Nutrition & Wellness
Alumni Stories: Siri K. Zemel, Ph.D.
Siri K. Zemel, Ph.D., transformed a thriving career in health care into a journey of profound self-discovery.
Master Advanced Mind-Body Medicine Practices
Our Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine program sits at the cutting edge of integrative, innovative approaches to healing the mind through the body and vice versa. This rigorous program is your road to mastering and applying scientifically supported practices toward positive health outcomes and overall well-being for individuals, organizations, and communities. Through this program, you’ll explore sustainable and complementary wellness solutions that go beyond symptom relief to restore the balance between mind, body, and spirit.
To expand your knowledge and focus of study in a specific discipline, you 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. The generalist Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine online degree, or no specialization option, offers the most flexible sequence for individuals pursuing multiple certificates such as integrative wellness coaching, integrative and functional nutrition, contemplative end-of-life care, biofeedback, neurofeedback, and hypnosis.
Mind-Body Medicine Job Outcomes
Upon completion, you will have an enhanced skill set and deepened perspective to augment your current practice or, with the appropriate licensure, expand into other roles and settings, including:
- Education
- Coaching
- Consulting
- Private practice
- Integrative medicine and wellness centers
- Medical centers
- Hospitals
- Medical spas
- Corporate wellness programs
- Entrepreneurship
Other Mind-Body Medicine Programs
Interested in a specialization in Mind-Body Medicine? We offer multiple doctoral programs that may align more closely with your goals.
- Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine: Applied Psychophysiology Specialization
- Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine: Contemplative End-of-Life Care Specialization
- Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine: Integrative and Functional Nutrition Specialization
- Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine: Integrative Mental Health Specialization
- Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine: Integrative Wellness Coaching Specialization
- Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine: Mindful Leadership Specialization
*Credits earned may vary based on specialization courses chosen
Program Components
Admissions Requirements
Admissions Requirements
At a minimum, you must have received, or anticipate receiving prior to the start of the semester you are applying into, a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university before applying for a doctoral degree at Saybrook. Applicants for the Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine degree must submit the following documents:
- An official transcript from an accredited university demonstrating successful completion of a master’s degree, with a 3.0 GPA or better
- Professional resume or CV
- Personal statement
- Writing sample (if the department chair determines the personal statement contains grammatical mistakes, spelling errors, or poorly organized text)
New students must provide official transcripts showing completion of an undergraduate or graduate-level science course in the past 10 years, with a minimum grade of a B in anatomy and/or physiology. Without this introductory science prerequisite course, you will need to add IFN 5704 Anatomy and Physiology as an elective within your first year. Alternatively, you may complete the basic anatomy and physiology course from Saybrook’s academic partner, StraighterLine.
Invest in Your Future
Saybrook University remains committed to keeping higher education affordable and accessible. Our Financial Aid Department is ready to offer guidance and support in determining suitable financial assistance tailored to your needs, including potential scholarship opportunities, grants, and more.
Cost
Saybrook wants you to have the information you need to make an informed decision about your academic and career aspirations. Our cost calculator provides an estimated cost of attending Saybrook to earn your Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine degree.
Career Outcomes
Saybrook University prepares you to make an impact in a variety of high-demand careers. Below, you will find possible career options and salaries associated with this degree.
Data is pulled by a third-party tool called Lightcast, which includes data from sources including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, and other government databases. The information below represents a regional and national career outlook related to this degree program*. Saybrook University is dedicated to assisting you in achieving your career goals.
*Many degree programs are intended to fulfill licensure requirements in specific states. The data shown here may not represent the state where you currently reside. For more information on how this program is applicable to the requirements of your state, please speak with your admissions specialist.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics annual data update
Sample Courses
Complementary and Integrative Medicine
This three-credit course introduces integrative professions and practices within a system for health, wellness, and healing. Throughout the term, you will critically investigate the research literature supporting the paradigms, practices, and services associated with complementary systems including naturopathy, manual, and traditional medicine. In addition, specific modalities within the systems will also be explored. These topics include naturopathy, homeopathy, herbal medicine, chiropractic medicine, massage therapy and bodywork, traditional African and Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and Ayurveda.
