitate personal growth, foster resilience, and promote well-being in various settings, including research, educational, community, and organizational contexts.
Department Programs and Specializations
M.A. Psychology
M.A. Psychology: Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health (CSIH) Specialization
M.A. Psychology: Creativity, Innovation, and Leadership Specialization
M.A. Psychology: Existential and Humanistic Psychology Specialization
Ph.D. Psychology
Ph.D. Psychology: Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health (CSIH) Specialization
Ph.D. Psychology: Creativity, Innovation, and Leadership Specialization
Ph.D. Psychology: Existential and Humanistic Psychology Specialization
Ph.D. Psychology: Psychophysiology Specialization
Department Specific Policies
Program Change Policy
M.A./Ph.D. Psychology:
- One-page Personal Statement addendum addressing the following:
- Why they are seeking to change degree program
- For those declaring a specialization in addition to the program change: Why they are interested in the specific specialization
- Brief virtual interview with Program Chair, Faculty Psychology Academic Advisor and/or Specialization Coordinator/Director.
Note: Students who wish to transfer out of the Psychology program will need an exit conversation to discuss their choice to change their degree program with the Faculty Psychology Academic Advisor and/or designee.
Provisional Admission Policy
Psychology (non-Clinical)
Applicants who have not achieved a consistent grade of “Credit” or a grade of “B” for all courses of their prior undergraduate or graduate program may be admitted provisionally for a period of two (2) semesters. Applicants who are provisionally admitted must meet the identified standards noted in their letter of acceptance by the deadline. Failure to maintain a consistent grade of “Credit” or “B” (when letter grades are requested) or to demonstrate Humanistic Psychology Department standards of professional behavior and communication within the first two semesters of attendance will result in dismissal. Students admitted provisionally cannot appeal dismissal from Saybrook University as a result of a failure to meet the conditions identified in their acceptance letter. Additionally, provisionally admitted students may be asked to take an academic writing course offered by Saybrook University.
Department of Integrative and Functional Nutrition
Department Description
Saybrook’s Integrative and Functional Nutrition (IFN) Department is a leading on-line graduate-level nutrition education department known for quality instruction, innovative coursework, reputable faculty, impactful research, and influential graduates. The IFN Department was designed to educate the next generation of nutrition professionals. Graduates of this program will be prepared to apply advanced evidence-based nutritional approaches to effectively address conditions ranging from obesity and high blood pressure to depression and chronic pain. Declining global health dictates a greater need for well-trained, competent nutrition practitioners across healthcare settings. This need is not being met by current educational models. Thus, CIMHS has created an Integrative and Functional Nutrition Department to prepare future nutrition leaders in the health field. With courses that study nutritional biochemistry and physiology, functional nutrition assessment methodologies, and integrative nutritional therapies, this program equips its students with cutting-edge knowledge, skills, and competencies to be professional nutrition practitioners addressing world-wide health concerns of individuals and communities.
Integrative and functional nutritionists recognize how physical health is influenced by biological, environmental, behavioral, and emotional factors. They apply knowledge from biological and nutritional sciences to the results from comprehensive nutritional assessments to inform nutritional diagnoses and develop personalized nutrition care plans to help clients achieve optimal health and vitality.
Saybrook’s PhD in Integrative and Functional Nutrition prepares its graduates to use an evidence-based, holistic approach that applies the knowledge of functional biochemistry to assess body dysfunctions and incorporate environmental, social, physiological, and psychological sciences to provide person-centered, integrative care. This program is ideal for current nutrition professionals seeking a terminal degree that will distinguish them as experts in the field; non-nutrition health practitioners seeking to complement their existing skillset; and professionals from non-scientific backgrounds who are prepared to transition themselves into the field of advanced, applied nutritional sciences.
Values, Mission, and Learning Outcomes
Department Mission Statement
Mission: Train nutritionists and researchers to humanely apply the best available science to nutrition care with the goal of nourishing people, building vibrant communities and the restoration of a healthy planet.
