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
Sample Plan of Study: Certificate (12 credits)
Required Courses
Foundations of Holistic Health and Wellness
Complementary/Alternative Approaches to Healthcare Culture as a Resource in Health and Healing
Elective Courses
Alternative Approaches to Nutrition
Core Concepts in Mind/Body Interactions
Ecology and Health
Energy Healing I
Energy Healing II
Mindfulness Based Meditation
Movement, Relaxation and Health
Organizing for Social Change
Perspectives of Health and Healing in India
Plants, Culture and Healing
Spiritual Wellness
Women and Holistic Health
Tuition and Fees
The 2024–25 tuition rate for the MAHS degree is $760 per credit. Additional costs for the program include fees for student services and technology ($330 per term) and books (prices vary by course).
How to Apply
Application deadline: July 1 (fall) and December 1 (spring).
To be eligible for admission, applicants must have:
• A bachelor’s or graduate degree from an institution accredited by a nationally recognized, regional accrediting association
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
The MAHS degree or certificate application requires the following materials:
• Admission essay
• Current résumé
• Two recommendations
• Transcripts from degree-granting institutions
• Official scores from TOEFL or IELTS (if native language is not English)
• Credential evaluation from World Education Services (if college/university coursework was completed outside the U.S.)
Visit our website for detailed application information, or to learn more about the MAHS degree and certificate options: stkate.edu/graduate
This document provides information about graduate studies at St. Catherine University. The information may change at any time. Contact the Office of Graduate Admission to confirm program and application details.
1/2024