Master of Science in
Therapeutic Herbalism
Now Enrolling for January 2012
Tai Sophia Institute is excited to announce a redesigned and reformatted Master of Science in Therapeutic Herbalism. The program is delivered by a highly experienced international faculty and offers students the country’s only master’s degree in the field of herbalism.
The curriculum integrates modern scientific knowledge with traditional wisdom to generate a well-informed understanding of the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants. Combining practical skills with foundational theory, the program provides a pre-clinical education covering the principles of health and wellness; herb identification and harvesting; herbal pharmacy; herbal pharmacology and phytochemistry; integrative human physiology; materia medica and herbal therapeutics.
Students are empowered with the critical thinking skills and health information literacy needed to be effective researchers, writers, educators, and consultants. Graduates will be leaders in an exciting and expanding field, prepared for work in industry and academics, and eligible for comprehensive clinical training to prepare them for clinical work in herbal medicine.
Program Highlights
- Dynamic curriculum integrates modern scientific knowledge with traditional herbal wisdom.
- Prepares graduates with the foundational knowledge, critical thinking skills, and information literacy needed to succeed in a career and advance the field of herbal medicine.
- 19-month, 36-credit program is delivered in a weekend and intensive format.
- Hands-on learning includes a 5-day field trip to a nationally renowned plant sanctuary in Ohio, and experience in the Institute’s own on-campus herb garden and woodlands.
- Opportunities to learn about medicinal plants in one of America’s most extensive western herbal medicine gardens, Dr. James A. Duke’s "Green Farmacy" Garden, located three miles from the Tai Sophia campus.
- Full access to the Institute’s outstanding on-site library, which houses Dr. James A. Duke’s comprehensive ethnobotanical library as well as extensive resources for research in herbal pharmacology, materia medica, nutrition, human physiology, and holistic healing.
- Prepares graduates for the post-master’s clinical training program offered at program completion in 2013.
- Builds upon training in herbal graduate certificate programs.
Professional Opportunities
Herbal therapeutics are used to support and restore health and wellness around the globe. As we increasingly emphasize well-being and natural health and healing in our healthcare choices, the need for knowledgeable professionals in this field continues to grow. Our graduates will be leaders in conducting, interpreting, and applying research in industry and academia while having the perspective and depth provided by a program rooted in traditional principles. Natural products industry opportunities include work in quality control departments; product development and substantiation of product claims; development of educational materials; and work in integrated pharmacies. Faculty positions at colleges and other teaching institutions are also a strong opportunity for graduates with well-developed critical thinking skills and advanced knowledge in integrative health literacy. Our graduates are also eligible for our post-master’s certificate program in Clinical Herbalism that prepares them for clinical work in independent practice or alongside primary care.
Program Faculty
Program Director
James Snow, RH (AHG)
Featured Faculty
Bevin Clare, M.S., C.N.S., RH (AHG)
Sara Eisenburg, M.S.
Simon Mills, M.A., FNIMH, MCPP
Gerard Mullin, M.D., M.S., CNSP
Andrew Pengelly, Ph.D., RH (AHG), FNHAA