Department Values
Influenced by humanistic principles and values, the College of Integrative and Health Sciences and the Department of Integrative and Functional Nutrition (IFN) empowers faculty and students to apply their knowledge and skills to facilitate mind, body, and spirit wellness in personal and professional life. Recognizing the importance of collaborative, person-centered care strategies, IFN embraces an educational model that endorses a range of health-related disciplines, scholarship, evidence-based practices, and self-care.
The values of the IFN Department include:
- Offer a humanistic and collaborative learning environment across disciplines.
- Promote person-centered health and wellness strategies.
- Encourage self-care practices.
- Empower individuals to apply their knowledge and skills in their personal and professional life.
Program Learning Outcomes
M.S. Learning Outcomes
- Apply evidence-based integrative and functional nutrition approaches to comprehensively assess and promote the health and wellness of diverse individuals and communities.
- Critically evaluate and utilize evidence-based resources to inform professional practice.
- Explain the science of integrative and functional nutrition in health promotion and disease prevention and management to lay audiences and health professionals.
- Apply knowledge of biochemical, physiological, and psychosocial sciences to assess nutritional status and design integrative interventions.
- Identify and articulate the ethical, humanistic, and legal guidelines for professional nutrition practitioners.
Ph.D. Learning Outcomes
- Apply evidence-based integrative and functional nutrition approaches to comprehensively assess and promote the health and wellness of diverse individuals and communities.
- Critically evaluate and utilize evidence-based resources to inform professional practice.
- Explain the science of integrative and functional nutrition in health promotion and disease prevention and management to lay audiences and health professionals.
- Apply knowledge of biochemical, physiological, and psychosocial sciences to assess nutritional status and design integrative interventions.
- Identify and articulate the ethical, humanistic, and legal guidelines for professional nutrition practitioners.
- Synthesize nutrition research to identify information gaps in the literature and articulate implications for future research.
- Propose and conduct a quality research study and present the findings to professional audiences.
MS to PhD Pathway Learning Outcomes
- Apply evidence-based integrative and functional nutrition approaches to comprehensively assess and promote the health and wellness of diverse individuals and communities.
- Critically evaluate and utilize evidence-based resources to inform professional practice.
- Explain the science of integrative and functional nutrition in health promotion and disease prevention and management to lay audiences and health professionals.
- Apply knowledge of biochemical, physiological, and psychosocial sciences to assess nutritional status and design integrative interventions.
- Identify and articulate the ethical, humanistic, and legal guidelines for professional nutrition practitioners.
- Synthesize nutrition research to identify information gaps in the literature and articulate implications for future research.
- Propose and conduct a quality research study and present the findings to professional audiences.
Department Programs and Specializations
Ph.D. Integrative and Functional Nutrition
- Three Specialization Options: Integrative Wellness Coaching, Mind-Body Medicine or Culinary Nutrition
M.S. Integrative and Functional Nutrition
- Three Specialization Options: Integrative Wellness Coaching, Mind Body Medicine or Culinary Nutrition
M.S.-to-Ph.D. Pathway Integrative and Functional Nutrition
- Three Specialization Options: Integrative Wellness Coaching, Mind Body Medicine or Culinary Nutrition
Department Specific Policies
CIMHS Policies on Academic Performance, Professional Behavior, and Remediation
IFN Course Policies
Provisional Admission Policy
Integrative and Functional Nutrition
Applicants who fail to meet the identified program standards for academic integrity, academic writing, GPA, and/or professional communications may be admitted provisionally for a specified period [e.g., one semester, two semesters, or one year] and/or specified credits. Applicants who are provisionally admitted must meet the identified standards noted in their letter of acceptance by the deadline. Failure to achieve the identified standards/expectations [e.g., acceptable academic integrity, adequate academic writing, a minimum GPA of 3.0, pass all courses with a B or above, and utilize appropriate professional communications] within the identified time period [e.g., one semester, two semesters, or one year] and/or specified credits will result in dismissal. Students admitted provisionally cannot appeal dismissal from Saybrook University as a result of a failure to meet the conditions identified in their acceptance letter.
Program Change Policy
M.S./Ph.D. Integrative Functional Nutrition:
- Submit all admission requirements for the program of interest (MS or PhD) that have not already been submitted through the student’s current program.
- Interview with a core IFN faculty member
Department of Integrative Social Work
Department Description
Integrative social work (ISW) is an approach to social work that considers the entire person, mind, body, and spirit, within a community and societal perspective. ISW is holistic, person-centered, and mindful. ISW also adopts the de-colonizing and global perspectives, embracing social justice and social equity for all elements in society. Saybrook’s PhD in integrative social work is evidence-based, informed by a scientific understanding of self-in-society. Students will access research, critically evaluate the credibility of research, conduct independent research, and translate research findings for application in their professional work.
The ISW doctoral degree program is attuned to the traditions of social work, and to the social justice, social equity, and social transformation that are at the core of the mission of Saybrook University. This curriculum is designed to appeal to applicants with MSW degrees, with an interest in administration, consulting, teaching, research, and policymaking. By the end of the program, students will be prepared to work as administrators, teachers, consultants, and practitioners in academic, community, corporate, and clinical settings.
Values, Mission, and Learning Outcomes
Department Mission Statement
Mission: To educate doctoral-level social work professionals who will serve as scholar-practitioners, healthcare and public health administrators, organizational consultants, and university educators.
Vision: The Department of Integrative Social Work (ISW) embraces the vision of the College of Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences (CIMHS). Influenced by humanistic principles and values, CIMHS empowers faculty and students to apply their knowledge and skills to facilitate mind, body, and spirit wellness in personal and professional life. Recognizing the importance of collaborative, person-centered care strategies, CIMHS embraces an educational model that endorses a range of health-related disciplines, scholarship, evidence-based practices and skill development. CIMHS is dedicated to promoting interdisciplinary modalities and scholarship that enhance optimal health and wellbeing for individuals and communities.
The ISW emphasizes core values embraced by social workers throughout the profession’s history, include: Service, social justice, the dignity and worth of the person, the importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence.
Department Values
The PhD in Integrative Social Work Department is dedicated to a holistic, person-centered, evidence-informed, and integrative perspective on the practice of social work with diverse populations.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students completing the PhD Degree in Integrative Social Work will be able to:
- Examine and analyze the traditional community and societal values of the social work profession and their application to the changing landscape of the 21st century.
- Explain the influence of social policy, public health programs, and advocacy on general health and well-being and the implications for individuals, organizations, and/or communities.
- Apply multicultural competencies and diversity awareness, and support health equity and social justice in healthcare, society, and law.
- Engage, assess, and intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Critically evaluate methodologies, apply published research, and conduct independent research to investigate contemporary issues with community and society.
- Assess and synthesize evidence, theories, and informed practices/interventions in integrative social work.
Department Programs and Specializations
Ph.D. Integrative Social Work
- Integrative Community Studies Specialization
- Interdisciplinary Specialization
- Legal Studies Specialization
Legal Studies Certificate
Department Specific Policies
Provisional Admission Policy
Integrative Social Work
Applicants who fail to meet the identified program standards for academic integrity, academic writing, GPA, and/or professional communications may be admitted provisionally for a specified period [e.g., one semester, two semesters, or one year] and/or specified credits. Applicants who are provisionally admitted must meet the identified standards noted in their letter of acceptance by the deadline. Failure to achieve the identified standards/expectations [e.g., acceptable academic integrity, adequate academic writing, a minimum GPA of 3.0, pass all courses with a B or above, and utilize appropriate professional communications] within the identified time period [e.g., one semester, two semesters, or one year] and/or specified credits will result in dismissal. Students admitted provisionally cannot appeal dismissal from Saybrook University as a result of a failure to meet the conditions identified in their acceptance letter.
