Curriculum
The Master of Science in Chinese Herbology degree program is two years in length (22 months) and is scheduled on a semester basis. The curriculum of this major consists of four (4) distinct areas:
1. Herbal Medicine Survey:
The four (4) courses in herbal medicine and dietetics give the student a basic introduction to Chinese pharmacy and dispensary practices, common OTC North American botanicals, the ethical consideration of utilizing sparse resources, and TCM clinical diet therapies. Information in the western botanical and pharmacy classes provides clear information regarding indications, contraindications and drug-herb interactions. The ethical and ecological impacts of TCM materia medica on the health of the individual and the world are explored. In addition, the course in dietetics and nutrition help the student understand the role of nutrition in patients’ health.
2. Asian/Chinese Herbology:
The ten (10) courses in Chinese Herbology offer the student a thorough understanding of Chinese Materia Medica, Classical and Patent formulas and modifications, and the clinical application of Chinese herbs and formulae. The student becomes proficient in the theories pertinent to Chinese Herbal Medicine and the clinical applications of Chinese materia medica for a wide variety of clinical situations and patient populations. At the completion of the 10 course survey, students will have learned over 300 individual herbs and over 150 different classical and patent formulae.
3. Related Areas:
The three (3) required courses in ethics, TCM diagnosis and evidence-informed clinical practices help practitioners better understand their patients, the evidence for TCM therapies, possible interactions and the ethics related to TCM clinical practice.
4. Clinical Education:
The four (4) Chinese Herbology clinical services are designed to allow the student to develop clinical, interpersonal communication and decision-making skills. From inception through the end of clinical training, the student has the opportunity to observe and work with advanced TCM practitioners. Clinical service rotations are available in the UBAI on-campus clinic as well as in community outreach clinical sites. By the end of clinical training, each student will have seen a minimum of 200 patient visits and will have completed 360 hours in the herbology clinic).
Learning Outcomes
The Educational Objectives of the MS-CH are to train and educate TCM practitioners who prior to graduation:
- Demonstrate competency in utilizing the four examinations to identify Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnoses.
- Have the ability to formulate and skillfully implement safe and effective Chinese herbal medicine
- Adapt diagnosis and herbal treatment strategies as needed for diverse patient populations.
- Value patients’ dignity and confidentiality.