Mind-Body Therapies and Practices
This three-credit course provides a foundational introduction to the principles and approaches of mind-body-spirit wellness. You will be introduced to the research and the practices that support health, wellness, and healing outcomes. Through readings, discussions, and practices, you will have opportunities to integrate these principles and techniques personally and professionally.
Psychophysiology of the Human Stress Response
This three-credit course introduces the scientific study of psychophysiology, with an emphasis on the psychophysiology of the human stress response. You will critically examine the impact of stress on several systems in the body, including the autonomic, cardiorespiratory, digestive, and immune systems. Additional topics include behavioral and mind-body interventions that moderate or reverse the effects of the stress response on physiology and emotions. You will also explore research strategies for investigating mind-body interactions and the impact of stress.
Catalog
Please refer to our academic catalog for more information on the Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine program.
FAQs
Is the Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine online?
Yes! The Mind-Body Medicine Ph.D. program is offered at Saybrook University in an online and hybrid format. 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 faculty and peers. The classes incorporate a variety of instructional and assessment methods including asynchronous discussion forums, live videoconferences, interactive web-based activities, and written assignments. Some elective course options may require online or in-person participation in University Learning Experiences. Full requirements can be found in the course descriptions in the Academic Catalog.
How long does the Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine program take to complete?
The expected length of the program is 4.5-5.5 years, with 75-78 earned credits.
What are some of the requirements for a mind-body medicine doctoral degree from Saybrook University?
Saybrook University’s mind-body medicine Ph.D. program requires the completion of 75 credits within specific categories of coursework: core (12 credits), research (21 credits), mind-body science (6 credits), practice (9 credits), electives (12 credits), and specialization (15 credits).
Prerequisites such as anatomy and physiology must be met to register for certain courses.
What if I don’t want to add a specialization to my Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine degree?
Students who prefer not to add a specialization will complete 15 credits of additional electives from any category or degree program.
Is the Mind-Body Medicine doctoral program flexible for students who are working?
Yes! As a pioneer of online learning, Saybrook University understands the importance of flexibility for working professionals. The generalist or no specialization program offers the most flexible course sequence for those with busy schedules. This program attracts students from a broad range of education and career backgrounds in health, wellness, and education fields. Nurses, therapists, coaches, yoga instructors, dietitians, nutritionists, educators, business consultants, and recent graduates from other degree programs often enroll in the Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine program.
What can I do with a Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine?
The mind-body medicine Ph.D. program offers graduates many opportunities to impact and improve the lives of others through integrative mind-body medicine practices. Options include private practice, independent consulting, integrative medicine and wellness centers, medical centers, hospitals, community health, and primary care.
×
University Learning Experience
Students enrolled in the Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine degree program must attend any Community or Virtual Learning Experience as required for the courses in which they choose to enroll. Refer to the course descriptions for requirements. All new students begin their studies with a Welcome Week. Welcome Week activities, including a degree program orientation, are held online during the week ahead of the start of the Fall and Spring semesters. Participation is strongly encouraged. New Mind-Body Medicine students also participate in the Mind-Body-Spirit Integration (MBSI) Seminar. The MBSI consists of two full days of experiential learning (Virtual or Community Learning Experiences), and four, four-hour virtual sessions on consecutive Saturdays. Refer to the course description for requirements.
Mind-Body Medicine Faculty
Saybrook’s Mind-Body Medicine faculty are practitioner-scholars dedicated to advancing their field through continued practice and comprehensive instruction. Meet some of our faculty members below.
Core faculty, Mind-Body Medicine
- Naturopathic Medical Doctor
- Health care advocate as a physician, educator, lecturer, and fitness and yoga instructor
UNBOUND: Mind-Body Medicine
Guided confidently through our outcomes-based, person-centered approach, you will navigate the intersection of mental, emotional, and physical health to help care for those in need.
Nutrition & Wellness
5 Health Care Careers for a Mind-Body Medicine Ph.D. With a Mindful Leadership Specialization
Healthcare leadership jobs in various medical settings have different and unique education guidelines and salary expectations.
Nutrition & Wellness
The Role of Nutrition in Mental Health
Discover how nutrition plays a critical role in mental and physical health. Learn a holistic approach to treating physical and mental signs of poor nutrition. Nutrition plays a critical role in mental and physical health. A diet rich in essential nutrients supports brain function, promotes positive mood and reduces the risk of mental health disorders […]