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What is Holistic Health and Nutrition?

A degree in traditional Asian medicine and herbology provides the student with the skills and knowledge to perform various therapies and treatments whose traditions date back thousands of years. Traditional Asian medicine and herbology utilizes techniques, such as moxibustion, acupressure and acupuncture, and naturally occurring medicines to relive ailments and ease mind and body stress.

The use of various herbs to produce scents, teas and medicines to relive ailments has long been utilized in Asia, as well as elsewhere. In areas such as China, longstanding traditions have established themselves over centuries regarding the treatment of medical issues. Currently modern medicine and traditional medicine are converging as various ancient remedies are proving beneficial to individuals. The study of these various treatments, including the creation of various remedies is part of the curriculum of such a program.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$59,670

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

37.89%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

61,430

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Holistic Health and Nutrition Degree

Began in 1927 as a two-year college in Bridgeport, Connecticut, this private university is located in an urban setting spanning about 86 acres area. It was funded by three businessmen, taken as a two-year junior college. It currently admits about 3000 undergraduate and 2000 post-graduate students with 147 full-time faculty teaching in this college. It's organized into three colleges with more than 40-degree programs offered to its undergraduate students. The college is mostly known for its highly systematized online degree programs which are often top-ranked by a lot of critics.

Started in 1977, the top ranked Holistic Health degree is a bachelor’s degree program built to address the growing need of health care workers. Students can select and concentrate on one of the four areas including community health education, exercise and fitness, nutrition, and pre-professional. Those who choose nutrition as their major will learn to understand the basic principles of human nutrition and strategies to obtain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Part of the Health Sciences Department, a master’s program is also being offered by this college.

Acceptance Rate

54.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Founded in 1941 by John B. Wolfe DC, this private university exclusively offers natural health-related programs to its prospective students. This institution started as a school for chiropractic degrees. However, as time passes by, the university expands into 11 different academic programs. Its located in Bloomington, Minnesota with an area spanning 25 acres. Currently, the university has 1000 students including doctoral students. It has an intensive research center and a large clinic which is the largest in the USA.

The top rated holistic health and nutrition degree program is designed for health care professionals who want to upgrade their skills in nutrition treatments and manage nutrition-related diseases. However, this program could also be enrolled by students with 60 units of undergraduate credits in biology, chemistry, and physiology courses. Apart from the degree, one could also opt for getting the 10-course certificate program. After graduating with the undergraduate degree, a master's in applied clinical nutrition could be studied for which is about 30 credit units upon completion of the undergraduate or certificate program.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Top Holistic Health and Nutrition Degrees

Individuals pursuing a degree in traditional Asian medicine and herbology will typically find schools specializing in such treatments. Individuals wishing to practice these treatments may or may not require a license based on local or state laws. Individuals would do well to read their state guidelines regarding alternative medicines prior to choosing a school. Additionally, accredited schools are should be available and preferred among individuals seeking a career in this field.

When considering earning an online degree in holistic health and nutrition or the classroom-based counterpart, you will have several options to consider. While each school will have their own unique course work and curricular design, the summaries below will help you navigate the options with greater efficiency. Holistic health and nutrition specialists can elect to pursue a bachelor degree, master degree, and/or a doctorate degree. An overview of the degree programs are included below:

Holistic Health Bachelor’s Degrees

A bachelor’s degree in holistic health and nutrition can be conferred as a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) depending on course work and program emphasis. Bachelor degrees are 4-year programs that offer students an opportunity to learn about liberal arts disciplines communications, English, and psychology coupled with core classes.

The core holistic health and nutrition programs will vary from school to school as students select programs with a general approach or specialized curriculum around clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, community nutrition education, food as medicine, chef’s training, or integrative nutrition. Students earning a bachelor’s degree in holistic health can launch a career in a number of organizations from public corporations to private organizations of all types and sizes.

Holistic Health Master’s Degrees

The master’s degree in integrative nutrition and holistic health provides rigorous upper level courses in nutrition science and holistic medicine, preparing students for advanced positions in the field or the opportunity to earn a doctorate degree.

Master’s degrees in holistic health is most frequently conferred as a Masters of Science (MS) and will take 2-3 years of matriculation as a function of course load and curricular design of the school.

PhD in Holistic Health and Nutrition

The doctorate degree in holistic health is conferred as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). A PhD degree program will generally take four to six years to complete. The length of time will depend on courses you take in combination with the curricular requirements of the school. Additionally, you will need to budget time to research, write, and defend a school-approved dissertation project.

PhD programs include upper level classes to challenge and engage student with advanced qualitative research, health statistics, clinical research, metabolism, nutritional assessments, epidemiological methods, herbal medicine, acupuncture, and community nutrition. Graduates of the PhD program will be equipped to assume management and leadership roles in clinics, research facilities, community hospitals, private practice, or higher education.

Employment in Holistic Health

There has been significant growth in alternative treatments to medical ailments, and as such, opportunities have increased for individuals wishing to pursue a career in such a field. The average income will vary by location, with more populous areas typically resulting in higher wages.

Individuals interested in traditional Asian medicine and herbology may also be interested in Acupuncture, Homeopathic Medicine, Homeopathy, or Naturopathic Medicine, and Naturopathy.

Additional Resources for Holistic Health Graduates

Trade groups and organizations may be worth further investigation by graduates. Associations are groups of like-minded professionals that connect to extend the knowledge base within this domain. Organizations provide member benefits, resources, research publications, and professional networking to participants seeking to advance their careers. The top rated associations include: