The George Washington University Online Programs in Integrative Medicine and Nutrition
The George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences offers an online master of science in health sciences (MSHS) in integrative medicine. This program includes 100 percent online coursework plus some clinical hours and is designed to be completed in about 30 months.
There are two additional options for the integrative medicine program. First, students may choose to earn a concentration in nutrition, which includes an additional 1,000 hours of supervised clinical hours. Nutrition specialists care for clients and patients from a lens of personalized, science-based nutrition therapy which promotes disease prevention and optimum health. Upon graduation, professionals are eligible to take the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) exam and be recognized by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists.
In addition, GW offers a graduate certificate in integrative medicine that can be completed in 18 months and is also completely online plus any required clinical hours. Those who earn the graduate certificate may wish to continue to the full MSHS program.
The field of integrative medicine takes a decidedly personal approach to health care, taking into account the whole person including their unique lifestyle, current circumstances, and past history. Integrative medicine is multi-disciplinary, drawing on a variety of health aspects including science-based nutrition, metabolomics, genomics, proteomics, environmental exposure, relationships, motivation, and self-care.
The MSHS in integrative medicine and the corresponding graduate certificate are accredited by the American Board of Integrative Medicine (ABOIM). The curriculum is designed to educate professionals in all aspects of integrative medicine, with the addition of a focus on the business side of running an integrative medicine practice. The curriculum also covers legal and ethical issues.
Ideal candidates for the MSHS and graduate certificate in integrative medicine include health professionals such as dieticians, chiropractors, acupuncturists, health coaches, pharmacists, nurses, nurse practitioners, occupational and physical therapists, psychiatrists, counselors, and fitness professionals.
Courses are asynchronous and clinical hours as required are completed at an approved facility near the student. As professionals in the health and wellness industry, applicants are expected to already have work experience in their field and a graduate degree in one of the related fields mentioned is preferred.
George Washington University is located in Washington DC. Students from all 50 states, Washington DC, and US territories are eligible to enroll in these programs.
What to Expect from The George Washington University Integrative Medicine Programs
Admission Requirements: Applicants to the GW MSHS and graduate certificate programs must hold at least a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. In addition, a medical or graduate degree in a health discipline is preferred for all applicants.
Application materials for the MSHS include an application and fee, a written personal statement, resume or CV, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts, a criminal background check, and a drug screen.
Prerequisites include biochemistry and either anatomy or anatomy and physiology. International students must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores, plus transcript evaluations.
Study Plan: The online MSHS in integrative medicine at GW can be completed in 30 months. The graduate certificate can be completed in 18 months. A local practicum may be required for the integrative medicine degree and graduate certificate alone.
The nutrition concentration requires additional supervised clinical hours. Programs are designed to be taken one class at a time and courses last seven weeks each. Start dates land in the fall, spring, and summer. Each three-credit course typically requires 18 to 20 hours of work from the students.
MSHS Curriculum: The GW MSHS in integrative medicine consists of 36 credits plus the required practicum hours. Core courses include nutrition I: assessment, diagnosis, and intervention; nutrition II: lifecycle; self-care methods in integrative medicine; foundations in integrative medicine; nutritional metabolism and environmental exposure; legal and medical ethics in integrative medicine; metabolic networks in integrative medicine; the business of integrative medicine and healthcare; practical application of integrative medicine I; and clinical research in integrative medicine.
Electives include advanced nutrition: biochemistry; food technology and health; nutritional immunology; clinical genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics; current topics in nutrition; practical application of integrative medicine II; and clinical approaches to integrative medicine.
Graduate Certificate in Correctional Health Administration: The graduate certificate requires the completion of 21 credits, including foundations in integrative medicine; self-care methods in integrative medicine; metabolic networks in integrative medicine; nutritional metabolism and environmental exposure; clinical genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics; legal and medical ethics in integrative medicine; the business of integrative medicine and healthcare; and practical application of integrative medicine I.
Online Experience: GW delivers the MSHS and graduate certificate courses through the Blackboard online learning management system (LMS). All students must complete a virtual new student orientation. Online courses may include a variety of information delivery resources including recorded lectures, assigned readings, case studies, projects, and assessments. Students and faculty collaborate through discussion groups, forums, and email communication.
Online GW students are assigned an academic advisor for personalized help throughout the programs. Additionally, the university provides 24/7 online technical support should students need assistance as well as other student services including a writing center, an online library and bookstore services, online tutoring, disability support, mental health services, career center services, and a student association.
On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements for the online MSHS and graduate certificate programs as coursework is 100 percent online. Students may be required to complete clinical hours for the MSHS and graduate certificate. The MSHS in integrated medicine with a nutrition concentration requires completion of an additional 1,000 clinical hours.
Paying for the George Washington University Integrative Medicine Programs
George Washington University Online MSHS and Graduate Certificate in Integrative Medicine program tuition numbers are listed in the tables below. Prospective online students should contact the admissions department of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences for cost clarifications and updates.
GW offers financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, and unsubsidized graduate student loans according to the FAFSA. Local students may also apply for work/study opportunities. Other funding resources may include employer tuition reimbursement programs and organizational and community scholarships and grants.
The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences MSHS - Integrative Medicine
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Spring, Summer, Fall |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 36 |
| Time to Complete? | Can be completed in 30 months |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | ABOIM |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's degree or higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GRE Required |
| Work Experience Required? | Professional work experience expected in a related health field |
| Credit Hours | 36 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $1,145 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $41,220.00 |
The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences MSHS - Integrative Medicine + Nutrition
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Spring, Summer, Fall |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 36 |
| Time to Complete? | Can be completed in 30 months |
| 100% Online? | Yes, plus practicum |
| Program Accreditation | ABOIM |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's degree or higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GRE Required |
| Work Experience Required? | Professional work experience expected in a related health field |
| Credit Hours | 36 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $1,145 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $41,220.00 |
The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences Graduate Certificate - Integrative Medicine
| Degree Level | Post-Bachelor's Certificate |
| Program Start Dates | Spring, Summer, Fall |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 21 |
| Time to Complete? | Can be completed in 18 months |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | ABOIM |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's degree or higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GRE Required |
| Work Experience Required? | Professional work experience expected in a related health field |
| Credit Hours | 21 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $1,145 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $24,045.00 |
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please check here for any tuition updates.
