2016-2017 Academic Catalog
President’s Welcome
Welcome to Bastyr University! From our humble beginnings in 1978, Bastyr has grown into an exemplar in higher education and the healing arts, now offering 20 degree programs in the natural health arts and sciences. Bastyr Center for Natural Health, our Seattle teaching clinic, has for years been the largest natural health clinic in the Pacific Northwest. In 2012, we expanded into California to offer the only accredited doctoral program for naturopathic medicine in the state. Both campuses continue to grow and our San Diego teaching clinic, Bastyr University Clinic, is positively impacting the health and well-being of Southern California communities.
What drew me to Bastyr initially was its emphasis on whole-person wellness and the connection between mind, body and spirit. As a person who makes health and exercise an integral part of my life, and who is deeply rooted in the principles of mind-body wellness, Bastyr had as immense draw for me, professionally as well as personally. In my time here, I have learned that Bastyr’s students, faculty and staff members have created a family — a family that honors, supports and respects one another, but also challenges itself to do better every day in fulfillment of the University’s mission.
“Bastyrians” relish the responsibility of being leaders in natural health, and the next step in the University’s evolution is to continue to lead in other ways. Whether directing our efforts toward social justice and diversity or toward leading-edge medical research or public health policy, Bastyr University is always looking for ways to make a positive difference in the lives of millions.
I believe now is an ideal time to be involved in natural health. An increasing number of Americans are turning to complementary and integrative therapies to reduce stress, relieve chronic pain, and treat chronic ailments. In response to this growing patient demand, a number of hospitals are now integrating complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, midwifery and herbal medicine. And a growing body of research is showing these therapies to be effective, efficient and cost effective.
A recent survey from the National Institutes of Health (from whom Bastyr University Research Institute has received millions of dollars in research funding) shows that one-third of American adults use some form of complementary, alternative or integrative medicine. We believe this number will only grow as more people experience, understand and appreciate all that natural medicine can do make the world a healthier place.
The faculty and staff at Bastyr University are committed to preparing our students to be leaders in this natural health revolution, and to providing an educational experience that integrates mind, body, spirit and nature.
I look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to Bastyr University. I am glad you have chosen this extraordinary place.
Yours in health,
Charles “Mac” Powell, PhD
Bastyr University President
Catalog Note
The Bastyr University Catalog is published annually. Information contained in this catalog is current as of July 1, 2016. Recognizing that funding, policies, personnel and curricula may change, Bastyr University reserves the right to change, without prior notice, academic programs, courses, faculty, fees, policies and the academic calendar regulating admissions, registration, graduation and any other matters affecting the student body.
Nothing contained in this catalog shall constitute a contract, expressed or implied, between applicants or students and Bastyr University. The administration shall, at all times, retain the authority to withdraw from the University any student who fails to attain and maintain established levels of academic or clinical performance or who does not exhibit the personal and professional conduct required for the practice of medicine or related disciplines.
In meeting its professional educational requirements, Bastyr University is committed to its obligation to maintain a healthy environment commensurate with the standards set by federal, state or local regulatory agencies in the normal operations of its classrooms, laboratories and clinical and research facilities. Students should be aware, however, that people training for health care professions may be exposed to diseases and potentially toxic environments to a much greater extent than the general public.
Bastyr University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. For information about accreditation and approval of specific degree and certificate programs, see Accreditation and Recognition.
Bastyr University is an equal opportunity institution and adheres to all federal and state civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination in private institutions of higher education. Bastyr University will not discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment, student or applicant for admission on the basis of gender, race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status or any other protected category under applicable local, state or federal law. Please contact the University in advance if you require special accommodation due to a disability.