BASTYR UNIVERSITY
Seattle, Washington
The University
Bastyr University offers two-year upper-division programs that lead to Bachelor of Science degrees. Undergraduates may choose degree programs in exercise science and wellness, health psychology, herbal sciences, nutrition, or a combined B.S./M.S. program in acupuncture and Oriental medicine that is designed to meet the requirements for national licensure in acupuncture. In all degree programs there is a strong emphasis on broad education in the natural health sciences, preparing students to pursue graduate degrees in a variety of related areas. The University also offers graduate programs in nutrition and acupuncture, as well as doctoral programs in naturopathic medicine and in acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Undergraduates majoring in nutrition may complete the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) designed to fulfill academic requirements for Registered Dietitian (RD) eligibility. Bastyr University is a small independent university with a strong sense of community that fosters both academic and personal support. Undergraduate students enjoy a collegial relationship with graduate and professional students, as well as with faculty and staff members.
Bastyr University was founded as a naturopathic medical college in 1978 to meet the growing need for scientifically trained naturopathic physicians, natural healthoriented care, and preventive medicine. Since 1984, as a part of its mission to provide comprehensive education in the natural health sciences, the University has added graduate and undergraduate programs. The Leadership Institute of Seattle (LIOS) became affiliated with Bastyr University in 1992. A Master of Arts in applied behavioral science is offered through this program.
Bastyr University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The Oriental medicine and acupuncture program is accredited by the ACAOM and meets the requirements of the national certification exam. Bastyr University's Didactic Program in Dietetics has been approved by the American Dietetic Association Council on Education.
The Natural Health Sciences campus total enrollment in 200405 was 998; 24 percent were undergraduate students. Eighty percent were women. The undergraduate students' average age is 26. Twenty countries are represented, and 6 percent of the student body is international. The Bastyr University campus is situated on 50 acres of woods, fields, and trails on the northeast shore of Lake Washington, 30 minutes from downtown Seattle. The University also operates the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, an outpatient clinic where graduate students are involved in clinical training within their discipline.
Part of the University's mission is to pursue scientific research on the use of nutrition and natural medicine therapies to improve the management of health-care problems and to promote the prevention of chronic disease. Research at the University actively pursues research opportunities and publishes significant findings. Participation in research projects is available to a limited number of students.
Location
Seattle is one of the most attractive cities in the Pacific Northwest and has easy access to mountains, ocean beaches, lakes, and numerous national, state, and city parks. Several ski areas are within an hour's drive, and there are abundant opportunities for hiking, camping, and other outdoor recreation. The city offers a full range of museums, theaters, fine restaurants of many cuisines, a major opera company and a symphony orchestra, major-league sports, and outdoor activities. The Puget Sound area has a large number of academic institutions, including nine universities and many community colleges and professional schools.
Majors and Degrees
The degree programs provide the third and fourth years of an undergraduate program, offer a strong foundation in the natural health sciences, and provide an excellent preprofessional education for careers in nutrition, acupuncture, naturopathic medicine, health psychology, public health, and other health-care professions.
Academic Programs
The academic year is from September to June, with some summer classes available. The University is on the quarter system. There are vacations of three weeks after the fall term and two weeks after the winter term.
Students enter the program as juniors (having already completed a minimum of 90 quarter credits or 60 semester credits elsewhere) and should be prepared to declare their major upon entry to the University. Selected electives may be taken, with permission, from other programs in the University. This broadens students' exposure to the principles of preventive and holistic health care. At least one full year of credits must be completed at Bastyr University. At least 180 quarter credits are required to graduate.
The nutrition curriculum blends traditional nutrition education and a whole foods emphasis with the current advances in nutrition. This major emphasizes nutrient chemistry and metabolism, the personal and cultural aspects of food and their influence on nutritional status, dietary evaluation and modification, and the appraisal of current research. The exercise science and wellness major combines the nutritional science core with the basic sciences, exercise science, and additional courses in research methodology, activity classes, and a senior internship. Graduates in both majors are prepared for work with professional health-care providers as nutrition educators, for jobs with programs and businesses in the health and fitness industry, and for graduate work in related sciences. Graduates of the DPD program are eligible for an American Dietetics Associationapproved dietetic internship or a preprofessional practice program that leads to the registered dietitian credential. Graduates in exercise science receive the educational foundation to achieve exercise certification from the American College of Sports Medicine and other professional exercise affiliates.
