Saybrook University

Nov 24, 2024

2020-2021 Academic Catalog and Student Handbook with Spring Addendum [Archived Catalog]

Mind-Body Medicine, M.S.

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 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, dietitians, 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.

Graduates are prepared to serve as health and wellness educators, coaches, consultants, directors, and managers 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

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.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the MS degree in Mind-Body Medicine must submit the following documents:

An official transcript from an accredited university demonstrating successful completion of a bachelor’s degree, with a 3.0 GPA or better;
Professional resume or CV;
Personal statement; and
A sample of graduate level academic writing skills. Students with challenges in academic writing may be accepted but will be required to take an academic writing class.
Three graduate transfer credits may be accepted to fulfill one elective or course requirement for the degree program. These credits must be suitable for transfer as determined by the department chair and registrar.

For further details regarding transfer credit policies, consult the Institutional Transfer Credit Guidelines section of the University Catalog for Course Descriptions

Degree Requirements

The requirements for the MS MBM 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 up to 3-12 more credits to the degree program. Pre-requisites must be met to register for certain courses.

Students enrolled in this degree program must complete a virtual orientation (VO) and attend three 5-day residential conferences (RC). They must also attend any additional RC days, as required for courses in which they choose to enroll.

Core - 12 credits

MBM 5710 - Mind-Body Therapies and Practices 3 credit(s)
MBM 5690 - Complementary and Integrative Medicine 3 credit(s)
MBM 5500 - Ethics in Healthcare 3 credit(s)
MBM 5588 - MS Capstone Seminar 3 credit(s) *

Research - 6 credits

RES 1500 - Research Literacy for Practitioners 3 credit(s)
RES 1700 - Research Methods for Practitioners 3 credit(s)

Mind-Body Science - 6 credits

Required:
MBM 5681 - Psychophysiology of the Human Stress Response 3 credit(s)
Choose One:
APH 5201 - Principles and Theories of Stress Management 3 credit(s)
CSIH 3040 - Models of Consciousness 3 credit(s)
CSIH 3150 - Neuropsychology of Dreams and Dreaming 3 credit(s)
IFN 5705 - Psychobiology of Eating 3 credit(s)
IFN 5661 - Nutritional Foundations of Mental Health 3 credit(s)
MBM 5524 - Contemporary Neuroscience-Psychology and the Brain 3 credit(s)
MBM 5645 - The Human Energy Field and Energy Medicine 3 credit(s)
MBM 5674 - Ayurvedic Medicine 3 credit(s)

Practice - 9 credits

Choose three:

APH 5622 - Basic Training and Education in Biofeedback 3 credit(s) (2-day RC)
APH 5627 - Intermediate Biofeedback 3 credit(s) (2-day RC) *
APH 5595 - Advanced Biofeedback Practicum 3 credit(s) *
APH 5620 - Basic Training and Education in Hypnosis 3 credit(s) (2-day RC)
APH 5625 - Intermediate Training and Education in Hypnosis 3 credit(s) (2-day RC) *
APH 5594 - Advanced Hypnosis Practicum 3 credit(s) *
COA 5628 - Evidence-Based Coaching 3 credit(s) (2-day RC)
MBM 5510 - Imagery for Health 3 credit(s) (2-day RC)
MBM 5521 - Reflective Leadership in Healthcare 3 credit(s)
MBM 5523 - Mindfulness and Compassion-Based Leadership in Healthcare 3 credit(s) (1-day RC)
MBM 5655 - Mindfulness, Meditation and Health 3 credit(s) (2-day RC)
CSIH 3160 - Personal Mythology and Dreamwork 3 credit(s)
MBM 5635 - Spirituality and Health 3 credit(s)
MBM 5616 - Movement Modalities for Wellness 3 credit(s) (2-day RC)
MBM 5720 - Narrative Approaches in Healthcare 3 credit(s)

Electives - 6 credits

Elective Choice - 3 credits
Elective Choice - 3 credits
MBM 5507 - Graduate Level Academic Writing 3 credit(s) (if required)

MS MBM Degree Requirements - 39-42 credits

Option: Minor in Integrative Wellness Coaching (IWC) - 12 credits

COA 5700 - Foundations of Lifestyle Medicine 3 credit(s)
COA 5628 - Evidence-Based Coaching 3 credit(s) (2-day RC)
COA 5632 - Intermediate Coaching 3 credit(s) *
COA 5593 - Advanced Coaching Practicum 3 credit(s) *

Total Degree Requirements with Minor in IWC - 42-49 credits

By completing the required coursework in this minor, students also complete the Certificate in Integrative Wellness Coaching. This certificate is approved by the International Coach Federation (ICF) for 88 hours of coach training and is also an Approved Transition Program by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Graduates of the certificate are eligible to apply for additional credentialing through these organizations.

Option: Minor in Integrative and Functional Nutrition (IFN) - 12 credits

Select any four 3-credit IFN courses, except IFN 5703 or IFN 5704 , for a total of 12 credits. Pre-requisites must be met to register for certain courses.

Total Degree Requirements with Minor in IFN - 42-51 credits

Notes:

The average time to complete the MS MBM degree requirements is 2 to 3 years.
A listing of acceptable CIMHS courses and electives are available in the university catalog and online Master Index. Students may also choose electives from other academic departments.
The MS MBM degree does not qualify graduates for medical licensure.
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.
Courses marked with an asterisk require prerequisites.

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