Graduate College Master of Arts in
Holistic Health Studies About the Program The Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies (MAHS) at St. Catherine University opens doors of insight into new paradigms of health and healing that integrate mind, body spirit, community and environment. This emerging model draws from the best of modern scientific medicine and crosscultural healing wisdom that has been passed down over centuries. The MAHS takes you on a journey that is more than an academic pursuit — it is a personal and professional expedition. The field of holistic health acknowledges that mind, body and spirit impact one another in health and wellbeing. Opportunities for skill development, personal empowerment and transformation are plentiful. You will be prepared to face today’s health and wellness challenges, and lead in the advancement of health and healing. St. Catherine’s academic and experiential program gives you the tools to integrate holistic health into a variety of professions. You become analytical and reflective about complementary/alternative healthcare as well as the predominant biomedical framework, making connections between human health and the environment; organic and scientific ways of knowing; and cultural differences — all with the support of your classmates and a caring faculty. Our Curriculum The 39-credit MAHS degree can be completed in 2.5 years. Classes are held in a synchronous online format. A 12-credit graduate certificate is also available. Certificate courses may be used to fulfill MAHS degree requirements if you choose to continue your education. In addition, a dualdegree option is available for the MAHS and a Master of Social Work (MSW). Grounded in a century of healthcare education, St. Catherine’s graduate curriculum teaches you to think critically, review literature, and conduct and present research. But the program also breaks traditional academic molds.
Classes start with centering exercises and may incorporate the arts, mindful movement, laughter or reflection. Your classmates become a healing community — a virtual classroom experience unique in the academic world. You also make connections with people who influence holistic health including energy healers, organic farmers, artists, spiritual leaders, doctors, nutritionists, and teachers and practitioners of yoga, meditation and tai chi. In the final semester of the MAHS program, you apply your learning and expand your professional journey by completing a practicum in a community setting. Sample Plan of Study: Degree (39 credits) Required Courses Foundations of Holistic Health and Wellness Complementary/Alternative Approaches to Healthcare Culture as a Resource in Health and Healing Spiritual Wellness Ecology and Health Movement, Relaxation and Health Core Concepts in Mind/Body Interactions Women and Holistic Health Organizing for Social Change Alternative Approaches to Nutrition Quantitative and Qualitative Research: Mindful Inquiry Research Methods and Statistics Research Seminar Practicum and Integrative Seminar Elective Courses Energy Healing I Energy Healing II Mindfulness Based Meditation Perspectives of Health and Healing in India Plants, Culture and Healing Independent Study