Program Change Policy
Ph.D. Integrative Social Work:
Department of Mind-Body Medicine
Department Description
Mind-body medicine is known as one of the leading complementary approaches in healthcare. In the past five years alone, thousands of studies have documented the therapeutic benefits of mind-body therapies on physical, mental, and emotional health.
Applying the principles and evidence supporting the effectiveness of mind-body approaches for health outcomes and overall wellbeing, students enrolled in Mind-Body Medicine (MBM) programs 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 CIMHS departments, representing domains of integrative healthcare, 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, contemplative end-of-life care, integrative and functional nutrition, integrative mental health, integrative wellness coaching, and mindful leadership.
Values, Mission, and Learning Outcomes
Department Mission Statement
The mission of the Department of Mind-Body Medicine is to educate professionals in evidence-based mind-body applications to health and wellness in their work as educators, practitioners, and researchers.
Department Values
Influenced by humanistic principles and values, the College of Integrative and Health Sciences and the Department of Mind-Body Medicine (MBM) empowers faculty and students to apply their knowledge and skills to facilitate mind, body, and spirit wellness in personal and professional life. Recognizing the importance of collaborative, person-centered care strategies, MBM embraces an educational model that endorses a range of health-related disciplines, scholarship, evidence-based practices, and self-care.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Explain the influence of biopsychosocial factors on general health and wellbeing and the implications for individuals, organizations, and/or communities.
- Describe and apply the foundational values, ethical principles, and best practices of the field to oneself and others.
- Apply cultural humility, diversity awareness, and inclusion to support health equity and social justice in healthcare systems.
- Articulate the application of self-reflection and self-care skills.
- Assess and synthesize evidence, theories, and established practices in integrative healthcare.
- Critically evaluate research methods, apply published research, and/or conduct independent research in the field.
- Compose original, grammatically correct, coherent, concise, and well-articulated written work in APA style.
Department Programs and Specializations
M.S. Mind-Body Medicine
Ph.D. Mind-Body Medicine
Ph.D. Mind-Body Medicine: Applied Psychophysiology Specialization
Ph.D. Mind-Body Medicine: Contemplative End of Life Care Specialization
Ph.D. Mind-Body Medicine: Integrative Mental Health Specialization
Ph.D. Mind-Body Medicine: Integrative Wellness Coaching Specialization
Ph.D. Mind-Body Medicine: Integrative and Functional Nutrition Specialization
Ph.D. Mind-Body Medicine: Mindful Leadership Specialization
M.S. Sport Performance Psychology
Ph.D. Applied Psychophysiology
M.S. Psychophysiology
Contemplative End of Life Care Certificate
Integrative Wellness Coaching Certificate
Mind-Body Medicine Certificate
Department Specific Policies
Mind-Body Medicine Policies
Provisional Admission Policy
Mind-Body Medicine
Applicants who fail to meet the identified program standards for academic integrity, academic writing, GPA, and/or professional communications may be admitted provisionally for a specified period [e.g., one semester, two semesters, or one year] and/or specified credits. Applicants who are provisionally admitted must meet the identified standards noted in their letter of acceptance by the deadline. Failure to achieve the identified standards/expectations [e.g., acceptable academic integrity, adequate academic writing, a minimum GPA of 3.0, pass all courses with a B or above, or appropriate professional communications] within the identified time period [e.g., one semester, two semesters, or one year] and/or specified credits will result in dismissal. Students admitted provisionally cannot appeal dismissal from Saybrook University as a result of a failure to meet the conditions identified in their acceptance letter.
