2022-2023 Academic Catalog and Student Handbook [Archived Catalog]
Mind-Body Medicine, M.S.
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Return to: College of Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences
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 and apply published research
- Compose original, grammatically correct, coherent, concise, and well-articulated written work in APA style.
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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
Provisional Acceptance
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.
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 the CIMHS virtual orientation and attend any residential conferences (RC) days as required for courses in which they choose to enroll.
Mind-Body Science - 6 credits
Practice - 9 credits
Choose three:
MS MBM Degree Requirements - 39-42 credits
Option: Minor in Integrative Wellness Coaching (IWC) - 12 credits
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 Training 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.
Saybrook’s IWC Certificate program is specifically geared toward individuals who do not currently hold an ICF or NBHWC credential.
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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