Maryland University of Integrative Health recently announce it will now offer doctoral degrees. Three new doctoral programs have been approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission and permission to offer them has been granted by MUIH's regional accreditor, Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
"Approval to offer terminal degrees in our unique disciplines has long been a dream of Maryland University of Integrative Health," said Judith Broida, Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs. "This tremendous achievement is a testament to the vision of our leaders and the steadfast work of our faculty. These programs meet a growing market demand for scientific and compassionate healers in integrative health and MUIH is proud to be a national leader in offering them."
Three doctoral degrees in acupuncture, Oriental medicine and clinical nutrition will be offered at MUIH starting this month. All are professional doctorates that are highly focused on specific areas of integrative health. These new programs will follow the rigorous academic standards and creative delivery for which MUIH is known. Applications will be accepted immediately for the January 2015 trimester.
Doctor of Acupuncture (DAc) and Doctor of Oriental Medicine (DOM)
Chinese medicine practitioners with a doctoral degree will be powerfully positioned and prepared to work side by side with medical doctors, naturopathic doctors and other healthcare professionals. MUIH is one of only two accredited acupuncture schools to offer these first professional doctorates where students can enter the program with a bachelor's degree.
These doctoral programs prepare students with increased skills in critical thinking, a strong foundation in evidenced-based science and an emphasis on inter-professional collaboration. Graduates who hold a Doctor of Acupuncture or Doctor of Oriental Medicine degree will practice in a number of health settings including hospitals, medical offices and integrative health practices. They will be recognized as doctors, both professionally and publicly, and will have increased credibility and standing in settings that have a demand for licensed practitioners with this level of education, and in their private or shared practices.
Prospective students with a bachelor's degree who meet the MUIH admission requirements may apply for a professional doctorate in either acupuncture or Oriental medicine. Enrolled students can earn a master's degree on the way to the doctorate and be able to become licensed to practice at that time if they choose. The program may be completed on campus in 13 trimesters, or a little more than 4 years.
Alumni of the MUIH Master of Acupuncture and Master of Oriental Medicine programs will also be able to return to MUIH to earn one of the doctoral degrees. Alumni will pursue an individualized course of study, and most will be able to earn their doctorate by completing 22 additional credits above their MUIH master's degree. Interested alumni can contact MUIH for personal admissions counseling.
Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN)
In just three years, MUIH's nutrition program has become one of the largest and most in demand programs in the country due to the unique approach to the study of nutrition and the online availability. The Doctor of Clinical Nutrition will build on the core philosophy that acknowledges the psychological, social and cultural influences of food and diet, while preparing graduates with advanced nutritional, clinical and research skills. Graduates of this program will be prepared to provide nutrition counseling and education to private clients, as well as for groups and will design programs for communities and organizations. These doctoral-prepared clinicians will also be able to work in a number of health and wellness settings, teach at the college level, publish independent research and serve in leadership positions in the nutrition and health arena.
The DCN is a post-master's professional doctorate. Qualified prospective students will have a master's degree, preferably in nutrition or a comparable field and must have completed certain prerequisite requirements. The program will be delivered in a hybrid format; over the course of two years, students will complete 42 of the 48 doctoral credits online and study on campus during four weekends to complete the remaining six credits. As part of the program, students will publish independent research and hone clinical skills during an experiential residency program.
MUIH is delighted to have reached this organizational milestone and looks forward to working with the inaugural class of doctoral students in the new year. For details on each program, visit www.muih.edu. Interested students can contact the Office of Graduate Admissions for individualized counseling at admissions@muih.edu or by calling 410-888-9048 ext. 6647.
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