The health psychology curriculum explores the integration of mind, body, and spirit. The program is designed to enhance students' capabilities to blend the study of psychology with health, the healing arts, wellness, and fitness. This program also provides a solid undergraduate foundation for pursuing both professional studies and graduate degrees. Students may enroll in one of four tracks: health psychology, psychology and spirituality, psychology and human biology (psychology-premed), or psychology and human biology (psychology-premed), with an option for the summer massage intensive.
The herbal sciences degree program is designed to provide a thorough, scientifically rigorous, and inspiring exploration of herbalism and its applications. The curriculum does not include the diagnosis and treatment of disease but rather introduces the student to concepts of disease prevention and health maintenance using medicinal herbs. The curriculum addresses economic, historical, and sociopolitical perspectives regarding the herbal sciences. In addition, issues related to herbal product manufacturing and quality assurance are introduced. Courses include basic sciences, herbal sciences, and exploration of research on medicinal herbs. Students complete an optional practicum in the herbal field. Graduates are uniquely qualified to enter the herbal industry or to pursue further education in a related field.
The combined B.S./M.S. option in acupuncture and Oriental medicine blends a basic science curriculum with the art of traditional Chinese medicine, modern approaches, and current research. Courses include fundamental principles of Oriental medicine, traditional Chinese medical diagnosis, medical pathology, meridians and points, acupuncture techniques, and clinical observation.
Academic Facilities
The University maintains a medical library with extensive resources for conventional and natural medicine. These include more than 250 journal subscriptions; special collections in the areas of nutrition, herbal sciences, psychology, and exercise science; and access to many health and natural medicine databases. Students at Bastyr University are also eligible to use the Health Sciences Library at the University of Washington.
Costs
Tuition for the 200405 academic year was $292 per credit (up to 15 credits); the cost for each additional credit was $200. The total cost of tuition and fees for a full-time student was between $14,700 and $18,000 for the academic year, depending on the number of credits needed to complete a program. Students spend approximately $900 per year on books and supplies.
The University has limited dormitory space. Many students live in shared housing facilities off campus; the average rent per person ranges from $400 to $800 per month. The Student Services Office maintains listings of available housing. The Washington Financial Aid Association estimates that living expenses, including transportation and personal expenses, average $1034 per month.
Financial Aid
Students are eligible to participate in state and federal financial aid programs, including the Washington State Need Grant, Washington State Education Opportunity Grant, Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Stafford Student Loan, Federal Perkins Loan, and the Federal Work-Study Program. Applicants seeking financial aid should complete the application process by May15. Financial aid information is provided by the University on request.
Faculty
The Bastyr University student-faculty ratio is approximately 15:1. There are 19 full-time and 31 part-time faculty members, who also teach in the graduate programs. More than 70 percent hold doctoral degrees, and all faculty members are involved in teaching and are dedicated to providing students with a program of the highest quality.
Student Government
The Student Council makes decisions focusing on social activities as well as policies and budget items affecting students. Each class and program is represented. Students are represented on the University's Board of Trustees by an elected student, and 5 student representatives also serve on the University Council. Students also serve on the Curriculum Review, Library, and Resident Selection committees; the Appeals Board; and ad hoc committees.
The University relies upon this participation by students to create a more effective learning environment.
Admission Requirements
Admission is based on academic achievement, personal and social development, and demonstrated humanistic qualities. Credentials to be submitted include all official transcripts, a completed application form, and a $60 application fee. The minimum prerequisite for the bachelor's programs is two years of college-level general education (90 quarter or 60 semester credits), including those distribution and course requirements described below. Students must take the following distribution of general education courses, which are not counted toward any other requirements: arts and humanities, 15 quarter credits; social sciences, 15 quarter credits; and natural sciences and mathematics, 12 quarter credits. In addition, specific required courses include 9 credits of English composition and/or literature, 4 credits of college-level algebra, 4 credits of general biology, 3 credits of general psychology, and 3 credits of public speaking. A minimum 2.25 overall GPA and a C or better in all required courses are needed. Applications should be received by the University by March15 for priority consideration for fall admission. Late applications are considered if space is available.
Application and Information
Prospective students are encouraged to visit the campus. Application may be made by submitting the Bastyr University undergraduate application with a $60 nonrefundable fee and all official transcripts.
For further information, students should contact:
