Maryland University of Integrative Health
General Information — Maryland University of Integrative Health
About (Overview)
Maryland University of Integrative Health (often abbreviated MUIH) is a private graduate-focused institution dedicated to integrative health, wellness, and holistic medicine. It is located in Laurel, Maryland, and offers a mission centered on whole-person, relationship-centered health care education. The university’s origin dates to 1974, when it began as the College of Chinese Acupuncture, evolving through names such as the Traditional Acupuncture Institute and Tai Sophia Institute before becoming MUIH in 2013.
Over time it has expanded its program offerings to include not only acupuncture and herbal medicine but also areas such as nutrition, yoga therapy, health coaching, integrative health studies, and more. MUIH embraces an educational approach combining traditional healing wisdom and contemporary scientific methods. It emphasizes experiential learning, research, clinical training, and integrative health philosophy. Because MUIH focuses heavily on graduate and certificate-level programs, its student body is composed mostly of adults and professionals seeking advanced credentials in complementary and integrative health fields. In recent years, the institution has undergone structural change: it is being acquired by Notre Dame of Maryland University, and this integration process is impacting accreditation, governance, and future program pathways.
Contact Informations
Address: 7750 Montpelier Road, Laurel, Maryland 20723, United States
Phone: 410-888-9048
General / Admissions Email: (institution publishes graduate admissions contact via its office; direct email typically provided upon inquiry)
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1974 |
| Former Names | College of Chinese Acupuncture; Traditional Acupuncture Institute; Tai Sophia Institute |
| Type | Private, graduate / professional school focused on integrative health |
| Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (current, with transition plans) |
| Campus Setting | Suburban in Laurel, Maryland |
| Highest Degree Awarded | Doctorate / Professional doctorate in integrative health fields |
| Key Focus Areas | Acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, wellness coaching, yoga therapy, integrative health |
| Merger / Acquisition | In process of acquisition by Notre Dame of Maryland University |
Maryland University of Integrative Health Rankings
| Ranking Body / Type | Standing / Notes |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Edurank) | 100% (i.e. non-selective for some programs) |
| Enrollment & Demographics (Edurank) | ~646 students |
| Research Publications / Citations | ~218 publications, ~3,182 citations (various fields) |
| Niche / Graduate School Perspective | Moderate visibility among specialized integrative health institutions |
| Accreditation / Institutional Recognition | Recognized by regional accreditation, though affected by merger |
Maryland University of Integrative Health Academics
Maryland University of Integrative Health Faculties / Departments
MUIH is organized around disciplines and specializations rather than traditional undergraduate faculties. Some academic units / functional groupings include:
- Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
- Herbal Medicine / Chinese Herbs
- Nutrition and Integrative Nutrition
- Yoga Therapy
- Health Coaching / Wellness Coaching
- Integrative Health Studies
- Health Promotion / Public Health in holistic contexts
- Ayurvedic Wellness
- Graduate / Doctoral / Certificate Programs
- Clinic / Student Teaching Clinic / Clinical Education arm
Maryland University of Integrative Health Courses and Programs / Majors
MUIH offers a variety of graduate and certificate programs. Sample offerings include:
- Doctor of Acupuncture (with specialization in Chinese herbal medicine)
- Master of Acupuncture / Master of Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine specialization
- Master of Science in Herbal Medicine
- Master of Arts in Integrative Health Studies
- Master of Science in Nutrition / Integrative Nutrition
- Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Integrative Health Studies
- Certificate in Chinese Herbal Medicine
- Certificate in Ayurvedic Wellness Practices
- Yoga Therapy (Master’s and related credential) — MUIH offers one of the few master’s degrees in yoga therapy in the U.S.
- Health Coaching / Wellness Coaching certificates
- Holistic Health / Integrative Health continuing education
- Health Promotion & Wellness specializations
Online Learning
MUIH maintains a strong commitment to online and hybrid delivery. Many of its advanced programs and certificate tracks are offered fully online or in hybrid formats, designed to accommodate working professionals. The institution reports that 87% of its students take at least one class online at some point, and a substantial portion enroll exclusively in distance education. Because of its digital infrastructure, MUIH is well equipped to pivot course delivery as needed and support remote learners via virtual classrooms, online resources, advising, and student services.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Requirement / Notes |
|---|---|
| SAT / ACT | Not required; standardized undergraduate tests are typically not considered in admissions |
| GRE / Other Graduate Tests | May be required selectively depending on program, but no universal published averages |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Because MUIH is predominantly graduate-level and many students attend part-time, typical metrics like first-year retention or four-year graduation are less emphasized. Institutional sources do not publicize consistent retention and graduation statistics comparable to undergraduate institutions. Outcomes are often program-specific (e.g. completion of clinical internships, certification, licensure). Given the professional nature of many programs, student persistence and completion are supported through mentoring, flexible scheduling, and clinical practicums.
