Master of Science in Ayurvedic Sciences

Quick Facts

Effective for the incoming Fall 2018 cohort, Bastyr’s Master of Science in Ayurvedic Sciences program has been placed on hiatus. This pertains to the Ayurvedic Sciences degree program only, and still allows for Bastyr students to engage in other forms of training and practice in the Ayurvedic discipline. There still remains an elective component of Ayurveda training for Bastyr students, as well as a robust continuing education certificate, both of which are under consideration for likely enrichment.

Location

Kenmore, Washington campus

General Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
Prerequisite coursework
U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status.

Length of Program

2.25 years, hybrid format (three weekends per quarter onsite, Saturday - Monday, along with online coursework)

Tuition and Financial Aid

Career Opportunities

The program prepares graduates to enhance their professional health care practices with ayurvedic healing modalities for physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social health. Graduates can apply the ayurvedic healing framework when considering disease and its management as well as preventive tools.

Summary

Bastyr University offers the first accredited Master of Science in Ayurvedic Sciences program in the United States.

Courses in areas such as medical Sanskrit, psychology, yoga, pathology, herbal therapies and nutrition steep students in the rich history, philosophies and therapeutics of ayurveda as they practice observation shifts at various preceptor sites. In their second year, students continue more advanced coursework as they begin clinical rotations at Bastyr Center for Natural Health under the supervision of faculty clinicians. Students also complete externships in modern ayurvedic clinics and hospitals in India.

Advantages

First regionally accredited program of its kind in the U.S.
Extensive clinical training with preceptors and at Bastyr Center for Natural Health
India externship provides hands-on application of ayurvedic knowledge and practice
Dual-degree option for naturopathic medicine and acupuncture students
The hybrid format now in use can support some work schedules and minimizes commute time, as students are only required to come to campus Thursday through Sunday, once a month.

Prerequisites

Bastyr’s ayurveda program is the first accredited degree of its kind in the United States. The program is open to any U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a bachelor's degree, and is particularly well-suited for yoga practitioners, nutritional counselors, licensed massage therapists, health coaches and other health care practitioners who want to offer another means for their patients and clients to achieve physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social health. All entering students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 to be considered for admission. A grade of C or better is also required in all prerequisite coursework.

General Biology (survey level, no lab)	1 course
General Chemistry (survey level, no lab)	1 course
Introduction to Psychology (or higher)	1 course
Anatomy & Physiology (no lab)	2 courses

Labs are not required for any of the above classes. Required courses not taken within seven years of matriculation into the program are subject to review by the admissions committee.

Curriculum

Bastyr’s ayurvedic curriculum offers students comprehensive didactic and clinical training in a convenient hybrid online/weekend format. The coursework is designed to steep students in the rich history, philosophies and therapeutics of ayurveda as well as provide them with a modern understanding of their clinical applications.

Areas of Study

Ayurvedic Body Systems
Herbology
Nutrition
Pathology
Psychology
Business Management
Jurisprudence and Ethics
Medical Sanskrit
Panchakarma
Rejuvenative Therapies
Yoga Therapy, Theory and Practice

Expected Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the ayurvedic sciences master’s program will have the skills to:

Assess an individual’s Prakruti (balanced state) and Vikruti (imbalanced state).
Advise preventive measures using dietary and lifestyle recommendations based on ayurvedic principles of the Prakruti/Vikruti paradigm.
Do a complete clinical assessment using ayurvedic methods including pulse diagnosis to determine patient’s current imbalances.
Manage and treat disease using ayurvedic principles including diet, lifestyle, therapeutic herbs and formulations, ayurvedic cleansing and detoxification (Panchakarma), yoga therapy, and other measures to achieve balance at physical, psychological and spiritual levels.
Understand ayurvedic principles of disease etiology and pathogenesis to effectively treat as well as manage disease.
Understand and integrate Western anatomy, physiology and pathology to be effectively functioning as an integrated medical specialist and participate in patient management as a team member.

Click here to download the curriculum for students starting in the program in Fall 2017.