Program Change Policy
M.S./Ph.D. Mind-Body Medicine:
- Current writing sample
- A personal statement discussing the reasons for transferring to the MBM department
- List of Completed Courses
- Interview with a core MBM faculty member
MBM Academic Progressions Policy
- Assessing Basic Academic Writing Skills,
- PhD Mid-Program Review (refer to the MBM 8000 course descriptions)
- Assessing Dissertation Proposal Readiness
Refer to the MBM Course Acknowledgment section in Canvas shells to review policies specific to academic expectations, professionalism, videoconference attendance and etiquette, submitting late assignments.
Applied Psychophysiology Policies
In addition to the Saybrook University Learning Experiences, students in the Applied Psychophysiology Department are strongly encouraged to attend each Annual Meeting of the Association of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback.
Provisional Admission Policy
Applied Psychophysiology
Applicants who fail to meet the identified program standards for academic integrity, academic writing, GPA, and/or professional communications may be admitted provisionally for a specified period [e.g., one semester, two semesters, or one year] and/or specified credits. Applicants who are provisionally admitted must meet the identified standards noted in their letter of acceptance by the deadline. Failure to achieve the identified standards/expectations [e.g., acceptable academic integrity, adequate academic writing, a minimum GPA of 3.0, pass all courses with a B or above, and utilize appropriate professional communications] within the identified time period [e.g., one semester, two semesters, or one year] and/or specified credits will result in dismissal. Students admitted provisionally cannot appeal dismissal from Saybrook University as a result of a failure to meet the conditions identified in their acceptance letter.
Program Change Policy
M.S./Ph.D Applied Psychophysiology:
- Interview with the Department Chair
Mid-Program Review
The Mid-Program Review for the Department of Applied Psychophysiology is in revision and details will be available soon.
Preliminary Exams
All psychophysiology doctoral students will take a remotely monitored or in person preliminary exam at the end of their fifth course to determine whether the students can demonstrate the ability to (a) write and organize at a level expected of second year doctoral students and (b) synthesize material from several courses. The purpose of the exam is to give the faculty and the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs an opportunity to identify and support students with writing and synthesizing problems as possible. Students will be given a sample of the exam at least two weeks before the exam is scheduled so they understand the type of writing and depth required for the exam. Students will write an approximately 700-word essay on an assigned topic: the topic will relate to material from one of the courses. Students will have two hours to write the essay after being given the topic while being observed through either a program such as “Zoom” or in person to preclude the students getting personal or electronic assistance. The essay will be graded pass-fail by two APH department faculty. If the faculty members disagree, the essay will be graded by a third faculty member.
After the initial essay, the student will be given a second topic drawn from a minimum of two courses the student has passed. topic to write on drawn from a minimum of two courses the student has passed. The student will be required to synthesize material from the courses to pass the exam. The exam will be graded by two faculty in the psychophysiology department. If the two disagree, a third member will grade the exam.
Failure of the exam will result in the student not being able to take additional courses until the exam is passed on a second or third try. A third failure will result in automatic dismissal from the program. Students can reapply to the program but must be able to pass the exam before being readmitted.
Comprehensive Exams
After completion of all coursework and prior to the dissertation defense, each student must pass a written comprehensive examination. The comprehensive examination is made up of open-ended questions covering each of the courses in the student’s doctoral studies in psychophysiology. For each comprehensive examination, each professor who has taught a lecture course to the student will submit two essay questions for each of the lecture courses they teach in the program. The student will select one of the two questions for each course to answer. The questions will test the student’s understanding of a crucial basic concept and the student’s ability to apply that concept to applied psychophysiology rather than requiring a list of facts. Students will take the Psychophysiology Department Comprehensive Exam during the term that they are registered for RES 6900, Dissertation Preparation.
The student must pass 80% of the questions to pass the exam. A student who fails the comprehensive may attempt questions from the failed subject areas twice with not less than one month between each attempt. Different questions are supplied to the student for each attempt. If the student does not pass on the third attempt (the original and two retries), the student will be dismissed from the program.
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