Maryland University of Integrative Health Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
MUIH does not generally require SAT or ACT scores for admission, and these tests are not part of its usual evaluation criteria. Admission focus lies more on undergraduate academic achievement, prerequisite coursework, professional experience (if applicable), personal statements, and alignment with integrative health mission. For graduate programs, a reasonable undergraduate GPA (often 3.0 or higher) is typically expected, though specific departments may set higher standards or require prerequisite standards in science, biology, or health fields.
Maryland University of Integrative Health Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Reported Acceptance Rate (Edurank) | ~100% (i.e. non-selective or open admission for many programs) |
| Niche / Graduate View | Some sources indicate moderate selectivity in professional program streams |
| Graduate Enrollment | ~1,065 graduate students (per Niche) |
Maryland University of Integrative Health Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a completed application form, official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions, and a personal statement or statement of purpose describing professional goals and interest in integrative health. Some programs require letters of recommendation (commonly from academic or professional references).
Additional requirements can include prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy, or health sciences for select programs, a resume or curriculum vitae, and possibly an interview or supplemental essays. International applicants must typically demonstrate English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent) where required. For clinical practice programs (e.g. acupuncture, herbal medicine), further documentation of prior health experience or training may be requested.
Application Process
- Choose intended program and review its specific requirements
- Prepare application materials: transcripts, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, résumé / CV, prerequisites
- Submit application (often via the university’s graduate admissions portal)
- Program-specific review (may include interview, supplemental evaluation)
- Receive admission decision (often within 4–6 weeks)
- Confirm acceptance and satisfy any additional requirements (e.g. immunizations, clinical readiness)
- Begin coursework for the chosen cohort
Maryland University of Integrative Health Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Term / Type | Deadline / Notes |
|---|---|
| Rolling Admissions | Applications are reviewed continuously and on a space-available basis; early application is encouraged |
| Priority Deadlines | Recommended to submit 2-4 months before intended start date |
| Deferral Policy | Accepted offers may be deferred once, typically up to one year if requested in writing |
Essay Prompt
The personal statement or essay prompt generally asks applicants to articulate their motivations for pursuing integrative health, to describe professional or life experiences that informed this decision, to detail how their values align with integrative health philosophy, and to indicate how the degree will support their future career goals. Some programs may have additional prompts addressing clinical philosophy, prior training, or specialization interests.
Maryland University of Integrative Health Scholarships
MUIH offers some forms of institutional financial support, including scholarships, grants, and aid for eligible students. Because many students are graduate-level, aid often includes federal graduate funding (e.g. loans, assistantships), institutional funding, and merit-based awards. Scholarship and aid eligibility often depends on academic merit, financial need, or alignment with specific programs (e.g. yoga therapy, herbal medicine). Specific funding opportunities vary by year and program, and some departments may reserve scholarship resources for students in clinical or research streams.
Maryland University of Integrative Health Tuition and Fees
| Program / Category | Cost / Estimated Rate |
|---|---|
| Graduate tuition (standard rate across many programs) | Approx. $15,269 per year plus $750 fees (in-state or out-of-state same rate) |
| Additional program / lab / clinical fees | Varies by specialization (e.g. acupuncture, herbal lab, clinical practicum) |
| Summer / Intensive / Non-standard scheduling rates | May differ from regular academic year rates |
| Overall cost structure | Because many students study part-time, total cost will depend on number of credits taken, program length, and fee load |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
The student population at MUIH is heavily female; for example, post-baccalaureate enrollment reports show around 92.1% female and 7.9% male. Ethnically, among post-bac or graduate students, demographics include a majority White, followed by representation of Black / African American, Asian, Hispanic / Latino, multiracial, and international students. Age ranges tend toward adult learners, many in mid-career or working health practitioners. Because students often enter with life or professional experience, nontraditional age distribution is common.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
MUIH provides support services for students with disabilities, ensuring access accommodations and inclusive learning environments consistent with its wellness mission. Financial aid options, scholarships, and institutional support may assist low-income students, though graduate student funding is typically more limited than for undergraduate institutions. The university encourages transparency about costs and financing and offers guidance through its admissions and financial aid offices.
