Exploring Integrative Health Programs at Maryland University of Integrative Health
Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH), formerly known as the Tai Sophia Institute, is a private graduate school located in Laurel, Maryland, specializing in alternative medicine. The university has an academic and clinical emphasis on holistic, relationship-centered healthcare. MUIH is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
A Historical Overview
Originally established as the Traditional Acupuncture Institute in 1978, its initial focus was to train acupuncturists. The institution broadened its scope in 2000 and was renamed the Tai Sophia Institute. It began incorporating various forms of traditional medicine, including yoga, acupressure, and herbalism, into its curriculum. In 2003, the institute relocated to the Montpelier Research Park in Fulton.
Accreditation Milestones
MUIH has undergone several accreditation reviews and changes, as documented by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education:
- June 22, 2006: Initial accreditation was granted. The commission requested a monitoring report, due September 1, 2007, addressing the strengthening of the institution's finances to increase liquidity and expendable reserves, as well as the implementation and integration of a budget process and institutional financial goals aligned with the institution's mission, goals, and strategic plan. A visit followed the submission of the monitoring report.
- June 28, 2012: Accreditation was reaffirmed. A monitoring report was requested, due by April 1, 2013, documenting progress in strengthening the institution's finances (Standard 3). The Periodic Review Report was due June 1, 2017.
- June 27, 2013: The monitoring report was accepted. A progress report was requested, due October 1, 2014, documenting (1) the continued implementation and assessment of the University Strategic Initiative (Standards 2 and 7) and (2) continued progress in strengthening the institution's finances (Standard 3). The Periodic Review Report was due June 1, 2017.
- July 1, 2013: Acknowledgment of the substantive change request to include the online Master of Therapeutic Herbalism and Master of Science in Nutrition and Integrative Health degree programs within the scope of the institution's accreditation, effective upon receipt of state approval. The progress report, due October 1, 2014, was requested to document (1) the continued implementation and assessment of the University Strategic Initiative (Standards 2 and 7) and (2) continued progress in strengthening the institution's finances (Standard 3), also document steps taken to provide effective administrative oversight of student learning outcomes assessment (Standard 14). The Periodic Review Report was due June 1, 2017.
- February 3, 2014: Acknowledgment of documentation of approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission to include the online Master of Science in Therapeutic Herbalism and Master of Science in Nutrition and Integrative Health degree programs within the scope of the institution's accreditation.
- April 28, 2014: Acknowledgment of receipt of the substantive change request to include the Doctor of Acupuncture and Doctor of Oriental Medicine within the scope of the institution's accreditation, effective upon receipt of state approval. The institution was reminded of the progress report, due October 1, 2014, documenting (1) the continued implementation and assessment of the University Strategic Initiative (Standards 2 and 7); (2) continued progress in strengthening the institution's finances (Standard 3); and (3) steps taken to provide effective administrative oversight of student learning outcomes assessment (Standard 14). The Periodic Review Report was due June 1, 2017.
- October 6, 2014: Acknowledgment of receipt of state approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission and to include the Doctor of Acupuncture and Doctor of Oriental Medicine within the scope of the institution's accreditation.
Merger with Notre Dame of Maryland University
In October 2023, it was announced that Maryland University of Integrative Health would be acquired by Notre Dame of Maryland University in Baltimore. The university was to be absorbed into the new School of Integrated Health at Notre Dame of Maryland. On January 25, 2024, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education acknowledged receipt of Maryland University of Integrative Health's complex substantive change request that included the merger of Maryland University of Integrative Health with Notre Dame of Maryland University. The closing of the merger of Maryland University of Integrative Health with Notre Dame of Maryland University occurred on February 5, 2024, and Notre Dame of Maryland is the surviving institution. Maryland University of Integrative Health's accreditation ceased on January 25, 2026.
Academic Programs
MUIH offers a variety of graduate programs focused on integrative health disciplines. These programs aim to provide students with the training and background needed to become leaders in the field.
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Partnership with George Washington University
MUIH has partnered with George Washington University (GW) to provide an accelerated pathway for GW graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences in Clinical Research Administration, Clinical Management and Leadership, or Clinical Health Sciences to gain admission and advanced standing in MUIH’s Master of Nutrition and Integrative Health and Doctor of Clinical Nutrition programs.
Christina Sax, PhD, provost and vice president for academic and student affairs at MUIH, stated, “We are pleased to provide a pathway to advanced education in integrative nutrition for students and graduates of GW’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences.”
Leslie Davidson, MSEd, PhD, chair of the Department of Clinical Research and Leadership at GW SMHS, said, “This partnership between GW and MUIH has been designed to provide students with the training and background they need to become leaders in the fast-growing field of clinical nutrition. GW’s nationally recognized MSHS in Integrative Medicine and MUIH’s cutting edge curricula in clinical nutrition come together to shape the future of evidence-based clinical practice in this area."
Focus on Whole-Person Healthcare
MUIH maintains an academic and clinical focus on whole-person, relationship-centered healthcare. This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of health, and seeks to address the root causes of illness rather than just treating symptoms.
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