Student Body (Total Students, International Students, etc.)
| Category | Number / Estimate |
|---|---|
| Full-time Equivalent Students | Small numbers (e.g. 38 full-time, per Data USA) |
| Part-time / Graduate Enrollment | Approx. 608 part-time students (per Data USA) |
| Total Enrollment | ~646 (per Edurank) |
| Graduate Students (Niche) | ~1,065 enrolled |
| International (Nonresident) | ~4.7% (per Niche) |
University Diversity
Maryland University of Integrative Health places diversity, equity, and inclusion at the core of its institutional values. It seeks to recruit and support students from various racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic backgrounds in order to enrich the learning environment and to reflect the pluralism of communities served by integrative health practitioners. Through cultural competence in curricula, wellness equity perspectives, and inclusive pedagogies, MUIH strives to prepare graduates to work with diverse populations.
Student organizations, continuing education, and clinical training often engage in cross-cultural healing traditions, bridging traditional wisdom from different cultures with modern integrative health research. The inclusion of modalities like Ayurveda, herbal medicine, Chinese medicine, yoga therapy and wellness coaching inherently brings global and cross-cultural dimensions into learning and clinical practice. Faculty and course design emphasize sensitivity to health disparities, social determinants of health, and community contexts of care. By intentionally fostering a community that welcomes underrepresented voices, MUIH aims to promote health equity and holistic well-being for practitioners and clients alike.
Average Earnings
Because MUIH’s graduates enter a variety of integrative health professions, average earnings vary widely by field, location, licensure, practice setting, and clientele base. Graduates in clinical modalities such as acupuncture or herbal medicine may establish private practice or join integrative clinics; earnings depend on patient volume, geographic demand, and credentials. In wellness, coaching, or health promotion roles, salary levels often align with nonprofit, private practice, or organizational wellness budgets.
Some graduates supplement income via teaching, consulting, research, or writing. Because integrative health is a niche field, many practitioners combine income streams (clinical services, workshops, education) rather than rely on a single salary line. Those who engage in community health, allied health work, or conventional healthcare integration roles may see more stable incomes depending on institutional affiliations. Overall, while not all alumni will command high salaries immediately, many find meaningful, sustainable careers connecting wellness, prevention, and holistic health, and often report satisfaction in impact and service more than by pure financial metrics.
Maryland University of Integrative Health Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
MUIH employs faculty with expertise in integrative health, traditional medicine, research, and clinical practice. Faculty include core instructors, adjuncts / part-time clinicians, research faculty, and supervisory clinical mentors. Staff support roles include admissions, registrar, financial aid, clinical operations, library and resource services, student affairs, online education support, and administrative operations. Because many programs are graduate-level and clinician oriented, faculty often maintain dual roles as practitioners and educators, contributing to clinical training, supervision, and integrative health outreach.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Faculty at MUIH commonly bring dual identities as practitioners and scholars. Many have credentials in acupuncture and Oriental medicine, herbal medicine, nutrition, yoga therapy, wellness coaching, or public health. Some faculty are active in nationally recognized integrative health research or professional organizations, publishing in complementary medicine journals, contributing to evidence-based practice, and teaching in both academic and clinical contexts. The institution also holds accreditation or membership statuses that reflect faculty quality, such as the International Association of Yoga Therapists, which recognizes MUIH’s yoga therapy program. Because of MUIH’s orientation toward integration of traditional wisdom and modern science, faculty are expected to curate curricula integrating evidence, clinical experience, safety, and cultural competence. During the merger transition, some faculty also engage in planning for institutional alignment with Notre Dame of Maryland University, bridging integrative health with broader institutional resources.
Maryland University of Integrative Health Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
MUIH’s campus in Laurel, Maryland is suburban and relatively compact, focused on academic buildings, clinic facilities, and wellness spaces. Because most students are graduate-level and many attend part-time or online, on-campus housing is limited and not a primary feature. Students often live off campus in the surrounding area and commute or participate in hybrid classes. The university fosters community via integrative health events, clinics, wellness seminars, workshops, and cohort-based learning groups. Students engage in clinical practicums, student-run clinics, lab-intensive sessions, and wellness gatherings on campus. Available amenities may include library, student lounge, clinical teaching centers, herbal labs, and treatment spaces.
Transportation
The campus is reachable by road via major thoroughfares in the Laurel / Maryland region. Many students commute via personal vehicles or public transit in the Washington-Baltimore corridor, though direct transit connections vary. Because many students attend online classes, on-site attendance frequency is lower for many. On campus, mobility is straightforward with accessible pathways, parking, and building access tailored for clinical and learning traffic. For clinical or lab sessions, students may need to travel between campus and partner clinic sites, sometimes using local transit or rideshare options.